11 Sep 27-Oct 26, 2014 Washington Nationals, Ft. McHenry, Annapolis,Goddard, National Mall, Washington Monument, WW II, Constitution Gardens, Vietnam, Lincoln, Korea, MLK, FDR, Mason, Jefferson, Greenbelt Park, Oxen Cove, Fort Wahsington, Piscataway, Thomas Stone, Hampton NHS, African American Civil War, Woodson, McLoed-Bethune, Logan Circle, Douglass, National Capital Parks, Kenilworth, Clara Barton, Glen Echo Park, Arlington House, TR Island, George Washington Memroial Pkwy, LBJ Mem Grove, Rock Creek, US Capitol, Pennsylvania Avenue, Natl Cathedral, Presidents Park-The White House, Ford's Theater, Potomac Heritage NST, Mt. Vernon, Wolf Trap, First State, Assateaugue, Tubman, Manassas, Prince William, C&O Canal, Monocacy, Catoctin Mt. Park, Cedar Creek & Belle Grove, Shenandoah Valley, Woodrow Wilson Library, Booker T. Washington, Blue Ridge Pkwy

SATURDAY September 27, 2014

WEATHER:  50’s at night but warmed up quick once the sun came up – high of 82.  Clouded up in the late afternoon but still warm.

TRAVEL:   About 2.3 hrs from Baltimore to Dover – picked up my trailer (zero cost for storage)  and almost 100 miles ( still 2 hours) from  Dover to Cherry Hill RV Park in Cherry Hill, MD.  Cherry Hill is a nice park – lots of amenities. WIFI works, a laundry, an orientation session for DC touring, a METRO bus stop in the park’s office,  2 pools, a restaurant, game room, exercise room – it’s also the most expensive park I’ve stayed at – about $10 per day over the nicest I’ve stayed at – it must be the area.  I’m here until October 14^th.

 

Cherry Hill Office

Cherry Hill - trailer & truck

SUNDAY – September 28, 2014 

WEATHER:  cool morning in the low 50’s up to the 80’s clear

TRAVEL:  auto to church about 2 miles and travel to the parking ramp for the METRO COLLEGE PARK/U of MARYLAND.  (Parking is free on Weekends, otherwise $5.10 per day.  It can take the bus from the RV Park to the station for $.85 on way senior rate.) COLLEGE PARK/U of MARRYLAND to NAVY YARD/BALLPARK on the GREEN LINE was about a 35-40 minute one way  ride.  I’ll use the METRO and bus system as much as I can.  

Did laundry early before church.

While waiting for loads of laundry, I finished reading a small book (158 pages) entitled Stonewall Jackson’s 1862 Valley Campaign – War Comes to the Homefront.  The book is one of several written as part of the Civil War Sesquicentennial Series.  Authored by Jonathan  A. Noyes, Assistant Professor of History at Fairfax Community College in Middletown, VA it is well written, researched and documented.  He tells the story of the Valley Campaign succinctly and as much as possible from the viewpoint of the Shenandoah Valley citizens it affected. 

Interesting, Noyes paints Union Gen Robert H. Milroy as an aggressive leader.  Quite the opposite of how Stephen Sears refers to “Milroy’s Weary Boys” in his book “Gettysburg.” 

Like Robert E. Lee, Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson is another ‘saint’ of the South.  I never really understood the campaign and personally believe Jackson is over-rated.  The Valley Campaign, an more or less independent command, was his most memorable achievement – providing hope to the South at a time when the South needed victories - before Robert E. Lee took command.  Later Jackson joined Lee on the peninsula and didn’t appear to be as dynamic as l he was in the Valley.  He did capture Harpers Ferry as directed by Lee during Lee’s Maryland Campaign, joined Lee and Longstreet at Antietam, could have done better at Fredericksburg and was fatally wounded by friendly fire after his corps surprised the right flank of  Hooker’s Army of the Potomac, at Chancellorsville.

This is more for me to follow – you may find it interesting - I’ll try to be brief:

March 23, 1862 – First Battle of Kernstown.  . . . because “in war things are not as they seem,”  both N & S claimed victory; a tactical victory for the North; a strategic victory for the South.  Jackson was to use the Valley as a diversionary theatre of war in order to protect Richmond – keeps Federal troops in the Valley rather than to reinforce McClellan’s Peninsula Campaign and assault on Richmond. Jackson was outnumbered.  The War Dept redirected 20,000 troops to stay near Washington or in the Valley or in Fredericksburg rather than aid McClellan. “Jackson gave up the field repulsed, but not vanquished, defeated, but not routed nor demoralized.”

NAMES in the Battle: 
GEN Thomas J. Jackson, CSA          COL Turner Ashby, CSA, Cavalry

Gen Fulkerson, CSA Bde Cdr              Gen Richard Garnett, CSA, Bde Cdr

GEN James Shields USA (WIA)         COL Nathan Kimball, USA, Bde Cdr, Cmd after Shields

Gen Erastus Tyler, USA, Bde Cdr        Gen Jeremiah Sullivan, USA Bde Cdr

Some saw this battle as diminishing the image of “Stonewall” won at Manassas.

May 8, 1862 –  Battle of McDowell.  . . . after Kernstown, Jackson looked for reinforcements.  Jed Hotchkiss who served as a militia officer in the Valley was summoned to join Jackson’s staff as ‘mapmaker.’  With others added his army grew from about 3,000 to 6,000. Addtionally, GEN Edward “Alleghany” Johnson joined him with 3,500 and GEN Richard Ewell’s Division also reported to Jackson.  Jackson turned to  face Union GEN John C. Fremont’s army of 20,000.  The Battle of McDowell pitted the advance Brigades of Gen Robert H. Milroy & Robert C. Schneck (about 3,500) against Jackson’s Brigades led by Genl’s W.C. Scott, William Taliaferro and Conner. Here Jackson had the numbers advantage.   Jackson’s goal his was to keep Fremont from linking up with GEN Nathanial Banks in the Shenandoah Valley.  As the outnumbered Union forces withdrew Jackson followed in pursuit until Milroy and Schneck found a defensive position that Jackson thought best not to attack.  Jackson did not ‘crush’ but union force but succeeded in keeping it from joining Banks.

IF YOU”RE STILL WITH ME – GOOD FOR YOU – THIS CAMPAIGN IS DIFFICULT TO FOLLOW – PROABABLY THAT’S WHY IT’S TAKEN ME A LONG TIME TO EVEN TRY TO UNDERSTAND - I’VE TRIED TO SIMPLIFY – HOPEFULLY . . . . 

May 23, 1862 - FRONT ROYAL  - Lee now in command of the Army of Virginia, ordered Jackson to strike Gen Nathanial Banks immediately.  Jackson combined his forces with Gen Richard Ewell’s near New Market, VA.  As the army approached New Market Gen Richard Taylor’s lead brigade was the only  brigade to march to the main valley – diversion – while Jackson and Ewell marched down the Luray Valley to strike Banks left flank at Front Royal – an important supply depot.  

COL Richard Ashby’s cavalry successfully disrupted Banks lines of communication between Front Royal and Strasburg.  At Front Royal the main union force was the 1^st Maryland (US) under the command of John R. Kenly.  Kenly could not win against Jackson’s force but he could and delay Jackson’s advance.   Kenly and the 1^st Maryland (US) were defeated; most were  captured.

May 25, 1862 - FIRST WINCHESTER  Banks column of 5,000 soldiers and 500 wagons pulled back from Strasburg to Winchester on the Valley Pike.  Jackson learned of Banks withdrawal through Ashby’s cavalry reports.  In effect Banks was trapped and ambushed – Banks knew he was outnumbered but decided to stand and fight a delaying action Two brigades of Banks faced 7 brigades of Jackson’s – the result was inevitable.  However, again Jackson did not annihilate the enemy.  When the opportunity for follow-up  came the cavalry under Ashby was in disarray and could not turn the victory into a complete rout.

June 6, 1862 – PORT REPUBLIC  Lincoln ordered GEN John C. Fremont to move into the Shenandoah Valley immediately in order to cut off Jackson from his supply base at Staunton.  Fremont opted to march his army north disobeying Lincoln’s order.  On May 27 Fremont was at Moorefield and informed Lincoln of his location.  Fremont made excuses . . . . He was ordered to remain at Moorefield.   Simultaneously, Union Gen Shields Division marched toward the lower Shenandoah Valley.  Shields occupied Front Royal.  Jackson had to depart from Winchester and moved toward Strasburg past Fremont, who showed little aggressiveness, and followed Jackson south.

Fremont was to the north following Jackson, Shields was to the east.  Jackson decided to divide and conquer.  As his army neared Port Republic, Ashby’s cavalry repulsed the attack of Union cavalry COL Sir Percy Wyndham’s 1^st NJ Cavalry at Harrisonburg, however as the attack continued with Ashby leading the 1^st MD (CS) and 58^th VA, he was KIA.  The confederates beat back the federals.  Ashby became the Confederacy’s first tragic war hero.

June 8, 1862 – CROSS KEYS  Fremont ordered Milroy’s Brigade on a recon to Port Republic. Halfway between Port Republic and Harrisonburg at Cross Keys he met troops from Gen Ewell’s Division.  Fremont skirmished but did not bring on a general engagement as ordered by Fremont.  In addition to Milroy, Fremont brought up 3 other brigades led by Schneck, Bohler, and Stahel.  They faced brigades led by Steuart, Elzey and Trimble.  At the end of the day – there were 700 federal casualties, Ewell suffered 300.  Trimble was tenacious and wanted to launch a night attack. However, Ewell would not give the order without Jackson’s consent.  The night gave Jackson the ability to concentrate his army.  The confederates attacked in the morning.  By 11 am Jackson had secured victory. The remainder of Fremont’s force arrived but they were now separated by a river.  Port Republic and Cross Keys were union losses due to the “blundering of Shields and the sluggishness of Fremont.”

St. Joseph's

10:00 MASS at St. JOSEPH PARISH, Beltsville, MD.   A relatively new church – almost full – must have been 250 people there. A younger parish – mix of Black, Hispanic, White some Asian – they must have had 50 kids file out for “children’s church.”   A priest in his 30s/40’s – a Monsignor who appeared hip, gave the homily – asking for the archdiocesan appeal – a choir of about 10 voices but it also had a flutist, pianist, stand up bass, guitar and a guy on conga drums that gave the music a different feel/beat.  All in all I appreciated the Baptist Chaplain’s homily last week – although the Monsignor was hip - - - - not overbearing – sincere – his appeal was short and simple.

WASHINGTON NATIONALS vs. MIAMI MARLINS      NATIONALS PARK

Section 135 Row S Seat 8.  This was the last game of the season and the Nationals had already tied up the National League East Division Conference title several weeks ago.  The closest contender was 16 games away.  Nationals Park is in the SE section of DC. 

A Home Run by the Nationals in the 2^nd  was the only run on 11 hits; the Marlins had 0 runs and 0 hits. Except for the one home run - the pitchers did a good job.   It was the last game of the regular season and the Nationals Center Fielder scored his 184^th hit - a club record – the fans were very enthusiastic. Too bad the beer vendors were not – park is OK.  It was in the 80s.  They had a almost sellout crowd.  I had trouble finding a ticket months ago.  They averaged about 31,000 per game for the season..

MONDAY – September 29, 2014 

WEATHER:  a low around 60 – got up to 74 – cloudy – some drizzle

TRAVEL:  must have driven a triangle – 30 miles from Cherry Hill Park to Fort McHenry – 32 miles from Fort McHenry to the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis – 30 miles from the Academy to Cherry Hill.

Fort McHenry

88 FORT MCHENRY NM and HISTORIC SHRINE – Baltimore, MD

I’d  had first been to Fort McHenry in 2008.  The NGAUS Conference was in Baltimore and the Governor’s Reception was held here.  It was twilight, lots of food, people, beverages  . . . . the visit this time,  took about 2 ½ hours.  There is a fee to enter the fort but the grounds and Visitor Center are no charge.  There is a short film describing the Battle of Baltimore in the Visitor Center.

The repulse of a British naval attack against Fort McHenry (War of 1812) prevented the capture of Baltimore and inspired Francis Scott Key to write “The Star Spangled Banner.”

 Napolean was defeated in April 1814 and exiled to Elba.  The British sent a force of veterans under the command of MG Robert Ross (4,300 soldiers) and Vice Admiral Alexander Cochrane (4 ships of the line, 20 frigates, 20 transports) up Chesapeake Bay to give the Americans “a complete drubbing.”  They had defeated the American Army at the Battle of Bladensburg and burned Washington City.  Baltimore was next.

Fort McHenry

The Americans at Baltimore were under the command of MG Samuel Smith (a US Senator & veteran of the Revolution).  The force totaled about 15,000 mostly MD, PA, and VA militia. They established a strong line of defense.

Fort McHenry Gun Deck in front of fort

The key to the harbor was Fort McHenry.  It was commanded by MAJ George Armistead (brevetted to COL and uncle of BG Lewis Armistead of Gettysburg fame).  There were about 1,000 Americans here.  The Americans had also sunk ships in the harbor to keep the British ships at a distance.

Washington lawyer Francis Scott Key was detained by the British ships as he was on a mission to free American Prisoners.  He sought the release of a friend, arrested for allegedly violating a pledge of good conduct after the Battle of Bladensburg.  They were detained because they had learned of the British plan to attack Baltimore.

Fort McHenry

 On September 12, 1814 MG Ross’s troops landed at North Point and marched toward Baltimore.  They met and defeated a small force at the Battle of North Point.  Ross was WIA and command changed to COL Arthur Brooke.  The British marched to within 2 miles of the city.  They knew that the city could not be attacked without with support of naval gunfire. 

Admiral Cochrane began his attack of Fort McHenry at dawn on September 13^th.  The bombardment lasted 25 hours.  Realizing that Fort McHenry would never fall by shell alone, he launched a diversionary attack of marines and sailors on a night attack Fort McHenry by land.  It was unsuccessful.  The men in the long boats became lost in the night – they returned to the fleet.  The failure of this attack dashed British hopes of capturing Baltimore.   They ceased the bombardment and withdrew on the 14^th.. 

As the British sailed away, the American’s fired the morning gun and hoisted a large flag that would later become known as the “Star Spangled Banner.”   Key later described how he felt when he saw Fort McHenry’s flag waving at dawn on the 14^th and published a poem upon his return to Baltimore the evening of the 16^th.

The poem was written to be sung to the tune of “To Anacreon in Heaven,” a British drinking song – well, that wouldn’t do – so a new tune -  by the 1890’s the military had adopted the melody to be played at the raising and lowering of the colors. By the time of the Civil War, the flag was no longer just an emblem of the nation; it became a representation of the country’s values and the ideals for which it stands.  Despite its popularity the tune did not become the National Anthem until 1931.

UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY -  Annapolis, Maryland

I finally made it.  This was a school I applied for  -  but didn’t get the appointment.  A short, rotund, guy - smart as a whip - in my Pershing Rifles ROTC Company did get the appointment. He didn’t make it through the ‘plebe’ summer.  The selection committee told me to try again next year - I didn’t apply for an appointment the next year – I’ll never know.

Access to Annapolis is far more open than West Point.  Not as large, more compact; not as hilly.  Easier to get on base but parking on the campus is next to impossible.  The couple I was with on the tour took a water taxi from downtown Annapolis – forget the parking or driving.  The state capital is very close and can be seen from the campus. 

Part of Bancroft Hall- huge - 4500 midshipment live, eat & study here

I stopped at the Visitor Center, which is on the campus (West Point’s Visitor Center is off post) and donated $9 for a tour.  There were only 3 of us on the tour, the guide was accommodating and it was sort of a tour of exploration for interested people like me or those who just wanted to explore the campus and see what it offered.  Additional activities are scheduled if you have an interest in attending.

Dahlgren Hall - old armory

Crypt of John Paul Jones 
under Chapel

The grounds of the Naval Academy as known as the “Yard.”  The school was established at Fort Severn in Annapolis in 1845 on 10 acres.  There were 50 students taught by 4 officers and 3 civilian professors.  Today that ratio of civilian to military instructors is about the same.  The “Yard” has grown to 338 acres and Bancroft Hall houses approximately 4,400 midshipmen.  There is a faculty of 600, offering of 24 academic majors.  All lead to a BS degree.  The emphasis in the Navy is still on engineering.   

Of course there are a host of traditions, memorials & statues.  The photos tell the story.

TUESDAY – September 30, 2014 

WEATHER:  a low in the 60’s – up to the mid 70’s – cloudy – humid – still in the morning.  The sun broke through around 11am – mostly sunny – it was warm walking.

TRAVEL:  Goddard Space Flight Center (like the museums in DC - not run by the NPS) was 7 miles away but hard to locate – almost gave up trying to find it.  Glad I didn’t. About lunch time I took the train into the city.

Hubble:  Eagle Nebula

GODDARD SPACE FLIGHT CENTER

This place was a little difficult to find.  The GPS address is wrong.  The Visitor Center is about a mile past from where GPS says this place is.  It is off Greenbelt Rd, but turn toward the NASA complex at ICESat Rd.  I’m glad I found it.  The huge picture-size/wall-size Hubble photos and audio visuals are worth the trip. 

NASA - offers unparalleled experiences, a key to knowledge, and a window to the future. The NASA Goddard's Visitor Center is located in  Greenbelt, Md. and provides inspiring and captivating educational experiences for all ages.  It didn’t appear they get much business.  At 1115 I was their first visitor of the day, except for a school group.

The visitor center really doesn’t center on Goddard, but on NASA programs current and some past.  Much is audio-visual.  There are some great photos and animation regarding Earth science, astrophysics, heliophysics, planetary science, engineering, communication and technology development. There is a Gemini capsule model for kids. More than enough for adults – also geared toward kids.

Inside the photos are fantastic.  A lot of video – short animation – interviews by NASA scientists.  This place is better than the Discovery and History Channels  -  perhaps more credible.

Science As A Sphere Theatre

The Visitor Center contains a Science As A Sphere Theatre.  Short videos shown on a globe – the guide on duty said the films are continuous and are a total of 6 hours in length.  You could stay here all day.

The Astrobiology Walk outside describes a cosmic progression towards life.  A small gift shop – spent about 2.25  hours here – most just watching videos – Spock would say “Fascinating.”

TRAVEL:  Parked at COLLEGE PARK/U MARYLAND.  Caught the GREEN LINE to FORT TOTTEN and transferred to the RED LINE got off at METRO CENTER.  Took a 3 hour walk to all the sites described below.  Stopped for a beer at G Street & 12^th St and took the same route in reverse back to COLLEGE PARK/U MARYLAND.  I have a METRO CARD, and as near as I can tell, the ride there and back and parking ($5.10) cost me a total of - I just don’t know . . .  but I think it’s still a good deal but not as easy to calculate fares as  NYC, Boston, Chicago or Atlanta.

In 3 hours, I visited some of the usual . . . . . . .

89 NATIONAL MALL & MONUMENT PARKS – Washington, DC

This includes the following units:  (I did not visit all of these today)

Constitution Gardens                                           Lincoln Memorial                 

Vietnams Veterans Memorial  

Korean War Veterans Memorial

Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial             Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

African Civil War Memorial                         Washington Monument

Thomas Jefferson Memorial                                Old Post Office Tower

East Potomac Park                                     Pennsylvania Avenue NHS

Ford’s Theatre NHS

Map of the National Mall

90 WASHINGTON MONUMENT – Washington, DC

The Washington Monument is an obelisk on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., built to commemorate George Washington, once commander-in-chief of the early Continental Army and the first American president.

You still need tickets and a scheduled time to take a trip to the top.  They are only issued the day of.  Been there, done that . . . .  didn’t bother – 900 tickets are usually gone by 9:30 daily.

The Washington Monument, designed by Robert Mills and eventually completed by Thomas Casey and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, honors and memorializes George Washington at the center of the nation's capital. The structure was completed in two phases of construction, one private (1848-1854) and one public (1876-1884). Built in the shape of an Egyptian obelisk, evoking the timelessness of ancient civilizations, the Washington Monument embodies the awe, respect, and gratitude the nation felt for its most essential Founding Father. When completed, the Washington Monument was the tallest building in the world at 555 feet, 5-1/8 inches.

91 WORLD WAR II MEMORIAL – Washington, DC

My first visit.  I really wish my Dad would have been able to take one of the Honor Flights . . . . perhaps, not the greatest generation but certainly a most remarkable generation.  We all owe a lot to the Veterans of WW II.

16 million Americans served in uniform during WW II.  The Freedom Wall’s gold stars represent the 405,399 Americans who died in history’s most devastating war. 

The Price of Freedom - Dedicated to those Americans who died in WW II 

92 CONSTITUTION GARDENS – Washington, DC
A nice walk - - - relaxing

Vietnam Women's Memorial

93 VIETNAM VETERANS MEMORIAL – Washington, DC

Always moving  . . . .  however – not as solemn as it used to be . . . . . . . even guides now stop along the wall and tell their stories - - -

VIETNAM WOMEN”S MEMORIAL – Washington, DC

The Vietnam Women's Memorial is a memorial dedicated to the women of the United States who served in the Vietnam War, most of whom were nurses. It serves as a reminder of the importance of women in the conflict.

Lincoln Memorial

94 LINCOLN MEMORIAL – Washington, DC

Lincoln Memorial

"In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever." Beneath these words, the 16th President of the United States sits immortalized in marble as an enduring symbol of unity, strength, and wisdom.

Korean War Veterans Memorial

95 KOREAN WAR VETERANS MEMORIAL – Washington, DC

Been here several times . . . . in my opinion, the most powerful sculpture and monument in all of Washington.  Look at the faces . . . they are real . . .  the whole squad moving in a storm – it’s takes on a whole different image in the rain, in the dark, in the winter snow or sleet . . . . . perhaps the faces reflect the futility of war.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WAR MEMORIAL – Washington, DC

Dedicated  to those from DC who lost their lives in WWI

The ultimate measure of a man  . . .   MLK 1963

96 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL – Washington, DC
This was my first visit.  The statue is stark – not sure it moves me . . . .  the quotations are worth reading.  A 3 story African American Museum is being built on the Mall across from the Washington Monument.

Franklln Delano Rossevelt

Eleanore
Roosevelt

97 FRANKLIN DELANO ROOSEVELT MEMORIAL – Washington, DC

Also my first visit.  This monument is huge- it covers a lot of land.  Quotations from FDR and ER complimented my visits to Hyde Park and Campobello and Valkill.   One of the quotes here reminded me of the book and later the Keifer Sutherland movie “To End All Wars.”  This is a FDR Memorial to peace.

George Mason

GEORGE MASON MEMORIAL – Washington, DC

Perhaps my first visit . . .  George Mason was perhaps the inspiration for Jefferson  . . . 

Jefferson Memorial

Thomas Jefferson

98 THOMAS JEFFERSON MEMORIAL – Washington, DC

Not my first visit, but it was my first time walking here.  Monticello will be more inspirational.

WEDNESDAY – October 1, 2014 

WEATHER:  Light rain last night and this morning.  Low in the 60’s – up to the mid 70’s – the sun should come out.

TRAVEL:  3 miles from College Park to Greenbelt Park; 18 miles from Greenbelt to Oxon Cove Park/Oxon Hill Farm; 8 miles from Oxon to Fort Washington National Park; 6 miles from Fort Washington to Piscataway Park/National Colonial Farm;  17 miles from Piscataway to Thomas Stone NHS; 45 mile return trip to College Park.

99 GREENBELT PARK – Greenbelt, MD

This is available for camping  -  RV sites are asphalt – however there are no Electric or Water hookups.  Cost is $16/night or $8 for seniors.   I’m staying where I’m at.

Greenbelt provides overnight camping, as well as, plenty of picnic areas and trails.  An urban oasis, just 12 miles from downtown DC.  The NPS established the Park in 1950.  The Baltimore-Washington Parkway was opened in 1954 to create an uninterrupted scenic route for passenger vehicles between the two cities.

There are 4 trails in the park ranging from a mile to 5.3 miles in length.

Most likely a destination for a drive when the leaves turn – plenty close for scouting activities – there is a separate area set aside for scouts..

OXON COVE PARK/OXON HILL FARM – Oxon Hill, MD

This has been a National Park site since 1967.  Most of the buildings are original farm structures.  Some authentic period structures have been added.  It’s a working farm that caters mostly to school groups.  It represents a time when horsepower came directly from the horses.   I can see where children will delight from the farm animals.

Oxen Hill Farm

The oldest structure  in the park is the Debutts Family home and was known as Mount Welby.  The family owned the property from 1805 until 1843.  Over this period of time the family witnessed The Battle of Bladensburg (War of 1812) and the burning of Washington.  Originally, set up as a tobacco farm the family had slaves.  Later they grew wheat and most likely sold their slaves south.

100 FORT WASHINGTON NP – Fort Washington, MD

Fort Washington has a history of changing military strategy and technology.  It reflects the debate of how best to defend the US from 1808 through 1922. 



 The first fort on this location was one element of 18^th century French ideas of military architecture and strategy to protect the eastern seacoast.  The British attack and subsequent burning of Washington during the War of 1812 showed that a new defensive plan was needed.


Fort Washington lies on the Maryland shore of the Potomac River south of Washington, DC.

Fort Washington 

The original fort was designed by LTC Walker K. Armistead  (brother of MAJ George Armistead who defended Fort McHenry).   It was designed to defend against wooden ships.  Later – during/after the Civil War, it was upgraded to defend against armored ships with 15” Rodman Guns (as was Fort McHenry).  By the late 19^th century it was outfitted with Endicott-era guns: 10” guns on disappearing carriages, 12 inch mortar batteries and 4” rifles.  This fort was part of the Coastal Artillery, like that at Sandy Hook, N

J.     

In 1912 the post was no longer needed, it became HQ for the 12^th Infantry.  During WW II the AG Officer Candidate School was based here. Deactivated in 1946 and transferred to the NPS so the historic fabric of the fort could be preserved.

101 PISCATAWAY PARK/NATIONAL COLONIAL FARM – MD

Piscataway is where the land meets water, Piscataway Park is green space and the National Colonial Farm is where the park brings the past to life.

Tobacco Barn

The National Colonial Farm is a reconstructed 1770’s tobacco plantation.  This is a working farm.  The Accokeek Foundation preserves the shoreline.  This location is directly across the Potomac River from Mount Vernon.  The Foundation, established in 1954 helps to foster appreciation of the natural and cultural history of the Potomac.  

The Foundation has a small Visitor Center/Gift Shop.  A NPS partner, there are no Rangers on site. 

There wasn’t much going on when I visited.  The woman made sure that I knew this was Accokeek not NPS – although Piscataway runs several miles along the Potomac River.  Fort Washington is the HQ address for Piscataway Park.

 102 THOMAS STONE NHS – Port Tobacco, Maryland

This location had been administered by the NPS since 1997.  The Stone family owned this property from 1770 – 1936.  

Thomas Stone started building his country home Haberdeventure (dwelling place of the winds) in the 1770’s as a place to raise his family.  This was a plantation, Stone owned slaves.  In 1776, he signed the Declaration of Independence and wrote himself into history.

Thomas Stone House

As a signer of the Declaration,  he would have been hunted down and hanged as a traitor to the British Crown if the colonists had not won Independence.  His primary residence was in Annapolis.  Stone died in 1787.  The property was passed down through five generations of Stones until it was sold in 1936.  Eventually, given to the NPS.

Thomas Stone - Harpsichord in corner

I received a short personal tour of the house.  They don’t get many visitors here.

THURSDAY – October 2, 2014 

WEATHER: low of 55 in the morning, cloudy to partly sunny to cloudy to mostly sunny high in the 70’s

TRAVEL: drove about 47 miles to Hampton NHS near Baltimore – then to COLLEGE PARK/U MARYLAND station and caught the METRO to SHAW/HOWARD U station – walked to Carter G. Woodson NHS, African American Civil War Memorial, the African American Civil War Museum and Mary McLeod Bethune Council House NHS.  Caught the Green Line at U STREET  station and back to  COLLEGE PARK/U MARYLAND.  It cost $5.10 to park at COLLEGE PARK/U MARYLAND.  METRO fares were $2 or less each way.

103 HAMPTON NHS – Towson, Maryland

Construction started in 1783 and was completed in 1790 by Capt Charles Ridgely.  This was a mansion and perhaps the largest residence in the US for a long time.   By family custom, the Hampton estate belonged to eldest son in each generation.  Capt Ridgely did not have any children, so his nephew changed his name to Charles Ridgely Carnan in order to inherit the estate.  These people had money.   The estate passed through 7 generations – one a Maryland Governor; another a Southern sympathizer - of Ridgely’s ,until sold to the Mellon family trust , which donated it to the federal government in 1948.  The NPS took over administration of the mansion and its 60 acres in 1979. 

Built in Georgian style it reminded me of Martin Van Buren’s  house near Kinderhook, NY, but I think this is much larger. 

Hampton

In the 1820’s, the estate grew to 25,000 acres to include an iron works and 300 slaves.  Originally a tobacco plantation, it transformed to grains after the soil was ‘used up.’  The mansion took 7 years to build and 3 years for the NPS to refurbish.  There are over 35 rooms on 3 floors.  The 3^rd floor is not open to the public but the main rooms on the 1^st and 2^nd floors are refurbished in period style to represent each of the seven generations. NPS spent over $3 million  between to “get it right.”  I’m glad I stopped here; the one hour house tour was done well by very knowledgeable volunteer.  You can spend at least another hour or more walking the grounds.  There is no charge – there is also a Farm Tour scheduled.

Carter G Woodson Home

104 CARTER G WOODSON NHS – Washington, DC

This site is under renovation.  Dr. Carter G. Woodson (1875-1950) is considered the ‘father of black history.’  He early education was self taught.  At age 20 he graduated from High School at the age of 22; a Bachelor’s degree form Berea College in KY, a Masters from the University of Chicago in  1908 and a Harvard PhD in 1912.  He was the second African American, after W.E. DuBois,  to receive a doctorate.  Woodson lived here from 1915 until his death in 1950. 

In 1915, Woodson and Jesse E. Moorland co-founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). The organization was the platform that launched Woodson's mission to raise awareness and recognize the importance of Black history. He believed that publishing scientific history about the black race would produce facts that would prove to the world that Africa and its people had played a crucial role in the development of civilization. He pioneered “Negro History Week,” between Washington and Lincoln’s birthdays, in 1926.

African American 
Civil War Memorial

AFRICAN AMERICAN CIVIL WAR MEMORIAL – Washington DC

This memorial is located immediately outside the entrance to the U STREET/AFRICAN AMERICAN station of the METRO’s Green Line. George W. Bush signed legislation authorizing creation of memorial in 1992. 

This is the only  national memorial to honor the contribution of the 166 Regiments compromising the US Colored Troops (USCT) and sailors during the Civil War.  Inscribed on the

Wall of Honor are the names of more than 200,000 African American  soldiers, 7,000 white officers and 2, 145 Hispanic surnames who fought for the Federal Governement during the Civil War.

The sculpture, designed in bronze by Ed Hamilton, depicts three infantrymen and a sailor.  The back of the statue shows a somber scene of a soldier leaving home, bidding goodbye to family.

Entrance African American 
Civil War Museum

African American Civil War Museum -  is located on Vermont Ave. across from the African American Civil War Memorial.  When the Civil War began there were 4.2 million African Americans in the US, 3.8 million of them were enslaved.  These people had a value of $6 billion in 1860 currency.  Slavery was such a driving economic force it could never have ended without the war.

Despite the urging of Frederick Douglass and others, President Lincoln would not allow blacks to fight until it became clear that the Union would not be preserved without the aid of the black soldier.  The Emancipation Proclamation only gave freedom to all slaves in the states of rebellion.    

On May 22, 1863 the Bureau of US Colored Troops (USCT) was established to recruit, train, outfit and deploy what would becomes a force of 200,000 African American soldiers. 

This is a small museum.  Although, not part of the NPS, it is well done and tells the story appropriately. 

105 MARY MCLOED BETHUNE COUNCIL HOUSE NHS – Washington, DC

This place has a gate in front, I tried the gate – it was open I walked up to opened it and there was a locked door – I rang the bell and was greeted by a NPS ranger.

A ranger gave me a 10 minute brief about Mary McLeod Bethune and a short background of Charles G Woodson (they were friends and neighbors).  A volunteer gave me a tour of the house.  I also heard Bethune give her – legacy speech – recorded at this house in 1955 – an impressive speaker.

Mary McLoed Bethune Home 

Mary McLeod Bethune (1875-1955 )was the 15^th of 17 children born in Mayesville, SC to freed slaves.  As an American educator and civil rights leader she is best known for starting a private school for African-American students in Daytona Beach, Florida. She attracted donations of time and money, and developed the academic school as a college. It later continued to develop as Bethune-Cookman University. She also was appointed as a national adviser to President Franklin D. Roosevelt. She was known as "The First Lady of The Struggle” because of her commitment to bettering African Americans.^[1] She was close to the Roosevelt Administration.  She headed the Negro Division of the National Youth Adminstration, which made her the highest ranking African American woman in government.  She also founded the National Council of Negro Women (NCNW) in 1935.  NCNW’s mission was to unite African American women to combat racial and gender inequality, not just in the US, but worldwide.  The first national HQ of the NCNW was established at this house on Vermont  Ave in 1943.

John A Logan

LOGAN CIRCLE - Named after Congressman -Civil War General and later Illinois Senator John A. Logan.  Arguably the most successful of the Union army's political generals, was born in pro-slavery region of Southern Illinois in 1826. His father, a successful doctor and farmer, was also heavily involved in local and state politics, representing Franklin and Jackson counties in the Illinois State assembly for nearly a decade. After a smattering of formal and informal education, John Logan volunteered for service in the Mexican War but was mustered out in 1848 without seeing any action. He attended law school at Louisville University and after a brief stint as a prosecuting attorney, turned to politics, winning his father's seat in the state assembly in 1853.

Unlike many other politician-generals,  Logan excelled in the military. By March of 1863, Logan was a major general commanding a division. He continued to lead with distinction during the campaign to capture Vicksburg.  After Vicksburg, Logan was given command of the Fifteenth Corps on October 27, 1863 and continued to earn recognition for his leadership during the Atlanta campaign the following spring and summer.

When his immediate superior, Maj. Gen. James B. McPherson was killed in the Battle of Atlanta, Logan temporarily commanded the Army of the Tennessee but was subsequently replaced by West Point graduate Maj. Gen. Oliver O. Howard, presumably because William T. Sherman was skeptical of politicians in uniform. The Illinoisan viewed this as a personal slight which gave him a very dim view of West Pointers in the future.

Logan also was owner and developer of the land in this area of Washington.  I wouldn’t doubt that he funded his own statue memorial.

FRIDAY – October 2, 2014 

WEATHER:  cloudy all day, low seventies, started to rain about 8:15 pm

TRAVEL:   Today was an adventure.  I meant to drive to some of the places I visted today – then thought perhaps the train would do – well it did – and it didn’t.  Parked at COLLEGE PARK/U MARYLAND and took the Green Line to ANACOSTIA.  Walked about ¾ mile to the Frederick Douglass House.  From there walked about a mile to National Capitol Parks-East HQ located in Anacostia Park.  Walked the Anacostia Parkway trail, after 75 minutes I reached Benning Rd –  there was a cab driver golfing on the Parkway – I asked him if he “wanted a fare?”  He wasn’t all that enthusiastic – but attempted to take me to Kenilworth Park and Aquatic Gardens – I was beat – he didn’t know where it was  - so we called the ranger at the park.  We got to the general area (DEANWOOD STATION) asked a bus driver there – he had no idea – checked with a few other folks – no idea – I checked MapQuest and in six blocks we were there.  On the return I walked to DEANWOOD caught the Orange Line to SOUTH CAPITOL.  Walked some more and got on the Green Line at ARCHIVES station in order to return to COLLEGE PARK/ U MARYLAND.  It was a long day. 

106 FREDERICK DOUGLASS NHS – Washington, DC

About a ¾ mile walk from the ANACOSTIA METRO station.   It is a small Visitor Center but there is a very good 17 minute film describing Douglass’s life.  There is a parking lot but I’m glad I took public transportation.

1818          Douglass was in Talbot County, MD.  His mother was a slave, his father was white.

1826          Douglass was sent to Baltimore as a house servant.  He sees knowledge as a means

                   to freedom.  He teaches himself how to read.

1833-34    He was moved to a nearby plantation and deemed unmanageable.  He is hired out to

                   a slave breaker – and fights back.

1836          Attempts to escape is returned to Baltimore, learns the trade of  a ships caulker.

1838          Escapes slavery by boarding a train to New York City disguised as sailor.          

Frederick Douglass 

1841-47    Active in the New England Abolitionist movement.  Meets William Lloyd Garrison.  In

                  1845, publishes Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass.  Leaves for Europe to

                  escape salve catchers who know his identity.  He named his owners in the book.

1847         English friends buy his freedom and he returns to the US.

1847-59   Launches the newspaper The North Star in Rochester, NY.  Douglass becomes an

                 outspoken defender of women’s rights and political action as a means to abolish

                 slavery.  He opposed John Brown’s raid in 1859 but due to his alliance with Brown

                 seeks asylum in Canada.

1863        Meets with Lincoln and serves as an advisor.

1872-81  Moves to Washington, buy a house and break the “whites only” covenant by

                 purchasing Cedar Hill; serves as US Marshall of DC from 1877-1881. His wife Anna dies

                 in 1882; he remarries in 1884 – to Helen Pitts, a white woman.  The interracial

                 marriage was opposed by his 5 children.

1895        Dies at Cedar Hill.

Cedar Hill - Frederick A Douglas House

His second wife, Helen, organized the Frederick Douglass Memorial and Historical Asscociation in 1900.  In 1916 it joined with the National Association of Colored Women’s Clubs.  In 1962 the 25 room house with it views of DC was entrusted to the care of the NPS.                                   

116 NATIONAL CAPITAL PARKS: EAST – Washington, DC (#116 on spreadsheet)

National Capital Parks-East is responsible for a number of park sites, parkways and statuary covering more than 8,000 acres of historic, cultural, and recreational parklands from Capitol Hill to the nearby Maryland suburbs.  These include:

Anacostia Park                         Fort Washington Park          *Fort Dupont Park

Frederick Douglass NHS        Greenbelt Park                      Kenilworth Aquatic Gardens  

Mary McLeod Bethune NHS Oxen Cove Park                      Oxon Run Parkway

Carter G. Woodson NHS        *Fort Foote                            *Harmony Hall

*Suitland Parkway                 Shepherd Parkway               Civil War Defenses of Washington

*Capital Hill Parks                  Piscataway Park                    Baltimore-Washington Parkway

*Fort Circle Parks

CIVIL WAR DEFENSES OF WASHINGTON – Washington, DC

Fortifying the nation’s capital became the Union’s greatest concern after the defeat at Manassas, VA in the summer of 1861.  MG John G. Barnard accepted the massive task of building a defense for Washington (for the South Robert E. Lee was chosen to build the defenses of Richmond). Barnard developed a connected system of fortifications occupying every prominent point around Washington.  By the end of the Civil War, the “Father of the Defenses of Washington” had directed the construction of 68 forts, 93 gun batteries, 20 miles of rifle pits and 32 miles of military roads around the capital.

Civil War Defenses of Washington map

Most of the fortifications were dismantled or abandoned by 1866.  Decades later, a plan to connect the historic sites with a scenic automobile route paved the way for their preservation.  Many of the forts surrendered to time and urbanization.  Many also remain protected by the NPS, where parks and woodlands occupy heights where guns once scanned the horizon.  

The design for the Defenses of Washington was based on a textbook published in 1836 called A TREATISE ON FIELD FORTIFICATIONS, by Dennis Hart Mahan. Mahan was a professor of civil and military engineering at West Point.

FORT CIRCLE PARK – Washington, DC

Fort Mahan was named after Dennis Hart Mahan, an American soldier and educator. In 1824, he graduated from West Point. He taught civil and military engineering at the Military Academy and became an authority on military engineering. His works include Complete Treatise on Field Fortifications (1836), Summary on the Cause of Permanent Fortifications and of the Attack and Defense of Permanent Works (1850), and An Elementary Course of Military Engineering (2 vol., 1866–67). 

FORT DUPONT PARK – Washington, DC

Fort Dupont Park offers over 10 miles of trails to its visitors. The seven mile long Hiker/Biker Trail connects six Civil War earthwork fortifications for mountain bikers and hikers to learn about the rich history of the Civil War Defenses of Washington while exercising in a beautiful mature forested park.

CAPITAL HILL PARKS – Washington, DC

The Capitol Hill Parks include several park areas east of the U.S. Capitol. Included in this group are Folger, Lincoln, Stanton, and Marion Parks, the Eastern Market and Potomac Avenue Metro stations, and several smaller land parcels such as Seward Square, Twining Square, the Maryland Avenue Triangles, the Pennsylvania Avenue Medians, and 59 inner-city triangles and squares

SUITLAND PARKWAY – Washington, DC

ANACOSTIA PARK – Washington, DC

The park covers 1,200 acres stretching the length of the Anacostia River from the Frederick Douglass Memorial Bridge north to the DC/Maryland line.  It is a multi-use recreational park, with shoreline access, swimming pool, skate park, trails, and picnic areas.

Beginning in 1914, the Army Corps of Engineers built a seawall along the banks of the Anacostia River, dredged the river and used the sediment to fill wetlands.  Park construction and landscaping continued through the 1920s and 1930s. In 1933 management of the park was turned over to the NPS.

ANACOSTIA RIVERWALK TRAIL – At Capitol Parks East Headquarters I was told it was about a 3 miles walk along this trail/parkway to reach Kenilworth.   The trail generally follows the Anacostia River and passes through both developed and undeveloped areas.  The trails design includes a 10-12 foot wide asphalt and concrete path and bridges.  I walked on this trail for about 1 ½ hours from Capital Parks East Headquarters to trail as far as Benning Road.  I was trying to get to Kenilworth Park,  after the 1 ½ hours I called Kenilworth and found that the trail was not yet, finished and was another 4 miles away.  The trail will eventually be 20 miles long and link 16 waterfront neighborhoods along the Anacostia River.

KENILWORTH PARK & AQUATIC GARDENS – Washington, DC

Difficult to locate, Kenilworth is probably worth visiting when the flowers are in bloom.  People who live and work within 4 blocks of this location have never heard of the place. 

Kenilworth is the only NPS unit dedicated to cultivating water-loving plants.  The park has 45 ponds filled with a variety of tropical and hardy water lilies, lotus, and other aquatic plants.  This is a water garden.

Water lilies are hardy plants that begin blooming in late May.  Tropical water lilies are more open flowers with bright colors, rippled and spotted leaves.  They bloom in late July through early fall.  The lotus usually bloom late June through mid-August and have large leaves growing several feet above the water. 

BACKGROUND:  After service in the Civil War, Walter B. Shaw working as a clerk for the Treasury Department bought 30 acres from his in-laws in the 1880s.  He planted water lilies in a pond as a hobby.  The hobby became a collection and sold blooms around the world.

Kenilworth Gardens - dead lotus pulled from the gardens

With the help of his daughter, Helen Fowler, Shaw created a unique garden of water lilies and other colorful blooms.  The collection grew and by the 1920’s thousands came to see the flowers open in the summer sun.  Congress purchased 8 acres of the gardens in 1938 for $15,000.  The NPS received the property and named the gardens Kenilworth for the community surrounding the park. The 45 ponds now cover 12 acres.

James A Garfield

JAMES A GARFIELD MONUMENT

This monument is located on the grounds of the United States Capitol in the circle at First Street, S.W., and Maryland Avenue.

ULYSSES S. GRANT MEMORIAL – Washington, DC

The bronze and marble Ulysses S. Grant Memorial by Henry Merwin Shrady is located by the reflecting pool at the east end of the National Mall, west of the United States Capitol. Its central figure depicts the Civil War general (and future president) seated and still on horseback, as was his custom while observing a battle; bronze reliefs on the marble pedestal show infantry soldiers on the march. Four bronze lions around the pedestal impart a sense of strength and dignity. At the ends of the monument, groups of soldiers and horses appear in tumultuous action, with cavalry at the north and artillery at the south. Measuring 44 feet high and occupying a marble platform over 250 feet long and 70 feet deep, the monument is the largest statuary group in Washington, D.C.; the sculpture of Grant is among the largest equestrian statues in the world.

The Congress authorized the creation of the memorial in 1901. In late 2011, the care of the monument was transferred from the National Park Service to the Architect of the Capitol.

The AOC is responsible to the United States Congress and the Supreme Court for the maintenance, operation, development and preservation of 17.4 million square feet of buildings and more than 553 acres of land throughout Capitol Hill. The AOC also provides professional expertise on the preservation of architectural and artistic elements entrusted to its care, and provides recommendations concerning design, construction and maintenance of the facilities and grounds.

Peace Monument

PEACE MONUMENT

The Peace Monument, also known as the Naval Monument or Civil War Sailors Monument, stands on the grounds of the United States Capitol in Peace Circle at First Street, N.W., and Pennsylvania Avenue, Washington, D.C. The 44 foot (13.4 m) high white marble memorial was erected from 1877-1878 to commemorate the naval deaths at sea during the American Civil War. Today it stands as part of a three-part sculptural group including the James A. Garfield Monument and the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial.

George Gordon Meade

GEORGE GORDON MEADE MEMORIAL – Washington, DC

This monument is located on the corner of Pennsylvania Avenue and 4^th Street NW.  The cylinder shaped statue features a figure of General George Meade on the proper front and a figure of War on the proper back, surrounded by six figures standing side by side. The six figures, all allegorical  representations of Loyalty, Chivalry, Fame, Progress, Military Courage and Energy, were used by the artist to show what he believed are traits needed to make a "great general.

Winfield Scott Hancock

WINFIELD SCOTT HANCOCK

Located on Pennsylvania Avenue, across the street from the National Archives.  Winfield Scott Hancock (1824 – 1886) was a career U.S. Army officer and the Democratic nominee for President of the United States in 1880. He served with distinction in the Army for four decades, including service in the Mexican-American War and as a Union general in the American Civil War. Known to his Army colleagues as "Hancock the Superb," he was noted in particular for his personal leadership at the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863. One military historian wrote, "No other Union general at Gettysburg dominated men by the sheer force of their presence more completely than Hancock."

Navy Memorial

NAVY MEMORIAL
The United States Navy Memorial, on Pennsylvania Avenue NW between 7th Street Northwest and 9th Street Northwest.  The Naval Heritage Center is located in the heart of the Penn Quarter and offers visitors the chance to learn about the history and heritage of the men and women of the United States Navy – past, present and future..  there is a Visitor Center/Museum here that I did not visit.

SATURDAY – October 4, 2014 

WEATHER:  66 degrees at 5:30 am – cloudy – mostly sunny by 11:30 in the low 70s – a good day

TRAVEL:  20 miles to Glen Echo, MD (Clara Barton/Glen Echo Park), another 10 miles to Great Falls Park and then 8 more to Claude Moore Farm.  A return trip of 22 miles.

Clara Barton House

107 CLARA BARTON NHS – Glen Echo, MDThis site honors the life and work of Clara Barton (1821-1912).  This building was her home for the last 15 years of her life.  It has been restored to the era of her occupancy , 1897-1912.

It was built in the style of a “Johnstown Home” – a style built by the Red Cross to provide temporary housing for victims of the May 31, 1889 Johnstown Flood.  Sunlight shines through

Stained-glass red crosses in the front windows.  Living quarters were available for Red Cross staff or volunteers returning from disaster sites.  The house has 26 rooms.  It served a housing, warehouse, and headquarters for the Red Cross.

Clara Barton house - 2nd & 3rd floors

Clara Barton

Clara Barton House
bandages used for wallpaer

1821                Born on Christmas Day in North Oxford, MA.

1825-50           Starts school at age 3, teaching at age 17

1850                Attends Clinton Liberal Institute in New York to further her education

1852                Establishes the first free public school in New Jersey, in Bordertown, NJ

1861-65           Aids Civil War wounded at 2^nd Manassas, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Wilderness, Spotsylvania

1870-71           Works with the International Red Cross in Europe

1870                Franco-Prussian War – relief work

1881                Established & heads the American Red Cross.  Serves 23 years as President

1884                Michigan – forest fire relief work

1889                Johnstown, PA – flood relief work

1891                Initial construction of house, serves as warehouse

1892                Russia – famine relief work

1896                Armenia -  relief work

1897                Moves to Glen Echo, remodels and back rooms serve as headquarters

1898                Works in Cuba – Spanish American War       

1900                Galveston, TX – hurricane relief work

1904                Resigns as Red Cross president.

1905                Establishes National First Aid Association of America

1912                Dies at Glen Echo, MD

Glen Echo Park
Carousel

Glen Echo Park  map

GLEN ECHO PARK – Glen Echo, MD

The only amusement park managed by the NPS.  This palce reminded me of Muskego Beach complete with Ballroom, Penny Arcade, Dodge-em cars, and a carousel.

The popularity of urban Amusement Park declined in the 1960s (State Fair Park and Muskego Beach).  Glen Echo Park and its centerpiece carousel, was rescued by a group of local citizens in 1968.  To prevent further development of the area along the scenic Potomac River Palisades the federal government acquired the site in April, 1970 and later placed it under the care of the NPS.   

Today, the Park not only maintains the old amusement park design but the buildings serve as home to the Glen Echo Park Partnership for Arts and Culture.  When I visited, there were artist workshops in sculpture and painting.  The Park is adjacent to the Clara Barton NHS.

Great Falls Park

GREAT FALLS PARK – McLean, VA

Great Falls Park - Overlook 2

There are remnants of George Washington’s canal.  The Patowmack Comnay was organized in 1784 to construct a series of 5 canals to make the Potomac navigable.  Wahsinton presided over the effort with a goal of connecting the East with the Ohio Valley to promote trade.  Te canal and locks were completed in 1802.  For 26years flour, corn, whiskey, furs, tobacco, and wood were poled down the river on flatboats.    

Today there are 6 trails in the Park ranging form 1.8 – 3.0 miles in length.  The weather today was perfect – sunny and in the low 70s – parking lots were all but full.  There is a $5 per car fee to enter the park.

CLAUDE MOORE COLONIAL FARM – McLean, VA

The Claude Moore Colonial Farm at Turkey Run is a living history museum that portrays family life on a small, low-income farm in 1771, just prior to the Revolutionary War. It is a privately operated National Park.  No rangers here and a $3 entrance fee.

Claude Moore Farm
Girls on farm by Geese 

The popularity of the Farm is due in large part to its continuing focus on authenticity and its ongoing encouragement of both child and adult visitors to participate in the daily activities of an 18th century family farm. Experiential learning is a growing trend with most museums and the Farm has been a leader in this —for 40 years.  The Farm is  very rural – real to life.

The Farm has achieved national recognition for its innovative educational programming that uses the 18th-century Farm as an authentic representation of colonial agricultural history to provide perspective and context for present day life. Each year, thousands of students visit this working class farm, which recreates the life and times of a family living in northern Virginia in 1771.

SUNDAY – October 5, 2014 

WEATHER:  temp was 39 at 4:30 am sky clear, 46 in the trailer, high of 62 ftoday.with sun – it was another pleasant day.

TRAVEL:  drove today – less traffic – glad I had a GARMIN and ON-STAR.  Some of these places do not have addresses.  It took ON STAR advisors 3 trys to get me to the LBJ Memorial.  They never were successful – the last one got me closest – but I found the parking lot myself..  It’s across fro the Pentagon on an island.

St. Joseph's

8 am Mass St. Joseph’s Church – an older priest and a deacon – no choir. He referenced the gospel in his opening remarks but his homily was on the life of St. Faustina whose feast was today.   In a nutshell: On October 5, 1938, a young religious by the name Sister Faustina (Helen Kowalska) died in a convent of the Congregation of Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Cracow, Poland. She came from a very poor family that had struggled hard on their little farm during the terrible years of WWI. Sister had had only three years of very simple education. Hers were the humblest of tasks in the convent, usually in the kitchen or the vegetable garden, or as a porter.

On February 22, 1931, Jesus appeared to this simple nun, bringing with Him a wonderful message of Mercy for all mankind. Of course the priest told a much more captivating story.  Saint Faustina.  She was canonized by John Paul II.

IWO JIMA MARINE CORPS MEMORIAL

The Marine Corps War Memorial is a United States military monument outside the walls of Arlington National Cemetery and next to the Netherlands Carillon, in Arlington Ridge Park, Arlington, Virginia.

"In honor and in memory of the men of the United States Marine Corps who have given their lives to their country since November 10, 1775."

USMC Memorial

The United States Marine Corps War Memorial represents this nation's gratitude to Marines and those who have fought beside them. While the statue depicts one of the most famous incidents of World War II, the memorial is dedicated to all Marines who have given their lives in the defense of the United States since 1775.

On the morning of February 19, 1945, the 4th and 5th Marine Divisions invaded Iwo Jima after an ineffective 72-hour bombardment. The 28th Regiment of the 5th Division, was ordered to capture Mount Suribachi. They reached the base of the mountain on the afternoon of February 21 and, by nightfall the next day, had almost completely surrounded it. On the morning of February 23, Marines of Company E, 2nd Battalion, started the tortuous climb up the rough terrain to the top. At about 10:30 am men all over the island were thrilled by the sight of a small American flag flying from atop Mount Suribachi. That afternoon, when the slopes were clear of enemy resistance, a second, larger flag was raised by five Marines and a Navy hospital corpsman: Sgt. Michael Strank, Cpl. Harlon H. Block, Pfc. Franklin R. Sousley, Pfc. Rene A. Gagnon, Pfc. Ira Hayes, and PhM. 2/c John H. Bradley, USN.

ARLINGTON CEMETERY – Arlington, VA

Arlington National Cemetery is comprised of land that once belonged to
George Washington Parke Custis, grandson of Martha Washington and adopted
son of George Washington. Custis spent his life commemorating Washington and
built Arlington House on the 1,100-acre plantation as a memorial to the first president. In 1857, Custis willed the property to his only surviving daughter Mary Anna Randolph Custis, who was married to Robert E. Lee.

Arlington
Changing of the Guard
Tomb of the Unknown
Soldiers

After the Lee family vacated the property at the onset of the Civil War in 1861, federal troops used the land as a camp and headquarters - beginning on May 24, 1861. In 1863, the government established Freedman's Village on the estate as a way to assist slaves transitioning to freedom. The village provided housing, education, employment training, and medical care. A property tax dispute, amounting to just over $92.07 cost the Lee family their home and in January 1864, the U.S. government purchased the property for $26,800 at public auction. After Mary Lee's death, her son, George Washington Custis Lee sued in 1882 for the return of the property and won a Supreme Court case. He then sold the property to the federal government for $150,000.

Kennedy Gravesites
below Arlington House

As the number of Civil War casualties was outpacing other local Washington, D.C.-based cemeteries, the property became a burial location. The first military burial took place on May 13, 1864, for Private William H. Christman. On June 15, the War Department officially set aside approximately 200 acres of the property to use as a cemetery. By the end of the war, thousands of service members and former slaves were buried here.

IN HISTORY OCTOBER:  On October 12, 2000, the U.S. Navy destroyer, the USS Cole docked for refueling at the port of Aden in Yemen. At approximately 11:18 a.m. local time, a small craft approached the port side of the ship and set off an explosion. The terrorist organization al-Qaeda took responsibility for the attack. The blast put a 40-by-40 foot gash in the port side of the destroyer, taking the lives of 17 sailors and injuring 39 others. Electronics Technician Chief Petty Officer Richard D. Costelow, Signalman Seaman Cherone L. Gunn, and Hull Maintenance Technician Petty Officer 2nd Class Class Kenneth E. Clodfelter, three of the 17 victims, were laid to rest side-by-side in Section 60 of Arlington National Cemetery.

Arlington House

108 ARLINGTON HOUSE, ROBERT E. LEE MEMORIAL – Arlington, VA

Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial, formerly named the Custis-Lee Mansion, is a Greek revival style mansion located in Arlington, Virginia, USA that was once the home of Confederate General Robert E. Lee. 

Built by George Washington Parke Custis and his slaves between 1802 and 1818, the house and grounds have served many purposes over the last two hundred years: a family home for the Lees and Custises, a plantation estate and home to 63 slaves, a monument honoring George Washington, a military headquarters, a community for emancipated slaves and a national cemetery.

Robert E. Lee made no attempt to visit or restore his title to Arlington before his death in 1870. Mary Lee died in 1873, having visited to the house only once, a few months before her death.

In April 1874, Robert E. Lee's eldest son, George Washington Custis Lee, filed suit against the United States government in a Virginia circuit court to regain his property.[ A jury found in favor of Lee, leading to extensive appeals by both parties. In 1882, the Supreme Court of the United States ruled  in favor of Lee in United States v. Lee, 106 U. S. 196. The court, by a 5-4 majority, found that the estate had been "illegally confiscated" in 1864 and ordered it returned.  But Lee was less interested in obtaining the estate than he was in just compensation for it. After several months of difficult negotiations, Lee and the federal government settled on a sale price of $150,000 ($3,796,607 in 2014 dollars). Congress enacted legislation funding the purchase on March 3, 1883; Lee signed over the title on March 31; and the title transfer was recorded on May 14, 1883.

109 THEODORE ROOSEVELT ISLAND

Map   Theodore Roosevelt Island

Theodore Roosevelt

In the 1930s landscape architects transformed Mason’s Island from neglected, overgrown farmland into Theodore Roosevelt Island, a memorial to America’s 26th president. They conceived a “real forest” designed to mimic the natural forest that once covered the island. Today miles of trails through wooded uplands and swampy bottomlands honor the legacy of a great outdoorsman and conservationist.

110 GEORGE WASHINGTON MEMORIAL PARKWAY – Washington, DC

This includes the following units:

USMC War Memorial                         Arlington House, the Robert E. Lee Memorial

Netherlands Carillion                          Lady Bird Johnson Park          

Theodore Roosevelt Memorial        Lyndon Baines Johnson Memorial

Map  George Washington Memorial Parkway

LBJ Memrorial 

111 LYNDON BAINES JOHNSON MEMORIAL GROVE

President Johnson came here often when he needed to escape from the stresses of building a Great Society. After he died, his wife chose this place for his memorial. A landscape of serpentine paths, white pines, a granite monolith, and an open meadow honors his legacy of social justice and conservation legislation.

Map Rock Creek Park

112 ROCK CREEK PARK
Rock Creek Park is a large natural area with public park facilities that bisects the northwestern urban areas of Washington, D.C. The park is administered by the National Park Service.  An urban oasis with hiking trails, tennis, golf, planetarium, nature centre, horseback riding stable, ,plus ranger-led wildlife programs & an amphitheater.

ROCK CREEK PARKWAY

The Rock Creek and Potomac Parkway, often known simply as the Rock Creek Parkway, is a parkway maintained by the National Park Service as part of Rock Creek Park.

MONDAY – October 6, 2014 

WEATHER:  43 degrees at 4:30 am; 49 in the trailer a 2 dog night. 

TRAVEL:  drove to College Park/U of Maryland station; used the METRO rail and bus system, and foot travel.

Rotunda Ceilling

U.S. CAPITOL – Washington, DC

9 am tour arranged through Congressman Paul Ryan’s office.  Nothing special here – it just meant that I had a reserved ticket waiting for me.  Same tour as anyone would get.  In fact, I think it’s the same tour I got when I visited Washington in 1964 – except the security now is much tighter – and there is a new visitor center  that handles thousands of people as cattle.  Still a wonder to visit - a 45 minute tour.  Unfortunately, my guide – in a group of about 40 – was not at the top of the list for enthusiasm or interest.  Just herded us through and said what needed to be said – no more.  I had a $2.50 coffee in the cafeteria.  Congress was not in session so there was no reason to visit the galleries.   

Senator Robert A Taft

ROBERT A. TAFT MONUMENT – Washington, DC

The Robert A. Taft Memorial and Carillon is dedicated as a memorial to U.S. Senator Robert Alphonso Taft, son of President William Howard Taft.

The memorial is located north of the Capitol, on Constitution Avenue between New Jersey Avenue and First Street, N.W. Designed by architect Douglas W. Orr, the memorial consists of a Tennessee marble and a 10-foot (3.0 m) bronze statue of Senator Taft sculpted by Wheeler Williams. The shaft of the tower measures 100 feet (30 m) high, 11 feet (3.4 m) deep, and 32 feet (9.8 m) wide. Above the statue is inscribed, "This Memorial to Robert A. Taft, presented by the people to the Congress of the United States, stands as a tribute to the honesty, indomitable courage, and high principles of free government symbolized by his life."

Japaness American
WW II Patriotism Memorial

Japaness American
WW II Patriotism Memorial

JAPANESE AMERICAN WORLD WAR II PATRIOTISM MEMORIAL – Washington, DC    The Memorial to Japanese-American Patriotism in World War II is a memorial and monument designed by Davis Buckley and Japanese American artist Nina Akamu. The work is located at Louisiana Avenue and D Street, Northwest.

Rising above the rest of the memorial the cranes are visible from beyond the memorial walls, which celebrates the ability to rise beyond limitations. Their postures reflect one another - one wing pointing upwards, the other downwards, mirroring each other and representing the duality of the universe. Pressing their bodies against one another and seeming to hold onto the barbed wire, the birds show individual effort to escape restraint with the need for communal support and interdependence on one another.[4]

According to the National Japanese American Memorial Foundation, the memorial:

Japaness American  -  WW II Patriotism Memorial

...is symbolic not only of the Japanese American experience, but of the extrication of anyone from deeply painful and restrictive circumstances. It reminds us of the battles we've fought to overcome our ignorance and prejudice and the meaning of an integrated culture, once pained and torn, now healed and unified. Finally, the monument presents the Japanese American experience as a symbol for all peoples.[

National Guard Museum 9-11

National Guard Museum
One Massachusetts Avenue

National Guard Museum

NATIONAL GUARD MUSEUM – 1 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, DC

Once you get in, past the guard – by using the intercom to enter – the museum tells the story of the National Guard’s history from the militia era to the 21^st century.   There is no charge – been here before – not much changed – allow 20-30 minutes.  The highlight is the flag of the Civil War’s 2^nd Wisconsin Infantry National Colors hung in the entry hall.

National Guard Museum
2nd Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry  Regiment on left - Iron Brigade of the Civil War

National Guard Museum  Multiple Launch Rocket System - Gulf War

Lunch at the Dubliner.  Across the street from NGAUS. 

 Good corned beef and Harp. I’d go there again. 

Old Post Office Tower

113 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE Old Post Office – Washington, DC

Pennsylvania Avenue National Historic Site is a National Historic Site in the city of Washington, D.C. Established on September 30, 1965, the site is roughly bounded by Constitution Avenue, 15th Street NW, F Street NW, and 3rd Street NW.

A street unlike any other.  It is known the world over as the heart of the Nation's Capital. America's history has marched, paraded, promenaded, and protested its way along the Avenue.

NATIONAL CATHEDRAL – Washington, DC

I visited here when the NGAUS Conference was in DC.   This place is huge – but only the 6^th largest Cathedral in the world.  St. Peter’s in Rome and St. Patrick’s in NYC are larger.  I took the 60 minute tour. Cost me $6.00.

The Cathedral is officially the Cathedral Church of St. Peter and St. Paul.   It had its beginning in 1893 when Congress incorporated the Protestant Episcopal Cathedral Foundation.  Built of Indiana limestone, the foundation stone (granite) was laid in 1907 in the presence of Theodore Roosevelt.  The Cathedral was completed in 1990 – 83 years later -when “the final finial” was placed and witnessed by George H.W. Bush.

Gothic architecture, complete with gargoyles and flying buttresses.  It serves as the spiritual home of the nation. However, it has never been funded by the government.

It was damaged by the August 23, 2011 earthquake.  It is safe but the repair and cleaning will  renovation will take 10 years.  

This place is huge – you can visit on a self-guided tour.

TUESDAY – October 7, 2014 

WEATHER:  low of 63 during the night, it did rain- mostly cloudy – some drizzle -high of low 70s; rain on and off starting around 7pm.

TRAVEL:   METRO Rail and by foot

114 PRESIDENTS PARK – THE WHITE HOUSE – Washington, DC

With all the recent breeches in security the security outside the White House is very evident.  The picture below was last week Tuesday September 30^th.  There was a demonstration in Lafayette Park (where I'm standing).  From the picture you can see that the public can’t even get near fence.

White House from Lafayette Park

I visited the interior today, compliments of Congressman Paul Ryan.  Nothing special the Secret Service needs your name and checks you out before you are given a GO to visit.  Security checks your ID at two separate locations against a roster they have for approved visitors.  There are another two additional screening facilities before entry.  Even so, it seems more friendly here than at the Capital.  

Aerial View White House

No pictures are allowed inside the White House.  A lot different from when I last visited in 1964 and 1966; this is now a self-guided tour on the first floor of the East Wing.  It includes viewing of the following rooms:

Vermeil Room: a collection of vermeil (gilded silver) serves a variety of functions, once a billard room

China Room: set aside by Edith Wilson for glass and china sued by presidents

Diplomatic Reception Room: an oval room furnished in the Federal period, this is where FDR broadcast his fireside chats

East Room:  the largest in the White House is used for receptions, ceremonies and press conferences.  Also used as a private showing room for deceased Presidents.  A 1938 Steinway concert grand piano decorated with folk dancing scenes and eagle supports was a gift of the Steinway Company.

Green Room: once served as Thomas Jefferson’s dining room is now a parlor, used for receptions.

Blue Room: furnished to represent the period of James Monroe.  The White House Christmas tree is placed in this room.

Red Room: used for small receptions.  John Adams used this as a breakfast room.  It is decorated as an American parlor 1810-30.

State Dining Room:  can seat 130 guests at round tables for dinners and luncheons.

The 2^nd and 3^rd floors are used by the Presidential family and guests.  Tours are available most mornings.  By 2-3 pm the rooms are again available to the President and his invited guests..

A new White House Visitor Center is located down the street from the White House at 1450 Pennsylvania Avenue.  This can be visited at any time.

John Paul Jones

JOHN PAUL JONES MEMORIAL – Washington, DC

The John Paul Jones Memorial is a monument in West Potomac Park in Washington, D.C.. The memorial honors John Paul Jones, the United States' first naval war hero, father of the United States Navy, the only naval officer to receive a Congressional Gold Medal during the American Revolutionary War, and whose famous quote "I have not yet begun to fight!" was uttered during the Battle of Flamborough Head.

Dedicated on April 17, 1912, the John Paul Jones Memorial was the first monument raised in Potomac Park. The memorial is located near the National Mall at the terminus of 17th Street Southwest near Independence Avenue on the northern bank of the Tidal Basin.  A nearby marker contains a biographical sketch of John Paul Jones, and describes the memorial's history and features.

EAST POTOMAC PARK – Washington, DC

This airy peninsula just south of the Jefferson Memorial drives a grassy wedge between the Potomac River and the Washington Channel.

The park draws sports enthusiasts throughout the year. You’ll find one 18-hole and two 9-hole public golf courses, miniature golfing, and a seasonal public pool.

The scenic riverfront trail that winds around the park’s perimeter is popular with walkers, runners, bikers, and skaters. In October, it fills with competitors in the annual Marine Corps Marathon.

Every spring, the park’s Japanese cherry trees burst into clouds of pink and white.  Hains Point, at the park’s eastern edge, offers stunning views of the river, Fort McNair, and the National War College. You can watch planes takeoff and land at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, while children frolic on the sandy playground.

John Ericsson

JOHN ERICSON MONUMENT – Washington, DC

John Ericsson National Memorial, located near the National Mall at Ohio Drive and Independence Avenue, SW, in Washington, D.C., is dedicated to the man who revolutionized naval history with his invention of the screw propeller.

During his lifetime, John Ericsson revolutionized several facets of technology. The Swedish-born engineer-inventor is best known for his work during the Civil War when he transformed naval warfare through his design of the iron-plated USS Monitor. The movements of Ericsson’s pencil across his drafting board were as crucial to victory as the movements of Lincoln’s armies across battlefields.

Arts of War

ARTS OF WAR & ARTS OF PEACE SCULPTURES – Arlington Memorial Bridge     Washington, DC

On the eastern ends of the bridge and parkway (behind the Lincoln Memorial) are two pairs of monumental Neo-classical equestrian sculpture.  They are placed on identical pedestals.  They are called “Arts of War.”  It consists of “Valor” and “Sacrifice.”  In “Valor” on the left, the male equestrian is accompanied by a female standing forward with a shield.  In “Sacrifice” a standing female symbolizing the earth looks up to the rider Mars.

Arts of Peace Music  & Harvest

The other end of the parkway has the “Arts of Peace.”  It consists of two sculptures, “Music and Harvest” and “Aspiration and Literature.”  “Music and Harvest” consists of a winged horse Pegasus, between a male figure with a bundle of wheat and a sickle and woman with a harp.  “Aspiration and Literature” is another Pegasus flanked by figures holding a book and a bow. 

Fords Theatre

115FORD’S THEATRE – Washington, DC

This has changed a lot since my visit in the late 90’s.  Admission is free, but you need a ticket.  Also a self guided tour.  It begins with a good museum in the basement, then you can walk to the main floor or balcony.

Fords Theate President's Box

Peterson House
where Lincoln died
across the street from Ford's Theater

PETERSON HOUSE  – Washington, DC

Across the street from the Ford Theatre; the house where Lincoln died.

WEDNESDAY – October 8, 2014 

WEATHER:  sunny mid 70's 

TRAVEL: about 30 miles to Annapolis less than an hour; 30 miles from Annapolis to Rock Creek - it was 2:15 - ran into traffic took me 2 hours to get there

USNA Golf Course

USNA Golf Course

ANNAPOLIS GC – Annapolis, MD - shot 55 with 21 putts and  1 lost ball.  First 3 holes were a 7, a 7 and a 6 then I figured out that Navy Blue was indeed the blue tees - then I found the white tees.  Each green here is elevated with sloping sides - no chance to roll on and plenty of opportunities to roll off.  Greens are very fast.   This is the Naval Academy's home course. Cost me $42.

117 POTOMAC HERITAGE NATIONAL SCENIC TRAIL - DC, MD, PA, VA

I visited Harpers Ferry in April and noticed that they consider themselves part of the Potomac Heritage Trail.   The Potomac Heritage National Scenic Trail goes through 4 states and is supported by federal, state and private agencies..

It is a network of bicycle, hiking, and river trails that link the Potomac and upper Ohio River basins.  It explores the contrasting landscapes between Chesapeake Bay and the Alleghney Highlands.

Some of the sites I’ve visited that include the Potomac Heritage NST are below:

29 Apr 14                            Harpers Ferry

20 Oct 14                            Chesapeake & Ohio Canal NHP

1 Oct 14                             Piscataway Park

7 Oct 14                              National Capital Parks East

5 Oct 14                              Rock Creek Park

4 Oct 14                             Great Falls Park

5 Oct 14                              George Washington Memorial Parkway

18 Oct 14                           Prince William Forest Park

25 Jul 14                             Appalachian NST

Rock Creek Golf Course

Rock Creek Golf Course

ROCK CREEK PARK GC – Washington, DC - shot 45 with 21 putts and a lost ball.  This course is in bad shape. It is the worst I've played all year - the rough is weeds, the fairway is a lot of dirt - not sure there were tee boxes - cost only $11. 

THURSDAY – October 9, 2014 

WEATHER: a nice day high in the 70's low in the high 50s

TRAVEL: none

PENTAGON – Washington, DC

Did not take 10:00 am tour arranged through Congressman Paul Ryan’s office. Taking a sick day.

Today’s saving grace was a radio station, somehow affiliated with NPR news, but plays mainly alternative music, except for today.  From 8 am until 7 pm the station played the complete set of Beatle Albums (English release) in monaural.  Yes, they were records – a box set – which after you gave any kind of donation – you could win the set along with a turntable that had a USB port.  Just listening was very satisfying; brought back some memories.    

I’ve spent 10 days visiting NHS, Memorials, Parks, Monuments and not once set foot in any of the museums.  It has been all consuming - the museums would take weeks . . . . . i.e.

National Archives,                                        Smithsonian Institution,

National Gallery of Art,                                 National Museum of Natural History,

National Museum of American History,      US Holocaust Memorial Museum,

National Air & Space Museum,                    Hershhorn Museum,

Sackler Gallery,                                             African Art Museum,

Department of Interior Museum,                 National Aquarium,

National Postal Museum,                             American Art Museum.

National Portrait Gallery,                              Newseum,

National Museum of Crime and Punishment . . . . .  

FRIDAY – October 10, 2014 

WEATHER: cloudy, high of 62, little or no wind, on and off drizzle

TRAVEL: none

Still resting the back . . . . . . will try to do Sunday what I wanted to visit today. 

Today I heard a wonderful piece of piano music – Six Caribbean Pieces by Arthur Benjamin.  It was performed by Martin Jones and Richard McMahon on AVM 3029.  I was unable to find the sheet music or recording on line.

I read a short book, “Guidebook to African American History in the American Parks.”  There are 54 one page articles on sites run by the NPS that have something to do with African Americans.   I have noticed an emphasis by the NPS to cover Native and African American contributions/connections with the sites I’ve visited.  They cover A to Z, from Adams NHP to Women’s Rights NHP.  So far I’ve visited 19 or the 54 African American sites.

SATURDAY - October 11, 2014 

WEATHER:  rained most of last night, still raining at 5:30 am - 54 degrees high of 58 should be cold tonight low 40’s – 60s& sunny tomorrow

TRAVEL:  About 29 miles to Mt Vernon, travel took a little over an hour, 3 accidents  – church is right down the road another 26 miles to Wolf Trap (Fort McNair is very close to Mt. Vernon I must have travelled around ½ of it to get to Wolf Trap)  then back here another 28 miles 45 minutes. 

DC Area Driving Observatons:

1.   You don’t see many Ford or GM products on the road.  Mostly Toyota, Nissan, Honda, and more than a fair share of Subaru and BMW.

2.    Speed limits are discretionary, 55 means 65, 65 means 75

3.     Lines on the road are suggestions to keep traffic flowing.  It appears you can pass on solid yellow means.  Additionally, you can pass at 75 or more on the right in order to get to the farthest left lane.  Weaving in and out of traffic is common.  Uncommon is driving against traffic, but I saw a jeep come down an entrance ramp and then decide to turn around and go back.

4.    Patience is a virtue.

Mount Vernon

MOUNT VERNON NHS– Mount Vernon, VA  Mount Vernon is not managed or supported by the federal government. I’ve been here twice before but was not impressed – but ‘what the heck!’  I paid the $17.

Mount Vernon

A surprise!  Something has changed – not the mansion – but the grounds.  I allowed 2 hours to visit here, I spent 2 ¾ hours and only left because I had to go to  church.  If you visit here, get your money’s worth – plan on 4-6 hours.  It’s a day trip.

Like most, no pictures allowed inside the house.  The tour is a constant flow through the mansion with docents placed in various rooms and halls explaining what’s what.  They switch every 15 minutes – probably to keep them from becoming bored and worn out.

Mount Vernon

There is a  new orientation center, a museum and education center.   You start out with a short introductory film in the orientation center. There are 2 additional state of the art films Edcuation Center.  One even has snow Trenton Christmas snow falling from the ceiling and the vibration of the cannon through your seat. 

The two gardens can take 20 minutes each to enjoy.  These are the best I’ve seen at any  historic sites.  There are plenty of outbuildings, tombs of Martha and George, a pioneer farm, and a slave memorial (there were over 300 slaves on the plantation).  I didn’t even get to the grist mill or distillery.  The original plantation was huge.

There are a hotel, restaurant and shops at the entrance.  Tastefully set . . .  they fit.  Mount Vernon is a day trip – not a 2 hour visit.

   

Good Shpeherd Church
Alexandria, VA

Good Shpeherd Church
Alexandria, VA

5pm Mass  - Good Shepherd Church – Alexandria, VA  This church is literally just down the road about 6 blocks.  A newer church - about 250 people at mass.  Older priest with a deacon.  The priest gave a short message to put the readings in context.  The lectors were less than able at proclaiming the news.  The deacon gave the homily – started with an Irish joke about St. Peter St Patrick  heaven and a bad guy who once gave $5 to the poor.  His  was good at delivery.   This parish was handing out The Little Burgundy Book, 6 minute reflections on Stewardship in light of the Gospel of St. Matthew.  Yes, published by those folks in Saginaw, MI who brought you White, Purple and Black books..

118 WOLF TRAP NATIONAL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS – Vienna, VA

Newmyer Flyer Tribute to The Everly Brothers – Section Primary Orchestra; Row E Seat 102.   I was lucky to get this ticket last week – ordered on line.  This concert is SOLD OUT.  Cost $27 plus $5 handling fee – very reasonable.

Wolf Trap

Wolf Trap - The Barns

This was an interesting venue.  The show is put on in a barn – I wish I had taken a photo of the inside – I believe every attempt was made to use old construction techniques – the beams and joists are cut to fit and support each other – probably no nails or spikes used for the frame.  Wolf Trap also has a much larger complex.

Newmyer Flyer is/are the producer(s) of the show.  There were two whole bands and 23 total singer/musicians (some apparently doubled as stage hands)- and not all played at the same time.  The Everly Brothers harmonies are unmistakable.  There were at least 4 or 5 pairs (sometimes trios) who sang a good portion of the Everly’s songs.  There were two one hour plus sets.

Some of the groupings were better at harmony than others – many

Wolf Trap - The Barns

times a woman sang the Phil Everly harmony.  I’m pretty sure I sang along lead or harmony with 90% of the tunes.   For me, noticeably missing from the lineup was “Ebony Eyes” and “It’s Old Fashioned.”  Standards such as “Wake Up Little Susie,” “Claudette,” “ All I Have to Do is Dream, “ “Bye, Bye Love,” “Bird Dog,” “When Will I Be Loved,” “Til I Kissed You” and “Cathy’s Clown”  brought back memories.  They even reached back to “Take A Message to Mary” and “Love Hurts.”

A good show.  They were all local - the musicians were very good – even if the singing wasn’t always right on target.  Bottom was played mostly, by two guys on a stand up bass.   There were at least 2 1960 vintage Telecaster’s and would you believe . . .  also 2 Gibson Model LG1 guitars – they looked worn.  I spoke to one guitar player and only the body of the Telecaster was still original and it’s been refinished at least 3 times.   

The producer plans a tribute to Traffic in the spring – that would be interesting.

SUNDAY - October 12, 2014 

WEATHER:  48 at 5:15; 53 in the trailer; mostly sunny, high in the low 60’s

TRAVEL:  A lot of windshield time. A little more than an hour to College Park to First State NM;  another 1 1/2 hours to Assateague Island NS (passed Dover AFB on the way);  another 50 minutes to Harriet Tubman NM;  1 ¾ hours back to College Park.  A long day.   First State and Harriet Tubman were just added stops.  They are really new.    I had originally, planned to ‘dry camp’ at Assateague – maybe should have – could have spent 2 days there – with the right weather.

.

119 FIRST STATE NATIONAL MONUMENT – New Castle, DE

Of course it was closed 
& I wasn't going to wait 4 hours

From the NPS website:  "A New National Park First State National Monument is a new national park which consists of four areas partners. The National Park Service will soon begin a public process to develop a management plan for the park.  At present, there are no NPS facilities and limited staff. The Woodlawn Tract, near Wilmington: New Castle Court House Museum, New Castle,  The Green, New Castle, and Dover Green, Dover

Famous as the First State to ratify the Constitution, Delaware was born out of a conflict among three world powers for dominance of the Delaware Valley.  From this beginning, the region developed a distinct character that tolerated diversity in religion and national origin and valued independence. 

I also visited here in October of 2019.  On a Monday.  NPS Website said it would be open. Not.  BOTTOM LINE: 2 visits and still no passport stamp.

120 ASSATEAGUE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE - Berlin, MD

Assateague Island

Assateague bay side

A seashore famous for its wild horse herds.  Plenty of bike and hiking trails.  All is very flat.  Probably very buggy in the summer.  The visitor center is informative – plenty of hands on for children.  Campsites have no hookups – pit toilets.  My day visit – weather was perfect.

Ponies graze in the campground

This is another barrier island.  The dunes are always in motion.  The ocean and storms change the island constantly.  Over the Sand Vehicles (OSVs) are allowed with permit.  Pleasant.

Assateague Island

Assateague Island

121 HARRIET TUBMAN NATIONAL MONUMENT - Cambridge, MD

From the NPS Web Site:

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument is a new national park area. It has no planned park facilities and will have limited services. It is a park in progress and in the coming years, you will see services added to the park done in cooperation with Maryland's planned Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park which is expected to open in 2015.

I guess I was here a year too early: 

The Visitor Experience: A Different Kind of 19^th- Century Battlefield
Underground Railroad activity represents a different kind of 19^th-century battlefield. Like a battlefield, the events that took place on this ground and the people who participated in them are long gone. Like a battlefield, the fight was for freedom and the risks were life and death. And, like the secret network that the national monument commemorates, the history here may not be immediately obvious.

You won't see Harriet Tubman represented here in structures and statues, rather, she is memorialized in the land, water, and sky of the Eastern Shore where she was born and where she returned again and again to free others. Tubman would easily recognize this place. The landscapes and waterways that she navigated and used for sanctuary on her Underground Railroad missions have changed little from her time.

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument is a new park. In the coming years, you will see services added to the park done in cooperation with Maryland's planned Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad State Park. Today, you can explore Underground Railroad history and Harriet Tubman's story by enjoying the programs, facilities, and events sponsored and operated by our partners.

This site is so new – it doesn’t exist yet.  The Visitor Center is under construction. 

Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad National Monument
to be under construction  - someday

Blackwater Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center

I drove a mile down the road to the Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center.  This is the address given for the Harriet Tubman National Monument.  The folks there knew it was under construction and provided me with a copy of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Byway Driving Tour Guide.  This was free – most places would probably charge you $10. There was no NPS passport stamp.

Blackwater National
Wildlife Refuge

The tour route has interpretive markers, audio stops, exhibits and structures.  There are 39 stops on the route.  There is a smart phone app. “Harriet Tubman Byway” in iTunes or go to http://tubman.toursphere.com on your phone.  I did not travel the route; it covers the length of Maryland.

The Underground Railroad was a secret network of courageous people throughout the United States who broke the law to offer transportation, refuge and comfort to escaping slaves during the 1800s.  It was named symbolically after the new steam railroads and used terms such as “passengers,” “depots,” and “conductors.”

Tubman UG RR Map 

Harriet Tubman was one of the most famous people involved in the Underground Railroad.  Born Araminta Ross, in Dorchester County, MD she spent her early years in Bucktown on the farm of her owner, Edward Brodess.  After escaping in 1849, she made 13 trips back to the area to help others escape slavery..

Harriet Tubman was a deeply spiritual woman who lived her ideals and dedicated her life to freedom. She is the Underground Railroad’s best known conductor and in the decades before the Civil War, repeatedly risked her life to guide nearly 70 enslaved people to new lives of freedom in the North. Tubman would recognize the landscapes protected in this new national monument on Maryland’s Eastern Shore.

Green Bay PACKERS 27 – Miami DOLPHINS

4-2, 2nd in NFC Northern Division

1:00 PM     Sun Life Stadium, Miami Gardens, Florida

Those first 2 games were haunting – now I think I am able to wear my GB sweatshirt and t shirt down here.

MONDAY - October 13, 2014 

WEATHER:  cloudy - high 50’s for a low; should get up to 70 - 40% chance of rain

TRAVEL:  oil change on the Silverado at a Sports Chverolet, about a 10 mile drive

COLUMBUS DAY – a Federal Holiday

The 239^th Birthday of the United States Navy

TUESDAY - October 14, 2014 

WEATHER:  cloudy in the morning mid 60’s, mostly to partly cloudy, reached 80

Prince William
RVCampground

Prince William
RVCampground

TRAVEL:  Cherry Hill to Prince William Forest RV Park was a 50 mile 1 hour and 20 minute drive south.  This is better than I thought.  Prince William Forest is a NP but again has no sites with electric.  This is on the edge of the forest – but is not run by the park service.  No freeway and trucks in the background noise – sites are not as close together.

Manassas - Henry Hill

122 MANASSAS NATIONAL BATTLEFIELD PARK – Manassas, VA

The battles and campaigns of the Civil War can be confusing to follow.  Especially here in northern Virginia where the ground changed hands several times over the course of the war.  SO bear with if you are following I will try my best to make it clear but the sites I visit will not follow chronologically. 

Many of the Civil War Battlefields have two names.  The South tended to name the battleground after the nearest town or city, the North usually named it after a terrain feature i.e. Antietam is the creek, but Sharpsburg is the town – same battle fought on Sep 19, 1862.

Now to Manassas (or Bull Run, the creek), this place can also be confusing because there were two battles fought here in different years.

Books and books have been written about most Civil War battles – it gets very detailed – of interest to me – but I’ll try not to bore you with the details.

1^st Manassas was one of the first major battles of the war fought July 21, 1861.

HIGHLIGHTS:

-Confederate Victory BG Pierre Gustave Toutant Beauregard CSA vs MG Irwin McDowell, USA

-BG Thomas Edward Jackson gets his nickname “Stonewall” here

2^nd Manassas was fought a year later over several days on August 28-29-30, 1862.

HIGHLIGHTS:

-Confederate Victory GEN Robert E Lee CSA vs MG John Pope USA

-The “Stonewall Brigade” (formerly Jackson’s command) nickname BG John Gibbon’s Bde (2^nd WI, 6^th WI, 7^th WI, 19^th IN) the “Black Hat Brigade” because they wore the distinctive tall black Hardee Hat at the battle of Brawner’s Farm  - August 28th.  A few weeks later, at South Mountain and Antietam they get the nickname “Iron Brigade”

-LTG James Longstreet‘s counterattack on August 30^th is a battle unto itself.

Brawner Farm House

Manassas
Brawner Farm

I’ve been here at least 4 times before primarily always to see Brawner Farm.  Much has changed over the years.  The Brawner Farm house is now an Interpretive Center with a parking lot off to the west.   There was a 3 pm ranger guided tour.  The ranger covered the 2^nd Battle of Manassas which really started here at Brawner Farm on August 28.  The main Manassas Visitor Center covers 1^st Manassas around which most of the first battle was fought.

There is a driving tour of 2^nd Manassas, primarily because it was fought over a much wider area than 1^st Manassas.  Plenty of what NPS calls “connector” trails.   I’ve walked most of the 2^nd Manassas trails, I plan to walk the 5.4 mile 1^st Manassas trail, as well as take the driving tour gain, perhaps some of the shorter 2^nd Manassas trails .

Manassas

Manassas - Brawner Farm

Brawner Farm  - "It was a stand up fight"  Until it got too dark to find a target (they eventually stopped firing at muzzle flashes) the Black Hats (where the ranger is) and the Stonewall Bde (fenceline) faced each other at literally point blank range - 80 yds or less    

Last comment – at NGAUS, maybe 1998 – I proposed a painting of the Iron (Black Hat)  Brigade vs. the “Stonewall Brigade” with Battery B 4^th US coming into battery at Brawner Farm.  I spoke with the Commander of the current “Stonewall Brigade” VAARNG and I was in command of Wisconsin’s “Iron Brigade.”  I even spoke to Keith Rocco and decided we could do this if, we raised enough money to at least pay for pre-sales – about $10,000 – that’s 100 pledges of $100 for 250 prints (50 would go Rocco) – well we got – less than the needed support – no interest in Wisconsin.  It was a good business plan – after the first 100 were sold it was all but clear profit - there was money to be made - just couldn’t get the pre-sale support - still a good idea.   Knowing what I do now, the Civil War Roundtables and Virginia itself would probably show more support than Wisconsin. This was all done for the benefit of the Wisconsin Field Artillery Association.  We (Iron Brigade) and the Stonewall Brigade of VA would own the original painting – we would have had to decide how to display  or share display  - - - - that wouldn’t have been a problem.

First Manassas

WEDNESDAY - October 15, 2014 

WEATHER:  rained most of the day, heavy at times, not a day for walking, the morning started out at 67 – got up to 70

TRAVEL:  a road trip; through Prince William, Farquier, and Loudoun Counties.  I did find AMOCO gas at $2.93 a gallon – yet an AMOCO not 10 miles away was at $3.19 – go figure.

MANASSAS NBP – Manassas, VA

Got to the Visitor Center around 10 am – saw a 45 minute film on both the 1^st and second battles.  It was produced in 2002.  It was done very well.  The museum has an electric battlefield map that explains 1^st Manassas.

There are several brochures published by Civil War Trails.  The guides highlight Civil War sites throughout Virginia, Maryland, West Virginia and Tennessee.   The brochure for Northern Virginia alone identifies over 70 Civil War sites in the 3 northern counties of Prince William, Fauquier and Loudoun. I plan to visit only a few of those that are moderately connected with the NPS.  The sites I visited today are in the Virginia Civil War Trails brochure “1861-1865 NORTHERN VIRGINIA – Crossroads of Conflict.”

MANASSAS STATION OPERATIONS  -  August 25-27, 1862  2nd Manassas  The Manassas Station Operations included the operations known as Bristoe Station, Kettle Run, Bull Run Bridge, or Union Mills. It took place August 25–27, 1862, in Prince William County, Virginia, as part of the Northern Virginia Campaign of the American Civil War.

Manassas

BLACKBURN FORD – July 18, 1861  Battle of First Manassas

Blackburn's Ford Over Bull Run

I found this by accident – it is just before Bull Run on the right, traveling south on Hwy 28.

On July 18, 1861, General Daniel Tyler, commanding McDowell’s First Division, proceeded to make a reconnaissance towards Blackburn’s Ford. A squadron of cavalry and two companies of infantry from Colonel Israel Richardson’s brigade led the advance.

A Confederate brigade under General James Longstreet, consisting of Virginia and North Carolina infantry regiments and supported by seven guns of the famed Washington Artillery of New Orleans, stood poised to meet the Union advance at Blackburn’s Ford. Longstreet’s troops remained largely concealed by the woods along Bull Run.

By late morning Tyler was in a position overlooking Blackburn’s Ford on Bull Run. Although he observed a Confederate battery across the run, rebel troops could not be detected in any strength. “Desiring to ascertain the extent of [the Confederate] force,” Tyler called forward his artillery and Richardson’s entire infantry brigade, composed of the 1^st Massachusetts, 12^th New York, 2^nd Michigan and 3^rd Michigan, the latter two regiments being deployed facing Mitchell’s Ford.

Manassas - Balckburn's Ford

Tyler’s guns opened fire shortly after noon but received no appreciable response. Determined to feel out the enemy, Tyler directed Richardson to advance a line of skirmishers. Upon approaching the wooded stream banks, a gray clad battalion from the 1^st Massachusetts drew scattering shots from skirmishers of the 1^stVirginia Infantry. In response, Tyler sent forward a section of 12-pounder field howitzers from Romeyn Ayres’ battery with a squadron of cavalry for support. Richardson also directed the 12^th New York and 1^stMassachusetts to move forward in support of the artillery pieces. As the two howitzers opened fire the entire stream bottom erupted with heavy volleys of musketry. The New Yorkers became heavily engaged, yet fell back in disorder shortly thereafter, dangerously exposing the left flank of the 1^st Massachusetts. Captain Ayres recalled his exposed pair of howitzers after they had expended all of their canister rounds and some spherical case shot.

Satisfied that the enemy was present in strong force, Tyler ordered Richardson’s battered infantry to disengage and withdraw. Ayres’ six guns, assisted by two 20-pounder Parrott rifles, kept up a steady but ineffective artillery exchange with Confederate batteries until 4p.m.

General Tyler reported 83 casualties while General Beauregard (CSA) noted a total of 68 killed and wounded in this relatively small affair. 

Bristoe Station

BRISTOE STATION BATTLEFIELD PARK - October 14, 1863

It was drizzling – I wish I had more time.  Located at the corner of Iron Bridge Unit Avenue and Tenth Alabama Way in Bristow, VA. This short trail is probably a satisfying walk.

On October 14, 1863, A.P. Hill’s corps stumbled upon two corps of the retreating Union army at Bristoe Station and attacked without proper reconnaissance. Union soldiers of the II Corps, posted behind the Orange & Alexandria Railroad embankment, mauled two brigades of Henry Heth’s division and captured a battery of artillery. Hill reinforced his line but could make little headway against the determined defenders. After this victory, the Federals continued their withdrawal to Centreville unmolested. 

Bristoe Station

Lee’s Bristoe offensive sputtered to a premature halt. After minor skirmishing near Manassas and Centreville, the Confederates retired slowly to Rappahannock River destroying the Orange & Alexandria Railroad as they went. At Bristoe Station, Hill lost standing in the eyes of Lee, who angrily ordered him to bury his dead and say no more about it.

BATTLE OF KETTLE RUN - August 27, 1862

Along Highway 28 just before Kettle Run there is a turnoff and a Civil War Trails marker but no interpretive sign.

On August 27, 1862, two of Confederate Gen. Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson's divisions plundered the Federal supply depot at Manassas Junction. Gen. Richard S. Ewell's division formed Jackson's rear guard at Bristoe Station on the Orange and Alexandria Railroad. Ewell knew the ground well, having been raised nearby at Stony Lonesome farm. Learning of Jackson's raid, Union Gen. John Pope sent Gen. Joseph Hooker's division north from Warrenton Junction along the railroad. Marching on an extremely hot afternoon, Hooker's troops encountered Ewell's skirmish line south of the Kettle Run bridge at 2 p.m. As fighting intensified, Col. Henry Forno's brigade (60th Georgia and 6th and 8th Louisiana Infantry) withdrew across the bridge and burned it. They regrouped on the other side with formidable artillery support. Col. Joseph Carr's Union brigade stormed across the stream into a hail of lead and shot which, as one Federal soldier noted, "caused a very unpleasant sensation." Ewell's division held firm, inflicting heavy casualties along the railroad until Col. Nelson Taylor's famed Excelsior Brigade advanced and gave the Federals superior numbers. About 4 p.m., Ewell commenced an orderly retreat across Broad Run. Fighting as it withdrew, Gen. Jubal A. Early's brigade disengaged last and crossed Broad Run about 6:00, burning the railroad.

Federal casualties were about 300 killed and wounded. The Confederates lost about 150. Ewell withdrew to Manassas Junction, where that night Jackson torched the remaining Union supplies and then marched his men to favorable ground on the old Manassas battlefield to await Gen. Robert E. Lee and Gen. James Longstreet's wing. This set the stage for the Second Battle of Manassas on August 28-30, 1862.

CATLETT’S STATION – August 22, 1862   Catlett, VA

A  Northern Virginia Civil War Trails marker just across the tracks.

Catlett's Station

BUCKLAND RACES – October, 19, 1863   Buckland Mills, VA

If you get off the Lee Highway, this is horse farm country.  The Civil War Trails marker is on the property of a church.

After A.P. Hills’s defeat at Bristoe Station and an aborted advance on Centreville, CSA General Stuart's cavalry shielded the withdrawal of Lee's army from the vicinity of ManassasJunction.
Union cavalry under Kilpatrick pursued Stuart's cavalry along the Warrenton Turnpike but were lured into an ambush near Chestnut Hill and routed. 
The Federal troopers were scattered and chased five miles in an affair that came to be known as the "Buckland Races."

Buckland Races

THOROUGHFARE GAP – August 28, 1862 2^nd Mansassas

I believe I-66 is the Thoroughfare Gap.  It runs through the Bull Run Range of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  I couldn’t find a marker.

After skirmishing near Chapman’s Mill in Thoroughfare Gap, Brig. Gen. James Ricketts’s Union division was flanked by a Confederate column passing through Hopewell Gap several miles to the north and by troops securing the high ground at Thoroughfare Gap.  Ricketts retired, and Longstreet’s wing of the army marched through the gap to join Jackson. This seemingly inconsequential action virtually ensured Pope’s defeat during the battles of Aug. 29-30 because it allowed the two wings of Lee’s army to unite on the Manassas battlefield. Ricketts withdrew via Gainesville to Manassas Junction.

Ball's Bluff

BALL’S BLUFF BATTLEFIELD – October 21, 1861  Leesburg, VA

Another site literally, at the end of the road.  It was raining - hard.  Appears to  have a number of trails that would be enjoyable to walk – depending on the weather.  This is a place to visit - when it isn't raining.

Ball's Bluff - map

Confederate Brig. Gen. Nathan “Shanks” Evans stopped a badly coordinated attempt by Union forces under Brig. Gen. Charles P. Stone to cross the Potomac at Harrison’s Island and capture Leesburg. A timely Confederate counterattack drove the Federals over the bluff and into the river. More than 700 Federals were captured.  Col. Edward Dickenson Baker (the only U.S. Senator to die in the war) a Brigade Commander was killed. This Union rout had severe political ramifications in Washington and led to the establishment of the Congressional Joint Committee on the Conduct of the War.

BATTLE OF DRANESVILLE -

This Northern Virginia Civil War Trails site is supposedly along a 6 lane Highway 7 that is under construction – I never found a marker except on the internet (below) – may have been taken down due to construction.

Brig. Gen. J.E.B. Stuart led a brigade-sized mixed force of cavalry, infantry, and artillery to protect a foraging expedition in the vicinity of Dranesville. Union Brig. Gen. E.O.C. Ord, advancing on the Georgetown Pike, encountered Stuart’s cavalry.  Both sides deployed as more units arrived on the field, and a sharp firefight developed. Stuart withdrew in the mid-afternoon after ensuring that his wagons were safely in the rear.

Wolf Trap

Wolf Trap

WOLF TRAP NATIONAL PARK FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS –       Vienna, VA

This was sort of on the way back to Prince William RV Park.  I stopped to get a NPS passport stamp.  There is a ranger station – nothing more than a watchman’s shack.  The park itself has a number of walking trails – yes there are several Northern Virginia Civil War Trails sites in Vienna.  I didn’t look for them.

Batlle of Ox Hill (Chantilly)

Ox Hill (Chantilly) Battlefield Park –  September 1, 1862 after 2^nd Manassas

This was a rare find – I almost gave up looking for it – GARMIN took me to the wrong place – this time ONSTAR found it correctly.

This is another place worth the visit.  Plan to spend 30-60 minutes here.  A very nice trail goes around the small park with many interpretive markers.

Making a wide flank march, Jackson hoped to cut off the Union retreat from Bull Run. On September 1, beyond Chantilly Plantation on the Little River Turnpike near Ox Hill, Jackson sent his divisions against two Union divisions under Kearny and Stevens.

Both Union Division Commander’s MG Philip Kearny and BG Issac I. Stevens were killed here.

Confederate attacks were stopped by fierce fighting during a severe thunderstorm. Recognizing that his army was still in danger at Fairfax Courthouse, Maj. Gen. Pope ordered the retreat to continue to Washington. With Pope no longer a threat, Lee turned his army west and north to invade Maryland, initiating the Maryland Campaign and the battles of South Mountain and Antietam. Maj. Gen. George B. McClellan assumed command of Union forces around Washington.

THURSDAY - October 16, 2014 

WEATHER:  cloudy in the morning mid 60, got up to 70 partyly cloudy by 1pm 

TRAVEL:  decided to take the Manassas driving tour today.  I’ve done that before – but this is another look – with several side hiking trails

There is WIFI here at Prince William Forest RV Park but it has proved to be intermittent.  Same goes for the Mobile Hot Spot on my phone.  It is very slow.  Not the environment or a strong enough signal for updating a lot of text or adding pictures. Haven’t updated for a while.

On Tuesday I bought 3 back issues of Blue & Gray magazine dealing with “First Manassas,” “Second Manassas: Action on August 28-29, 1862,” and “Second Manassas: Action on August 30, 1862.”  I figured this was a good purchase rather than a detailed Battlefield Guide or an even more detailed book.  I read about 2 ½ hours of the  “Second Manassas: Action on August 28-29, 1862.”  There are good maps and a fairly detailed presentation of the battle.  Wish I had the time to read it all before I got here – I might have been able to find the off-road site of the action at “Thoroughfare Gap.”

Allow 6 hours for the driving tour and some walking – add another 2 hours when you stop at the Visitor Center for the Manassas I or Brawner Farm for the Manassas II overview.

STOP 1 BRAWNER FARM – (M II) did that Tuesday 

Map of the Park   'You Are Here' identifies Stop 8 Groveton

STOP 2 BATTERY HEIGHTS - (M II) This is where John Gibbon’s Iron Brigade guns, Battery B 4^th US Artillery, supported his fight at Brawner Farm. 

STOP 3 STONE HOUSE – (M I & MII) This landmark for both battles has stood since the 1820s or 1840s.  It is at the junction of the Warrenton Turnpike (Lee Highway) and the Sudley Road. The rising ground immediately behind the Stone House is Buck Hill, where Union Gen John Pope established his Command Post during the second battle.

To the N along Sudley Road and behind Buck Hill is Matthews Hill.

To the S along Sudley Road is Henry House Hill.

STOP 4 MATTHEWS HILL – During the second battle the area of the parking lot and west of Sudley road served as a staging area for Union MG Franz Sigel’s attack on the left flank of Jackson’s line following the unfinished railroad cut. 

I Corps (US) MG Franz Sigel

1^st Division  BG Robert C. Schenck (WIA), BG Julius Stahel

1^st Bde BG Julius Stahel, COL Adolphus Bushbeck

2^nd Bde COL Nathaniel C McLean

2^nd Division BG Adolph von Steinwehr

1^st Bde COL John A Koltes (KIA), LTC Gustavus A. Muhleck

3^rd Division BG Carl Schurz

1^st Bde COL Alexander Schimmelfenning

2^nd Bde COL WladimirKrzyzanowski

Independent Bde BG Robert H. Milroy

Cavalry Brigade COL John Beardsley

The brigades of Schimmelfenning and Krzyanowski passed over this ground and attacked BG Marcy Gregg’s SC Bde.  

I took a trail that where the guns of CPTs Freeman McGilvery (1 NY Lt. Arty) and James Graham supported union attacks.  The trail also covers action of the first battle.

STOP 5 SUDLEY – (M II) This small community is at the confluence of Bull Run and Carthapin Run and was witness to both battles.  In the second battle, this was the left flank of Jackson’s line and it was defended by BG Marcy Gregg’s SC Bde along the unfinished railroad cut for most of the afternoon. 

Unfinished RR Cut near Sudley

MG Phil Kearny’s 1^st Division of MG Samuel Hintzelman’s III Corps (Army of the Potomac) came to the support (perhaps too late 5pm) of Sigel’s attack here with the brigades of BG, John Robinson, BG David B. Birney, and COL Orlando Poe. 

SIDENOTE:  MG John Pope commanded the Army of Virginia.  Lee felt he could come north, sending Jackson behind Pope’s Army because MG George B. McClellan’s Army of the Potomac had disengaged Lee on the Peninsula.  This allowed some of Mac’s troops returning to Washington DC, such as Hintzelman’s III Crops to reinforce Pope.  McClellan has been accused of being slow in providing the reinforcements – Mac and Pope did not get along.   

STOP 6 UNFINISHED RAILROAD  - (M II) This is a well preserved stretch of the unfinished railroad and includes a level area where no cut was required.  Of course it is heavily wooded now – it wasn’t at the time of the battle.  The Union made three attacks here.  

The fight at the unfinished railroad bed is often misunderstood.  It did not necessarily serve as a trench for the Confederates.  Jackson positioned his soldiers behind the cut.    In some places where the parallel embankments were low enough they were used as a trench.  Even today after years of erosion – you can still see that it is too high for a manned trench.  The cut was used more as an obstacle to attackers.

There is a loop trail here that covers both sides of the trench or you can take it to where BG Marcy Gregg’s SC Bde fought at Sudley.

STOP 7  DEEP CUT -  (M II) I took the trail from the parking area to a rise where the unfinished 
railroad earned the name “deep cut.”  The walk up the hill passes over part of the bloody attack made by MG Fitz John Porter’s V Corps attack on August 30^th. 

V Corps (Army of the Potomac)

MG Fitz John Porter

1^st Division MG George W. Morell

1^st Bde COL Charles W. Roberts

2^nd Bde BG Charles Griffin

3^rd Bde BG Daniel Butterfield

1 US Sharpshooters COL Hiram Berdan

2^nd Division BG George Sykes

1^st Bde LTC Robert C Buchanan

2^nd Bde LTC William Chapman

3^rd Bde COL Gouverneur K Warren

STOP 8  GROVETON – (M II) This was a wartime hamlet at the junction of the Warrenton Pike and Featherbed Road.   It is about a mile or less north of the Brawner Farm.  It was also in the path of Hood’s Division  on the evening of the 29^th.  All that remains of old Groveton is the Lucinda Dugan house.  The Groveton Confederate Cemetery was established in 1869 and contains the remains of 500 soldiers – most unknown.

Looking at Groveton

STOP 9 NEW YORK MONUMENTS – The New York Monuments pertain to the battle on August 30^th.  Four different union batteries occupied the hill that faced south along the Warrenton Pike (Lee Highway) at various time on the 29^th.  At dusk CPT George A Gerrish’s four guns of 1^st Btry NH  Lt Arty  were on the hill supporting BG John Hatch’s division when BG John Bell Hood’s division of Longstreet’s command advanced in the twilight on a reconnaissance in force.  Hood forced the federals from the position and captured one of Gerish’s guns.

 

Further down are monuments to two regiments of NY Zouaves who faced  Longstreets counterattack on August 30^th. 

STOP 10 CHINN RIDGE – (M I & II)  This ridge was prominent in 
the action on the 30^th.  There is a paved walk.

STOP 11 PORTICI – (M I)  There was a plantation mansion that once stood here and served as HQ for BG Joseph E. Johnston during the first battle.

FRIDAY - October 17, 2014 

WEATHER:  clear  56 degrees at 5 am, sunny – reached 75 by 2 pm 

TRAVEL:  back to Manassas for the first battle around Henry House Hill – done this before but there is always more to learn or refresh

FIRST BATTLE OF MANASSAS July 21, 1861

Did the walking loop around Henry Hill this is where the action ended.  The battle flowed west to east.  MG Irvin McDowell’s Union forces travelled south down the Warrenton Pike and started a demonstration north of Bull Run while the majority of the northern army marched west and crossed Bull Run at Sudley Ford.

I visited the Stone house and walked the Matthews Hill loop yesterday.  I ended the day with walking the Stone Bridge loop at Bull Run.

There were two Confederate Armies defending Bull Run. 

Confederate Army of the Potomac – BG P.G.T. Beauregard

1^st Bde BG Milledge L. Bonham

2^nd Bde BG Richard S. Ewell

3^rd Bde BG David R. Jones

4^th Bde BG James Longstreet

5^th Bde COL Phillip St. George Cooke

6^th Bde COL Jubal Early

7^th Bde COL Nathan G. Evans

Independent Reserve Bde  BG Theophilus H. Holmes

Confederate Army of the Shenandoah – by BG Joseph E. Johnston

1^st Bde BG Thomas J. Jackson

2^nd Bde COL Francis S. Bartow (KIA)

3^rd Bde BG Bernard E. Bee (KIA)

4^th Bde Kirby Smith (WIA)

SYNOPSIS:

BG Evans Brigade (1^st Special LA Bn, 4^th SC, Alexander’s Troop 30 VA Cav and

Interprtive Marker at Stone Bridge

Terry’s Troop 30^th VA Cav) was positioned on the left flank of the Confederate line on the heightsabove Bull Run and the Stone Bridge -Warrenton Pike.  When he learned that he was being flanked – he shifted his infantry to defend Matthews Hill, then Buck Hill facing west. Initial contact was with the 2 RI (900) coming to the top of Matthews Hill .  The 2^nd RI commanded by COL John H. Slocum, was supported by the 6 James Rifles of CPT William Reynolds 2^nd RI Btry  This is where MAJ Sullivan Ballou (2^nd RI), sharing a premonition of his death in a letter to his wife Sarah, lost his leg and died of wounds later.

The 2^nd RI was joined by 1^st RI, 71 NY and 2 NH.  These units were part of COL Ambrose Burnside’s Bde.  LT William Avarell (Porter supported Burnside to the south,as his Bde Cdr COL Andrew Porter had to assume command of the division due to the wounding of COL David Hunter.

Porter extended the union line with his brigade, led by Avarell, to the right of Burnside and anchored on the right by CPT Charles Griffin’s Co. D 5^th US Artillery.

Evans was outnumbered.  He fought mainly in an effort to gain time.  Temporary relief arrived when CPT John D. Imboden’s Staunton Artillery and BG Barnard Bee’s Bde arrived.

Matthews Hill Background  & Stone House 

However, federal units, to include a unit of US Marines, more artillery (CPT James B. Ricketts Co. I 1^st US Artillery), and a Bn of US Regulars under the command of Major George Sykes continued to arrive on the field and drove the confederates east across the Warrenton Pike.

NOTE:  An artillery Battery was still referred to as Company in 1861.

The fight continued to move east toward Henry Hill. Federal units continued to feed onto the battlefield.  Commanding General Irwin McDowell exclaimed “The days is ours.”

The Confederates were pushed back across the Warrenton Pike to Henry Hill in disorder.

COL William T. Sherman’s Bde, which included the 2^nd Wisconsin, and COL Erasmus D. Keyes Bde crossed Bull Run near the Stone Bridge and joined the federal line.  McDowell now had almost 16,000 men available to seal his victory.

            COL William T. Sherman                  COL Erasmus D. Keyes

            69^th NY                                               2^nd ME

            79^th NY                                               1^st CT

            2^nd WI                                                 2^nd CT

                                                                        3^rd CT

NOTE:  Cases of mistaken identity were common.  Some confederates wore blue uniforms and some federals wore gray.  The 2^nd Wisconsin (later a member of the Iron Brigade) at this time wore state issued militia gray uniforms. 

Jackson's gun facing Henry House

Then, the fresh brigade of BG Thomas J. Jackson’s arrived on the field along with 13 pieces of artillery. It was reported to him “Sir, they are driving us.”  Jackson calmly replied, “Then we will give them the bayonet.”  He formed a line along the woods just east of Henry Hill.  The  artillery faced off no more than 350 yards apart.

Thomas J "Stonewall" Jackson & Bernard Bee Monuments on Henry Hill

It is here that BG Bernard Bee rallying his disorganized troops, is to have said “Yonder stands Jackson like a stone wall!.  Let’s go to his assistance.” Or as reported days later by the Charleston Mercury “There is Jackson standing like a stone wall.  Let us determine to die here, and we will conquer.  Follow me.”  Regardless what was said Stonewall remained as a nickname and Bee did die on Henry Hill.

Manassas - Rickets Guns 

Manassas - Jackson 'like a stone wall'

The federal guns of Ricketts and Griffin changed hands more than once as the infantry attacked and counterattacked.

Confederate reinforcements continued to arrive on the field as the struggle for Henry Hill remained a grinding battle of attrition.  McDowell was running out of fresh troops.  Seven federal brigades had crossed Bull Run and six were engaged.  McDowell sent the fresh brigade of COL Oliver O. Howard to the right of the federal line on Chinn Ridge, just the other side of the Sudley Road. McDowell wanted to move Howard’s brigade around the confederate left and hit them in the flank.

COL Oliver O Howard

3^rd ME

4^th ME

5^th ME

2^nd VT

           

ANOTHER NOTE:  A brigade consisted or 2-5 Regiments.  When formed, a regiment consisted of 1000 men in 10 companies of 100 each.  This was the first major battle of the war and even at that most regiments still were not  at full strength.  Later in the war, where many of the regiments were but a shadow of their former strength, they ranged from 100 to 400 men.  Even so, here Howard’s brigade showed 2000 on paper, probably no more than 1500 were available for battle. He was moving into a position to face the 4,000 men of COL Arnold Elzey under BG Kirby Smith and COL Jubal A. Early.  

. 

Confederate commander’s BG P.G.T. Beauregard and BG Joseph E. Johnston had long ago given up the idea of an offensive and continued to move troops from the right to the left on Henry Hill.  The time gained by Evans, Bee and Jackson now paid big dividends. BOTTOM LINE the arrival of 10,000 Confederate reinforcements turned the tide of the battle. McDowell knew nothing of the reinforcements.  

Howard’s brigade eventually disintegrated and moved to the rear.   With the collapse of Howard’s brigade, McDowell recognized that day and the battle had been lost.  MAJ Sykes battalion of US Regular’s formed a rear guard as the McDowell’s Army of Eastern Virginia moved back across Bull Run.

Confederate President Jefferson Davis arrived on the field late in the afternoon.  His arrival buoyed the spirits of many soldiers.  They Confederates did not pursue the defeated Federals.  Joseph E. Johnston is to have remarked years later that the battle left the Confederate Army “more disorganized by victory, then that of the United States by defeat.” 

The First Battle of Manassas served as the nation’s baptism of fire; and helped dipel the naïve notions of a brief conflict.  More than 900 Americans were dead and another 2,500 wounded. 

SATURDAY - October 18, 2014 

WEATHER:  cloudy with 56 degrees at a am, sun came out around 9:15 – should reach 65

TRAVEL:  only plan to travel to Prince William Forest NP, get some groceries and perhaps church at 5pm

Transferred and titled pictures, updated the blog, planned ahead and read.

123 PRINCE WILLIAM FOREST PARK – Dumfries, VA

I’ve actually been staying at Prince William Forest RV Park which is adjacent to this park but operated by a concessionaire.  The NP itself does not have electric at any of the sites.

The park is a lot of green space - 15,000 forested acres fringed by urban development. 

Much of the park is the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) starting in 1935.  By 1941 they had built bridges, dams, roads and lakes.  They were most proud of the five cabin camps they built in a distinctive rustic architectural style – handmade shingles, exposed beams and stone fireplaces. 

The park is a result of a FDR nationwide effort to develop parks by the CCC, where inner city  children and families could get away and experience the outdoors.  The camps were for boys and girls.  Each camp housed up to 200, they stayed for 2-3 weeks.  Charity funded groups and social agencies from the cities also sponsored and ran the camps.  The original camps were segregated by separate entrances.  Camps 1 & 4 (black camps) and Camps 2,3,and 5 (white camps).  The first summer over 2,000 city kids learned how to swim, and enjoy the spirit of  camping.

The entrance to Cabin Camp 1 and 4 is just down the road from the RV park.  I started down the road – dirt/mud not very wide – used little – didn’t look like many places to turn around.  I turned around.  Much of the park is rustic camping.

During WWII the park became a top secret paramilitary installation.  Future spies stayed in the cabin camps where the Office of Strategic Services (OSS, forerunner of the CIA) trained men how to handle weapons, explosives, gather intelligence, forge documents and send/receive secret messages.  Quantico Marine Base now borders the park on the east.

I drove to the Visitor Center.  It was crowded – a Saturday – a wonderful day.  I found 2 books and an ornament I wanted to purchase.  I presented my Jefferson National, Partner of the Parks card for a discount – the Volunteer took it to the ranger – who said “she’d never seen that before.”   Well, 10-15% discount can be significant so I went back to the truck to get the paperwork and came back.  Of course the Volunteers weren’t there and the ranger made up some silliness that didn’t make sense.  This is a forest park – this ranger stacked up with a few others who dare that you infringe on their park or mess up their day – the other places were Theodore Roosevelt’s Home in New York City and Adams in Boston.  Oh, well, not all in the NPS enjoy what they do for a living.

I took the scenic drive through the park.  Made a few stops.  This would be a great place for hiking.  I did drive to the campground.  The sites are very small.  Set up for mostly tent camping.  Heavily wooded, not very crowded.  Most of the sites couldn’t hold a trailer over 20 ft.  I didn’t see a trailer in the whole park.

The forest along the route (it took almost an hour to drive) seemed well managed i.e. fairly clear of brush and overgrowth.   

I read a short 56 page pamphlet/booklet published by the CIA entitled “The Office of Strategic Services:  America’s First Intelligence Agency” that I picked up at the park.

SUNDAY - October 19, 2014 

WEATHER:  52 at 5 am, not as cold as predicted, it was colder in Michigan in June.  Of course the wind picked up as the sun came up and then somewhat cooler.

TRAVEL:  Prince William Forest RV Park – Dumfries, VA to Harpers Ferry, WV.  70 miles took about 1 hour 45 minutes.  First time I drove from one campground to another without being on an Interstate.

St. Francis of Assissi

7:30 MASS – St. Francis of Assisi, Triangle, VA    This church is run by Franciscans.  It has a school and 4 masses on Sunday as well as Saturday vigil and a Spanish Mass.  I’d say a vibrant parish.  There were about 150-175 people at this mass.  The gospel message was the story of the coin and rendering unto Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.  Everything we own comes from God, including the gift of life.   The priest said it’s like dual citizenship – duty to church and state – your conscience must be the guide. 

WIFI appears to work better at Harper's Ferry  KOA than it did in spring. 



124 CHESAPEAKE & OHIO CANAL NHP – Potomac, MD

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal

Chesapeake & Ohio Canal

I drove 55 miles from Harpers Ferry to this Visitor Center in MD– it was an AHA! moment – déjà vu – like NSDT - because it is directly across the Potomac from Great Falls Park. VA.  I could have/should have seen this park when I was staying in Maryland, near DC.

There are 7 Visitor Centers for the C&O Canal NHP:

1.      1.  Georgetown – Washington, DC    CLOSED FOR THE 2014 SEASON

2.      2. Great Falls Tavern – Potomac, MD  visited today and this is the place to go

3.      3. Brunswick – Brunswick, MD  open F 10-2, Sat & Sun 10-4

4.       4. Ferry Hill – Sharpsburg, MD  Only open Memorial Day – Labor Day, I visited here in April, this Henry Kyd Douglass’ home

5.      5. Williamsport – Williamsport, MD  Closed M & T I visited here in April when it was closed

6.     6. Hancock – Hancock, MD CLOSED FOR THE 2014 SEASON

7.     7. Cumberland – Cumberland, MD  This is located at the far terminus of the canal.  I don’t think I’m going to drive that far.   Open daily 9-5

There is a replica passenger boat that goes through the lock at Great Falls Tavern.   This takes about an hour.  There are plenty of hiking trails, generally under 2 miles at Great Falls Tavern.  When I visited Great Falls Park (VA) several weeks ago I wondered where the locks and canal were.  I never suspected they were on the Maryland side of the Potomac River.   

Great Falls - much better closer view from here than on the VA side

Overall I spent about 2 hours in the park.  It was Sunday and it was crowded – plenty of bikers/hikers/ people just out for a walk in the woods.  There is enough here for a  full day trip - hiking.

Passenger Canal Boat heading upstream into lock

George Washington hoped for a canal to connect the east with the west.  President John Quincy Adams broke ground for the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal on the 4^th of July 1828.  The goal was to have a navigable waterway from the tidewater at Georgetown to the Ohio River.  Construction of the canal ended in 1850 – railroads had made canals all but obsolete.  It finally closed in 1924 and was abandoned for 30 years.  The canal’s nearly level towpath ran 184 miles along the Potomac River. 

The canal was rediscovered by US Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglass in the 50’s.  His efforts led eventually to the establishment of the C&O NHP in 1971.

Green Bay PACKERS 38 – Carolina PANTHERS 17

5-2, second in NFC Northern Division

Game played at Lambeau

Go Pack!

MONDAY - October 20, 2014 

WEATHER:  38 at 4:30 am – 46 in the trailer.  Seemed like only a 2 dog night. Got up to 60 today.  

TRAVEL:  Harpers Ferry to Frederick to Thurmont to Sharpsburg to Harpers Ferry.

125 MONOCACY NB – Frederick, MD

I spent a day at Monocacy 2 years ago.  Walked every trail – the hills were tough.   The review today was very worthwhile.  However, been there done that . . . . The upper floor museum at the Visitor Museum is done very well – worth a 45 minute walk through.

Monocay National Battlefield

Because, I’m here I did the 5 stop car tour route without all the side trips and trials.  I looked at the countryside and envisioned the battle.  With an understanding of the terrain, it’s always easier to see what happened. Sometimes that is not so easy . . .  too many trees growing today that weren’t there in 1864.

Monocacy National Battlefield

In June 1864, Robert E. Lee sent LTG Jubal Early and his II Corps to defend Lynchburg, VA.  Early devised a bold plan to move north through the Shenandoah Valley toward Harpers Ferry with the goal of attacking Washington, DC.

Monocacy National Battlefield

MG Lew Wallace (yes, he later wrote Ben Hur) commanded the Middle Department with HQ in Baltimore.  He became aware of Early’s advance.  On his own initiative he departed Baltimore on July 5^th in an attempt to mount a defensive.

Monocacy National Battlefield

On July 7, 1864 BG James B. Ricketts (yes the same Artillery CPT at first Bull Run – now a BG) arrived at Monocacy Junction (Stop 2 where the B&O Railroad crossed the Georgetown Pike)  with 2 brigades from the VI Corps – 3,000 soldiers.  Wallace withdrew his force from Frederick on July 8.  The total force now numbered about 5,800 to delay the advance of Early’s 15,000.

First Attack - 8 am   On the morning of July 9, 1864 the majority of Wallace’s forces were on the eastern bank of the Monocacy River.  At Best Farm (Stop 1) about ½ mile north of Monocacy Junction Federal skirmishers challenged the confederate advance of MG Stephen Ramseur’s Division down the Georgetown Pike.  Union artillery was set up at Best Farm.

Monocacy National Battlefield
Worthington Farm

Early decided to redirect his attack downstream rather than launch a direct frontal assault.  The federals burned a covered bridge on the Georgetown Pike where it crossed the Monocacy River.  Although it cut off the best avenue of retreat for the Federals, it also did not provide the Confederates with an easy route up the pike. 

Second Attack – 11 am   Near the Wothington Farm (Stop 3)  is where confederate cavalry crossed the Monocacy River, dismounted, and formed an attack on federal left.  The confederates ran into a well concealed federal line along a fence line on the Thomas Farm (Stop 4).  The battle ran back and forth over the Thomas Farm until a battery of Confederate artillery was set up on the heights of the Worthington Farm to support the infantry attack.

Monocacy National Battlefield
Thomas Farm Confederate Attack from Left - high ground is Worthington Farm 
 There weren't as many trees in 1864

Monocacy National Battlefield

Third  & Final Attack – 3:30 pm   Early mustered a majority of force to attack the outnumbered Federals.  Wallace’s force fell back to Gambrill Mill (Stop 5) and retreated to Baltimore.  With the covered bridge destroyed the only avenue of escape was to skip over the ties on the railroad bridge. 

 

Monocacy River and B&O RR Bridge near Gambrill's Mill -
 Covered bridge would have been still farther left

This appears to be a Confederate Victory, however, the Wallace’s delaying battle saved Washington, DC.  The extra hours allowed the federals to send reinforcements from the lines around Petersburg.  The battle was tactical victory but a strategic defeat for the Confederates.

Even LTG U.S. Grant acknowledged in his memoirs “If Early had been but one day earlier he might have entered the Capitol before the arrival of the reinforcements I had sent.”  

126 CATOCTIN MOUNTAIN PARK – Thurmont, MD

Catoctin Mountain Park is located north of Frederick, MD along Highway 15 The turnoff here, MD Rte 77, at Thurmont is very familiar.  This is the location of the Mountain Top Restaurant – I’ve stopped here at least 4-5 times before with Myrna, Kristin, Jon and others.   It is less than 20 miles from Gettysburg.  I was tempted but I didn’t go there. Catoctin Mountain Park is about 2-3 miles west of MD Rte 77..

Catoctin Mountain Park is simply a park with a scenic drive, plenty of trails and some picnic areas.  It is run by the NPS.  Campsites here are small.  Although the sites are paved, like, Prince William Forest, the sites are small and won’t hold anything larger than a 20 foot trailer.  I’m not sure by pickup would fit into most of them. There are no hookups.  Cunningham Falls State Park, with hookups, is adjacent on the other side of MD Rte. 77.

I walked some short trails.

This park got its start during the Depression.  In 1935 the federal government bought over 10,000 acres of what was considered marginal use land and developed it as the Catoctin Recreational Demonstration Area (RDA).   Over 46 RDAs were created in 24 states, and most eventually became state or national parks.  This was initially developed by the Works Progress Administration (WPA) and in 1939 the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) turned the depleted farmland into forest by planting trees, building trails, roads, stone walls and shelters.  During WW II it served as a rehab center for soldiers and sailors and also as a training facility for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS). 

HERE’S SOMETHNG I DIDN”T KNOW:  Catoctin Mountain Park is the home of Camp David.  FDR chose Hi-Catoctin Camp (developed by Work Programs in his administration )as a retreat he called Shangri-La.  The main lodge was modeled after the Roosevelt winter vacation home in Warm Springs, Georgia.  President Eisenhower subsequently renamed the institution in honor of his grandson David.

Camp David, known formally as the Naval Support Facility Thurmont, is the President’s country residence. Camp David has offered Presidents an opportunity for solitude and tranquility, as well as an ideal place to host foreign leaders. 

I didn’t look for or ask where the entrance was.

Captain Bender's
Sharpsburg, MD

On the way back to Harpers Ferry I had to stop at Antietam, it was kind of on the way, visited Sharpsburg and stopped at “Capt. Bender’s” for a beer.  I think I’ve been to Antietam at least a dozen of more days. I have no idea who Capt. Bender is or was.  Some of you have been in here with me.

TUESDAY - October 21, 2014   

WEATHER:  It rained some last night and rain is predicted for today.  Not as cold, it was 48 at 4:30 am.  Clear – plenty of stars but a ground fog – eventually hid the stars.  Fog cleared-sunny high in the 60’s today.

TRAVEL:  threat of rain - drove to Winchester, VA and Middletown VA – on a recon for the Shenandoah Valley operations.  I visited the Old Court house CW Museum in downtown Winchester, VA – cost $5.  A nice downtown – literally an open air mall – no autos allowed on several streets. It started to rain.  I then drove to the Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park contact station in Middletown, VA – then back to Harpers Ferry 

Old Court House
Winchester, VA

Old Court House
Winchester, VA

OLD COURT HOUSE CIVIL WAR MUSEUM, Winchester, VA

This building was used as a hospital and prison by both north and south during the Civil War.   Winchester changed hands 30 times during the Civil War.  Winchester is about 30 miles from Harpers Ferry.

The lower level of the court house still houses the court. The upstairs is a museum.  A collection of artifacts – shells, cannon balls, uniform buttons, a lot of Mort Kunstler prints decorate the walls.  Short descriptions of the 1^st, 2^nd, and 3^rd Battles of Winchester and 1^st and 2^nd Kernstown. A small gift shop/book store.  I spent about 45 minutes.  Yes it was worth the $5 (could have spent the same in a bar watching talking heads provide their expertise on sports).

Since it was used as a prison there is a lot of graffiti that has been preservd and researched.  The most famous is the Jeff Davis curse . . . .

Old Court House   -   Winchester, VA

Bought a few short books that I hope to read tomorrow to help me understand and follow the action in the Shenandoah Valley.  It does get complicated.

127 CEDAR CREEK and BELLE GROVE NHP, Middletown, VA

Cedar Creek
Contact Station

This is about 15 miles south of Winchester.  It is just a Contact Station – nothing more than a  rented store in a small strip mall.  The NPS only owns about 75 acres of the battlefield.  However, long before the NPS got interested, there were a number of preservation groups that bought the land and still own it.  There is a good electric map that tells the story of the battle.  More about this later.  I bought a few more books.  A CD for the driving tour is courtesy of the NPS. 

There was a large re-enactment this past weekend.  The Battle of Cedar Creek  was fought on October 19, 1864. So this was the 150^th Anniversary. I’ve read one novel about this battle but I never really figured out when where who . . . .  The battle was fought over a large area.  Initially it was a victory for LTG Jubal Early’s 15,000 Confederates – but his error he stopped . . .  giving time for MG Philip Sheridan consolidate his 32,000 man army and counterattack.  Over 3,000 re-enactors and more than 7,000 spectators took part this weekend, but again, more about this later. 

WORLD SERIES GAME 1:  San Francisco 7 – Kansas City 1.

WEDNESDAY - October 22, 2014  

WEATHER:  It rained on and off again last night and rain is predicted for most of today.  49 at 6am – cloudy.

TRAVEL:  only went to Harpers Ferry and the book store.

I’m going to try to set up the Shenandoah Valley Operations of the Civil War.  I’ve never read much about them.  So this is new to me, bear with.  It may be more for my understanding, but  you may find it interesting without having to travel the ground or read a half dozen books.

THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY – ROUTE OF SOUTHERN INVASION

It was location and geography of the Valley that made it important to both sides during the Civil War.  It has a southwest-to-northeast direction that gave the Confederates an ideal “Avenue of Invasion” to the north.  Robert E. Lee used the Valley in his two invasions of the north that culminated in the Battles of Antietam September 19, 1862 and the Battle of Gettysburg July 1-3, 1863.  In 1864, Jubal A. Early used the Valley for his invasion of the north.  Early’s foray  resulted in the Battle of Monocacy (July 9, 1864) and  culminated with a failed attack on Fort Stevens (July 11-12, 1864), near Washington, DC.

The Blue Ridge Mountains confine the Valley to the east and the Alleghenies on the west.  Massanutten Mountain splits the Valley into two narrow valleys between Harrisonburg and Strasburg.   During the Civil War the Valley Turnpike was one of America’s longest hard surfaced roads and was ideal for the rapid movement of army soldiers and supplies.

By 1864, the Federal’s realized that control of the Valley was imperative.  After Early’s raid on Maryland and Washington, Grant appointed MG Philip H. Sheridan to secure the Valley as the “back door” to Richmond and “breadbasket of the confederacy.”

Sheridan eventually succeeded defeating Early (Battle of Cedar Creek-October 19, 1864)) and laying waste to a substantial part of the Valley – “the burning”.  I think that some Virginians of the Valley have as much love for Sheridan as many in Georgia and South Carolina have for Sherman.

With Washington no longer threatened, the Confederate lines of communication (LOC) between Richmond and the Valley were severed, and Grant concentrated his forces against Richmond and Petersburg. Robert E Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia at Appomattox Court House on Palm Sunday, April 9, 1865.  Abraham Lincoln was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth on April 15, 1865.

WORLD SERIES GAME 2: Kansas City 7 – San Francisco 2.  Even up.

THURSDAY - October 23, 2014  

WEATHER:  51 at 5 am – clouds cleared around 8 am, and the wind picked up.  Temp up to 63 but a 15-20 mph wind most of the day.

TRAVEL:  Drove to Winchester and back.  I golfed at Sleepy Hollow Golf Course about 3 miles from Harpers Ferry.

My first stop was at the Civil War Orientation Center & Winchester-Frederick County Visitor Center located at 1400 S. Pleasant Valley Rd, Winchester, VA.  This was easy to find.  Squeezed between Shenandoah University’s School of Business and the Abrams Delight.

The ladies inside were as helpful as they could be providing me with brochures and driving tours of the Winchester and Kernstown Battles as well as walking tours of the historic district and architecture.   There was an 8 minute film and a kiosk where you could “plan” – however without a printer, and unsure how to sequence the stops – this was difficult.  Small screen, difficult for me to read, I attempted then stopped. 

The Winchester and Kernstown Battlefields are all but grown over with modern development.  It is difficult to imagine the battlefields 0f 1862, 1863 and 1864.

The Civil War Trails interpretive markers, are difficult to locate.  If you use the Driving Directions you need one person to navigate and another to drive.  Doing this alone in next to impossible – at least it is dangerous – even with prior planning – way too many turns.  Again, no addresses so the GARMIN or any other GPS is useless.

I highlighted a few of the stops that I wanted to find – I did not meet with success for all.

First Winchester   May 25, 1862  – never found the interpretive marker.  After Jackson’s victory at Front Royal, Union MG Nathanial Banks moved north from Strasburg to a 2 ½ mile long defensive position on the north side of Abram’s Creek.  The first Confederate attack occurred on the Union left at Camp Hill. After failed attempts to seize that flank, Jackson attacked the Union right at Bowers Hill.  Around 7:30 am BG Richard Taylor’s LA Bde smashed into the Union position.  The Union line cracked and the Confederates pursued the federals as far north at Stephenson’s Depot.  Banks was able to escape.  www.ShenandoahAtWar.org or www.CivilWarTrails.org

  

Second Winchester   June 13-15, 1863 – never found the interpretive marker. After Lee’s victory at Chancellorsville, he launched his second invasion of the north.  As a requirement for success Lee needed to clear union forces from the Shenandoah Valley, most notably an 8,000 man division led by BG Robert H. Milroy.

LTG Richard Ewell in command of Lee’s II Corps spearheaded the confederate advance.  Ewell knew the Valley from his days with Stonewall Jackson in the spring of 1862. There was a skirmish at Middletown on June 12^th where COL John W. Schall engaged Ewell’s lead elements then withdrew.  Milroy prepared to block the approaches to Winchester.    

Ewell directed MG Edward Johnson’s Division to attack along the Front Royal Road and MG Jubal Early’s Division marched to Winchester along the Valley Pike.  There was an encournter near Pritchard’s Hill where union forces withdrew north.

Union forces reformed along Abram’s Creek and Early’s forces pursued.  The Union troops repulsed confederates attacks on Bower’s Hill.

As night fell on the 13^th Milroy held a Council of War  and ordered his command into three forts they had spent the last six months building: West Fort, Star Fort and Fort Milroy.   

With Bowers Hill vacated, Ewell occupied the heights with BG John B. Gordon’s brigade and 2 artillery batteries.  West Fort was gained by Early’s division (Hays LA Bde) by 6 pm on Sep 14.

 Star Fort was defended by COL Andrew McReynolds’ brigade and within cannon range of Star Fort.  Milroy held another Council of War decided to withdraw. 

Ewell sensed Milroy might withdraw so he ordered MG Edward Johnson’s division north to Stephenson’s Depot to cut off a route of retreat.  In the early hours of June 15^th Johnson’s division fired into Milroy’s withdrawing column.  The Federals suffered 4,443 casualties 95 of which were KIA, 219 WIA.  Milroy was arrested but later exonerated by for his defeat at Winchester.      www.ShenandoahAtWar.org or www.CivilWarTrails.org

Kernstown

First Kernstown March 23, 1862 – Pritchard/Grimm Farm – I located this at 610 Battle Park Dr in Winchester but it is only open on weekends. Gate was locked – couldn’t even walk in.   I may stop by this weekend.

When COL Turner Ashby informed Jackson that Union forces were leaving the Valley, Jackson marched his 3,700 troops north from Strasburg.  Ashby’s INTEL was faulty, more than 8,000 of BG James Shields federals were guarding the area.  Shields was WIA  in a small skirmish on March 22 and attempted to direct  COL Nathan Kimball’s defense.  Jackson eventually withdrew. This action would be Jackson’s only loss.

First Kernstown – Rose Hill Farm – found the location - never found the interpretive marker

Stephenson’s Depot – found the markers for Stephenson’s Depot and Third Winchester.

Third Winchester September 19, 1864

MG Philip Sheridan’s cavalry crossed Opequon Creek (east of Winchester) at 3 different locations – they were the vanguard of some 39,000 union soldiers advancing on Winchester and Jubal Early’s confederate forces.  MG Horatio Wright’s VI Corps and MG William Emory’s XIX Corps were severly mauled when they attacked Early’s force near the Berryville Pike.  They were met by MG John Gordon’s and MG Robert Rodes’ divisions.  By mid afternoon MG George Crook’s VIII Corps fell upon Early’s weakend line and forced it back into Winchester.

Third Battle of Winchester - 1864

Near Stephenson’s Depot, the federal cavalry divisions of Wesley Merritt and William Averall formed   A union cavalry force of 6,000 attacked along the Valley Pike hitting Early’s flank, causing a collapse and a retreat through the streets of Winchester.       

BOTTOM LINE:  This is probably why these battles are mentioned but avoided – probably the best way to do this is to hire a local guide who knows the area and the history or as said earlier do this with someone who can navigate.  Maybe I should have taken the Patsy Cline House tour.

Sleepy Hollow Golf Course

Sleepy Hollow Golf Course

G O L F – SLEEPY HOLLOW GOLF COURSE & COUNTRY CLUB, Charles Town, West Virginia.     It only cost $15 for 9 holes and a cart.  It was very windy.  I was at first a bit apprehensive but overall this was a better course than the ones I play in RI and CT and DC.  Small greens not many sand traps.  Fairways and rough were both high.  It was fairly open but could be confusing – I ended up shooting to the wrong green only once. The high voltage line running across one hole knocked by ball back once – what’s that chance.   No lost golf balls.  I shot a 50 with 18 putts. So, my putting is still good but it usually took me 3 to get to the green.  I shot a 4 and a 5 on each of the Par 3s.  Most of the Par 4s were over 400 yards from the white tees.  The wind – helped and hindered.  OK West Virginia is checked on the list.

FRIDAY - October 24, 2014  

WEATHER:  51 at 4:30 am, clear – a starry, starry night – blue sky still windy, high s/b 63

TRAVEL:  Harpers Ferry KOA to Candy Hill Campground, Winchester, Va.  About a 32 miles, less than an hour drive.  Candy Hill – OK  - BUT – the WIFI does not work reminded me of my first visit to Harper’s Ferry KOA in the spring very frustrating.  Cedar Creek is about 10 miles down the road.

127 Cedar Creek & Belle Grove NHP – Middletown, VA

I visited the NP Contact Center here briefly on Tuesday.  There is a good electric map that describes the battle.  I watched that presentation again.

The volunteer and Ranger at the Contact Station offered a guided tour – it started at 2pm by the Foundation HQ, about a mile down the road,  I was here around 2:05.  Well after 10 minutes the ranger contacted the other ranger and it was too late to start.  Interesting, the ranger who was going to give the tour came in around 2:20 when I was watched the map presentation and apologized “I was already on my way back.”  There was no one else going on the tour – guess he must have wanted to get home early – it was Friday.

Cedar Creek - Map

There are 2 driving tours.  One is set up by the NPS with an accompanying CD.  The other is more detailed developed in 1991 by Joseph W. A. Whitehorne and The Wayside Museum of American History and Arts, Strasburg, VA.  The CD was free the book cost me a buck. There is also a Cedar Creek Battle App – Civilwar.org/battleapps  - sponsored by the Civil War Trust and the VA DOT – I didn’t try it..   The CD/NPS tour generally follows the route prescribed initially in the book.  After reading he book and driving the ground I understand the battle a lot better.  I can describe and follow this battle in detail – what looked like a Confederate Victory ended in defeat.  After the war, LTG Early summarized the fight with this observation, “The Yankees got whipped and we got scared.”

CD/NPS TOUR – 18 miles consists of 10 stops

STOP 1 - OVERVIEW   This stop is the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation Headquarters, about 1 ½ miles of the NPS Contact Station on US 11.  To the west you can see Belle Grove Plantation which served as MG Sheridan’s HQ.  The area to the west would have been filled with tents and the trains (supplies – wagons) of the army.  The mountains to the west are the Alleghenies.   To the east are the Blue Ridge.  To the south the highest peak you see is Signal Knob, part of Massanuten Mountain.  The mountain split the Valley down the middle.

Bowman's Mill Ford  Kershaw's Crossing

STOP 3 – 4:30 AM  BOWMAN’S MILL FORD  Here Early gave Kershaw final instructions before crossing Cedar Creek and attacking the position of BG Crook’s VIII Corps, 1^st Division.  

Signal Knob Masanutten Mt 
from Thoburn's VIII Corps Position

Thoburn's Position

STOP 2 - 5:00 AM   VIII CORPS CAMPS  This location marks the left end of the Union line which was held by the BG Crook’s VIII Corps.  The two divisions of the VIII Corps were commanded by COL Joseph Thoburn and COL Rutherford B. Hayes.  At 0500 MG Joseph J. Kershaw’s divison attacked and routed a completely surprised Thoburn.   

Long Meadow Farm

STOP 4  - 5:20 AM  LONG MEADOW FARM   MG John B. Gordon’s & Dodson Ramseur’s Divisions smashed into the other division of the VIII Crops commanded by COL Rutherford B. Hayes. The Confederates crossed Cedar Creek at McInturff’s and the Bowman’s Ford and proceeded to the Long Meadow Farm and continued along a farm lane in the attack on Hayes Division.     

The pre-dawn flank attacks, with fog as a cover, caught the VIII Corps completely off guard.

The Long Meadow Farm was the site of a log cabin built by Issac Hite in 1737.  The brick house was built in the 1840’s – Issac Hite Jr grew the farm into Belle Grove Plantation.

5:40 AM  BG Gabriel C. Wharton’s Division crossed Cedar Creek and attacked up the Valley Pike (US 11).

128th New York Monument

STOP 5 – 6:00 AM  128^th NEW YORK MONUMENT This site honors the 128^th NY Infantry Regiment, 3^rd Brigade, 2^nd Division, XIX Corps.  This is also the southern limit of the XIX Corps defenses.  The XIX Corps was in defensive positions on high ground to the right and behind the VIII Corps. The XIX Corps, commanded by BG William H. Emory fought in this area for about an hour.  At the sound of Kershaw’s attack, the XIX Corps prepared for battle, but the situation was so confusing that no guidance was initially available.  There still was a heavy ground fog.  The appearance of VIII Corps stragglers made it evident that the confederates were on the corps flank.

Emory delayed the confederate attack just enough for the 3 divisions VI Corps under BG James B. Ricketts to form a response.  

  

Masanutten view from Belle Grove

STOP 6 – 7:00 AM  BELLE GROVE  This served at MG Sheridan’s HQ before and after battle. 

Belle Grove Plantation

Between Belle Grove and the Valley Pike (US 11) the remnants of the VIII and XIX Corps made a stand for about 30 minutes allowing the army’s trains to move to the rear and allowed VI Corps to get into battle formation. 

As you leave Belle Grove and go west for about ¼ mile you run into Meadow Mills Church.  At this intersection you turn right  (north )on Hite Road.  The terrain to the right and left of this road served as the trains location for the VI Corps; several of the crests served as artillery positions. 

6:30 AM  The VI Corps Divisions of BG Frank Wheaton and COL J. Warren Keifer formed in the fields to the left of Hite Road.  They met the divisions of Kershaw and Gordon as they attacked.  BG George W. Getty division was on the  right of the VI Corps line and faced the divisions of Ramseur and Pegram as they crossed the Valley Pike (US 11).

As you travel north on the road the high ground ahead is the Middletown (Mt. Carmel) Cemetery. 

7:30 AM  The VI Corps was forced back.  Wheaton and Keifer retired to a position just south of Back Road (to the right of Getty’s division); Getty formed on the high ground of Middletown Cemetery.

STOP 7 - 8:00 AM   MT. CARMEL CEMETERY  Here for about an hour Getty’s division held off two confederate attacks.  This stiff resistance possibly caused Early to lose focus on the battle.  The battle lost momentum as Early concentrated his personal attention on efforts to dislodge the federals off cemetery hill.  He even called for 20+ cannon to form along the Valley Pike and at bombard the federals.   After the two failed attacks  and 30 minutes of bombardment the federal’s retired from the hill.

STOP 8 - 10:00 AM  MILLER’s MILL  This red brick house marks the farthest advance of the Confederate army.  Early formed a line along Miller Lane (Cougill Road).  The road was lined with walls on both sides.  By this time it was estimated the Early had lost 1/3 of his army who had fallen back to raid the federal camps for shoes, pants, coats and food.  Gordon and Ramseur urged him to continue the attack – Early thought the federals beaten – would wait for dark and move back with the captured federal cannon and supplies.

STOP 9 - 10:30 AM  SHERIDAN’S ARRIVAL  MG Philip Sheridan had been called to Washington for a meeting with Grant and the Secretary of War.   He left thinking that Early was beaten and would not cause a threat.  Sheridan returned to the scene and his “ride” has become legend.  He rode from Winchester and along the line of his army to inspire his battered forces.  One soldier said it was like an “electric shock.”  Sheridan rebuilt the line started by BG Wright and it repulsed a half hearted confederate attack by Kershaw and Ramseur around 1:00 pm.

Sheridan’s plan for a counterattack called a cavalry division to push each of Early’s flanks. 

STOP 10 - 4:00 PM  UNION COUNTERATTACK   This last stop is in the parking lot of Lord Fairfax Community College.  It provides a good view down the confederate line along Cougill Road to the red brick Miller house. Confederate resistance was fierce for about an hour.  However, when the lines to the west were broken by the cavalry it created panic along the entire confederate line.  Early lost control of his forces as they dissolved in an attempt to escape federal pursuit.

WORLD SERIES GAME 3: Kansas City 3  – San Francisco 2    KC 2 games won vs. SF 1 game won

BELOW IS A CHRONOLOGICAL LIST OF THE MAJOR BATTLES & THE COMMANDING GENERALS WHO FOUGHT THOSE BATTLES IN THE SHENANDOAH VALLEY 1862-1864:

1862 THOMAS J. “STONEWALL” JACKSON’S SHENANDOAH VALLEY CAMPAIGN

Jackson’s soldiers nicknamed “foot cavalry” for rapid marches, covering 679 miles in 48 marching days – fighting 5 major battles, numerous skirmishes and engagements, and defeated three separate federal armies.  This action kept union forces from being sent to reinforce MG George B. McClellan’s army in it’s advance up the peninsula to Richmond.

Jackson had command of a Division about 10,000 soldiers.

March 23, 1862 FIRST BATTLE of KERNSTOWN  (about 3 miles south of Winchester)

MG Thomas J. Jackson                                                MG Nathanial P. Banks

  BG Samuel V. Fulkerson’s Bde                                  - V Corps; 2 Divisions  20,000 soldiers

  BG Richard B Garnett’s “Stonewall” Bde                     1^st Div-

  COL Turner Ashby Cavalry                                          2^nd Div - BG James Shields

                                                                                        1^st Bde COL Nathan Kimball

                                                                                        2^nd Bde COL Jeremiah C.Sullivan                                                                                            3^rd Bde COL Erastus B. Tyler

May 8, 1862  BATTLE of McDOWELL

MG Thomas J. Jackson                                              BG Robert H. Milroy

                                                                                    BG Robert C. Schenck            

May 23, 1862  BATTLE of FRONT ROYAL                                                     

MG Thomas J. Jackson                                              BG Nathanial P. Banks

June 6, 1862  BATTLE of HARRISONBURG

BG Turner Ashby, Jackson Cavalry Cdr                     MG John C. Fremont, advance elements

June 8, 1862 BATTLE of CROSS KEYS

MG Thomas J. Jackson                                              MG John C. Fremont

                                                                                   

June 9, 1862 BATTLE of PORT REPUBLIC

MG Thomas J. Jackson                                              MG BG James Shields, Division Cdr

ROAD TO GETTYSBURG

June 12-14, 1863 SECOND BATTLE of WINCHESTER

LTG Richard S. Ewell                                                  MG Robert H. Milroy

SPRING & SUMMER 1864                                                     

In March 1864, Abraham Lincoln appointed Ulysses S. Grant as General in Chief of the federal armies.  Grant & Lincoln planned to force the Confederates to defend several fronts at once, including the Shenandoah Valley, simultaneously and constantly.

May 15, 1864  BATTLE of NEW MARKET                                         

BG John C. Breckinridge                                            BG Franz Sigel

  (5,300 soldiers w/247 VMI cadets)                             (9,000 soldiers)        

June 5, 1864  BATTLE of PIEDMONT                      BG  David Hunter

BG William E. “Grumble” Jones                                  (12,000 soldiers)

           

Robert E. Lee sends LTG Jubal Early to join BG John Breckinridge.  The confederate force grows to 14,000.  BG Hunter spars with Early at Lynchburg on June 17-18, 1864.  Hunter feeling he was badly outnumbered retreats to the Kanawha Valley in WV.  This provides an opportunity for Early to move on Washington, DC resulting in the Battles of Monocacy  (July 9, 1864) and Fort Stevens.  Unable to take Fort Stevens (July 11-12, 1864), Early withdraws to the Valley.  

FALL 1864  EARLY vs. SHERIDAN

In August, 1864 Ulysses S. Grant appoints MG Phillip H. Sheridan in command of the 40,000 Federal Army in the Valley with orders “eat out Virginia clear and clean . . . so that crows flying over it for the balance of the season will have to carry their provender with them.” 

September 19, 1864  THIRD BATTLE of WINCHESTER

September 23, 1864   BATTLE of FISHER’S HILL

October 9, 1864 CAVALRY BATTLE of TOM’S BROOK “Woodstock Races”

October 13, 1864 BATTLE of HUPP’S HILL

October 19, 1864  BATTLE of CEDAR CREEK

LTG Jubal Early                                               MG Phillip Sheridan

SATURDAY - October 25, 2014  

WEATHER:   41at 8:30 am, clear mostly sunny

TRAVEL:  Hupps Hil, Fisher’s Hill/Ramseur’s Hill, Tom’s Brook, Shenandoah County Park, Woodstock, Front Royal back to Winchester

Shenadoah Valley Civil War Battlefields

The Civil War in the Shenandoah Valley is complicated and confusing.  The chronology goes up and down the Valley – parts of the Valley change hands over and over.  I’ve attempted but am unable to make a lot of sense for a reader out of this driving tour.  Of all the military actions in the Valley only one is recognized by the NPS.  Just follow along . . . . the scenery is beautiful.

HUPP’S HILL – I found this by accident, just north of Strasburg on the Valley Pike (US 11).  It address is 33229 Old Valley Pike , Strasburg.  What a find!  There is an excellent video here written and narrated in part by Joseph Whitehorne.  The Visitor Center is run by the Cedar Creek Battlefield Association. Five times better than the NPS Contact Station.  Ten times better than the Cedar Creek . 

20 SEP 1864 – BATTLE of FISHER’ HILL – Ramseur’s Hill – This location is a bit out of the way but again worth the drive. 

Following the defeat at Winchester, Jubal Early withdrew south to Fisher’s Hill.   It was grandly known at the “Gibralter of the Valley.”  If defended properly, no army could break it.  However, Early’s depleted army did not have enough men to cover the distance from the Massanutten to Little North Mountain on the west.  He was one mile short in his line of defense and this is where Sheridan attacked his flank.  

“THE BURNING” WOODSTOCK     When I entered downtown Woodstock it was ‘Trick or Treat’  hundreds of costumed kids and parents running to all the stores along Main Street.  The weather was perfect.

TOM’S BROOK  I found this county marker by accident on the west side of along Hwy 11 just south of the town of Tom’s Brook.  A little farther down the road was Shenandoah County Park.  There is a Civil War Trails interpretive sign close to the 18^th tee of the disc golf course.  I was impressed – with the disc golf course.

Battle of Front Royal 

FRONT ROYAL The Front Royal Visitor Center is located on Main Street.  I met a very friendly and knowledgeable gentleman who gave me the blow by blow account of the Battle of Front Royal along with most of the Valley campaign in about 7 minutes.  HE was interesting to listen to.  You can tell he likes what he is doing and he knows his stuff.

He provided a number of brochures including walking tours of Front Royal and a 9 stop driving tour.   The Visitor Center is the departure point..

The entrance of Shenandoah National Park is about a mile south of the Visitor Center and that’s where Stop 1 is.  The traffic was backed up through town for a mile and not moving anywhere fast. I went north.

BACKGROUND:

Stonewall Jackson’s Valley Campaign would start with a defeat at Kernstown (near Winchester) in March..  The defeat forced Jackson up (south) the Valley.  On May 8, 1862 Jackson attacked and defeated the Union forces at McDowell west of Staunton, VA.  The forces of union general Nathanial Banks controlled the northern part of the Valley.  He had a strong defensive position at Strasburg and his supply base anchored in Winchester.  To cover his left flank, Banks sent 1,000 men under the command of COL John R. Kenly to Front Royal.  Jackson, unlike Banks knew that the Front Royal was completely indefensible.  Jackson’s plan was to attack Kenly’s men and prevent warning from reaching Banks.

SYNOPSIS:  On the afternoon of May 23, 1862 the confederate 1^st Maryland Brigade commanded by COL Bradley T. Johnson led the attack on Front Royal. They faced the union 1^st Maryland Brigade of COL John R. Kenly.  In fact, Johnson was 12 miles to the rear of Jackson’s column moving on Front Royal and knowing there were Marylander’s defending, Jackson  ordered Johnson to the front to lead the attack.   It was “brother against brother.”

Most of the fight was through the streets of the town.

I located Rose Hill (Stop 6) but missed the CWT marker.  Rose Hill was a defensive position for the federals as they withdrew through the town.

Richardson’s Hill (Stop 7) was another federal defensive position.  Kenly fought a delaying action to allow Banks time to withdraw from Strasburg.  Banks still was not convinced that Jackson could have moved so quickly this far north. 

The Bridges (Stop 8) this is the old road that ran to Winchester.  The federals had burned the bridges across the forks of the Shenandoah River.  The burning bridges would delay but not stop the confederate attack.

GUARD HILL -  (Stop 9)  The stop is near a boat landing on the North Fork of the Shenandoah River.  Guard Hill in the high ground.

Fairview (Stop 10)  Kenly and what was left of his command in full retreat was overtaken by the  6^th VA Cavalry of COL Thomas Flournoy around 6 pm.  The Battle of Front Royal would end here.  With Kenly defeated, Banks in Strasburg finally realized Jackson was on his left flank and issued orders to withdraw from Strasburg to Winchester.  

WORLD SERIES GAME 4: San Francisco 11 - Kansas City 4  

EVEN UP     KC 2 games won vs. SF 2 games won

SUNDAY - October 26, 2014  

Sacred Heart Church
Winchester, VA

WEATHER:  it was 61 at 5am with a good wind, but by 7 it was 51, same thing a happened yesterday, it’s warm then the temp drops 10-20 degrees, then warms up - it was windy most of the night…

TRAVEL:  Front Royal & the entrance to Shenandoah NP Sklyline Drive, New Market, Cross Keys, Port Republic back to Winchester

7:30 am Mass at Sacred Heart Church – Winchester, VA   Again a fairly full church for early Sunday, plus the Saturday vigil and 3 more Sunday morning masses, an afternoon Spanish Mass and a 5:30pm Sunday mass.  This church is affiliated with a large school and it has a huge campus.  Early mass, early start to beat the rush to Skyline Drive in Shenandoah NP

128  SHENANDOAH NATIONAL PARK 

Shenandoah
Skyline Drive

Shenandoah

I drove 32 miles of the 102 mile long Skyline Drive from north to south.  The drive has mile marker posts.   I drove some of this in the 90’s – forgot how really scenic this is.  I was early – it was Sunday – but – at times it reminded me of Acadia without the bicycles and pedestrians. It costs $15 to drive on Skyline Drive – my park pass sufficed.  The speed limit on Skyline Drive is 35 mph – but then again this is Virginia and were not far from the east coast – some people are always is a hurry – they’ll miss a lot of life.  It will be consistently busy this afternoon – the weather is perfect and color has got to be at peak.

There are 75 scenic overlooks the length of Skyline Drive.  I got a good share of overlooks.  The Appalachian Trail goes through Shenandoah

Shenandoah Overlook

Shenandoah was established in 1935.  It was another FDR – Civilian Conservation Corps - work project.   However, work on the park and Skyline Drive began in 1931 under Herbert Hoover as a drought relief measure.  Local farmers who needed work away from the farm,  were hired to work on the road .  Most of the overlooks, comfort stations, and landscaping were built by the CCC. 

Shenandoah NP Visitor Center

I stopped at the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center and had to ask the staff to start the 12 minute film – I guess a few others were interested since I was joined by 10 other people.  The volunteer at the desk seemed OK but when I asked for specifics – like what are “must sees”  what is the history? He babbled and was completely lost – the guy in the shop seemed thoroughly disinterested in being there. Since I didn’t ask about the 500 miles of hking trails there just wasn’t much they could recommend.  Oh well . . . .

You can spend a whole day just on Skyline Drive.   Some of the areas I didn’t visit were Skyland Resort, Big Meadows and Rapidan Camp.  Rapidan was Herbert Hoover’s retreat to get away from the bustle of Washington.

I enjoyed the leisurely drive. 

BATTLE OF  NEW MARKET & THE  VIRGINIA MUSEUM OF THE CIVIL WAR

Battle of New Market

Battle of New Market
VMI Cadets  KIA

If you’re in the area this is a must see.  The museum fee is $10 but it provide a 50 minute video entitled “Field of Lost Shoes” and a an excellent museum devoted the 275 Virginia Military Institute Cadets (VMI) who were committed to the center of the confederate assault line by MG John Breckenridge during the Battle of New Market May 15, 1864.  I spent 3 hours here, 4 would just about do it.    

Breckenridge did not intend to use the cadets during the battle, but as the center of his attack against Sigel’s troop faultered, it was suggested that the cadets fill the gap.  Breckenridge is to have said, ‘Put them in . . . and may God forgive me for what I have done.’ 

There is a short walking tour of the cadet’s line of attack.  Their courage was amazing.  The museum walls are covered with a good number of paintings or prints by artists depicting the VMI cadets at New Market.  Most were between the ages of 15 and 18. 

New Market was one of the last Southern Victories in the Valley.  New determined federal armies under David Hunter and Phillip Sheridan would challenge the south for control of the Valley.  

STOP 1  The battle began at Shirley’s Hill about 1 ½ miles south of this location about 11 am.  The reminder of this trail follows the path of the VMI cadets.

STOP 2  Three Union Infantry Regiments and 17 pieces of artillery established a battle line on Bushong’s Hill.  The hill is about 600 yards from the marker.

New Market  -  Bushrong Farm

Step 3  Confederate LT Randolph H. Blaine, established his 4 gun battery to the east of the Bushrong Farm in direct support of the advancing infantry.

STOP 4  The Bushrong farm house is the center of the battle line.  “On reaching the house ,the ranks divided, A and B Companies passing to the right of the house and C and D companies to the left; A and B marking time until the other half came up and the line was reformed.”  Cadet John Upshur.

The Bushrong family took refuge in the basement cellar.

STOP 5  The Corps of VMI Cadets reformed within range of enemy fire.  As they crossed the orchard, their commander LTC Scott Shipp fell wounded.  CPT Henry Wise of the VMI staff ordered the cadets forward to the spilt rail fence.

STOP 6 The confederates climbed the fence and moved forward.  “As I surmounted the topmost fail, I felt at least ten feet up in the air and the special object of hostile aim.”  Cadet John Howard.

WOODSON MONUMENT was erected in 1905 by two members of Woodson’s MO command.  It commemorates the 40 casualties of the 62 man unit.

I did not take the walk under the highway to the east portion of the battlefield.

Battle of New Market  

STOP 7  “THE FIELD OF LOST SHOES”  The field was planted in spring wheat but by now had become a muddy bog by 3 days of hard rain.  Many cadets lost their shoes as they crossed this field under fire from the federals.

STOP 8  The position of von Kleiser’s 30^th NY Battery.  The federal infantry had retreated and without support von Kleiser was forced to abandon a cannon, which was exuberantly captured by the cadets.

STOP 9 The federal line extended from this hill eastward to the Valley Turnpike (US 11) a distance of about a mile.  The confederate charge pushed the federals off the ridge and they retreated north.

Battle of Cross Keys
Artillery Ridge

June 8, 1862  CROSS KEYS – ARTILLERY RIDGE  (Jackson’s 1862 Valley Campaign)

This I found by accident.  It could have been a private drive but the sign said turn here.  I drove a ¼ mile down the dirt road and parked.  There was a parking area and the site was identified as Artillery Ridge and the Battle of Cross Keys.

 Along the trail, I met two ladies.  One of them was once an owner of much of the property.  She said that it was originally supposed to be a place for retirement.  She and her husband were from New Jersey and had no knowledge that this was a Civil War battlefield.  Well, the acres turned into a 55 acre purchase – but in time they sold a plot here and a plot there and eventually the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Association bought 11 acres. 

BACKGROUND:

Jackson has won victories at Front Royal and First Winchester, yet two Federal armies under John C. Fremont and James Shields (Shields reported to Irvin McDowell) were still in the Valley pursuing him.  As Jackson fell back up the Valley Fremont pursued him west of the Masanutten Mountain.  The Masanutten split the Valley for a length of 50 miles.  Shields/McDowell was on a parallel course moving south on the east side of Masanutten Mountain.  When Jackson passed the southern tip of the Massanutten he was forced to make a stand before the two armies could unite against him

  

Jackson chose the river-junction village of Port Republic as a point of concentration.  He left some cavalry and elements of MG Richard Ewell’s infantry as a rearguard in the vicinity of Harrisonburg.  On June 6, 1862 Fremont’s advance brushed in a skirmish outside of Harrisonburg that killed southern cavalry hero Turner Ashby.

 

Fremont decided to pursue Jackson and moved east in Jackson’s direction.  Midway between Harrisonburg and Port Republic he ran into Ewell’s troops positioned on a strong ridge above Mill Creek in a country region known as Cross Keys.

Every time Fremont attacked Ewell’s postion he was forced back.  Ewell did not move at all from his position.  The action caused 800 northern and 300 southern casualties.

Overnight, under Jackson’s orders Ewell abandoned his position and headed toward Port Republic.

June 9, 1862  THE BATTLE OF PORT REPUBLIC  (Jackson’s 1862 Valley Campaign)

This also was difficult to find.  Garmin couldn’t find it neither could ONSTAR.  Eventually ONSTAR got me to the Port Republic Museum.  It was lucky find.  It is only open and Sundays and this was the last Sunday for the season.

It is run by The Society of Port Republic Preservationists, Inc.  I met two ladies who run this place and they are very proud of their heritage and history of Port Republic, although their knowledge of the battle was lacking.  I signed in and deposited my $2 goodwill offering.

There is a walking/driving tour of the Village.  The museum and start of the tour is the Frank Kemper House, also called the Turner Ashby house.  This is the Benjamin Franklin Kemper house. 

The Madison House built in 1751 was built by John Madison, cousin of President James Madison.  It served as a temporary HQ for ‘Stonewall’ Jackson. 

Port Republic must get it’s name from being a river town where 8 roads came together.  Goods from the Valley would be shipped via “gondolows” down the river.  The North and South Rivers meet here to form the South Fork of the Shenandoah River.  When the railroads came Port Republic lost its importance as a transportation center. 

Jackson’s Escape is described in the Museum.  Jackson was nearly captured as Federal troops closed on his HQ.  He crossed, “at a full gallop,” the covered bridge on the North River, he narrowly escaped death as a shell crashed through the roof of the structure.  Confederate reinforcements charged back across the bridge and forced the Federal raiders back.

Shields reported to McDowell but neither reached the battlefield of Port Republic.  It was Eratus B. Tyler leading the advance elements that threatened Jackson in battle on June 9, 1862.

BATTLE OF PORT PORT REPUBLIC

This signage is along US Highway 304

Tyler with about 4,000 soldiers selected a strong position about 2 miles downstream from Port Republic.  Jackson had about 12,000 troops.  However, many confederates were strung out and still across the river.   The initial fight involved 2 Virginia Regiments from the Stonewall Brigade, supported by some artillery.  Federal artillery was located on a dominating ridge know as “The Coaling” (wood was turned into charcoal here, thus the name, The Coaling). 

Jackson knew he had to seize The Coaling before Fremont’s troops could threaten his flank. Jackson sent the Louisiana regiments of Richard Taylor to attack Tyler’s flank.  They succeeded but a federal counterattack regained The Coaling.   Taylor reorganized his command and retook the hill.  Yet, Federals bravely clawed their way back only to be driven off the hill for the 3^rd time. 

Ewell arrived on the field with his troops and the Confederates established firm control of the high ground.  The defeated Federal army  had no choice but to retreat downstream from where they had come.

 The importance of these Confederate successes arose on a larger scale when he joined Lee near Richmond.  The retreating Federals in the Valley allowed Jackson to cross the Blue Ridge and join the Confederates defending Richmond against the attack of George B. McClellan’s Army of the Potomac.

BATTLE OF PORT REPUBLIC – THE COALING

This was another accidental find – Garmin and ONSTAR were of no help.  The picture gives you the clues.

Below are 3 good books about the battles.  Two published by the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation contain short essays on the battles of Jackson’s 1862 and Sheridan’s 1864 Valley Campaigns.  The third is another essay on the Battle of Cedar Creek.

“If this Valley is lost, Virginia is lost!” Stonewall Jackson’s Valley Campaign, Ed Jonathan A. Noyalas. 2006

“Give the enemy no rest!” Sheridan’s 1864 Shenandoah Campaign, Ed Joanthan A. Noyalas, 2007

Battle of Belle Grove or Cedar Creek, Joseph W.A. Whitehorne, The Wayside Museum of Amiecan Hisotry and Arts, Strasburg, VA 1987.

WORLD SERIES GAME 5: San Francisco 5 - Kansas City 0  

The first World Series shutout in 11 years

 KC is one game down with 2 games won vs. SF 3 games won

Ouch!!!!

New Orleans SAINTS 44 – Green Bay PACKERS 23

Pack is 5-3, still second in NFC Northern Division

This was a Sunday Night Game - played in New Orleans

MONDAY - October 27, 2014  

WEATHER:  45 this morning, clear another starry starry night – they say it will get up to 73 today

TRAVEL:  Candy Hill RV Campground, Winchester, VA to Natural Bridge KOA, Lexington, VA.  There is hardly anybody here.  The KOA is on the side of the mountain.  My site is not level.  It’s almost a 2 foot step down from the bottom step of the trailer – yes you get the picture the trailer door handle is above my head.  WIFI works – sometimes – weak signal - slow.  Unable to update the blog at his location.

The oldies stations here  -  well it’s the first time I’ve even heard a station advertise
“the country you grew up with” 

Woodrow Wilson Museum

WOODROW WILSON PRESIDENTIAL LIBRARY – Staunton, VA

This Presidential Library is privately funded by donations to the Shenandoah Valley      and is not funded by federal money like every presidential library since Hoover. 

I had to drive back about 50 miles – but since this is VA and 70 mph on I-81 means 75 the drive was a little more than 35 minutes.  Admission was $14, I’m still glad I went back.

Woodrow Wilson

Woodrow Wilson was born in Staunton, VA in 1857. His father was a minister and as part of the salary, the house came with 3 slaves.  At the outbreak of the war Wilson’s father moved to Augusta, GA – they offered him 3x the salary – his father served as a Chaplain during the Civil War.  Pictures are not allowed during the birth house tour.

The museum is small but to the point – something like the Theodore Roosevelt museum in Oyster Bay, NY.  I spent a rushed 1 ½ hours, there, two would be max.  There is a 10 minute film on Wilson’s career.    

TUESDAY - October 28, 2014  

WEATHER:  It was 49 with a clear sky at 4:30, it reached 83 today, a beautiful drive in the mountains and valleys of Virginia

TRAVEL:  Natural Bridge KOA to Booker T. Washington NM to Bedford  - the National D-Day Memorial & Hunters Raid - to Salem’s Hanging Rock Battlefield to Buchanan to the Blue Ridge Parkway and Peaks of Otter Visitor Center and back to Natural Bridge KOA.  

HEADLINE NEWS:  President Obama awarded  the Medal of Honor to LT. Alonzo H. Cushing  for his actions on Cemetery Ridge the afternoon of July 3, 1863 during , Pickett’s Charge at Getttysburg.  Cushing was commander of Battery A, 4^th US Artillery.  He was KIA.

And where is Obama today, in Wisconsin, campaigning for the democratic candidate for governor – forgot her name  . . .  .

129 BOOKER T. WASHINGTON NM – Moneta, VA

Booker T. Washington was born a slave in 1856 on the Burroughs tobacco farm which despite it’s small size, he always referred to as the “plantation.”   In 1865 he left to join his stepfather in Malden, WV and went to work at 4am in the salt mines so he could go to school later in the day.  Some years later he was taken in as a houseboy and a wealthy woman encouraged him to continue his education.  At age 16, he learned of Hampton Institute between 1872-1875.  Hampton Institute was a black school in VA. He went back to VA. 

1881 he founded a secondary school for blacks in Tuskegee, AL.  As first principal, he built the school into a respected institution.

1895-1915 As a leading black educator, he continued to promote industrial education.  He was criticized by other black leaders for his “accomodationist” approach.  His methods arose partly from his need for support from powerful whites, most which were former slave owners. 

1901 - Published his autobiography Up From Slavery. 

1915 – Died and is buried at Tuskegee.

The site is a reconstructed Burroughs tobacco farm .  The monument was established in 1857 to commemorate his life and work.  The park comprises 239 acres including most of the original 207 acre Burroughs farm. 

THE NATIONAL D-DAY MEMORIAL  A privately funded national memorial with no connection to or funding from the federal government or the National Park Service.  There is a story behind this – basically, after a 5 year study, the NPS said it didn’t fit their criteria .

The memorial is a huge piece of art filled with symbolism. 

I’ll let the pictures speak for themselves.  There is a fee for entry – if you ever pass this way  

I think it’s worth the cost.  Some may find it boring.   There are hundreds of plaques to read. The memorial is used as an educational tool with “architectural and sculptural features and historical allusions.”

HUNTER’S RAID

I thought I was done with CW sites for a few days but my visit to Staunton yesterday and Wilson’s home piqued my interest again.  I had meant to visit the site of the Battle of Piedmont and bought ”The Battle of Piedmont and Hunter’s Raid on Staunton” by Scott C. Patchan at New Market on Sunday.  Today’s route may take me by some of the sites on the raid.

On May 26, 1864, Union Gen. David Hunter marched south from Cedar Creek near Winchester to drive out Confederate forces, lay waste to the Shenandoah Valley and destroy transportation facilities at Lynchburg. His raid was part of Gen. U.S. Grant's strategy to attack Confederates simultaneously throughout Virginia. After defeating Gen. William "Grumble" Jones at Piedmont on June 5, Hunter marched to Staunton, then Lexington where he burned the Virginia Military Institute.

He then crossed the Blue Ridge Mountains heading to Lynchburg. There on June 17–18, Confederate Gen. Jubal Early repulsed Hunter and pursued him into West Virginia.

Hunter's campaign in the Valley came to an end after he was defeated by Early at the Battle of Lynchburg on June 19.  Grant brought in MG  Philip Sheridan, making him Hunter's subordinate, but making it clear that Sheridan would lead the troops in the field and that Hunter would be left with only administrative responsibilities. Hunter, feeling that Grant had a lack of confidence in him, requested to be relieved.  He would serve in no more combat commands. He was promoted to brevet major general in the regular army on March 13, 1865 an honor that was relatively common for senior officers late in the war.

June 15, 1864 BEDFORD, VA  found this marker by accident Garmin and ONSTAR of no help

June 21, 1864 HANGING ROCK BATTLEFIELD – Salem VA found the trail and doublebacked to the trailhead

BUCHANAN – Cavalry Battle and the Burning of Mount Joy   Home of Confederate Congressman and BG John T. Anderson  - along the highway found it by luck

PEAKS OF OTTER – no battle but beauty in the Blue Ridge

130 BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY Otter Peaks Visitor Center, VA

The park headquarter and main Visitor Center is near Asheville North Carolina.  The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469 route with a 73-year history.  The new Visitor Center opened in 2008  I found the Otter Peaks VC while really looking for the Peaks of Otter Civil War Trails marker.  It was a lucky find.  This is the last week that this Visitor Center is open.

It was a beautiful drive.  I took the road up from Buchanan – not a ride for trucks of trailers – very steep – very tight “S” turns – they post warnings – they’re true – follow them  . . . .   

The Parkway is marked with Mile Markers going from north to south.  The southern end is in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.  Enjoy the view.

WORLD SERIES GAME  6:             Kansas City 10 - San Francisco  0  

Was this another shutout?  The first World Series shutout since yesterday.

Even up 3 and 3

WEDNESDAY - October 29, 2014  

WEATHER:  59 at 5:30 am calm cloudy, pleasant – supposed to rain this afternoon  high in low 70’s

TRAVEL:  Natural Bridge KOA to Kings Mountain, SC.  Looks like a 250 mile trip, mostly along I-77;  4-5 hours.