Antietam National Park, Maryland

There is much to see and do while exploring and learning at Antietam National Park in Maryland. You can tour by car, by walking, on your own or in groups. $4.00 per person, $6.00 per family, $20.00 annual pass is a small fee to pay for those that gave so much. Can you see and learn it all in day, NO! Is it worth going multiple times? YES!

The actual address of the park is Sharpesburg, MD; just 10 miles from Hagerstown and 70 miles from Washington D.C. Think how nervous we would be today if a battle took place just 70 miles from our Nations Capital.

 

 This is farm country, rolling hills green fertile farm land.  This picture gives you a feel for what it must have been like to have a battle going on in your back yard, in your cornfield.  And the importance of the lay of the land, maintaining control over the high ground.  Hold the high ground at all costs.

These are trenches.  Picture yourself over the wall on the right picking off men easily as they attempt to move up the hill through the only available opening.  This path holds no protection from enemy fire or means of escape.

This is one of less than 10 individual memorials in the park.  This memorial is that of President William McKinley.  Not a name you might associate with The Civil War.  He was but 18 years old when war broke out.  He quit his job as postal clerk in Poland, Ohio and enlisted as a Private in Co. E. of the 23rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry.  Before the close of his first year in the military, he was promoted to Commissary Sgt.  It was in this post he made a name for himself that fateful day in Antietam.  His fellow Ohioans had been under fire for quite some time, and he knew his fellow Buckeye's were in need of nourishment.  Against all odds and under fire he proceeded to personally deliver hot food and drink to the men.  His first team of oxen were killed, but he continued on.  His bravery and service to these men didn't go unnoticed.  He was then promoted to 2nd Lt.; and by the close of the war had been promoted to Major.  Thirty years after the bloodiest one day battle in American history, (23,000 soldiers were killed, wounded, and or missing after 12 hours of battle); he became our President.  He served his country as a 14 year member of Congress, twice elected as Governor of the State of Ohio, and twice elected as our President.  He was assassinated in Buffalo, New York by anarchist Leon Czolosz at the Pan-Am Exposition.  This memorial is beautiful.  Look at the details.  I took several closer shots.

The two faces are of Pvt. and President McKinley.  William McKinley was born Jan. 29, 1848 and died on Sept. 14, 1901.  He was not the only famous Ohioan who served in the 23rd O.V.I, President James A. Garfield did as well.  Sadly, President Garfield was also assassinated in office.  This though is another story; there are many that can be told from a visit to Antietam National Park in Maryland.  I highly recommend this tour for people of all ages.  Children will love to run through the fields, even if they're too young to understand what happened here.  It's beautiful with many opportunities for photo's.  The cannons and the memorials are in abundance.  Some for The Confederacy, some for The Union; some state specific, some for specific companies; and a few for individuals such as President William McKinley.

Marion, Ohio

President Warren G. Harding's Memorial. I know I have other pictures; but am in need of organizing. Lost thousands of photo's that were on my computer at this time yesterday. So, please bare with me as I post things as I find them. I must reload from memory stick, and CD's and get organized. Painful. However, that doesn't lessen the fun I had as a child here at this Memorial. I lived within walking distance, and biking distance. The grounds are gorgeous, a bit hilly and an awesome place to play, to run, to roll down hills. All things we did there as kids. We enjoyed sledding there in winter. Plus, there's a park right across the street. Not to diminish showing proper respect for this man, who was our President; but this would be a good outing for people of all ages. History for Mom and Dad to enjoy, a park for the children and the pets to stretch their legs. Plan a picnic with the park right there.
Facts and items of interest:

• He was born during the Civil War (1865)
• He became President after WWI with a campaign slogan of "return to Normalcy"
• He came from a large family
• His Mother was a midwife who later received her medical license
• His Father was a teacher
• There has been speculation that his great grandmother may have been or had African-American Blood, some records indicate that was a rumor made to discredit him during the election.
• He died of a heart attack/stroke
• Was in The Ohio Senate, served as Lt. Governor, served as US Senator
• Republican
• Won with the largest popular vote landslide
  
• Was a Darkhorse during the convention
• Owned and operated the Marion Daily Star Newspaper
• Like to play poker

He wanted a simple grave, to be buried outside under the stars and trees. He loved nature. At one time a tree adorned the memorial; but was hit by lightening. His simple grave was altered, funding in part by huge donations of dimes from school age children. Though he did get his wish to be out in the stars. The memorial was restored in 1980. It's 103 feet in diameter and stands 53 feet in height. One can wind around the columns which is great fun for children.

His house can be toured and is 1.5 miles from the memorial. It was from this front porch that he often spoke, and thus became known for the front porch campaign.

Local's spread the rumor that his dog, Laddie Boy was buried there with he and his wife, Florence; but documentation indicates that is not the case.

**On a personal note, my great grandfather, Charles Frederick Mader played in a band with President Harding. In fact he taught music, and taught him to play the cornet. That was before he was President, naturally. My great grandfather was a band director.

Marion is 50 miles north of the state capital, Columbus.

Monticello, Virginia

Monticello, in a word; BEAUTIFUL! A house 40 years in the making. Take a drive and see how fast houses go up these days, quite different indeed. Thomas Jefferson's house was continuous. He designed it, began building and constantly added to and made alterations; and thus it was 40 years in the making. You can tour the inside and the grounds surrounding the house. Various ticket prices are available based on whether you buy on line ahead of time, the day of, or purchase a combination ticket. March through October the visiting hours are Monday through Friday 8 am to 5 pm with reduced hours the other months. A statesmen, a farmer, a President, an inventor. Many of his inventions still exist in some form today. He loved books, visiting his library is a must. The most interesting thing to me were the separate book shelves. Each shelf was made independent of those it sat on or under. Because Thomas Jefferson traveled a great deal and always wanted to take books with him, each shelf was separate so it could be picked up and packed as a separate unit.
You'll see extensive and beautiful gardens throughout the property. Jefferson believed plants, be it The Grove, Orchard, Vineyards, vegetable or flower gardens were a botanical laboratory.
Visit Mulberry Row, now a long line of much needed shade trees; a beautiful lane as you learn about the slaves who lived and worked the land in the 1700 and 1800's. This small spot measures 20 1/2 feet by 12, is listed as stop #3. This is one of 5 cabins that stood on Mulberry Row, built with logs on a foundation of stone, with an earthen floor and chimney. These small quarters were inhabited by slaves.

Jefferson's Memorial is among many in this locked family burial ground. One can't get even a frontal view of the monument which marks the graves of Thomas Jefferson, his wife, his two daughters, and his son-in-law Governor Randolph. The monument we see is not the one designed by Jefferson himself; but one the US government placed here in 1883. Jefferson's school mate and friend Dabney Carr was the first burial in this graveyard. The two friends had a pack to be buried here under a large oak at the top of the hill.
A plague shows the graveyard layout, and lists who's buried where. This historic home is well worth the time to tour. It's beautiful, educational, and most enjoyable. Inside tours probably not well suited for little ones; but they can sure run and enjoy the outdoor areas. From this hill top you have panoramic views of Charlottesville, The University of Virginia, and the surrounding forests.

**hubby and I would like to return and spend more time here.
****Click here to read about The University of Virginia.

Muir Woods, California

Muir Woods. Most interesting thing to me is how a forest of this magnitude can be soooooooooo close to San Francisco, so close to civilization. These trees are awesome! How forward thinking to preserve them. You can see the size by how small I look when standing near them. It's not possible to look up enough to see the tops of tree without feeling like you're going to topple over backwards.
The black on the tree is the tree's way of self protection, from disease, animals, and fire. We were told the fire damage one can see happened over 200 years ago; but these trees show it like it happened just yesterday.

Muir Woods is a National Monument, part of The Golden Gate National Recreation Area. In 2008, it turned 100 years old, having become a National Monument (the 10th), in 1908 by an order from President Theordore Roosevelt. Named for Conservationist, John Muir; it almost didn't happen. In 1907 a water company from Sausalito wanted to dam the Redwood Creek, went to court to get the land condemned for there purposes. Owner Kent, blocked their quest by giving the land...all 295 acres to The United States Government. In 1933 The CCC (Civilian Conservation Corp) began work that lasted until 1941 when it completed it's last project.

As mentioned, one can't look back enough to see the tops; nor photograph them. These trees reach towards the heavens. There is documentation indicating the tallest Redwood tree is as tall as a 35 story building!!

The last ring on this three was back in 1930, thats 79 years ago folks.
I have this pictured labeled me among friends. I LOVE trees, I find them spiritual. It therefore, seems most appropiate to end with a favorite poem.

Trees
by Alfred Joyce Kilmer (1886-1918)*

I think that I shall never see
A poem lovely as a tree.
A tree whose hungry mouth is prest
Against the earth's sweet flowing breast;
A tree that looks at God all day,
And lifts her leafy arms to pray;
A tree that may in Summer wear
A nest of robins in her hair;
Upon whose bosom snow has lain;
Who intimately lives with rain.
Poems are made by fools like me,
But only God can make a tree.

Did someone say poetry

University of Virginia

An very interesting historical landmark. This University though planned by Thomas Jefferson sits on land that had been a farm owned by The 5th President, President Monroe. Monroe Hill is where his farm house was. The University's corner stone is dated 1819, and is designated as the only University in the world as a World Heritage Site.

The grounds are beautiful, the buildings most unique. A must see. Many historic plaques through out bare the names of students who served in every war. University of Virginia was the first to have a School of Engineering. Unlike other Universities, it remained open through out The Civil War, quite a feat considering the state of Virginia had more battles than any other state. General Custer marched into Charlotesville with his men, camped on the University's grounds for 4 days; but through the efforts of the schools faculty left without bloodshed and substantial damage to the University.

As with many historic buildings fire has damaged parts, and much has been rebuilt. The historic row, where the honor students dorms are; are built into the hillside. The design of the buildings, shape of windows etc. are very earth friendly.

To walk the grounds feels almost spirtual; soo many great men preceeded us.


A very impressive statue of Thomas Jefferson

The Greek Letters


The Green, currently the dorm area for only the very top students. Living in these quarters is considered quite an honor.

Very beautiful Rotunda.

History comes alive when you visit. Parking on campus streets can be a bit of challenge. Come prepared to walk.


psssssssss, if you have young children, check out the book on Virginia written by Jan Mader before you travel, or better yet buy it and take it with you.


And check out Williamsburg, in a previous post.