Making history your story
It's the 4th Wednesday of the month so that means I am reviewing a Presidential site today. While many people are familiar with Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, not as many know about his country retreat, Poplar Forest. Read my new review today to learn about his home in the mountains surrounding Lynchburg, Virginia.
After writing about the Virginia Capital Trail last week, I’ll be reviewing many of the stops along the trail in the coming months. Several battlefields and historic homes are along the route, including the home of our nation’s 10th President, John Tyler. In my quest to visit all of the Presidential and First Lady historic sites, I knew I had to see it in conjunction with the Capital Trail. His home, named Sherwood Forest, is a peaceful place for your family to take a break while on a bike trip. Read my new review today!
Read my new post today about the place where George Washington spent the formative years of his youth, Ferry Farm in Fredericksburg, VA. Did he really chop down a cherry tree here? Learn more about the site and why it would make a great fall family outing!
Did you know that within a one-hour drive on Virginia’s Northern Neck, you can visit 3 different Presidential birthplaces? Virginia is called the Mother of Presidents for a reason! These mostly outdoor sites make great places to visit during the COVID-19 pandemic, when families are looking for safe places to social distance. From nature walks to beach fun, these sites are a good place to let your kids run and play while learning more about Presidents George Washington, James Madison, and James Monroe! Read my new review today!
With the resurgence of interest in Alexander Hamilton, thanks to the popular Hamilton the Musical’s recent release on Disney+, many families would like to plan trips to take their little Hamilfan to Hamilton-related sites. My new post is a comprehensive list of Hamilton sites in several states and the Caribbean. Read it and plan your in person or virtual visit today!
The COVID-19 pandemic restrictions have prevented me from traveling to any new Presidential sites this month. However, several of my previously reviewed Presidential sites in Virginia have reopened their extensive hiking trails and gardens. With many parents looking for a place to let their children play in the outdoors, these sites make a perfect place to visit during the pandemic!
Read my new review today to plan a safe and fun visit.
My quest to visit Presidential and First Lady sites has been hampered by the travel restrictions due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, since I live in Central Virginia, an easy drive from many of these sites, I decided to check out a Presidential site in my own backyard, Tuckahoe Plantation. It's a lovely site to visit, even during this pandemic. Read my new review today!
Fort Monroe in Hampton Roads, VA is a place with a storied history that dates back to the beginning of America. It was on these grounds that the first enslaved African-Americans came to the English colonies in 1619. This site was also known as “Freedom’s Fortress” during the Civil War, as thousands of contraband slaves who made it to its walls were given their freedom by Union Gen. Benjamin Butler. 155 years ago this month, it served as the prison for the former Confederate President, Jefferson Davis. The fort continued to be used by the military for another 140 years before being decommissioned in 2011. Today, the fort’s lovely grounds and buildings are open to visitors, including the Casemate Museum where Davis’ jail cell was located. It makes for a fun day trip, even in the midst of the pandemic closures. Read my new review today!
155 years ago, the United States was in turmoil. President Abraham Lincoln had been assassinated, his killer, John Wilkes Booth, was on the run, and some Confederate forces had not yet surrendered. While Gen. Lee’s surrender at Appomattox effectively ended the Civil War, there were still soldiers in North Carolina and in states and territories out west that didn’t lay down their arms until weeks or even months after Appomattox. Not only was North Carolina a pivotal place in these last few weeks of the war, it also served as the birthplace of the 17th President, Andrew Johnson, who was negotiating the peace. Read my new review today about the historic sites around Raleigh/Durham where you can learn more about President Johnson and the largest surrender of soldiers during the Civil War.
With our current quarantine situation due to the COVID-19 health crisis, no one will be traveling for a while. Hopefully the situation will improve shortly but until then, virtual travel is our best bet. In researching Presidential and First Lady sites for my checklist, I found that many sites have online virtual and video tours. It would be a fun project to tour each site with your kids! We are picking one a day to "tour." If we can’t check off the sites in person, we can at least visit virtually!
