tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-87433882024-02-28T05:56:15.058-06:00Legends' Travel Blog 2005-2014Legends Of America's Travel LogAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597141614262458574noreply@blogger.comBlogger157125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8743388.post-8441216333818590252015-01-30T09:40:00.001-06:002015-05-09T12:01:55.185-05:00New place for our Blogging We have a new <a href="http://photos.legendsofamerica.com/blog" target="_blank">Photo Blog</a>. Our <a href="http://photos.legendsofamerica.com/blog" target="_blank">Photo Blog</a> allows you direct access to many travel related photo galleries and more. <br />
<br />
Please enjoy our previous entries here on this blog, dating back a decade, and be sure to check out our latest travels in the new <a href="http://photos.legendsofamerica.com/blog" target="_blank">Photo Blog</a>.<br />
<br />
Thanks for coming by,<br />
Dave and Kathy, <a href="http://legendsofamerica.com/" target="_blank">Legends Of America</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Legends of America is a Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic Minded.</div>Dave Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243636591572159544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8743388.post-18097172841960106652014-09-10T18:14:00.001-05:002014-09-10T21:11:00.899-05:00On to Michigan and the Fayette Historic Town Site<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXv_IA78Itn8G6e4z2sG0DtmaJoJdeQhWIHJODn-UWz-73Ag7HM28JpN0t9cN3TjQ8JSwLErXtf97HAOUSciLb9n6W57VS8-aVtZzTqdlxCgeH8BIbqZBmtMwAnY-5vucElbN/s1600/storm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLXv_IA78Itn8G6e4z2sG0DtmaJoJdeQhWIHJODn-UWz-73Ag7HM28JpN0t9cN3TjQ8JSwLErXtf97HAOUSciLb9n6W57VS8-aVtZzTqdlxCgeH8BIbqZBmtMwAnY-5vucElbN/s1600/storm.jpg" /></a></div>
After dodging some bad weather leaving Wisconsin, we made our way to Rapid River Michigan and several days of seeing Stonington Peninsula, along with some other great Michigan treasures, like Fayette Historic Town Site.<br />
<br />
This 19th Century, well preserved town, was most industrious. They manufactured charcoal pig iron here from 1867 to 1891, along with lime. Now in a State Historic Park, visitors can take a walking tour among 20 original structures, including eleven buildings with museum displays and plenty of scenic views of this harbor town of yesterday.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnc3xIqvLiA-KN2LYHAtyszkvb6-3qJWoV4zpn5hcleEKLANKweeHVPRbtflm4P5SDdsxjY0yyHJE4twmqx8NJWCQ3gzt9Bf_9oEuomVSHe-lsFhMXqMrlTVLpb3akzPM5rFA5/s1600/townview.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnc3xIqvLiA-KN2LYHAtyszkvb6-3qJWoV4zpn5hcleEKLANKweeHVPRbtflm4P5SDdsxjY0yyHJE4twmqx8NJWCQ3gzt9Bf_9oEuomVSHe-lsFhMXqMrlTVLpb3akzPM5rFA5/s1600/townview.jpg" /></a></div>
Located on the southern side of the Upper Peninsula on Big Bay de Noc, Lake Michigan, Fayette was at its peak the most productive iron smelting operation in the area. Shortly after the Civil War, this company town grew up around two very large blast furnaces, charcoal kilns, a lime kiln, and a large dock.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibh_F-r2tXMxspBRTGlGIh0nxh9uh9ktMTb0xGSCWnJeVhYBlKapYdtup3Z0HTg0peikr01zK5vZ7KP28kzJUttBnutiFXcWZcbyYxKiqcbbPkD6acUNmJeCVtEIEpiwtJrsqF/s1600/furnace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibh_F-r2tXMxspBRTGlGIh0nxh9uh9ktMTb0xGSCWnJeVhYBlKapYdtup3Z0HTg0peikr01zK5vZ7KP28kzJUttBnutiFXcWZcbyYxKiqcbbPkD6acUNmJeCVtEIEpiwtJrsqF/s1600/furnace.jpg" height="134" width="200" /></a></div>
About 500 residents lived here, and during its peak in population, half were children. The laborers and skilled tradesman produced over 225,000 tons of pig iron during its 24 years of activity, all splitting up just over $5,000 in payroll each month, They used hardwood from the forest for fuel, and quarried limestone from the bluffs in the harbor to purify the iron ore. It would be short lived due to the exhaustion of hardwoods, and the Jackson Iron Company closed its Fayette smelting operations in 1891 when the market declined. Although some residents stayed and farmed, many left Fayette.<br />
<br />
In 1882 the company announced it would build a lime kiln to manufacture lime used in mortar for masonry, chinking for log houses and plaster for interior walls. The excess was sold to Escanaba, which was a two day trip by stage, or 3 hours by boat across Big Bay de Noc. In the winter, when the lake froze, residents could ride a stage sled across to Escanaba.<br />
<br />
Fayette's central business district separated the have from have nots. Trademen and Supervisors along with their families lived in comfortable frame houses, while simple log homes were taken along the hill, road and shoreline by the unskilled laboring class on the other side of town.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHzS8wDiquNjHQ3UETtpxG-TpVrEFNpZsTH2bRx4QMeXKeaTB9dap-JoLlaJIpg_mEN9sJau2k0dX16olnz8PePxmao0TYy9cot4Ut9-X8WV-mHIXayUo0eHNf-P5WisvuzP8/s1600/slagbeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijHzS8wDiquNjHQ3UETtpxG-TpVrEFNpZsTH2bRx4QMeXKeaTB9dap-JoLlaJIpg_mEN9sJau2k0dX16olnz8PePxmao0TYy9cot4Ut9-X8WV-mHIXayUo0eHNf-P5WisvuzP8/s1600/slagbeach.jpg" /></a></div>
Take a walk on Slag Beach, which was an industrial dump site, where glass like slag, or cinder, mixed with iron can still be found. The Jackson Iron Company used the furnace waste product as a road base and fill material. The beach also served local residents as the landfill, and Fayette was known for not being a "tidy" town.<br />
<br />
We found the walking tour great! You'll want to allow for a couple of hours to see the entire town and its surroundings. Along the tour you'll find a reconstructed Charcoal Kiln that was used to make fuel for the large furnaces still standing. By the mid 1880's there were over eighty charcoal kilns in the area run by the company.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2F9BkY7nG0nQGHc3MgU3ozKqiTLA5-BjyTkJf1ofVhm9gjFG4bDm7I2mp7uJ38DjJdZAkRAU_44TJGqrV7UO7kDaM97DdzSiZUPcmcaWjIGy2bSGLEc3_lqDuVRHIh7TdNrC/s1600/storepic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2F9BkY7nG0nQGHc3MgU3ozKqiTLA5-BjyTkJf1ofVhm9gjFG4bDm7I2mp7uJ38DjJdZAkRAU_44TJGqrV7UO7kDaM97DdzSiZUPcmcaWjIGy2bSGLEc3_lqDuVRHIh7TdNrC/s1600/storepic.jpg" /></a></div>
You'll also see the ruins of the company store, which like many others, was described by one resident as a "pluck me". The store was destroyed by fire in the 1900's, but it's limestone frame remains tall on the shore of the harbor.<br />
<br />
We found this historic park well worth the price of admission to see a bit of history at your own leisure. They've done a great job of maintaining and reconstructing the buildings that are left, with plenty of information to give you a real sense of what life was like here. For more information see their official website <a href="http://www.michigan.gov/mhc/0,4726,7-282-61080_62654---,00.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhS00ZAlpN0fYFn1K5EaSoefAFYWXv6-lmkwD7PNo_ex4PuYjH3ZXbj9KfRRe4RQlYppabRRDuFgMwL1h_DpE3MrrPQvMYroKXLWu_cxKEU9GkzbxSY7vJOT3srG05mSo1qlO/s1600/p220311330-11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLhS00ZAlpN0fYFn1K5EaSoefAFYWXv6-lmkwD7PNo_ex4PuYjH3ZXbj9KfRRe4RQlYppabRRDuFgMwL1h_DpE3MrrPQvMYroKXLWu_cxKEU9GkzbxSY7vJOT3srG05mSo1qlO/s1600/p220311330-11.jpg" /></a></div>
See our stay in this area, including our experience with Monarch Butterflies at Peninsula Point Lighthouse, the ghost town of Stonington Point and more via our <a href="http://photos.legendsofamerica.com/blog/2014/9/stonington-peninsula-ghost-town-fayette" target="_blank">Photo Blog HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
While in this area we stayed at Vagabond Resort just outside of Rapid River, MI. This is an older RV Park, and though it looks a little run down, we found the management and WIFI to be excellent! Very helpful and friendly atmosphere, although we probably wouldn't choose this park without the Passport rate. (Around $27 normal, $13 Passport).<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Legends of America is a Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic Minded.</div>Dave Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243636591572159544noreply@blogger.com0Fayette, MI, USA41.9724871 -84.62698239999997441.8780426 -84.788343899999973 42.066931600000004 -84.465620899999976tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8743388.post-77833557004848741002014-09-04T08:25:00.002-05:002014-09-04T21:08:07.983-05:00Fond du Lac to Milwaukee<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7ivQqKhSPDgPiUzHZ0xbrql1bfhAP7IjAWnJveQK2qBZS-HcCuGI-HePlTPRuz4buYm3H-Orw4guGGFSSWTh91wDNHoeK1kqgmtcWU6Mzc6xgqMsQmn80741ONd0m8d9dbUu/s1600/dheinsville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiO7ivQqKhSPDgPiUzHZ0xbrql1bfhAP7IjAWnJveQK2qBZS-HcCuGI-HePlTPRuz4buYm3H-Orw4guGGFSSWTh91wDNHoeK1kqgmtcWU6Mzc6xgqMsQmn80741ONd0m8d9dbUu/s1600/dheinsville.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
On our way from Fond du Lac to Milwaukee, we stopped at the Dheinsville Settlement just outside Germantown. It's an historic 1850's original German settlement with several of the older buildings still standing, including the 1862 Christ Church, an 1854 Hotel, along with a few others. The settlement dates back to 1842, and it was a good stop for a quick fix of history.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4PQ1y2doROvh79ki1YMbu9spZiHdwZAShyphenhyphenfH-vUgP7wZAoE8aqLlJC00ZP4goRvivwdnYoOh4Z3P_TUwn-HXBxdHqmjPjwcKY_OeiYostzaKsyfGgv-Savup2sWtaNFKL7vg/s1600/monomoneefalls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk4PQ1y2doROvh79ki1YMbu9spZiHdwZAShyphenhyphenfH-vUgP7wZAoE8aqLlJC00ZP4goRvivwdnYoOh4Z3P_TUwn-HXBxdHqmjPjwcKY_OeiYostzaKsyfGgv-Savup2sWtaNFKL7vg/s1600/monomoneefalls.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a>Another quick stop found us in Menomonee Falls. A suburb of Milwaukee, it was <br />
established in 1892 on the Menomonee River, which the city has damned creating a water fall. The downtown area has kept it's historic charm despite the influx of population from the city over the years.<br />
<br />
The region around the confluence of three rivers, the Milwaukee, Menomonee and Kinnickinnic, into Lake Michigan, was originally inhabited by several Native American tribes, including the Fox, Winnebago, Potawatomi, Ojibwe, Sauk, Menominee and Mascouten. European missionaries and traders were passing through by the late 17th and early 18th century. French Canadian Alexis Laframboise established a trading post here in 1785.<br />
<br />
The rivers saw the first official European settlements around 1818, with French Canadian explorer Solomon Juneau establishing Juneautown. It was in competition with two others that formed quickly after, Kilbourntown and Walkers Point. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mJMMUCW27NUbDD1aoxTIPP_XuQ58wLIf-U93OcQoTLR5fuC30CsPsg6x_vVVrpoafO_c0YvYCMCG-FRnxndLw9wwoN9o86n4jUwcRI5Lzc89Ux3dffqAr9HDuxyhPZSMDXmQ/s1600/downtownmilwaukee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0mJMMUCW27NUbDD1aoxTIPP_XuQ58wLIf-U93OcQoTLR5fuC30CsPsg6x_vVVrpoafO_c0YvYCMCG-FRnxndLw9wwoN9o86n4jUwcRI5Lzc89Ux3dffqAr9HDuxyhPZSMDXmQ/s1600/downtownmilwaukee.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a></div>
Leading up to 1840 these settlements went through some intense rivalries that culminated in what is now known as the "Milwaukee Bridge War". Mainly between Juneautown on the east side of the Milwaukee River, and Kilbourntown on the west side, the trouble began when Kilbourntown tried to isolate Juneautown to make it more dependant on them. A planned bridge over the river threatened Kilbourntown's plans, and in 1845 Byron Kilbourn, founder of his settlement, destroyed part of the bridge under construction. Two smaller bridges were destroyed by men of Juneautown in an attempt to cut off Kilbourn from the east and south side. It was after this that they decided the best way forward would be to make better efforts to cooperate, and in 1846 the three settlements united into one city as Milwaukee.<br />
<br />
The name Milwaukee comes from a Native word meaning "Gathering place by the water", and was known in the early days as Milwacky, Milwarck, Milwauki and even Melleorki.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaNIBP0tXuskwd5xDH3YpaCibu9lbjBJl7w01H3IQWz_ypCnTxzHcXVUMoyJRigJx5JJadH262jSlYlx55UaZYj9KlhB5BXl86taureUo28jQXDtWP0HzFkp2gh-INnKVW3PK/s1600/church.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXaNIBP0tXuskwd5xDH3YpaCibu9lbjBJl7w01H3IQWz_ypCnTxzHcXVUMoyJRigJx5JJadH262jSlYlx55UaZYj9KlhB5BXl86taureUo28jQXDtWP0HzFkp2gh-INnKVW3PK/s1600/church.jpg" height="147" width="200" /></a></div>
German immigrants made up a large portion of Milwaukee's early growth. So much so that clubs and societies created here made a lasting impact on American life. Did you know it was the Germans that created Kindergarten? They also incorpoated sports, music and art into regular school curriculums. By the turn of the 20th Century, Germans made up a third of Milwaukee's population.<br />
<br />
Polish immigrants too had and impact on the city, especially in its churches, with steeples that dot the skyline providing some beautiful views with breathtaking architecture. Milwaukee boasts the fifth largest Polish population in the U.S. to this day (around 45,000), but it was as high as 100,000 in 1915.<br />
<br />
Other nations' immigrants were also attracted to the city on Lake Michigan, and by 1910 Milwaukee was tied with New York City as having the largest percentage of foreign born residents in the U.S.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXXag5Yg0BGxycw6fN5F15X7MOApMOT9bKfQWuOFNWASO9nfKLwYEXf2tY_W-ub_UBV2LUp9FfwSgKs4cE3w6KP9rxz4M7dcdRuKa5L3AgpVleRoROBuUC7DkARmjWROmygRm/s1600/Millervalley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPXXag5Yg0BGxycw6fN5F15X7MOApMOT9bKfQWuOFNWASO9nfKLwYEXf2tY_W-ub_UBV2LUp9FfwSgKs4cE3w6KP9rxz4M7dcdRuKa5L3AgpVleRoROBuUC7DkARmjWROmygRm/s1600/Millervalley.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
In 1960, with a population 91% white, the city was one of the largest in the United States at almost 800,000. However it's population began to decline by the late 1960's as many moved to the burbs, and by 1980 it only had around 630,000 residents. With it's historic districts and rich immigrant history, the city survived and is on it's way back through re-vitalization and efforts to attract new business. The city saw a population increase over the past decade, it's first since 1960.<br />
<br />
Today the city is home to the headquarters of six Fortune 500 companies including Harley-Davidson, Joy Global, Rockwell Automation, Johnson Controls, Manpower, and Northwestern Mutual. Other companies based here including Briggs & Stratton, Master Lock, GE Healthcare and others.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZFfmyVelqKUKK-c49cW-TumpL1gx0XND0LBWRywBBMhPjTNBqmNjh0KX6hXKvNKUzftt4uk04YsG97Cz3l5TH5W6a8eGf3NsZ_tRat9QYdR3EVFyMvpRc3Bg0ueqy2d2JEKS/s1600/pabstsign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiZFfmyVelqKUKK-c49cW-TumpL1gx0XND0LBWRywBBMhPjTNBqmNjh0KX6hXKvNKUzftt4uk04YsG97Cz3l5TH5W6a8eGf3NsZ_tRat9QYdR3EVFyMvpRc3Bg0ueqy2d2JEKS/s1600/pabstsign.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
Railroads helped shape the cities future as well, with Milwaukee becoming the largest shipper of wheat in the world in 1862. This of course brought the 'suds'. Milwaukee was at one time the leading producer of beer in the world, home to four of the worlds largest breweries; Schlitz, Blatz, Pabst and Miller. It has since declined in this regard, but is still home to the major brewer Miller Brewing Company, the second largest in the U.S. Coors also has a brewery in Miller Valley, the oldest still-functioning major brewery in the country. You may recognize some of these brewery's as they were used as the backdrop in many scenes of the popular sitcoms Happy Days and Lavern and Shirley, which were set in Milwaukee.<br />
<br />
We couldn't take a brewery tour at Miller Valley due to some electrical problems during our visit, however we especially enjoyed our time around the old Pabst Brewery with it's many buildings abandoned for years. It gave us a glimpse of the past we wouldn't have just months from now, as these old buildings appear to be slated for demolition soon.<br />
<br />
There is a lot to see and do in this city, whether touring the famous brewery's, enjoying the many attractions downtown, or even a dip in Lake Michigan on one of the beaches. Oh, and of course there is baseball and the Brewers (I know, there are other sports here too). Depending on your cup of tea, this could be a weekend long adventure, or you could just be a drive through history buff like us and spend a day taking in the architecture and sites. We don't normally do large cities and like to write about the smaller places in American History the most, but what ever your taste, there is something for everyone in Milwaukee.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKw_w5BAecLNKrH3C-IRdXbT1BNXakZ_-5633VUboAddOKC-CINK_dA-sp0PiISqbtw-_n5PBZZWNuMnlbc4VW3BFevXBBQUNg4duJWR8es7qKS5ppGL277UHV6TY7q39rx726/s1600/cedarburgcoveredbridge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKw_w5BAecLNKrH3C-IRdXbT1BNXakZ_-5633VUboAddOKC-CINK_dA-sp0PiISqbtw-_n5PBZZWNuMnlbc4VW3BFevXBBQUNg4duJWR8es7qKS5ppGL277UHV6TY7q39rx726/s1600/cedarburgcoveredbridge.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
After traveling up the lakeside for a while we headed back making a stop in historic Cedarburg. Founded in the early 1840's by Irish and German settlers on Cedar Creek, they have carefully preserved the city's original structures and the downtown looks much as it did over a hundred years ago. In fact, more than 200 buildings of historical significance remain in the town, and remain in use as shops, homes, museums and more.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhg80FDZsPkEHPlULS9VX9L91sHwdolLncudPeNiy3k_ny3igPcFxFcp1lKGDCUeUwMyUgDlqMxEw8YdgRt2ohnxmC0JQM6JTLEPev0NY1ai0g2Ndb4WDNjk7H-yYgTip10phu/s1600/cedarburgdowntown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhg80FDZsPkEHPlULS9VX9L91sHwdolLncudPeNiy3k_ny3igPcFxFcp1lKGDCUeUwMyUgDlqMxEw8YdgRt2ohnxmC0JQM6JTLEPev0NY1ai0g2Ndb4WDNjk7H-yYgTip10phu/s1600/cedarburgdowntown.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
Industries here included a woolen mill, lumber and flour mills, a nail factory and a brewery, all which prospered after the railroad arrived in 1870. Although it's area population is around 11,000, Cedarburg has kept it's old world charm and we could tell it was a favorite stop for tourists which crowded the shops downtown during our Labor Day weekend visit.<br />
<br />
See our visit to the Milwaukee area in images and read more about the history, including that of the famous breweries, in each photo's description via our <a href="http://photos.legendsofamerica.com/blog/2014/9/milwaukee-area-and-beer" target="_blank">Photo Blog HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
While in this area we stayed at Fond du Lac County Fairgrounds in one of their 18 full hookup sites. $20 a night, and only a few other campers there. Not a place if you are into scenery, but was great for our purposes. No wifi, but we had excellent AT&T data here (4Glte). Fond du Lac has a lot to see and is fairly large compared to what we typically do. The downtown has a market on certain days, and there's lots of history in this area. Appears it is sometimes difficult to get into a spot at this fairground. As of this writing you really need to arrive when they are in the office. If not, you may be without a key to unlock electric and water. We were lucky as there is Donny, a great RV'er that stays there a lot and actually was given the key to help others with. He had to leave though for the weekend and we saw more than one camper pull up and leave shortly after. We were told in the office that they are considering upgrading their on-line reservation system and campground next year with new procedures that will eliminate this problem.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Legends of America is a Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic Minded.</div>Dave Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243636591572159544noreply@blogger.com0Milwaukee, WI, USA43.0389025 -87.90647360000002742.6676395 -88.551920600000031 43.4101655 -87.261026600000022tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8743388.post-90251598717514086112014-08-27T11:38:00.000-05:002014-08-27T18:12:23.188-05:00Old World Wisconsin Worth the Price of Admission +While staying in the area around Kettle Moraine State Park, our primary destination was Old World Wisconsin. This is an attraction run by the Wisconsin State Historical Society that was worth the admission price and then some. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5y6nxHJOqaKkFJE77ohSY-1BZtWhwBDpMuihwQ8sosIBec96OZVRvI6z74c9g9GA89_DKgOOirIX-5zRZh1hdvhpzXW_Hey6CesEEEqqAt6XOREyy4aEv0O8Y8vdS3Z7DAqJk/s1600/barn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5y6nxHJOqaKkFJE77ohSY-1BZtWhwBDpMuihwQ8sosIBec96OZVRvI6z74c9g9GA89_DKgOOirIX-5zRZh1hdvhpzXW_Hey6CesEEEqqAt6XOREyy4aEv0O8Y8vdS3Z7DAqJk/s1600/barn.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a></div>
To create this outdoor museum, researchers traveled throughout the state looking for authentic buildings representing generations of Wisconsin settlers. Opening in 1976, over 60 historic buildings from around the state have been painstakingly moved here piece by piece, literally numbering boards, bricks and logs to reconstruct them on site. These pieces become "villages and farms" that represent various times in 19th and 20th century Wisconsin. They even have a couple of re-created grave sites that have the exact inscriptions as the originals.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FvSgO-x4LkXLD5MCmk8HfzYMB-IPzDABFCwo87oGovvQ5vNMifwtC0mT1UB8PMq3sIseahPjLxyZfLiMgXZSTN1crVi0yNQzpNwVhgLDGzyp4nQnauFcncovNDSKe11adp0b/s1600/squirrel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2FvSgO-x4LkXLD5MCmk8HfzYMB-IPzDABFCwo87oGovvQ5vNMifwtC0mT1UB8PMq3sIseahPjLxyZfLiMgXZSTN1crVi0yNQzpNwVhgLDGzyp4nQnauFcncovNDSKe11adp0b/s1600/squirrel.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a>You experience 1915 at the Finish village, then turn back the clock more to 1839 at the Norwegian area. Each area has its own reenactor's showing what life was like, some even cooking food from the time. There was a squirrel in the pot along with fresh turnips from the garden at the Norwegian village, while they had a little more modern goodies at the Finish place. These are only a couple of examples of life you can see while in here, as Old World Wisconsin is the world's largest museum dedicated to the history of rural life.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsvdkIgvddYwcvJNAm7vTkm9tjIkY3ddBnYDpRBRckG_Jw50zFFiyVsoQfcAtjmDla9nmfCM6nsPoszwNBRJrT_qh2PYuWCXLP8bBcGZMuQ0POS4pVurroywbD53RzPnuVNtI/s1600/generalstore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhsvdkIgvddYwcvJNAm7vTkm9tjIkY3ddBnYDpRBRckG_Jw50zFFiyVsoQfcAtjmDla9nmfCM6nsPoszwNBRJrT_qh2PYuWCXLP8bBcGZMuQ0POS4pVurroywbD53RzPnuVNtI/s1600/generalstore.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
One of our top favorites now, we regretted that we had only 3 hours to tour Old World before it closed for the day. Most definitely allow for at least 4 hours if not the day. Spread over a large area, you can walk from exhibit to exhibit, or catch one of several trams that will drop you off. From General Stores to shoe shops, and barns; wheel makers to bread bakers and historic breeds of animals, even baseball. This museum has something for the entire family to enjoy.<br />
<br />
All of it was great, but some of our personal favorites were the 1870's Crossroads Village where you'll find costumed interpreters telling about life as an Irish laundress, Welsh shopkeeper, Bohemian shoemaker, and more. During our visit they were also recreating some of Wisconsin's role in the Civil War, and they had Union troops camped here in the village displaying everyday life during the war.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavRTrIsD2Kq96B0RgnvkOcTc_KRpqftsuJ97l9c2U8RQPXNA97CRh2F12BfB0wF5rsV4pOuKLD5G45Pkg-_2qJkao_COJ6N2ALWJI_6KbJQLQ-9HAnFq_jZAnwLgqAVZ-C_UA/s1600/p489847813-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgavRTrIsD2Kq96B0RgnvkOcTc_KRpqftsuJ97l9c2U8RQPXNA97CRh2F12BfB0wF5rsV4pOuKLD5G45Pkg-_2qJkao_COJ6N2ALWJI_6KbJQLQ-9HAnFq_jZAnwLgqAVZ-C_UA/s1600/p489847813-2.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a>Another favorite was the Raspberry One Room School House brought down from around Lake Superior. Representing the late 19th century, the "teacher" will tell you how it was quite hard to keep an instructor there for more than just a few months, and how short lived the school was.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzEvWjRrmjoUNOJV8sGVj7VWQMLz6cucd0huSuW97jKlNbfdc7pMriEh18Z94H5uD8GqPW4RyB5V01g8eniLR21jpJDLAS_5R9EGoO5kiilH26zvn2zZ2W6XN84DMOMsEfDeB/s1600/barns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzEvWjRrmjoUNOJV8sGVj7VWQMLz6cucd0huSuW97jKlNbfdc7pMriEh18Z94H5uD8GqPW4RyB5V01g8eniLR21jpJDLAS_5R9EGoO5kiilH26zvn2zZ2W6XN84DMOMsEfDeB/s1600/barns.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
Of course Kathy's favorite was the barns throughout. Beautiful structures of a time past that have been brought here to be kept intact as they were when originally built. We both loved the Civil War reenactors, and what's great about this place is that different months have different themes. So if we were to be here in October we would experience something new. <br />
<br />
Open early May through end of October, Old World Wisconsin should go on your list as a must see. Plan accordingly and check out the various themes and special events via their website <a href="http://oldworldwisconsin.wisconsinhistory.org/" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
There's no way this blog could do the museum justice, so we took over 800 photos of our visit and have picked 34 of our faves (may add more) to display in our <a href="http://photos.legendsofamerica.com/blog/2014/8/images-of-old-world-wisconsin" target="_blank">Old World Wisconsin Photo Blog HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
While in this area we stayed at the Rome River Campground and RV Park. We could have stayed in the Kettle Moraine State Park, but they didn't have any spots with hookups left. This second choice was not bad though. Rome is a very small town with a simple General Store (for sale during our visit) right by the campground. But there are larger towns nearby for more groceries, etc. Management was great, wifi was good when it worked (they had some known issues while we were there with their router). AT&T data coverage, while shows solid on the coverage map, was spotty at the campground.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Legends of America is a Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic Minded.</div>Dave Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243636591572159544noreply@blogger.com0Old World Wisconsin, W372 S9727 Wisconsin 67, Eagle, WI 53119, USA42.872602500000013 -88.49066500000003517.350568000000013 -129.79925900000003 68.394637000000017 -47.182071000000036tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8743388.post-62548813125188321402014-08-23T16:08:00.007-05:002021-04-29T12:18:54.886-05:00Prairie du Chien Via a Field of Dreams<div>
<div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImhR6YXV53qMoGA9jv2DpzZvfKrGVCTcoRBc2OPSLdswB5EteCYK5J8hIe8tQFuY1ofBnzUPHANuRGfjKHFrhcwArtoEuTu5pXx8N6qLKUdUPMl8Aw1b9_hD9Kf9GiFzuVKp0/s1600/Fieldofdreamssign.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImhR6YXV53qMoGA9jv2DpzZvfKrGVCTcoRBc2OPSLdswB5EteCYK5J8hIe8tQFuY1ofBnzUPHANuRGfjKHFrhcwArtoEuTu5pXx8N6qLKUdUPMl8Aw1b9_hD9Kf9GiFzuVKp0/s1600/Fieldofdreamssign.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span><div style="font-size: large; margin-bottom: 0in;"><i>From August 2014</i></div><div style="font-size: large; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImhR6YXV53qMoGA9jv2DpzZvfKrGVCTcoRBc2OPSLdswB5EteCYK5J8hIe8tQFuY1ofBnzUPHANuRGfjKHFrhcwArtoEuTu5pXx8N6qLKUdUPMl8Aw1b9_hD9Kf9GiFzuVKp0/s1600/Fieldofdreamssign.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; font-size: large; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhImhR6YXV53qMoGA9jv2DpzZvfKrGVCTcoRBc2OPSLdswB5EteCYK5J8hIe8tQFuY1ofBnzUPHANuRGfjKHFrhcwArtoEuTu5pXx8N6qLKUdUPMl8Aw1b9_hD9Kf9GiFzuVKp0/s1600/Fieldofdreamssign.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span><div style="font-size: large; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;">After
leaving Amana Colonies, Kathy and I made our way to Pikes Peak State
Park, on the Iowa side of the Mississippi River. But first, we had a
quirky side trip to Dyersville and the nearby </span></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span><i>Field
of Dreams </i></span></span></span>Movie
Site.</span></div></span></span></span><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span><br />Surely most of you have seen the film? Kevin
Costner, the cornfield turned into a ball field to bring back a
bunch of dead famous Baseball players. Great movie, I don't think I
ever pass it up when scrolling through the TV Guide. What's really
cool about this, however, is what they had to go through getting this
to work.<br /><br />Director Phil Robinson came to the Dubuque area
in early Spring 1988, to make a </span></span></span><br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJH6nKfjjS7_tEMrOOEgi7C8BUUH57jQP5KKf_DennH4bmKSMxEFnV9P6PDmcJqwtOJnliYozOXqfdfbwIDbsYfW9hFVeGjDui6SkHS2eUXAchYRAcWxuxpYec0nN3qVvXpLq/s1600/p756423195-2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXJH6nKfjjS7_tEMrOOEgi7C8BUUH57jQP5KKf_DennH4bmKSMxEFnV9P6PDmcJqwtOJnliYozOXqfdfbwIDbsYfW9hFVeGjDui6SkHS2eUXAchYRAcWxuxpYec0nN3qVvXpLq/s1600/p756423195-2.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span>decision on one of hundreds of
farmsteads under consideration. While on his tour they came upon a
farm owned by Don and Becky Lansing. According to information at the
site, when Robinson spied it he immediately shouted "That's it!
That's my farm!." So in no time they worked with Lansing, moved
them to a camper on the other side of the house, and remodeled the
home to accommodate filming. Everything going well, except for one
major detail. Corn.<br /><br />It was one of the driest years since
the 1930's dust bowl, and they just couldn't get it to grow.
Ingenuity paid off though, and after getting approval from local
agencies, they dammed a creek that runs through the farm and
irrigated the field. It worked so well that the corn grew higher than
expected, forcing them to use a foot-high platform for Costner to
walk on while filming in the crop.<br /><br />Building the ball field was
also a large task. It would take seven semi-truck loads of sod, along
with mixed up busted brick, dye, and dirt to create the infield, but
in just four days it was ready.<br /><br />There were some interesting
"Did You Know" facts on the billboard at the movie site.
Like the fact that Moonlight Graham, played by Lancaster, was
actually a real person, and holds the shortest major league career on
record. And the identity of the "voice" in the movie is a
closely guarded secret, listed in the credits as "himself".<br /><br />The field is still just as green as in the movie, and you really get the
thrill of being <span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5XClcHi0awSAZ4X557NyUrBpNKaBO1yIgRvzyQJrqnoI3rVTK50V2NVVKA0q_6N-F-xfDxxb0QtpfLoAILlpFVydO21aaE_te8hpER8bcNw5Oo7Wi-Ab0QC4MhHD1JIfQ2Zs/s1600/p585217216-2.jpg" style="clear: left; display: inline !important; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu5XClcHi0awSAZ4X557NyUrBpNKaBO1yIgRvzyQJrqnoI3rVTK50V2NVVKA0q_6N-F-xfDxxb0QtpfLoAILlpFVydO21aaE_te8hpER8bcNw5Oo7Wi-Ab0QC4MhHD1JIfQ2Zs/s1600/p585217216-2.jpg" width="200" /></a></span></span></span></span>there, sitting on the bench where the little girl
falls and Burt Lancaster has to save her. Then standing on the mound
where Costner first made his pitch to Ray Liotta. And of course
having fun with a local star/extra, who played one of the ballplayers in the movie, Kathy doing her fade out into the corn with
him. It was a great stop and one we recommend, especially this time
of year. Corn looked just about ready to harvest, at least to this
geek. The home and farm had been in the Lansing family since 1906, *until 2013 when it was sold to a group of investors "Go The Distance LLC", with plans on turning the area into a major ballpark. We didn't see any construction during our visit, despite the fact that when announced in January 2013 the new ball fields were supposed to get started that Spring. Regardless, we may have been some of the last to see it as it was before the expansion. This past June they celebrated the 25th Anniversary of the movie's release with several of the stars returning for a trip down memory
lane. <i>(*corrected to reflect new ownership, hat tip to reader Albert Hall for bringing that to our attention)</i></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /><b><i>On to our campground. </i></b></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWqmMxWNBXG9mpuEzoSWylcJSQrW2u7thdy7z_pAEp5MER7AGSklUNb-LdViZt4VEgXHSsyvJRHwZOYai0aE-uPZQ612nyQb1nsv80_WgNGy-bWM2b5-ZgXCFNAdZXnW6XwbV/s1600/p650458082-2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHWqmMxWNBXG9mpuEzoSWylcJSQrW2u7thdy7z_pAEp5MER7AGSklUNb-LdViZt4VEgXHSsyvJRHwZOYai0aE-uPZQ612nyQb1nsv80_WgNGy-bWM2b5-ZgXCFNAdZXnW6XwbV/s1600/p650458082-2.jpg" width="200" /></span></a><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span><span></span>Pikes
Peak State Park sits at the confluence of the Wisconsin and
Mississippi River on the </span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span>Iowa side and provides visitors and campers
with a gorgeous overlook view of the river valley below. The
campground for RVs and tents is in the midst of pines, providing a
forest experience nature lovers adore, complete with a hiking trail
just beyond the river overlook to Bridal Falls.<br /><br />For AT&T
customers, this is no man's land. I don't mean just data either, as
many times we didn't even have a connection for voice. So here we
were truly disconnected. I know, many of you are thinking that's just
the way it should be. But for this geek, it was a challenge not to
constantly try to find a signal to at least attempt to see email. It
was good for me though and gave Kathy and me some extra time to just
sit and enjoy each other's company instead of being glued to our
work.<br /><br />It was raining the morning after we arrived, but
we headed out of the park anyway to start exploring the area (to be
honest, we were looking for a McDonalds with wifi). After leaving the
park you come into<a href="https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ia-mcgregor-marquette/"> historic McGregor, IA</a>. Founded as
McGregor's Landing in 1847, the area was original settled by
Alexander McGregor, a direct decedent of Rob Roy McGregor of
Scotland. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_jOr6yV8mL1bjcflPvNmmoAyUZ4tvFht92F7QuEZ5s0WKeX1VJwdYLj3GRxmgCZYiF0xjA-IWhDObFmatZebI9C0678Ga_fGDqedwsjDJnhwWnVHif5lRXgN462BSAoKop2u/s1600/p982410243-2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF_jOr6yV8mL1bjcflPvNmmoAyUZ4tvFht92F7QuEZ5s0WKeX1VJwdYLj3GRxmgCZYiF0xjA-IWhDObFmatZebI9C0678Ga_fGDqedwsjDJnhwWnVHif5lRXgN462BSAoKop2u/s1600/p982410243-2.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">McGregor
had already been operating a ferry across the Mississippi River to
Prairie du Chien, WI for 10 years when he planned the new city. It
was incorporated as McGregor in 1857, and it quickly became a major
commercial center after the Milwaukee & Mississippi Railroad
established a line to Prairie du Chien, connecting Lake Michigan to
the mighty river by rail. Other railroads were built from McGregor
west, with North McGregor (now Marquette) acting as the rail terminus. When reaching McGregor from the west, trains were
taken apart, ferried across the river, then put back together to make
their way to Lake Michigan. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">During
the city's peak, the population exploded to over 5,500 and was the
busiest shipping port west of Chicago during the 1870s. However, the city would decline just about as fast as it grew when a permanent
pontoon bridge was built to connect McGregor and Prairie du Chien,
eliminating the need to disassemble the trains, and thus many of the
jobs. Today, McGregor and Marquette (formally North McGregor)
have kept their historic charm, but the city has a population of less
than a thousand. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span><br />You
cross two bridges into Wisconsin, both over sections of the
Mississippi River, into historic Prairie Du Chien, the oldest
settlement on the Upper Mississippi River, and the second oldest city
in the state of Wisconsin, with roots dating back to the late 1600s
and the French-Canadian Fur Trade. </span></span></span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span>St.
Feriole Island was the city's earliest hub of activity and was also
the site of the Battle of <a href="https://www.legendsofamerica.com/prairie-du-chien/">Prairie du Chien</a> in 1814, Wisconsin's only
battle in the <a href="https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-war1812/">War of 1812</a>. After the war, the government built Fort
Crawford here as part of a chain of forts to secure the U.S.
Frontier, and it would become the site of many treaties with Native
American's. </span></span></span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVomHYDOSpARXtv0V7uTQNUxW1sxqhyphenhyphen6QNJfpN_Y9nN5lJC3EOin-9uOLJKeU-nAdB2WCYwgssNMyFS9PCfEfWLZ8lxHv18n_c53GamYuFYqsnSkF4_83400QPss5saOvf06rq/s1600/p757571831-2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVomHYDOSpARXtv0V7uTQNUxW1sxqhyphenhyphen6QNJfpN_Y9nN5lJC3EOin-9uOLJKeU-nAdB2WCYwgssNMyFS9PCfEfWLZ8lxHv18n_c53GamYuFYqsnSkF4_83400QPss5saOvf06rq/s1600/p757571831-2.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span>One
of the big attractions on St. Feriole Island is Villa Louis, a
Victorian country estate established in the 1840s by Hercules
Dousman, a local fur trader, and entrepreneur. The house that still
stands here was built by his son Louis in 1870 and is open to the
public for tours under the management of the Wisconsin Historical
Society. With over 90 percent of its original furnishings, and a
recent restoration to recreate its 1890's appearance, Villa Louis is
one of the Midwest's great house museums (open early May through late
October). </span></span></span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span>Other
sites on the island include the Fur Trade Museum in the 1850 Stone
Brisbois Store, the 1837 Brisbois House, and the Dousman House Hotel.
Plan a day here to see the sites and tour the historic buildings. </span></span></span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The
on and off again rain, along with some major road construction in
town, had Kathy and I heading back to the trailer across the river
for a while, but we ventured out again in the afternoon, this time
heading north on the <a href="https://photos.legendsofamerica.com/greatriverroad">Great River Road</a> in Iowa. Along the way, just
north of Marquette, you can visit the Effigy Mounds. Here you can
see ancient Native American culture and some pretty fantastic views
of the Mississippi River. Unfortunately, we didn't have time for a
stop, but this historic site run by the National Park Service is
likely worth the visit. Plan on a little hiking.</span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGRTDhNf20Xlof8YYf-tUz4lUSGmF7UqAV5Y0DujR9pLzFiulijmy4JQeElM74GHbiY6mjFT4B6AxM3pG6rfWuCgai04tWVLMIRrGc1nrj5GWw9Xdlnf20AW8y7XqpWYC5R3-/s1600/p888670267-2.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSGRTDhNf20Xlof8YYf-tUz4lUSGmF7UqAV5Y0DujR9pLzFiulijmy4JQeElM74GHbiY6mjFT4B6AxM3pG6rfWuCgai04tWVLMIRrGc1nrj5GWw9Xdlnf20AW8y7XqpWYC5R3-/s1600/p888670267-2.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span>From
there we stayed on the River Road heading toward Lansing Iowa. Here
we took in parts of the city established in 1851, including the
historic Old Stone School built in 1864, then over the 1931 Blackhawk
Bridge into Wisconsin. It was a very scenic drive up to Lansing and
back down to Praire du Chien, with the road following closely to the
river in Wisconsin. </span></span></span>
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Lots
of great history to see and plenty to do in this area of Iowa and
Wisconsin. See our travel, including some not talked about in this blog entry, through images via our photoblog <a href="http://photos.legendsofamerica.com/blog/2014/8/iowa-to-wisconsin-via-field-of-dreams" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </span></span></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Related Articles:</b></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://photos.legendsofamerica.com/greatriverroad" style="font-size: large;">Great River Road</a><span style="font-size: large;"> (photo gallery)</span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.legendsofamerica.com/prairie-du-chien/" style="font-size: large;">Prairie du Chien</a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><a href="https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ia-mcgregor-marquette/" style="font-size: large;">McGregor, IA</a> </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><a href="https://photos.legendsofamerica.com/blog/2014/8/iowa-to-wisconsin-via-field-of-dreams">This Blog in Photos - Iowa to Wisconsin Via Field of Dreams</a></span></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>RV'ers, Pikes Peak State Park is a beautiful campground, but pretty small. We suggest making reservations, especially in peak travel times. We had electric but had to fill up the water tank on the way in. Dump station on the way out. There are pull-throughs but limited in number. If you want to be in the woods with beautiful surroundings you can't go wrong here. </i></span></span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Legends of America is a Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic Minded.</div>Dave Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243636591572159544noreply@blogger.com1Pikes Peak State Park, 15316 Great River Road, McGregor, IA 52157, USA43.0115846 -91.17349890000002742.9651436 -91.254179900000025 43.0580256 -91.092817900000028tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8743388.post-12661388824822464172014-08-20T09:37:00.000-05:002014-08-20T09:44:52.229-05:00Amana Colonies<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1OPbQnMf3PcWtn66F32S_T-os-MybRmaqjqdWnC60CNg5SqCDvtUchKYD83o7MqGNmjgYRdZCOscY7f_DgcwRgzwuqJiEcLtRd4i5AOBsTsOIQ-3RF16QEVSSavojvRqkhqC/s1600/highamanastore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgj1OPbQnMf3PcWtn66F32S_T-os-MybRmaqjqdWnC60CNg5SqCDvtUchKYD83o7MqGNmjgYRdZCOscY7f_DgcwRgzwuqJiEcLtRd4i5AOBsTsOIQ-3RF16QEVSSavojvRqkhqC/s1600/highamanastore.jpg" height="133" width="200" /></a>Our first "primary" destination on this journey through the upper-midwest is Amana Colonies in Iowa. Amana, which means "believe faithfully", was established by the religious group Community of True Inspiration, with origins in Germany. These German speaking European settlers came to America for many of the same reasons others did, because they didn't agree with the religious experience the churches provided.<br />
<br />
Called "True Inspirationists", the group was founded by J.F. Rock and E.L Gruber in 1700's Germany, with both maintaining that the Lutheran Church neglected the spiritual needs of the congregation by getting to into formalized worship and intellectual debate. Desiring a return to the basics of Christianity, Rock and Gruber attracted many followers with several congregations established throughout Germany, but by the mid 18th Century the movement declined.<br />
<br />
Devastated by war and famine in the early 1800's, Germans took comfort in religion and once again the True Inspirationist's began to grow. Based on the belief that God still spoke through prophets, these new "prophets" were called Werkzeuge, or instruments. As the group regained it's popularity, Christian Metz would become a Werkzeuge and a guiding force in bringing them to America.<br />
<br />
In 1842 the True Inspirationists purchased 5,000 acres near Buffalo, New York, and established a settlement called Ebenezer. The idea was that all property would be held in common, but then eventually divided among the people based on their contribution. However the leaders quickly saw the flaw in that plan with disparities in wealth and skills, and with backing of Metz, they adopted a constitution in 1846 that established a permanent communal system.<br />
<br />
Reaching a population of 1,200 by 1854, Ebenezer became six villages and thrived. However, land prices around Buffalo were rising, and the community leaders felt that capitalist and worldly influences were enticing their followers toward materialism, so they decided it was time to move again. <br />
<br />
Passing up sites in Kansas, the True Inspirationists settled on a location in the Iowa River valley west of Iowa City. Construction of Amana began in 1855, and as before, they retained the communal system of ownership. Everyone shared in its success, each family was provided what they needed. From goods at the General Store bought with an annual allowance, to free medical care. In return, the Elders assigned each person a job in the community based on skills and needs. Most women started working at 14 in the communal kitchens and gardens. They also tended laundry and a few worked at the woolen mills. The men had more opportunity in their assignments, working in craft shops, mills, farms, and some educated as doctors and pharmacists.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3vyfgQ7XAkqcsui_rCzqOBE9tYjV7JwRRAOJXGtJAKqmpL9UT-O6q9H9v4qqfB08QVkO6g1xjb4TNtKcarL9TvPq40S1zXnbh-bUY-UWxm6Ltc2C7XnPLwKVMwmIj_7wmxO6/s1600/p613441912-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3vyfgQ7XAkqcsui_rCzqOBE9tYjV7JwRRAOJXGtJAKqmpL9UT-O6q9H9v4qqfB08QVkO6g1xjb4TNtKcarL9TvPq40S1zXnbh-bUY-UWxm6Ltc2C7XnPLwKVMwmIj_7wmxO6/s1600/p613441912-2.jpg" height="132" width="200" /></a></div>
By the 1860s it had grown to over 20,000 acres with seven villages spaced just a few miles apart. Known as the Amana Colony, the seven towns were named by their location; West Amana, South Amana, High Amana, East Amana, Middle Amana and the original village of Amana. They would also purchase the entire town of Homestead so they could take advantage of the new railroad line.<br />
<br />
Amana's woolen and calico factories, among the first in Iowa, were known throughout the U.S. for superior quality. By the early 1900's the two woolen mills were producing a half million yards of fabric a year, and the calico factory 4,500 yards of cloth a day. A couple of flour mills processed the community's grains, and crops of potatoes and onions were shipped to Midwest markets. All the profits were used to purchase goods from outside the colony. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv72-fZ3aw2GX37zzxpnTdnAfGN4xI_FIcd1I1kQvyr7JZHcqHikj5qZ8gWtJK9m64sY9KJvLfQS_gzqxD8IAEjoGStvB99m7IhzRbdCcI0FyrtJXm7a_u2fp5xHUqOGCCq9Qw/s1600/p452153543-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv72-fZ3aw2GX37zzxpnTdnAfGN4xI_FIcd1I1kQvyr7JZHcqHikj5qZ8gWtJK9m64sY9KJvLfQS_gzqxD8IAEjoGStvB99m7IhzRbdCcI0FyrtJXm7a_u2fp5xHUqOGCCq9Qw/s1600/p452153543-2.jpg" height="200" width="133" /></a>Of course, all this success worried the leaders that the same capitalist influences that brought them to Iowa would again threaten their followers, so they held church services 11 times a week. Every evening, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday mornings, and Sunday afternoon.<br />
<br />
The last Werkzeug, Barbara Heinemann Landmann, died in 1883, but the elders functioned for nearly 50 years afterward without support of divine authority. Amana became one of America's longest-lived communal societies until June 1, 1932 and what Amana residents call "the Great Change." Beginning in 1931, social strains of communal living, the loss of the calico print works after World War I, and a fire the previous decade that extensively damaged the woolen and flour mill, along with the national economic depression, came to a head with many True Inspirationists finding the rules to be overly restrictive, and the communal ownership inadequate. So on that June day in 1932, members separated the church from the business enterprises, creating a joint-stock company, and abandoned communalism. The Amana Society Inc still controls about 26,000 acres of land, and because the land was not divided up, the landscape still reflects its communal heritage. Today, over 450 communal-era buildings stand in the seven villages, and attract visitors from all over. <br />
<br />
We had a great time in Amana Colonies, parking our travel trailer at Amana Colonies RV Park just outside of Amana. Wonderful set up, in the midst of corn fields, which we will review on RV Park Reviews <a href="http://www.rvparkreviews.com/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. In Amana you can enjoy many shops, stores and a museum, and of course some great German cuisine. Other colonies have museums as well, and some general stores. It's a good stop for history, and enough to see that you should plan for an entire day in the area at the least. Depending on your pace, and your pallet, you may consider two.<br />
<br />
You can see our adventure at Amana Colonies through images in our Photo Blog <a href="http://photos.legendsofamerica.com/blog/2014/8/amana-colonies---a-tour-through-time" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Additional reading about <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-utopias.html" target="_blank">Utopia's in America</a> can be found <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-utopias.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Legends of America is a Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic Minded.</div>Dave Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243636591572159544noreply@blogger.com1Amana, IA 52203, USA41.8025421 -91.87818290000001341.778869099999994 -91.918523400000012 41.8262151 -91.837842400000014tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8743388.post-73878384971279774652014-08-15T12:13:00.000-05:002014-08-15T12:13:37.275-05:00Legends' Heads NorthWe're heading north this weekend on another long adventure in history! For those of you who have followed our travels before, you know that all plans are "loose" until we get there. We tend to wander, and get distracted sometimes by bright shiny objects (mainly Ghost Towns and the occasional unexpected grave yard). So this map is our "current" primary route. We will stop at some points along the route and do what we call "hub and spoke", where we will explore out around us by 100-200 miles for several days then move on to the next RV park and repeat the process.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Here's our current plan for the first part of our journey</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/images/2014tripmap1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/images/2014tripmap1.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b>Here's the second half back home</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/images/2014tripmap2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/images/2014tripmap2.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
We plan to spend some quality time in central Iowa over the next week and hope you will follow along our travels here and on our <a href="http://photos.legendsofamerica.com/blog" target="_blank">Photo Blog</a>. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Kathy and Dave, Legends of America</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Legends of America is a Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic Minded.</div>Dave Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243636591572159544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8743388.post-25583907398989919582013-07-26T14:44:00.001-05:002013-11-26T11:30:36.538-06:00Las Vegas, NM to Stinnett Tx, via Route 66 and the Old West<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatbL8oFCbk7GZ_wETFZTJ3Jsv7XRfB8sXVxvewoFeUJH4qpoTa5AapBRTPHdw5LrZ5x08EDe21FD20dv-6TONF-HfsowcI3jvfvVx3j3a7qPHTEUKGAst0yX1K9PeaMo3pz2l/s1600/DiliaChurch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgatbL8oFCbk7GZ_wETFZTJ3Jsv7XRfB8sXVxvewoFeUJH4qpoTa5AapBRTPHdw5LrZ5x08EDe21FD20dv-6TONF-HfsowcI3jvfvVx3j3a7qPHTEUKGAst0yX1K9PeaMo3pz2l/s200/DiliaChurch.jpg" width="129" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dilia Church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Wrapping up in the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/nm-lasvegas.html" target="_blank">Las Vegas</a>, <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/nm-mainpage.html">New Mexico</a></span> area, we headed south on I-25 for just a few miles, then picked up Highway 84 to just west of
<a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/nm-santarosa.html">Santa Rosa</a>. This is a stretch of Pre-1937 Route 66 in New Mexico before it was straightened out, cutting off this northern loop that used to go through Santa Fe.<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Along the way to Santa Rosa you'll pass through a couple of spots in the road. Like Apache Springs with just a few scattered houses and some ruins off the side of the road, and Dilia which shows a little more life, but still a small ranching/farming community. We experienced beautiful landscapes as we continued down in elevation, full of "nothingness" but gorgeous at the same time. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After a small jaunt on I-40, we veered back onto the Mother Road at <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/nm-santarosa.html" target="_blank">Santa Rosa</a>,</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfs1fmQg8li_Dzpo08GLKLR66RRECSB-QPyVkcc6BjBuL6R8n8jTM2wptHAD1hKOgkwQ_yBOtzBjVrYeV2BQhkDLei2kHRYAanL0cBjaLGIP2n_ORbchZVIaEqOp016Mt4xvuT/s1600/SantaRosa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfs1fmQg8li_Dzpo08GLKLR66RRECSB-QPyVkcc6BjBuL6R8n8jTM2wptHAD1hKOgkwQ_yBOtzBjVrYeV2BQhkDLei2kHRYAanL0cBjaLGIP2n_ORbchZVIaEqOp016Mt4xvuT/s200/SantaRosa.jpg" width="130" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sun N Sand in Santa Rosa</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">the City of Natural Lakes. Founded in 1865, the town began as nothing more than a large Spanish Rancho, and was called Aqua Negro Chiquita. Sometime around 1890, it took a new name honoring a chapel built by Don Celso Baco who named it for his wife and Saint Rose of Lima, the first canonized Saint of the "New World." Today, this popular town along America's Mother Road still provides area attractions through nearby lakes and streams, as well as plenty of photo ops through town of some of it's decades old and still operating Route 66 Icons.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuYKZo0yWheHuuKzWMnMxWGUgChsWQF8j4W58JEaAApEQf_19LJpiY-czAAD5JCnEpW9lsXwcEqVY2LIXEldXsXwld429Xl1RINCBNNFM1HMPQDw1kD0T0izXOfjacUH3SjYl/s1600/Newkirk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKuYKZo0yWheHuuKzWMnMxWGUgChsWQF8j4W58JEaAApEQf_19LJpiY-czAAD5JCnEpW9lsXwcEqVY2LIXEldXsXwld429Xl1RINCBNNFM1HMPQDw1kD0T0izXOfjacUH3SjYl/s200/Newkirk.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Old Motor Court in Newkirk</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Between
<a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/nm-santarosa.html">Santa Rosa</a></span> and Tucumcari is what we refer to as a ghost town stretch of Route 66 that includes Cuervo, Newkirk and Montoya. These small towns got their start from Ranching and Railroad and for a time they were bustling with activity from the many travelers of Route 66. Today they are a shell of their former self with very few residents. The buildings tell of a time before the interstate when these small communities were important stops. Read more about this stretch <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/nm-ghostwesttucumcari.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DRsz6LODYiMWZoNv8Gz8h5f2dlwdhEFyRodpRQBSmiabSYl0-315Wm4oUAPcFTwwrtYNlUZyw3f19AUWBP7TMBSoPt01UvgyxrCjh8N82E1P4xpoHatL8UZiiI1KcawZenen/s1600/blueswallow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0DRsz6LODYiMWZoNv8Gz8h5f2dlwdhEFyRodpRQBSmiabSYl0-315Wm4oUAPcFTwwrtYNlUZyw3f19AUWBP7TMBSoPt01UvgyxrCjh8N82E1P4xpoHatL8UZiiI1KcawZenen/s200/blueswallow.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Blue Swallow Motel </span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After the ghost town stretch you'll find plenty more photo ops and some tasty choices in <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/nm-tucumcari.html" target="_blank">Tucumcari</a>. Heading east into town you will first come to the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/66-newmexico.html" target="_blank">New Mexico Route 66</a> Museum, dedicated to exploring the states 604 miles of original Mother Road. Up and down 66 through town you'll find icon after icon, like the famous Blue Swallow Motel, or Del's Restaurant (mighty tasty mexican food by the way..loved our lunch here). Once nicknamed "Six Shooter Siding", this town started around 1901 with the railroad and quickly became a bit rowdy with saloons, gamblers, dance hall girls and the like. Today travelers can get a great feel for the 1940's and 50's era of the Mother Road as many of the businesses have done a great job keeping up the Neon, and others have been painted with Route 66 themes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This would be all of the Mother Road on this segment of the trip though, as we cut north on Highway 54 for an overnight stay in Logan, just outside of Utte State Park, on our way to more old west history in the Texas Panhandle. <i>(Stayed at Arrowhead RV Park on the east edge of town. Under new ownership for about a month, this was an alright stop for the night with full hookups, but was mostly long term campers working in the area. A little TLC, which the owner is in the process of giving, will go a long way here. Paid $15 (tax included) with our Passport membership). </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Logan to Stinnett and Hutchinson County History</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzeNPIvET7uD2UxhDFxhMxAbYN-D_VI4fZqwdVY-daV1cTtpNX-4iBz-vsOT0zilJu24FAiStn2Iol7vdi8nTV-DI6SIyi0mJZfksOVrtyOSYQB1UlcdyMTMBS46TXB2z3rze/s1600/naravisa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpzeNPIvET7uD2UxhDFxhMxAbYN-D_VI4fZqwdVY-daV1cTtpNX-4iBz-vsOT0zilJu24FAiStn2Iol7vdi8nTV-DI6SIyi0mJZfksOVrtyOSYQB1UlcdyMTMBS46TXB2z3rze/s200/naravisa.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At one time this bar was a bank</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not too far down the road from Logan on Highway 54 we came into Nara Visa, a ghost town lovers delight. This early 1900's town was built on the railroad, and started off as Narvaez, but English speaking settlers managed to mangle the name until it became Nara Visa. What is now just a small town with an open post office and Motel on the western end used to be home to several churches, eight saloons, dance halls, stores, and more. What used to be the bank, turned into a bar and looks like something we've seen in a movie, but couldn't find anything in our immediate research. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This was a gem of photo ops for Kathy and I, but unfortunately for "me", my camera decided it was time to</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeN4tr6bvaxGjIk1Rqpyr8FyVdZw2CmGeZRJ6WCiQUjOSxZK_a41hFfc2fisYObHO1JTv2LBudjHWqpdh4LUO8RiYLZb2go63shuivJCDG60nVqtlJjS28KRvnvXEHeiKfy8hC/s1600/naravisacars.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeN4tr6bvaxGjIk1Rqpyr8FyVdZw2CmGeZRJ6WCiQUjOSxZK_a41hFfc2fisYObHO1JTv2LBudjHWqpdh4LUO8RiYLZb2go63shuivJCDG60nVqtlJjS28KRvnvXEHeiKfy8hC/s200/naravisacars.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There were quite a few old vehicles on</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">property along the highway in Nara Visa.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">retire, so Kathy got all the fun. We also heard from a reader on our Facebook page that the bank (now closed bar), which was the First National Bank of Nara Visa, was at one time the most robbed bank in the United States, including, according to our reader, by the Pretty Boy Floyd gang.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After some quality time in Nara Visa, we pushed onto the Texas Panhandle for Cal Farley's Boys Ranch, which used to be the Old West town of Tascosa. This was once a rival to Dodge City for cattle markets, and was the capital of 10 counties. The post office was established in 1878, and by the 1880's it was already a rough town, famously known for a gun fight in 1886 at the Jenkins Saloon between two panhandle ranch factions that left four dead. You can visit their graves at the Boot Hill cemetery on the way into town.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1QkUUqx57H4IZLno_3tN6VrYXuqBirGu4fygZlr-uWOoZ1l8PbsCLslWogoZXVWXDh5KtaDmoFUTJBWqDLMEnY3lfgVRFcF2GEztDsgBcW2tg9n30HQTDfm-Ti-rYt_WsNP3/s1600/tascosamuseum.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX1QkUUqx57H4IZLno_3tN6VrYXuqBirGu4fygZlr-uWOoZ1l8PbsCLslWogoZXVWXDh5KtaDmoFUTJBWqDLMEnY3lfgVRFcF2GEztDsgBcW2tg9n30HQTDfm-Ti-rYt_WsNP3/s200/tascosamuseum.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once in Cal Farley's Boys Ranch you need to check into the main office, then walk across the street to the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Julian Bivins Museum, housed in the original courthouse. It, and the old school house are the only two original structures remaining from Tascosa, which died as a town after the railroad built 50 miles north of town. By the 1930's the town was dead and Cal Farley's Boys Ranch was built on the site in 1938.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From Cal Farley's we headed onto our destination for the next couple of days, Hutchinson County seat Stinnett Texas.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For Legends' 10th Anniversary, Kathy wanted to pay tribute to her roots in the Texas Panhandle, as it was her <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/nm-mainpage.html" target="_blank">Grandmother Irene Foster</a> which gave her the "history bug" as a child. Hutchinson county has a pretty interesting history, especially with the oil industry. Like the wild and wooley town of Borger just a few miles down the road from Stinnett that was once so corrupt that the Governor of Texas had to send in the Texas Rangers. You can read our full story on Borger <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/tx-borger.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stinnett wasn't always the county seat. The extinct town of Plemons held that honor for several years after getting it's start in the late 1800's. Hutchinson county is also home to <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/tx-adobewalls.html" target="_blank">Adobe Walls</a>, the first trading post in this region established back in 1843. Just a marker in a field now, Adobe Walls also has the grave of <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-billydixon.html" target="_blank">William Billy Dixon</a>, famous scout, buffalo hunter and Indian Fighter. Dixon was involved with the second "Battle of Adobe Walls", and is credited with being a hero two days into the battle, when a bullet from his Sharps buffalo rifle knocked an Indian off his horse nearly a mile away (perhaps exaggerated. Dixon himself never claimed credit for his "long shot."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjZ25bPgQkAL19lbFO2vnEAWdaeRdN6M_6cJ1Qz3wTeZSY2FnetBrUTEXdp69kqSai7Ro1IClxy2RuVJYyZ4x0AynVuQWSapgkSxG5liQpudAyye7Bc8gPl0dI2wAsxVOhNru/s1600/Irene+Foster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxjZ25bPgQkAL19lbFO2vnEAWdaeRdN6M_6cJ1Qz3wTeZSY2FnetBrUTEXdp69kqSai7Ro1IClxy2RuVJYyZ4x0AynVuQWSapgkSxG5liQpudAyye7Bc8gPl0dI2wAsxVOhNru/s200/Irene+Foster.jpg" width="156" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Irene Womble Foster, the</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">inspiration for Legends Of America.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kathy's great grandfather William Carson Womble settled in the area around 1902 and was good friends with Dixon up until Dixon's death in 1915. Womble would go on to become a county commissioner and played an important role in building the new county courthouse in <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/tx-stinnett.html" target="_blank">Stinnett</a> in the 1930's, which has his name engraved in the cornerstone of the building. Later, Kathy's grandfather Ben Foster (who married Irene Womble whom Kathy dedicates Legends Of America too) became the mechanical engineer for the courthouse. He and Irene would live in the basement apartment at the building for years, raising their children there. We took a tour of the courthouse so Kathy could relive childhood memories of playing in the halls. Heard a lot of "tales" from her on this trip about life at the courthouse, from sneaking into the library, to her mom, Wanda, climbing out on the upper floors ledge as a child and actually walking around the building.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kathy's written extensive history on Hutchinson County, it's towns and people which you can see <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/tx-hutchinsoncounty.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. Be sure to visit the link for <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/tx-hutchinsonghosttowns.html" target="_blank">Extinct Towns, Ghost Towns and Company Camps</a> to see more about Plemons and other places that used to be part of the rich history here. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You can see our trip in photos via our Facebook photo album <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151720283854732.1073741826.110001784731&type=1" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(We stayed a couple of nights by the city park in Stinnett in a small (3 or 4 space) RV parking area. Full hookups, and it was "Free" for 3 nights, then $10 per night after [no long term campers]. We think it's great promotion for a city to do this, and loved the fact we could take advantage of it. The only thing we would suggest is that the city perform the same care with the RV area that they do with the park, as it was full of good ol' Texas stickers and hardly any grass)</span></i></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Legends of America is a Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic Minded.</div>Dave Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243636591572159544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8743388.post-49626511850946604232013-07-22T20:38:00.000-05:002017-03-28T08:53:26.045-05:00Clayton to Las Vegas and Ghosts In Between <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgid8Pn3XmsMwIUePdLIhA-2-9y6Pt-qJcigcNma8hPDiFYxGhXCcGWnmQ0XIcqRrDpSswGHlMSncSJr17ACSdXM9Xh3ZLgK4R0s-3g87zyv0p4aoRt_fq065cRosL013_cOLWI/s1600/stonebuildingnearclayton.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgid8Pn3XmsMwIUePdLIhA-2-9y6Pt-qJcigcNma8hPDiFYxGhXCcGWnmQ0XIcqRrDpSswGHlMSncSJr17ACSdXM9Xh3ZLgK4R0s-3g87zyv0p4aoRt_fq065cRosL013_cOLWI/s200/stonebuildingnearclayton.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ruins of a building near Clayton</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Saturday morning we got an early start out of Clayton to head for a couple of days in the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/nm-lasvegas.html" target="_blank">Las Vegas, NM</a> area. Still following the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-santafetrail.html" target="_blank">Santa Fe Trail</a> for the most part, we had plans of venturing off the main route to see a possible ghost town or two, and found a couple of nice surprises along the way, including the remnants of an old stone building not too far out on the road to Springer. Sitting alone on the landscape, one could only imagine how long it's been sitting here.<br />
<br />
Not wanting to risk too long of a stretch without fuel stops, we <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Kk5Q5QUnLiax9xELNDXJRXeCo_QGuFDCTghfj0uFCT2ji_r2ABjOLLsfIDFYXEFKEf5EmNmJTm8YHoBzpaJelzChzoS2GGa4Jd2Q1jj7li1KL4uag1DzAZrw9Qm6xPSirx1W/s1600/gladstone2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1Kk5Q5QUnLiax9xELNDXJRXeCo_QGuFDCTghfj0uFCT2ji_r2ABjOLLsfIDFYXEFKEf5EmNmJTm8YHoBzpaJelzChzoS2GGa4Jd2Q1jj7li1KL4uag1DzAZrw9Qm6xPSirx1W/s200/gladstone2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
decided to stop at a "spot in the road" called Gladstone, and the Gladstone Mercantile. This old store's been here since the 1940's, and when we stopped, the smell of smoked brisket was enough to put us in a trance, luring us to linger here beyond just getting gas. Very cool place, which has been in the current owners family for about 18 years. You'll find some antiques, home made vittles, snacks and more in this store, and the owner has done a great job of "cleaning up" the place from its former years. By the way, that was some good brisket!<br />
<br />
We didn't want to take the typical route through Springer, and instead veered off highway 56 onto 39 headed for the town of Roy through the Kiowa National Grassland. We were pleasantly surprised to find an unexpected ghost town along the way.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uRBtMVMwIzX51sI96_-o3UyqbKZkc88TxlEqWxzaQJlJOXtwo-TJ310tuNB_RXX0vq5n8-4p_tK3hqJoaFA_ajmJ4fiVrqHxZ1qIZ7Z2q_Hi6XiAOOkIFlwpQKrvgdlyb0SA/s1600/millsvintage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="120" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1uRBtMVMwIzX51sI96_-o3UyqbKZkc88TxlEqWxzaQJlJOXtwo-TJ310tuNB_RXX0vq5n8-4p_tK3hqJoaFA_ajmJ4fiVrqHxZ1qIZ7Z2q_Hi6XiAOOkIFlwpQKrvgdlyb0SA/s200/millsvintage.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage photo from Mills, NM</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/nm-mills.html">Mills New Mexico</a> sits about 26 miles southeast of Springer, and 11 miles northwest of Roy, and like many ghost towns, was once a bustling community with three stores, five hotels, a theater, dance hall, four doctors, a hospital, a barber shop, a bank, two saloons, three churches , a school, and more. Established in the 1890's, it sputtered at first before taking off in the early 1900's. By 1913 there were around 3,000 residents, but you couldn't tell that today. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszRXLyPML4Eun8VI2KM0rQIG-WE1aYAoeqPdTW_nRvACqDCuS17ai67OESTIP7KapIth6tbYd5_PPmfC0TmNegfgWDmowaoMGSjXOuQ7C5YfpZqovVJ3PL4wbxk6foIRg7zJn/s1600/mills1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgszRXLyPML4Eun8VI2KM0rQIG-WE1aYAoeqPdTW_nRvACqDCuS17ai67OESTIP7KapIth6tbYd5_PPmfC0TmNegfgWDmowaoMGSjXOuQ7C5YfpZqovVJ3PL4wbxk6foIRg7zJn/s200/mills1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mills New Mexico today</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With a few falling down buildings and stone foundations, this railroad town is a shell of its former self and sits off the main road. We parked on the highway and walked in, not knowing for sure whether we could get the trailer in tow turned around in town. Much to our surprise we spied a couple of vehicles sitting in front of what appeared to be one of only a couple intact buildings, and one of them was pulling out and coming our way. It was the Postal delivery gal, and that building she just left was the Post Office, which is STILL active. Apparently there's still enough going on around the area that the Post Office, established in 1898, still delivers. She encouraged us to talk to the Postmaster, who opens the office on Saturday's (lucky for us), so after a few photos of the town, Kathy went in while the dogs and I stayed outside taking in the landscape.<br />
<br />
Had a run in with the law while Kathy was jawing with the Postmaster. Highway Patrol stopped at our <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2z26u_-cnL_XNc6ntaL4AL6wzJnYUxKkgvVZhnSJbBrrc9ftogxfjJDaGahsDU9_JHDpsla615W0jyDymQ9mgCnt_xqaLhPGL405e88gutUssiW13yf5bI1k-I4q1SG21sTwU/s1600/millspostoffice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="138" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2z26u_-cnL_XNc6ntaL4AL6wzJnYUxKkgvVZhnSJbBrrc9ftogxfjJDaGahsDU9_JHDpsla615W0jyDymQ9mgCnt_xqaLhPGL405e88gutUssiW13yf5bI1k-I4q1SG21sTwU/s200/millspostoffice.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaydee dog applies for guard duty in <br />
Mills, NM.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
"abandoned" vehicle, saw me walking on the dirt road in town and headed in to check on us. Very nice officer, who gave me a verbal warning about making sure to get completely outside the white line. As I was walking back to move the trailer over more, he went on in to make sure I hadn't robbed the Post Office. By the time I was walking back, I could see Kathy and the officer had already made fast friends. He had some interesting takes on how this area of New Mexico was used by Native Americans to raid wagon trains, and how outlaw riffraff took advantage of the terrain to escape the law. With canyons nearby, it was easy to imagine what he was talking about. Mills Canyon nearby provides areas for camping and more, so this is a worthwhile destination for the outdoorsman as well as the ghost town lover.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHThPmOzpiM7m9T58UljKwNdW9QbnLxAk6RvcWUvtNKFZu8IG-WVh7qZdke8GTgnHoPs7_FtjKwlBPrKy5qgJfe9ql_SMSWfCeAI2Q4ePYZfhA9y8U4fT7YUtTGP5eIQARH8s/s1600/roy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="113" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHThPmOzpiM7m9T58UljKwNdW9QbnLxAk6RvcWUvtNKFZu8IG-WVh7qZdke8GTgnHoPs7_FtjKwlBPrKy5qgJfe9ql_SMSWfCeAI2Q4ePYZfhA9y8U4fT7YUtTGP5eIQARH8s/s200/roy2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roy, NM</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On down the road, the town of Roy isn't near as 'ghosty' as we thought it would be, and is still active with several businesses open. However, stopping here and walking along the main business district, there are plenty of signs this town has seen its better days. Two old movie theaters appear to sit empty, though one seemed to be partially used by an antique store. You can tell there are some residents that really care about keeping up some of these buildings though, and it had a nice "feel", with friendly folk. Still full from the brisket back in Gladstone, we passed on the local cafe that seemed to be a popular spot.<br />
<br />
Turning onto highway 120, we headed for more Santa Fe Trail, passing through the town of Wagon Mound. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2hhLe1bcAkrSujeHXF8_ekIT6y7FMKEQGx702b1I_g7MuZCUGcsRg26_hypnqcw7a4tt3GGDVilx_dbWQ5sSnqcehK3Y-bbGL4KrnTlOQpJ5cPpe8tiry5Cj65t4f7y-Tjld/s1600/wagonmound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx2hhLe1bcAkrSujeHXF8_ekIT6y7FMKEQGx702b1I_g7MuZCUGcsRg26_hypnqcw7a4tt3GGDVilx_dbWQ5sSnqcehK3Y-bbGL4KrnTlOQpJ5cPpe8tiry5Cj65t4f7y-Tjld/s200/wagonmound.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wagon Mound</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Wagon Mound is also an important landmark along the trail, as the Mound that sits by the town looks like a covered wagon being pulled by oxen. One of the best known landmarks on the Santa Fe Trail, it was the last major landmark on the Cimarron route. Near here in 1850, a small party of men with the express mail wagon were attacked and killed by Jicarilla Apaches. Another reminder of just how dangerous westward expansion was for pioneers.<br />
<br />
At Wagon Mound we hopped on I-25 and headed south for Las Vegas, and our destination for the day at Storrie Lake State Park just outside of town <i>(Nice place to park your RV, or even a tent, with various levels of sites, including some partial enclosures. No wifi, but we were able to use our ATT data to an extent. Verizon apparently covers this area much better. Clean park, friendly folk. We paid $14 a night with electric and water. Dump station on site.)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Santa Fe Trail, Native American, Civil War, Spanish Mission and even Route 66 history all in a day!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRsXORt2_LBGZGRTGmVa-5bkTpSKcQ6xTQ4RWN9XZBNl-fr-rUuDqIX8pHmQxTGBoln3CnhlCekPMjp9S-5U4tfQJO_lwN015fM6Q6C8CsTKTQ8jLZ3QSvD7dtR0hUK8xKZPs/s1600/LasVegas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoRsXORt2_LBGZGRTGmVa-5bkTpSKcQ6xTQ4RWN9XZBNl-fr-rUuDqIX8pHmQxTGBoln3CnhlCekPMjp9S-5U4tfQJO_lwN015fM6Q6C8CsTKTQ8jLZ3QSvD7dtR0hUK8xKZPs/s200/LasVegas.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Downtown Las Vegas, NM</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Leaving the trailer behind, Sunday we started out exploring <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/nm-lasvegas.html" target="_blank">Las Vegas</a>. Known to be more wicked than Dodge City during the days of the Old West, Las Vegas features more than 900 buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Established by a Spanish land grant in 1835, this was also the last <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-spanishexplorers.html" target="_blank">Spanish </a>colony established in North America and originally called Nuestra Senora de los Dolores de Las Vegas Grandes (our Lady of Sorrows of the Great Meadows) by the Spanish settlers whose roots went back to the early 1600's. In the beginning, the settlement doubled as a fort, designed to be battened down for attacks by the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-apache.html" target="_blank">Apache Indians</a>.<br />
<br />
When the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/rr-railroadcompanies.html#Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway, A.T.&S.F." target="_blank">Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad </a>reached the settlement in 1879, it was the biggest city between San Francisco and <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/mo-independencehauntings.html" target="_blank">Independence</a>, Missouri. During the notorious days of Las Vegas’ history the town was called home or visited by the likes of <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-docholliday.html" target="_blank">Doc Holliday</a>, <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-bignosekate.html" target="_blank">Big-Nose Kate</a>, <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-jessejames.html" target="_blank">Jesse James</a>, <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-billykid.html" target="_blank">Billy the Kid</a>, <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-robertford.html" target="_blank">Bob Ford</a>, <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-wyattearp.html" target="_blank">Wyatt Earp</a>, Rattlesnake Sam, Cock-Eyed Frank, Web-Fingered Billy, Hook Nose Jim, Stuttering Tom, Durango Kid, Handsome Harry the Dancehall Rustler, Vicente Silva and his gang, and Belle Sidons (alias Monte Verde).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwiqlxubDoZNo9Sy2qZJifG5Wz9tNnFgOM65nUfw19KLPQoyosLCAS9-b-AjjV3GA9ujNVxBoa_CKQiVr4CPDrJObsDu7ktpznYot0RhW7v8FG0H-3LnFo2vB7NrnLE80WxTOv/s1600/LasVegasCastanedaHotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwiqlxubDoZNo9Sy2qZJifG5Wz9tNnFgOM65nUfw19KLPQoyosLCAS9-b-AjjV3GA9ujNVxBoa_CKQiVr4CPDrJObsDu7ktpznYot0RhW7v8FG0H-3LnFo2vB7NrnLE80WxTOv/s200/LasVegasCastanedaHotel.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">La Castenada Hotel from the tracks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While in Las Vegas, be sure to visit the Las Vegas City Museum and <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-theodoreroosevelt.html" target="_blank">Rough Riders</a> Memorial, as well as several picturesque historic districts including the Bridge Street and Plaza areas, where there is a designated Santa Fe Trail site. The La Castenada Hotel is a must see landmark of Las Vegas' post-Santa Fe Trail era. The 1898 building, once housing one of the famous <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/66-harveyhouse.html" target="_blank">Harvey House Hotels</a>, faces the railroad tracks in the 500 block of Railroad Avenue. Marked as Private Property and closed today, you can still take in the beauty of the architecture. Across the street you'll find the Rawlins building, which was once the residence for the Harvey Girls who staffed the hotel's dining room. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OWbOkDUmWXBMH6U4Moiqd90Kxc2aEaObnaVVu2dQ4Kn4UKvGFbSJAmV3Wdj-V3Zc4lYrAuDpm_YAoP8WzzlFmOEJBz7IARBt471mAVwxlcLibSmwsP_sDbmo6H4U77XbfuD2/s1600/LasVegasPlazaHotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1OWbOkDUmWXBMH6U4Moiqd90Kxc2aEaObnaVVu2dQ4Kn4UKvGFbSJAmV3Wdj-V3Zc4lYrAuDpm_YAoP8WzzlFmOEJBz7IARBt471mAVwxlcLibSmwsP_sDbmo6H4U77XbfuD2/s200/LasVegasPlazaHotel.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Plaza Hotel, Las Vegas NM</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The historic Plaza Hotel, built in 1882, is still operating today and was once the center for commerce in a young New Mexico. It was renovated in the early 1980's, but keeps it's charm as the Belle of the Southwest. It's also said to be haunted by one of its former owners, Byron T. Mills, who has been seen in room 310..... BOO!<br />
<br />
This stop along the Santa Fe Trail is a great destination for history lovers and we could easily see why early westward travelers would consider Las Vegas a welcome site after 600 miles across Kansas.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtK0PMUBq5d4bcT9iKNAzHae0wVkrHYsdX7znH1Ysle6kERzcQW1Aq0lfcVXRX4E4IqQrM9UvprBznmcEmFyTTGTVqaApumcg660AFLUc5SZA8FonqwHQ8xPfUKA8cIp-myukR/s1600/PecosRuins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtK0PMUBq5d4bcT9iKNAzHae0wVkrHYsdX7znH1Ysle6kERzcQW1Aq0lfcVXRX4E4IqQrM9UvprBznmcEmFyTTGTVqaApumcg660AFLUc5SZA8FonqwHQ8xPfUKA8cIp-myukR/s200/PecosRuins.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Puebloan Ruins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After Vegas we headed down I-25 to Pecos National Historic Park. The Pecos Valley has seen continuous human culture for over 10,000 years, including <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-puebloindians.html" target="_blank">Pueblo</a> and <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-plainsindians.html" target="_blank">Plains</a> Indians, Spanish conquerors and missionaries, Mexican and Anglo armies, and settlers traveling the Santa Fe Trail. Stopping at the visitors center, you are given a guide to lead you through a mile and a quarter trail that takes you to Pueblo ruins and an old Spanish Mission.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IajfsKxWfeVe2u6QQi2u-LMLPslM9E42R3e9Vph-dlXIK1j8gGU-F4Xi4Ssck3-JJHz7w4c34PvTYuDnsARmj1YqE3FItLB6z_9w1RKAyuvw3WAvPmQj_HyH4ICz-EW9l14Y/s1600/PecosChurch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-IajfsKxWfeVe2u6QQi2u-LMLPslM9E42R3e9Vph-dlXIK1j8gGU-F4Xi4Ssck3-JJHz7w4c34PvTYuDnsARmj1YqE3FItLB6z_9w1RKAyuvw3WAvPmQj_HyH4ICz-EW9l14Y/s200/PecosChurch.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spanish Mission at Pecos National<br />
Historic Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Along the hike you will see Kivas, which are large pits that you can actually climb down into. Puebloan peoples considered these social and ceremonial places located between the underworld where people had their origin, and the world above where they live now. Back at the Visitors center you will be invited to watch a film about the Park and history of the area. Overall, we thought this to be a great stop for the price of admission ($3 per person as of this writing).<br />
<br />
While at the visitors center, be sure to ask about the Glorieta <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-civilwar.html" target="_blank">Civil War</a> Battlefield, which is another section of the park. A new experience for us was the fact that they had to give you directions to the Battlefield, and a combination for the lock on the gate, with specific instructions on <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-NWF8cD6zLgiyGYDclPLWXDUkcsHey-dWX9LKkOltYU1NIuu_hrdbz_o9TxufBeiScsW0gUgsmAiyoxMuA3YccVcPXg9mpGDLaCPuq8LIh2PJJoF43dqswAlT8GqQdJ964FM/s1600/PecosCivilWar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS-NWF8cD6zLgiyGYDclPLWXDUkcsHey-dWX9LKkOltYU1NIuu_hrdbz_o9TxufBeiScsW0gUgsmAiyoxMuA3YccVcPXg9mpGDLaCPuq8LIh2PJJoF43dqswAlT8GqQdJ964FM/s200/PecosCivilWar.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Glorieta Civil War Battle Field</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
how to unlock and lock it. It was worth the seven and a half mile drive from the visitors center to the battlefield though. This two and a quarter mile looped hiking trail (listed as moderately strenuous) will take you through 14 interpretive trail stops, teaching about "The Gettysburg of the West". It was here in the spring of 1862 that Union troops thwarted Confederate plans to expand westward. After losing the Battle of Glorieta, Confederates never again attempted action in the West. Worried about the trail? There's an accessible trail just over a half mile that cuts through the middle of the loop, allowing visitors to "bail out" so to speak.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdBI5asPCfsIKKCN1c7ypWWix7w2C7EIGoRANXJzZHnnXVFs8z_zEoKIt8HepWvNM4yNGRlKF909M2MUHFt3dZW4jxvBN__tAkw4ZfPYn3_BpRo8qE3V0cT1qUGXdYORVQCaG/s1600/Pecos-KozlowskiTradingPost.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBdBI5asPCfsIKKCN1c7ypWWix7w2C7EIGoRANXJzZHnnXVFs8z_zEoKIt8HepWvNM4yNGRlKF909M2MUHFt3dZW4jxvBN__tAkw4ZfPYn3_BpRo8qE3V0cT1qUGXdYORVQCaG/s200/Pecos-KozlowskiTradingPost.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small; text-align: start;">Kozlowski Trading Post & Stage Stop</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On your way from the visitors center to the battle field you will run into Kozlowski Trading Post and Stage Stop on the Santa Fe Trail just off the road. While there is an historic marker there and original buildings, we had the impression this building was closed to the public. Never the less, it was a good photo op.<br />
<br />
<br />
We literally stumbled out of the Battlefield and onto Route 66. Yes, <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/66-newmexico.html" target="_blank">Route 66</a> once had an alignment (before 1937) that ventured up from Santa Rosa to just south of Las Vegas, then over to Santa Fe and back down to its later <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kJoxlIDWufTZvija6RLC7Fj5j21PSTX7IiJLx9G3VGxmzHUTPobIA1WJH4DZbGOz4CAqb_yF0uObtZeSfBi5HDUqEeG1G42RwTVf6AzzN_gnIzq-CsUZBzVi9zH1ZAiAzGo9/s1600/Rt66WestOfPecos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_kJoxlIDWufTZvija6RLC7Fj5j21PSTX7IiJLx9G3VGxmzHUTPobIA1WJH4DZbGOz4CAqb_yF0uObtZeSfBi5HDUqEeG1G42RwTVf6AzzN_gnIzq-CsUZBzVi9zH1ZAiAzGo9/s200/Rt66WestOfPecos.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An old business on Rt 66 near Rowe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
alignment. We just happened upon the section on what is now Highway 50, and decided to follow the original road back toward Las Vegas as a way to end our day trip. We only found a couple of markers along the way, so we had to "guess" a bit on how to follow. In short, we took 50 to Pecos, then 63 til it turned into "Old Las Vegas Highway" at Rowe. Once on that road, it pretty much follows I-25 until you reach Highway 84 south of Las Vegas, where it veers off to Santa Rosa. <br />
<br />
It was a great day for our Summer 13 Adventure, and an great way for us to wrap up our Santa Fe Trail history. Next blog we leave Las Vegas, travel the old pre 37 alignment of 66 to more Mother Road, headed for Tucumcari, then more Old West history in the Texas Panhandle. <br />
<br />
Don't forget to follow us in pictures via our Facebook photo album <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151720283854732.1073741826.110001784731&type=1" target="_blank">To New Mexico & Texas</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Legends of America is a Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic Minded.</div>Dave Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243636591572159544noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8743388.post-70158294067531528482013-07-20T20:23:00.000-05:002013-07-21T19:06:31.155-05:00On the Road to the Santa Fe Trail<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Kathy and I decided for our Summer trip this year we would escape the hot humid conditions on the Lake of the Ozarks and head for the hot dry conditions of Southwest <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ks-mainpage.html" target="_blank">Kansas</a>, Northeast <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/nm-mainpage.html" target="_blank">New Mexico</a> and the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/tx-mainpage.html" target="_blank">Texas</a> Panhandle. So we loaded up the mobile motel and hit the road for some Santa Fe Trail, bits of Old West History and a little Route 66.<br />
<br />
Our first primary destination was Elkhart Kansas, on the Cimarron Route of the Santa Fe Trail, but that's over 500 miles, so we pressed through to Kingman Kansas west of Wichita for quick overnight stay in an RV Parking Lot behind an Alco (overpriced at $20, and with 'pay' wifi on top). Although we didn't make any stops of note the first day (since we've been there done that quite a bit), we knew there where a few stops before Elkhart that beckoned us on our second day. Including some interesting <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ks-ghosttowns.html" target="_blank">Kansas Ghost Towns</a>. So after passing along and near the old <a href="http://www.legendsofkansas.com/cannonballstage.html" target="_blank">Cannonball Stage Route</a> that ran between Kingman and Greensburg, we made our first stop in Kingsdown.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsyvsWuuxHe8xXv0oIhtoiaQZhrGSrAB-1oP6wdFl8uahMBCarx2nUU7s6iA4U4_3VXIkRmqA9_jSBlEZ6jB6lsvmcjp7xopfTD_RvP_gtEBD1Vy9sCopfp1W5obgDYur4zaY/s1600/Kingsdown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxsyvsWuuxHe8xXv0oIhtoiaQZhrGSrAB-1oP6wdFl8uahMBCarx2nUU7s6iA4U4_3VXIkRmqA9_jSBlEZ6jB6lsvmcjp7xopfTD_RvP_gtEBD1Vy9sCopfp1W5obgDYur4zaY/s200/Kingsdown.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking down Main Street in Kingsdown, Ks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Funny how towns get their names. We happened upon a local named Phil who was quite helpful with a little bit of history for this town of about 25 souls. Established back in the late 1800's as a railroad town, it got its name during a card game when one of the players had a winning hand of four kings and proclaimed "kings down" as he laid out his cards. We'll be writing up some history soon on this railroad stop for sure.<br />
<br />
Still heading west on 54 we passed through <a href="http://www.legendsofkansas.com/fordcountytowns.html#Bloom" target="_blank">Bloom</a>, another Kansas ghost town that we had stopped at last November. Settled by the Vanderslice family in the early 1880's, they called the area Bloomburg, after their Pennsylvania home town, but that was shorted to Bloom by 1885 when the Post Office was established. This town saw it's Post Office close more than once, and the population peaked in the 1930's with a couple of hundred residents, but would decline from there to just a few residents now. The Post Office closed for good in 1992. Read more about the ups and downs of Bloom <a href="http://www.legendsofkansas.com/fordcountytowns.html#Bloom" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQG4YG7aStMiz8PxLuzoHTE7J2CYbcZhUlT8li1kdY0rIOpVBkrqx8fCfafyIhn20BoS4BHvkIe2RGPoCKjFAiE4f1yhNxg9l8O1-gnvF8n_bypl52Hd2yD-C2-l2P4koLDziq/s1600/Meade-DaltonTunnel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQG4YG7aStMiz8PxLuzoHTE7J2CYbcZhUlT8li1kdY0rIOpVBkrqx8fCfafyIhn20BoS4BHvkIe2RGPoCKjFAiE4f1yhNxg9l8O1-gnvF8n_bypl52Hd2yD-C2-l2P4koLDziq/s200/Meade-DaltonTunnel.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tunnel at the Dalton Gang Hideout</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Meade is a must stop for Old West lovers, as it has the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-dalton.html" target="_blank">Dalton Gang</a> Hideout Museum. Neat little off the road place that used to be the home of one of the Dalton sisters. A tunnel was discovered from the house to the barn, and legend has it the gang used the tunnel to go undetected by local law enforcement. Worth a stop to see the museum and explore the tunnel for yourself. Read more about the Dalton Gang <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-dalton.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNBSDEkjN4lWSLPeHBJcoFCHp71HKL9YnQOK9osYa2SlhR2gjC1gW715YfKnr0Yb32s3hdjfPw_INi7F9WI0gGy_12ai9BRtrLb6sbTBRRzyOHJC08OLwxxSMk6KgVvuQTk7X/s1600/woods.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbNBSDEkjN4lWSLPeHBJcoFCHp71HKL9YnQOK9osYa2SlhR2gjC1gW715YfKnr0Yb32s3hdjfPw_INi7F9WI0gGy_12ai9BRtrLb6sbTBRRzyOHJC08OLwxxSMk6KgVvuQTk7X/s200/woods.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Mercantile/Store in Woods, Ks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We pushed west, veering off highway 54 onto 160, then south on 83 to highway 51, where not too far you run into the ghost town of Woods. The only remaining original building appears to be a store that dates back to the early 1900's. This was one of those picture opportunities that may not be there in the next few years. Woods is on 51 about 13 miles east of Hugoton, and shouldn't be confused with Woodsdale, which was involved with the now infamous <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ks-stevenscountywar.html" target="_blank">Stevens County War</a>.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQY2AuRC7PB5Jy1uCBJF-gbNkt3qaGYY_P84RJENaDO3gBCzMJvdDWAkqnF3SBnKrC3mj2cOpjMtl18udxmhDu4qf6LrdwyAsHgB8DtNFu8rP0fFBB94_DoORWiubXGxGGsGt/s1600/Landscapewoil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjQY2AuRC7PB5Jy1uCBJF-gbNkt3qaGYY_P84RJENaDO3gBCzMJvdDWAkqnF3SBnKrC3mj2cOpjMtl18udxmhDu4qf6LrdwyAsHgB8DtNFu8rP0fFBB94_DoORWiubXGxGGsGt/s200/Landscapewoil.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cimarron National Grassland north of Elkhart</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
West of Hugoton you enter a portion of the Cimarron National Grassland. This is where you can really get a feel for what early travelers dealt with. A beautiful landscape, but one that is desolate, and deadly during the days of the Santa Fe Trail. After reaching our RV Campground in Elkhart <i>(Prairie RV, great little stop next to Car Wash and worth the $20, includes free wifi)</i>, and visiting with one of Kathy's old childhood friends from <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ks-ulysses.html" target="_blank">Ulysses</a>, we geared ourselves up for our first big day of exploring.<br />
<br />
<b>The <a href="http://www.legendsofkansas.com/santafetrail9.html" target="_blank">Cimarron Branch of the Santa Fe Trail</a></b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4tu20MKoyhBc8JLQanVrskOfaOzd9nkr9X3Nq1uYPJ7VJ3bh_5G9QPOpPjVmjjoVRD9c9w0X3Z_utpWim6JUqcwnEPjxthBQGmMMzgQSakd4TooB8iPcffzy_oD15mg2LZAZ/s1600/MiddleSpring.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq4tu20MKoyhBc8JLQanVrskOfaOzd9nkr9X3Nq1uYPJ7VJ3bh_5G9QPOpPjVmjjoVRD9c9w0X3Z_utpWim6JUqcwnEPjxthBQGmMMzgQSakd4TooB8iPcffzy_oD15mg2LZAZ/s200/MiddleSpring.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Middle Cimarron Spring</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our morning began with a short trip north of Elkhart on state 27, where we would meet up with the <a href="http://www.legendsofkansas.com/santafetrail.html" target="_blank">Santa Fe Trail</a> along the Cimarron River. Just after crossing the river, we hooked left onto road 600 and traveled only about a mile before reaching Middle Cimarron Spring. This was a reliable water source for travelers in the Cimarron Valley, which made it a major stopping point and campsite. Although we see tree's here now, the interpretive sign indicates that travelers on the Santa Fe Trail likely only experienced brush and desolate landscape, which made the spring an oasis on their journey. By the way, the water pump later installed at the spring still works, and the refreshment was nice and cold.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOq8kUlhOoOPofpx30dQ3orpBZM7H3AmL2kNkC5ZZ6sHs1zFaoV9iOo79hB7JwhXUncUWQEsmcUp7yM12BuOEyOvcVNNbfuktp-SrpEaJjuBeE9HA8M3jmw3yDx06XUPHoVJ9-/s1600/pointofrocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOq8kUlhOoOPofpx30dQ3orpBZM7H3AmL2kNkC5ZZ6sHs1zFaoV9iOo79hB7JwhXUncUWQEsmcUp7yM12BuOEyOvcVNNbfuktp-SrpEaJjuBeE9HA8M3jmw3yDx06XUPHoVJ9-/s200/pointofrocks.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Point of Rocks on the Santa Fe Trail near<br />
Elkhart, Ks</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Another half mile up the road brings you to Point of Rocks. This site was a lookout along the Cimarron Valley for both <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-nativeamericans.html" target="_blank">Indians</a> and <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-explorerindex.html" target="_blank">traders</a>, with one branch of the Trail running between the rock and the river. This landmark is still surrounded by grasslands, where wagon ruts can still be seen. Down below was the Point of Rocks Ranch, where travelers would stay the night. It was swept away by flood in 1914. Today it's hard to imagine that much water, considering the Cimarron River here is dry. This was a great stop to really take in the landscape.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Here's a few from the top of Point of Rocks. </i></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7is53riHcnFjtNP_R85tN2dr1uIoKfyEp3b3Q5fgUxyFFZJ8cuiU1VR6EtsRW244QumGOYVpmdmMKD7btskPlh6YksOQNnoW9PdPlFrpjBcLDB6X67hLTHr51_LIkHVAYVAk/s1600/PointOfRocks2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr7is53riHcnFjtNP_R85tN2dr1uIoKfyEp3b3Q5fgUxyFFZJ8cuiU1VR6EtsRW244QumGOYVpmdmMKD7btskPlh6YksOQNnoW9PdPlFrpjBcLDB6X67hLTHr51_LIkHVAYVAk/s320/PointOfRocks2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking West on Point of Rocks one can only imagine what<br />
Santa Fe Trail travelers must of thought of this landscape. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpj0Fw-J1TeLf-K5HgAnamv-GIftzUWg7pfkLiM7Bv_a1YT2B_kF9WDyMe007anCtdgCsQHaeRGEBYqZy8z-k6O10MGFKPN7inVeH-1GJyzAM5fKRnTKv_JyQ0OLD1i0E5WOD/s1600/PointofRocks3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvpj0Fw-J1TeLf-K5HgAnamv-GIftzUWg7pfkLiM7Bv_a1YT2B_kF9WDyMe007anCtdgCsQHaeRGEBYqZy8z-k6O10MGFKPN7inVeH-1GJyzAM5fKRnTKv_JyQ0OLD1i0E5WOD/s320/PointofRocks3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view south on Point of Rocks<br />
<br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVKwzz23SJf5hYhbBRUv0KnqsRUX33ApWthkhNgy1xRIYUVdFLaJwchX-2zK1llNTz9ojQr4CEGo4rYY0zv34mP1hIZwpt_n1oQLM0Ftwdub1Ms57f-6qQSfU5Nd-A8Q0s6QS/s1600/PointofRocks4Elkhart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicVKwzz23SJf5hYhbBRUv0KnqsRUX33ApWthkhNgy1xRIYUVdFLaJwchX-2zK1llNTz9ojQr4CEGo4rYY0zv34mP1hIZwpt_n1oQLM0Ftwdub1Ms57f-6qQSfU5Nd-A8Q0s6QS/s320/PointofRocks4Elkhart.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zoomed view south reveals Eklhart on the horizon. Yes,<br />
you can see for miles and miles and miles. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After our venture to Point of Rocks and snapping up photos of original portions of the Santa Fe Trail, we headed back into Elkhart, hooked up the mobile motel and headed south into <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ok-mainpage.html" target="_blank">Oklahoma</a>. Although we couldn't follow the trail direct into New Mexico, we wanted to move on toward Clayton, with at least one ghost town stop along the way.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIa-syQThpkVi7FfO1BRaGPf21fwMYFsVuot3FJr8jTN9wreV8ZNroBtzii9NBOXMH19vUDAkbTx7NGDUufFJw8MbgvucfqKfJ85gk4tSY0h8Wf_CgZARxdXcmowjaQaWOZsc/s1600/WheelesStore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIa-syQThpkVi7FfO1BRaGPf21fwMYFsVuot3FJr8jTN9wreV8ZNroBtzii9NBOXMH19vUDAkbTx7NGDUufFJw8MbgvucfqKfJ85gk4tSY0h8Wf_CgZARxdXcmowjaQaWOZsc/s200/WheelesStore.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wheeless, Oklahoma Store?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not being ones for "direct" routes, we veered off at Boise City, Ok on State 325, then what appears to be county roads to the ghost town of Wheeless. Maps tell us this is a dirt road, however it's paved now. Wheeless was established in 1907 and became "un-incorporated" by 1963. Not too far from here are the ruins of <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ok-forts.html#Camp Nichols" target="_blank">Camp Nichols</a> on the Santa Fe Trail, but that wasn't in the cards for us today, since we were hauling the trailer.<br />
<br />
This area of the Oklahoma Panhandle was some of the hardest hit<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvU7GNjMpTrLsi4hASUSzArWr8vOiBl2UJl-6ePIMFe2TT9kRgnKVyaqgjKjSPxhFd9QrNgH3ETPseyDKDsVF6YQMuYmcY6NOUKKhZh5-06b1pLDTbc3pJVsLxt1oTbkeSxXzq/s1600/WheelesGhostHouse3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvU7GNjMpTrLsi4hASUSzArWr8vOiBl2UJl-6ePIMFe2TT9kRgnKVyaqgjKjSPxhFd9QrNgH3ETPseyDKDsVF6YQMuYmcY6NOUKKhZh5-06b1pLDTbc3pJVsLxt1oTbkeSxXzq/s200/WheelesGhostHouse3.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abandoned home on the edge<br />
of Wheeless</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
areas during the Dust Bowl of the 1930's. We haven't found a lot about the town itself, but it was apparently a farming community like many others in this part of No Mans Land, which is a strip of land, measuring some 35 miles wide by 168 miles long, that was not included in any state until Oklahoma in 1907, and therefore left without any law and order. For years, it was a haven for outlaws, like <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ok-williamcoe.html" target="_blank">William Coe</a>, and Kiowa War Chief <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-satanta.html" target="_blank">Satanta</a>, all before Wheeless was established.<br />
<br />
Today only a few buildings remain, including what appears to be an active church. The abandoned school playground is testament to days long gone before litigation ended the fun of metal slides and merry go rounds on chains.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFd1GzLs6JhxE4_Q_rvBf4bpgcRcUvMpukE4NJct2YhV1-Xvc2LzpdxcFERSB2U7u3cvQ7Q4jey7N2a2rgEL2qbM5wffW3tvp32SNCxx6VYmHpMSyhIPyiGQ3cX3z6-XTanwux/s1600/wheelessplayground2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFd1GzLs6JhxE4_Q_rvBf4bpgcRcUvMpukE4NJct2YhV1-Xvc2LzpdxcFERSB2U7u3cvQ7Q4jey7N2a2rgEL2qbM5wffW3tvp32SNCxx6VYmHpMSyhIPyiGQ3cX3z6-XTanwux/s320/wheelessplayground2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This playground sits lonely in Wheeless, Ok.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
After Wheeless we made our way over to New Mexico and back into more Santa Fe Trail territory along highway 406. This included <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/nm-drycimarron4.html" target="_blank">McNees Crossing</a> of Corrumpa Creek, a natural rock crossing still visible today and named for a young trader killed by Indians here in 1828. This site still looks a lot like it did during the days of the trail. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKkMqFBwK7r7wE_VIGWd4ZXX92_QzFqY5OP8B_qZa2oCM-Q_-YQcCTeZ83lHX5RcDn_VcCswesXy4-Dntqm0WEjSnEaotdHfJ2uFRSabT9sLvvDHway6eI8dZK1qAQm-leROv/s1600/RabitEarsLandmark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHKkMqFBwK7r7wE_VIGWd4ZXX92_QzFqY5OP8B_qZa2oCM-Q_-YQcCTeZ83lHX5RcDn_VcCswesXy4-Dntqm0WEjSnEaotdHfJ2uFRSabT9sLvvDHway6eI8dZK1qAQm-leROv/s200/RabitEarsLandmark.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rabbit Ears Landmark on the Santa Fe Trail</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After traveling on past Rabbit Ears, which are two peaks that were used as an important landmark along the Santa Fe Trail, we reach our final destination of the day, Clayton New Mexico. Here in Clayton you can take in the historic downtown district that includes the still active Eklund Hotel and Restaurant established in 1905. The town it self dates back to 1887, and was a stop along the Cimmaron branch of the trail, as well as an important livestock shipping center for herds from the Texas Panhandle and the Pecos River. <i>(Stayed at the KOA in Clayton. Not bad, but probably on the lower end of KOA's we've stayed at. Wifi sporadic, a bit run down, but has on site store. Standard KOA pricing, and since we only have Passport, cost us $34)</i><br />
<br />
We're heading toward <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/nm-lasvegas.html" target="_blank">Las Vegas New Mexico</a>, and will eventually wind up in the Texas Panhandle for some more <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/oldwest.html" target="_blank">Old West</a> history over the next week.<br />
<br />
See our Facebook Photo Album for this journey <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151720283854732.1073741826.110001784731&type=3" target="_blank">HERE</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Legends of America is a Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic Minded.</div>Dave Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243636591572159544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8743388.post-5696819272049849762013-03-30T15:21:00.001-05:002013-04-02T09:04:52.451-05:00Natchez to Home via New Orleans <i>First, a little whine with my cheese....</i><br />
<br />
I had this blog 98% complete last week, but during the final touches the technical gods, as they have done since the beginning of the year, decided to continue my punishment and wiped out every single letter of my writing. Is it because I still cling to Windows XP? Could it be that my refusal to accept fancy flash web building and videos that start automatically (and annoy the heck of me) has somehow put me at odds with technology who is now on a full court blitz to make my life miserable? Or could it be that it's simply time to stop using Google's Blogger for our blog? The jury is still out on that last question, but something tells me there is a better platform that would have let me go back to a previous draft of this blog entry. Of course, that has nothing to do with the hardware and software failures we've dealt with since the beginning of the year, and most definitely is not why 'you' came here.....so I'll gulp the last of my whine and move on.<br />
<br />
<b>Askew Landing to Natchez </b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcO-VIuTQKb2yLyIOLJrf7sqBApJ9inSypO8NkZbBBBKD0Kg_-UPVOI0rV9QezCRNgdUScysmYsQ3NFo_uR3nD06FiBQjO3-LNtD8P5AGdKzuwvAK_IUmgMbKwv5RLu__Ibrq/s1600/GrandGulfWaterMill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYcO-VIuTQKb2yLyIOLJrf7sqBApJ9inSypO8NkZbBBBKD0Kg_-UPVOI0rV9QezCRNgdUScysmYsQ3NFo_uR3nD06FiBQjO3-LNtD8P5AGdKzuwvAK_IUmgMbKwv5RLu__Ibrq/s200/GrandGulfWaterMill.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water Mill at Grand Gulf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We said goodbye to our friends as <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-askew.html" target="_blank">Askew Landing</a> and headed back south, through <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-vicksburgcampaign.html" target="_blank">Vicksburg</a>, to Grand Gulf Military Park. Just outside of Port Gibson, this was an excellent stop and we found the small admission fee to be well worth it. Grand Gulf was once a bustling river port town in the first half of the 19th Century, and it's European history dates back to the late 1700's when the Spanish issued land grants to settlers in the area. Located very near the Mississippi River, the Big Black River flowed into the Mississippi at this point offering easy access to river trade. As the area began to flourish, three land owners decided to lay out a new town on their property in 1828, and named for a large whirlpool which formed as the Mississippi River struck a great rock formation just north of the town site.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPioiqpmTXEQoF5HzzorWcB8XfzZler-gHIUJRIagd9IIFmFuAAcnCSYqxmYSIjJ4FZO5rbxalPHZOhD0pusU78dUAqI41Clh_a_xSrng4fk1kHROFNr81Me1u5nHa_W5YN31f/s1600/GrandGulf-Church-enhanced.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPioiqpmTXEQoF5HzzorWcB8XfzZler-gHIUJRIagd9IIFmFuAAcnCSYqxmYSIjJ4FZO5rbxalPHZOhD0pusU78dUAqI41Clh_a_xSrng4fk1kHROFNr81Me1u5nHa_W5YN31f/s200/GrandGulf-Church-enhanced.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Church around Grand Gulf</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A series of disasters, including yellow fever, would plague the town, and by the time the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-civilwar.html" target="_blank">Civil War</a> came knocking, the population had decreased from over a thousand to less than 200. Grand Gulf Military Park was officially opened in 1962. Dedicated to preserving the memory of the town as well as the Battle of Grand Gulf, the park features a museum, a number of historic buildings that date to the era of Grand Gulf's heydays, a cemetery, and the Civil War sites of Fort Cobun and Fort Wade.<br />
<br />
A tour through the 400 acre park, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, provides visitors a peek at the past through displays in the museum, buildings and equipment on the grounds, and numerous historical markers. Visitors can tour the park by either driving or walking. The best place to start is in the museum, which provides information on the tour and features historical items, artifacts and photographs from the old town of Grand Gulf and the Civil War. It also features a campground, which accommodates both tents and RV's, picnic areas, a pavilion for large group events, hiking trails, and an observation tower.<br />
<br />
<i>Read more about the history of this once thriving port city in our article <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-grandgulf.html" target="_blank">Grand Gulf - A Bustling Port Along the River</a>.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Other new articles related to this area - </i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-rodney.html" target="_blank">Rodney - From Prominence to Ghost Town</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-bruinsburg.html" target="_blank">Bruinsburg to Port Gibson in the Vicksburg Campaign</a></i><br />
<i><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-windsorruins.html" target="_blank">Windsor Ruins - A Silent Sentinel to the Magnificent South</a></i><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnDcRsEvP9fL2W92swgNr-Xqjzz1jrIZt8_S_DO_tszaTPUm4QTNM5-S-Fck8fBPQ8hpYYiziQOWlxD1jMerP5STlmPBSbRzAx8Z6A3RkWIbbqlA5IJuaJm88PA0siCFnQ-EF/s1600/MountLocust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirnDcRsEvP9fL2W92swgNr-Xqjzz1jrIZt8_S_DO_tszaTPUm4QTNM5-S-Fck8fBPQ8hpYYiziQOWlxD1jMerP5STlmPBSbRzAx8Z6A3RkWIbbqlA5IJuaJm88PA0siCFnQ-EF/s200/MountLocust.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside Mount Locust</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Leaving Grand Gulf, we hooked back up to the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-natcheztrace.html" target="_blank">Natchez Trace</a> at Port Gibson for our final stretch of the historic road to Natchez. Trying to beat yet more rain, which we dealt with most of the trip, we concentrated our efforts on just a couple of stops, one of which is Mount Locust. The only remaining inn, or "stand" on the Parkway, Mount Locust allows you to see what the "Kaintucks" may have experienced at the road side stands. It is open year round (mile post 15.5), except for December 25, and rangers are available from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm to share information on the historic structure.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViEBdrvSiR9bH-um2pRQxAWalQlInloYPO9KRasADIw5-9_siE0wl0QzG4SCq03ZfY9Co-Xj-5xaXPily5lGIv5b4kMq_JsJEvTetUfIKoefaX0DhRPoaH2thbw8C1I_vH5OT/s1600/MountLocustSaveCemetery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjViEBdrvSiR9bH-um2pRQxAWalQlInloYPO9KRasADIw5-9_siE0wl0QzG4SCq03ZfY9Co-Xj-5xaXPily5lGIv5b4kMq_JsJEvTetUfIKoefaX0DhRPoaH2thbw8C1I_vH5OT/s200/MountLocustSaveCemetery.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
While your here you can walk along some of the original Trace, used for centuries by <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-nativeamericans.html" target="_blank">Native American's</a> and early European settlers. The "stand" has been restored to it's original 1820 appearance, and while we were there, the National Park Service was building a new visitors information center on site. Be sure to walk behind the "inn" to the slave cemetery hidden in the trees just a short walk away. <br />
<br />
After Mount Locust, and just off the trace (mile post 10.3), we headed for <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-moundbuilders3.html#Emerald Mound" target="_blank">Emerald Mound</a>, the second largest Indian Temple Mound in the United States. It was built and used between 1300 and 1600 A.D. by the forerunners of the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-natchez.html" target="_blank">Natchez Indians</a>. These Indians used a natural hill as a base, which they reshaped by trimming the top and filling the sides to form a great primary platform, 770 feet long, 435 feet wide and 35 feet high. At the west end still stands a 30 foot secondary mound once topped by a ceremonial structure. Exit the Natchez Trace Parkway at Mississippi Highway 553 and go west one mile.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGYHsudcYdjIkiR1FeXsDXm1vq_3oQ8ty0MNSYu-mIKYGdgYx5uncLw0R9aEVMtyjAiFyDwtLG1OnApNxUunYoac_VtDmXgT3nSGB3kkHofe8t-y3zAzlMa5eywFrVREvoQwu/s1600/EmeraldMound.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLGYHsudcYdjIkiR1FeXsDXm1vq_3oQ8ty0MNSYu-mIKYGdgYx5uncLw0R9aEVMtyjAiFyDwtLG1OnApNxUunYoac_VtDmXgT3nSGB3kkHofe8t-y3zAzlMa5eywFrVREvoQwu/s200/EmeraldMound.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Emerald Mound</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We didn't do the Church Hill Loop Route side trip, but it would be worth your time to explore. At the same exit to Emerald Mound, Highway 553 bears to the right (road to Emerald Mound goes straight). The rural community of Church Hill is located at the intersection of Mississippi Highway 553 and Church Hill Road. The area is named after Christ Church which sits atop a terraced hill. Built in about 1790, the building's design was copied from the old country church buildings of England. Across the intersection is a wooden country store built around 1837. The store bears the name Wagners Grocery on the upper header of the store. The store, which also housed the post office, was closed in the late 1990's. Antebellum plantations line both sides of Highway 553. The Church Hill Loop is 22 miles long - 12 miles along Mississippi Highway 553 and 10 miles along the Natchez Trace Parkway from milepost 10.3 to milepost 20.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnxK9OHNovHZUtnvzt9V2-Jhs7SysbILvjh8sYe-cc7Fq6M2Grap7tZCCssOM0iQCwagYbSLIRn7VRBBizC-PrFa14IHJKYR1FxIjWUFNGu_i6MMJi-smIXYg0Ps56AkLbDAf/s1600/Natchez-GrandVillage-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="122" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVnxK9OHNovHZUtnvzt9V2-Jhs7SysbILvjh8sYe-cc7Fq6M2Grap7tZCCssOM0iQCwagYbSLIRn7VRBBizC-PrFa14IHJKYR1FxIjWUFNGu_i6MMJi-smIXYg0Ps56AkLbDAf/s200/Natchez-GrandVillage-2.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grand Village of the Natchez</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our final stop on our tour of the Natchez Trace Parkway was actually after exiting the Trace in Natchez. <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-moundbuilders3.html#Grand Village of the Natchez Indians" target="_blank">The Grand Village of the Natchez</a> was the tribes main ceremonial center starting around 1682. The early French inhabitants of the area described the ceremonial mounds built by the Natchez Indians on the banks of St. Catherine Creek as the "the Grand Village of the Natchez Indians." In 1729, after several disagreements and acts of violence, the Indians provoked <a href="http://legendsofamerica.com/ah-frenchindianwar.html" target="_blank">war with the French</a> and were subsequently destroyed as a people. The 128-acre Grand Village site features a museum, a reconstructed Natchez Indian house, and three ceremonial mounds. From the southern terminus of the Natchez Trace Parkway, turn onto U.S. Highway 61 South (Seargent S. Prentiss Drive); turn left onto Jefferson Davis Boulevard. The Grand Village of the Natchez Indians will be on your right.<br />
<br />
<i>For more information on the original road, and the Natchez Trace National Parkway, including sites by mile post, see our article <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-natcheztrace.html" target="_blank">Natchez Trace - Traveled For Thousands of Years</a></i><br />
<br />
Also enjoy our Vicksburg, MS Area photo gallery<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="http://photos.legendsofamerica.com/zf/core/embedgallery.aspx?p=2279a3210ff405411CCCCCC032fdf2db008080008080.2" style="background-color: transparent;" width="480"></iframe>
<br />
<b>The City of Natchez</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTakXGXY8-q0YEoExUrp-0va_a3zIBDJjkxTEEbTiVa6deP2DR5Ebnhr2d0cL_u-NDao6euq4UOvzbP7nkas1-YgZMqBTQQruwYTKHVkRzZe6RmIozkrTQskfuLlvyywkhHRwc/s1600/MississippiRiverNatchez.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTakXGXY8-q0YEoExUrp-0va_a3zIBDJjkxTEEbTiVa6deP2DR5Ebnhr2d0cL_u-NDao6euq4UOvzbP7nkas1-YgZMqBTQQruwYTKHVkRzZe6RmIozkrTQskfuLlvyywkhHRwc/s200/MississippiRiverNatchez.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Natchez from Louisiana</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We pulled across the Mississippi River to an RV Park just across from Natchez in Vadalia Louisiana for our next stay. <i>(RV Campground/Park reviews at the end of this article)</i>. If you're into American History at all, and love old Antebellum homes of the south, you'll want to spend a minimum of 2 days here, if not more. Named for the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-natchez.html" target="_blank">Natchez Indian Tribe</a>, the city was established by French colonists in 1716, making it one of the oldest and most important European settlements in the lower <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-mississippiriver.html" target="_blank">Mississippi River</a> Valley.<br />
<br />
Don't miss the incredible Natchez Visitors Center at the head of the Mississippi River Bridge on Highway 84. The facility is the Mississippi Welcome Center, home to local offices of the National Park Service, the Natchez Convention and Visitors Bureau, as well as Natchez Pilgrimage Tours. A must stop before you go touring, and a one stop shop for tickets to tour the antebellum homes.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixERh8ChRjdFUdz0kGky4Wj9MWGpzpm58KybEJvD00cb4WRMoG2XjK9EWYEj_rFhmk4VsTLI-LeorwQqGJrlZ2c0csYvemLP7gdCA3UiqYHaXMyWVvyNr1XWYG2OvR9EI6ZIkt/s1600/Kathy-Crawfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixERh8ChRjdFUdz0kGky4Wj9MWGpzpm58KybEJvD00cb4WRMoG2XjK9EWYEj_rFhmk4VsTLI-LeorwQqGJrlZ2c0csYvemLP7gdCA3UiqYHaXMyWVvyNr1XWYG2OvR9EI6ZIkt/s200/Kathy-Crawfish.jpg" width="175" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathy thinks Crawfish are too<br />
much work.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had the opportunity to stop in at the Under the Hill Saloon before kicking off our tour of the rest of the city and had a great time with Beth and the crew, who even introduced us to the art of eating "mud bugs" they had brought in from a local eatery. Built in the late 1700's or early 1800's, the buildings exact date of construction was lost in a courthouse fire. But history shows it has been used as a brothel, bar, warehouse and general merchandise store.<br />
<br />
Back in the 1800's, Natchez was divided into two classes. The town on the bluff which was orderly and respectful,where life and property were safe. And then there was Natchez Under-the-Hill, the lower part of town along the busy river bank. Home to every vice imaginable, it had a rough and tumble time during the busy years of flatboats and steamboats. The historic building that is now the Under the Hill Saloon still speaks of a time filled with cheap whiskey, illicit love and gambling. The Saloon holds the distinction of being the only business still operating 'under-the-hill' that portrays the early days of frontier saloon life. This is a great stop to quench your thirst.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_ExaqBttabj4yRRmZk-aLPSG2Zgbn8vcmRSno7i1_m0nSciLLtye3BDOYGoIZooD3dCtC8QBERxMgpS9LdfbCCJQhD5ou-joRO3IoD2FiPC9WL5dUs08HfilknsegQ77KEgp/s1600/Natchez-RosalieMansion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY_ExaqBttabj4yRRmZk-aLPSG2Zgbn8vcmRSno7i1_m0nSciLLtye3BDOYGoIZooD3dCtC8QBERxMgpS9LdfbCCJQhD5ou-joRO3IoD2FiPC9WL5dUs08HfilknsegQ77KEgp/s200/Natchez-RosalieMansion.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosalie Mansion, Natchez</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Natchez served as the capital of the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-mainpage.html" target="_blank">Mississippi</a> Territory and State until being replaced by Jackson in 1822, and was a pivotal center for trade and commerce. The city was originally built by African slaves brought by the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-westsketch.html" target="_blank">French</a>, which were the first Africans in what would become Mississippi. Known for their cultivation, these Africans of the Bambara tribe would greatly contribute to the economic growth of the region. <br />
<br />
In the mid 1800's, the city was home to a collection of wealthy Southern planters who grew large crops of cotton and sugar cane, leading to Natchez becoming the principal port for the export of these crops. The fortunes earned by the wealthy lead to the building of many large mansions, most of which escaped the destruction of the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-civilwar.html" target="_blank">Civil War</a> due to the city's quick surrender to Union forces in May of 1862. Many of these homes are open to tours, some even serving as a bed a breakfast. We will most definitely be writing more about Natchez soon.<br />
<br />
<b>Natchez to the Gulf Coast</b><br />
<br />
We headed south out of Natchez to our next destination on the coast, crossing into Louisiana on Highway 61 before going back east to Bay St. Louis on I-12 out of Baton Rouge. Highlights for us from this stretch include Port Hudson and St. Francisville.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_Oa98njU3ooQgV4c37pY69WwyBVBCQTYXDgqNMhjYEbmbPTCMg5EBlJioHdKHo11uJwYaaNccCOt92CzEmxBZy_tF1PnYcha-w4752HUl_Xf6xgXaxWYwwxm4KjMmI0Tbhfn/s1600/MyrtlePlantation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo_Oa98njU3ooQgV4c37pY69WwyBVBCQTYXDgqNMhjYEbmbPTCMg5EBlJioHdKHo11uJwYaaNccCOt92CzEmxBZy_tF1PnYcha-w4752HUl_Xf6xgXaxWYwwxm4KjMmI0Tbhfn/s200/MyrtlePlantation.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Myrtle Plantation, St. Francisville</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
St. Francisville, established in 1809, has a number of buildings from that period that have survived. Spain claimed the area around St. Francisville for a time before it was annexed by the state of Louisiana in 1810. And Jewish immigrants played a big role in commerce in the late 1800's that helped the town survive the lean years after the war. This is a great town for those wanting to see restored plantations and Victorian homes.<br />
<br />
We made a quick stop at Myrtles Plantation for some picture opportunities. Built in 1796 by General David Bradford, it was originally called Laurel Grove. The property has changed hands several times since and currently features a full service restaurant, Bed and Breakfast, guided history and mystery tours and more. Said to be one of America's most haunted homes, the plantation has been featured on several television shows, including Unsolved Mysteries in 2002, where the production crew is said to have experienced technical difficulties while trying to film.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzluyjhbMhsvzu7C6JUvZb974p-itmturwNDhp5YuBoL81b14qGZ6xEA0DuIX9LDvx-geMt6QmnmASzJnr1BXta1Ab9OExqTZYK4F7Wbz1CMtz_JrUlVHAitlYn5IM9KoY1nE/s1600/PortHudsonDisplay2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijzluyjhbMhsvzu7C6JUvZb974p-itmturwNDhp5YuBoL81b14qGZ6xEA0DuIX9LDvx-geMt6QmnmASzJnr1BXta1Ab9OExqTZYK4F7Wbz1CMtz_JrUlVHAitlYn5IM9KoY1nE/s200/PortHudsonDisplay2.jpg" width="125" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Display at Port Hudson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A few more miles down highway 61, Port Hudson State Historic Site in Louisiana preserves the Civil War history here as <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-confederatestates.html" target="_blank">Confederates</a> used the bluffs near the small town as river batteries in their effort to contain Federal troops after the fall of New Orleans. The siege of Port Hudson in May of 1863 saw 30,000 <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-unioncivilwar.html" target="_blank">Union</a> troops against less than 7,000 Confederates in some of the bloodiest and most severe fighting of the Civil War.<br />
<br />
As the siege continued for weeks, Confederate finally surrendered in early July after 48 days of battle. The siege of Port Hudson was the longest in American military history. Now a National Historic Landmark as well as a State Historic Site, they hold annual re-enactments the last full weekend in March. There's a small admission fee to the park, with a museum at the visitors center and several hiking trails. Nice stop for a day trip or on your way to other destinations.<br />
<br />
<b>Bay St Louis Area</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGjeYFfEVAvSVW4bnQKnm9GyaSEN4Y6yF9OiR_p_lIbJeMNScc5KzcIZis2wAif7axnJ-RgHPN3mEGtrkEHlk0Lq9f-C6EBfT4b9S8hXvJ6JYdHRkjVc3QgjmojSs4yxzFEQK/s1600/BayStLouisKayDeeRiley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMGjeYFfEVAvSVW4bnQKnm9GyaSEN4Y6yF9OiR_p_lIbJeMNScc5KzcIZis2wAif7axnJ-RgHPN3mEGtrkEHlk0Lq9f-C6EBfT4b9S8hXvJ6JYdHRkjVc3QgjmojSs4yxzFEQK/s200/BayStLouisKayDeeRiley.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mr Riley & Ms Kaydee were missing<br />
the 14 inches of snow back home. NOT</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a short rainy night in Hammond, LA, we pushed on to our next long term RV Park stay near Bay Saint Louis, MS. <i>(RV Park reviews at end of this article)</i> Bay Saint Louis, Waveland and other nearby towns along the coast have a feel of "newness". It was here that the eye of Hurricane Katrina made landfall in August of 2005, devastating the entire region. We could see, even seven plus years later, many empty lots along the coast that were surely once occupied by historic homes. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5Fblt_Ye3byXoksfI4CtpHlYLuIiAZC6R2JSsT_IQES5siJc720PpVAKpJRT0XvNUgrwuiW5Ljf_YkMdk39EPpZTMB5vvITOTmyHPX9GY7RQjuaTLsOMq7iJEP91UpPy9zwu/s1600/BayStLouis-Pier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5Fblt_Ye3byXoksfI4CtpHlYLuIiAZC6R2JSsT_IQES5siJc720PpVAKpJRT0XvNUgrwuiW5Ljf_YkMdk39EPpZTMB5vvITOTmyHPX9GY7RQjuaTLsOMq7iJEP91UpPy9zwu/s200/BayStLouis-Pier.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
This area was claimed for France in 1699, but also has Native American roots dating back thousands of years. As far as more recent history, after the Civil War the town and area became a resort for Northerners seeking warmer climates, and the town and surrounding areas flourished. However disasters have plagued the region over the years. Large fires in the early 1900's claimed many historic homes, churches, stores and the Opera House. Then Hurricane Camille rolled ashore in 1969, killing hundred and destroying thousands of homes and businesses. But the worst was yet to come with Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Thirty-eight foot waves pounded Bay Saint Louis, destroying beach front mansions and homes that dated back to 1787. In fact, out of over 500 homes listed on the National Historic Register in the Beach Boulevard district, all but 16 were wiped out and the remaining severely damaged.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewN0VnfMXQAQSKyaDJNbs-3fnLosLlDsYzcAEiW13CO58BrfXoOuxhxrrMz2IQUC-sXSCj5TXVsYzB0jXKpvMPeTL2Vb-SY9EbkTAEOJX9hax5IzLZiK6rug_Q1GsnOu_fUTs/s1600/BayStLouis-AngelTree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiewN0VnfMXQAQSKyaDJNbs-3fnLosLlDsYzcAEiW13CO58BrfXoOuxhxrrMz2IQUC-sXSCj5TXVsYzB0jXKpvMPeTL2Vb-SY9EbkTAEOJX9hax5IzLZiK6rug_Q1GsnOu_fUTs/s200/BayStLouis-AngelTree.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Oak carved into an Angle Tree<br />
to commemorate 3 survivors who clung<br />
to it during Katrina.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
One of our stops was at the <a href="http://www.cypresscafebsl.com/" target="_blank">Cypress Cafe</a>, located in the historic Bay St. Louis Mississippi City Hall. It was here on August 17, 1928, when the city jail was located on the bottom floor, that prisoner Silas Richardson, arrested for car theft, shot his way to freedom. In the process, he killed John Dambrino who was there to pick up the keys to the stolen vehicle, and seriously wounded Chief of Police Mark Oliver. It was suspected that someone handed Richardson a gun through the bars of his cell at the back of the building.<br />
<br />
Richardson hid in a nearby swamp before hopping a freight train to New Orleans, but came back to Bay St. Louis in late August to get his clothes. Spotted by a neighbor of his parents, he was captured, found guilty in September and after losing appeals, was hung early May of 1929. It was first hanging in 20 years, and the last hanging ever in Hancock County.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTesEQ5T9jhrBOr0oAEu8UWs3Ob77pxJcIdWkCys30ooTJsCLgu0zdlx-Ar_GeGgq4q_ywqPGmOLN-p25D3IAX4zNDaCeFikMrWMVS0OCjhNGGWbVVmJvCXGHYXY78lTuObFP/s1600/BayStLouisOldCityHall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTesEQ5T9jhrBOr0oAEu8UWs3Ob77pxJcIdWkCys30ooTJsCLgu0zdlx-Ar_GeGgq4q_ywqPGmOLN-p25D3IAX4zNDaCeFikMrWMVS0OCjhNGGWbVVmJvCXGHYXY78lTuObFP/s200/BayStLouisOldCityHall.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bay St. Louis old City Hall, now<br />
Cypress Cafe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While we were at the Cypress Cafe, owner Holly Lemoine-Raymond gave us a tour, showing us where the cells were in the back, along with where the shooting took place. The building is allegedly haunted, but Holly seemed to have some reservations about the "ghostly" aspect. Here staff however told us of unexplained occurrences like a side door that you can only open from inside, opening and slamming on its own. Some allege it's John Dambrino, the shooting victim who is buried a block away in an historic cemetery. Regardless of what you believe, this was a great stop for a delicious lunch and history in historic downtown Bay St. Louis.<br />
<br />
The town is also home to St. Stanislaus College, founded by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart in 1854 and the oldest educational institution on the Gulf Coast. In 1923, the school became a college preparatory school. We had a great time in this area, and the residents have done a wonderful job in their continuing efforts to rebuild. It was definitely a "leisure" stop for us that included some much needed beach time. Other highlights of our stay included the beautiful drive along the coast to Biloxi and Gulf Port. Well worth your time, especially if your inland folks like us.<br />
<br />
Here is our photo gallery for Natchez and our trip to the Gulf<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="http://photos.legendsofamerica.com/zf/core/embedgallery.aspx?p=032c25b70ff405411CCCCCC032fdf2db008080008080.2" style="background-color: transparent;" width="480"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
<b>Wrapping up our Winter History Tour with New Orleans & Southern Louisiana</b><br />
<br />
After a wonderful stay just outside of Bay Saint Louis, we moved back west on Highway 90 to one of our ultimate destinations, the Big Easy. Along the way we stopped by Chalmette Battlefield, part of Jean Lafitte National Park. It was here that the famous Battle of New Orleans took place in January of 1815, the last major battle of the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-war1812.html" target="_blank">War of 1812</a>, and one that is considered as the greatest American land victory of the war. It also didn't have to happen, since the Treaty of Ghent was signed just days before in late December of 1814.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3y7EsQCdpTpIVP9op3TfagBVG1aDplF_fQz4UZ_eQRGUoqw4kyC0ojn_dpOCEgy1f2PUFTlxBTSt9Vicm0DnbNcNGvWYgqYtnF49uSmAnJBTspKz2nlGbcSDIjw7ZCaNEdqXQ/s1600/BattleNewOrleans.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3y7EsQCdpTpIVP9op3TfagBVG1aDplF_fQz4UZ_eQRGUoqw4kyC0ojn_dpOCEgy1f2PUFTlxBTSt9Vicm0DnbNcNGvWYgqYtnF49uSmAnJBTspKz2nlGbcSDIjw7ZCaNEdqXQ/s200/BattleNewOrleans.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Battle of New Orleans</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This Battlefield features a small driving tour (free of charge) as well as a visitors center. Nice stop for history buffs, but our primary focus was to see more of New Orleans, specifically the French Quarter. There is too much history here to simply blog about, but in short, La Nouvelle-Orleans was founded in May of 1718 by the French Mississippi Company. During the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-americanrevolution.html" target="_blank">American Revolution</a> it was an important port city for smuggling aid to rebels, transporting them up the Mississippi River. During the 1700's the city transitioned from French control to Spanish control, which they held until 1801, when it reverted back to the French, before finally being sold to the United States in 1803 as part of the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-louisianapurchase.html" target="_blank">Louisiana Purchase</a>. In the early 1800's, the Haitian Revolution sent thousands of refugees to the area, adding to the extremely diverse cultures of Spanish, French, Creoles, Irish, Germans and African free men and slaves. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-I8VO5NJe_CGJzp3RhgQCrv3X89aAPtVwcuzvmXqfAUvPHubeytImd2OfM9gzkwJpVYeVEdR_QiqxQzIKjByLRJFzh0Pc8eQQ8UICoCt2FSvN2pk8xsNK1ZTYVcE9rn8WUDYh/s1600/BourbonStreetSigns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-I8VO5NJe_CGJzp3RhgQCrv3X89aAPtVwcuzvmXqfAUvPHubeytImd2OfM9gzkwJpVYeVEdR_QiqxQzIKjByLRJFzh0Pc8eQQ8UICoCt2FSvN2pk8xsNK1ZTYVcE9rn8WUDYh/s200/BourbonStreetSigns.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bourbon Street</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The French Quarter is the oldest neighborhood in the city, which used to be centered here. Also known as Vieux Carre (French for Old Square), most of the present day buildings were built under Spanish rule after the Great New Orleans Fire of 1788, and another fire in 1794 destroyed most of the French architecture. You should plan at least 2 full days, if not more, to explore the French Quarter, and other day or two to explore the rest of the city. We managed to find an RV Park not to far away provided shuttle service to and from the French Quarter daily, so without the hassle of trying to find parking, etc, we thoroughly enjoyed walking up and down the historic streets. You'll find entertainers scattered about, playing music, juggling and overall entertaining tourists for tips. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpT3HwJq5hnndMuwLaZQ0EceliLMTcHLV2wx5t7KBTsSk-cT1Pw2wnUko2qrWdr7H9iHAewtBIpaxfBaNmu9fizNWYSlT99Y8cAfj-p47dKjGZGZ5VygSvYfkYuQRMahw5cWFi/s1600/NO-StLouisCathedral.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpT3HwJq5hnndMuwLaZQ0EceliLMTcHLV2wx5t7KBTsSk-cT1Pw2wnUko2qrWdr7H9iHAewtBIpaxfBaNmu9fizNWYSlT99Y8cAfj-p47dKjGZGZ5VygSvYfkYuQRMahw5cWFi/s200/NO-StLouisCathedral.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">St. Louis Cathederal</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Be sure not to miss Jackson Square, formerly known as Place d'Armes, which is an open park at the center of the French Quarter. After the Battle of New Orleans it was named after the victorious <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-andrewjackson.html" target="_blank">Andrew Jackson.</a> Just across the street, opposite of the river front, is the 18th century St. Louis Cathedral flanked by the old city hall (now a museum) where the Louisiana Purchase was signed, and the Presbytere, built to house Roman Catholic priests, and later acting as a courthouse in the 1800's and museum in the 1900's. Today the square is a gathering place for artists, tarot card readers, fortune tellers and street performers. <br />
<br />
We also took time to ride the trolley lines through portions of the area to see the old antebellum homes, although looking back we would have explored that differently. Overall though, you will not be disappointed with a visit to New Orleans and it's rich history of culture. We were there weeks after Mardi Gras yet Bourbon Street and the entire area was alive with people the Sunday we explored the French Quarter, so no worries about missing any of the action the rest of the year. We will return and spend more time for sure.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLAN7G_jtkhFYPmv8s0eF8kdAM7rLi62p-1rmkKl0UmWzJaKkeiwa4OLpY5SMkLgr_Q-lleUfzuyYjxbIrU87tVjPrp9CllaKpmFvnjb7nyZn_IJIpVr3eNnl4RwFULSR7Kyj/s1600/NO-CalypsoTumblers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiLAN7G_jtkhFYPmv8s0eF8kdAM7rLi62p-1rmkKl0UmWzJaKkeiwa4OLpY5SMkLgr_Q-lleUfzuyYjxbIrU87tVjPrp9CllaKpmFvnjb7nyZn_IJIpVr3eNnl4RwFULSR7Kyj/s320/NO-CalypsoTumblers.jpg" width="177" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New York City's Calypso Tumblers<br />
perform at Jackson Square</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<i>After New Orleans we began our trek home, touring more of Southern Louisiana. Highlights for us included </i><i>Avery Island near New Iberia, Arcadian Village in Lafayette and this historic city of Natchitoches.</i><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVguA8BTCkXcmRHgiFdwCdQI898Sj1MgOlgZyOeAh2ltrkAUR5QQpr0F-ImUoJF3lXPOeS3itz9j8LAHgr9xXGG-DZj-FEbmRqxCq7AFJIQXah3Nl3sETkdEZk5POWYlGzXpR/s1600/AveryIslandTobascoStore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCVguA8BTCkXcmRHgiFdwCdQI898Sj1MgOlgZyOeAh2ltrkAUR5QQpr0F-ImUoJF3lXPOeS3itz9j8LAHgr9xXGG-DZj-FEbmRqxCq7AFJIQXah3Nl3sETkdEZk5POWYlGzXpR/s200/AveryIslandTobascoStore.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tabasco Country Store</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We parked a couple of nights at New Iberia and spent a day at Avery Island. The home of Tabasco Sauce, this 'island' has quite an interesting history. One of five salt domes islands that area along the Louisiana coast, it is surrounded by low lying swamps and marshes. It was named for the Avery family that settled here in the 1830's. In 1868, Edmund Mclhenny founded his company and began manufacturing Tabasco brand pepper sauce, which is still produced there today. Take a tour of the plant, and be sure to visit the Tabasco Store.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirElVORr0noB5cV1tskKk0aRw5mBedW9uny9Bs9K3lrJCUdNpzC-zkH3Mg3iBMsF449DFuzrEiVL-215PpYT5q7xhLfJUORbzNz4XcGu9mVf_9rLSgl3NguXOm8Iaysn1XHHG7/s1600/AveryIslandJungleGardensAlligator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirElVORr0noB5cV1tskKk0aRw5mBedW9uny9Bs9K3lrJCUdNpzC-zkH3Mg3iBMsF449DFuzrEiVL-215PpYT5q7xhLfJUORbzNz4XcGu9mVf_9rLSgl3NguXOm8Iaysn1XHHG7/s200/AveryIslandJungleGardensAlligator.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swore he was fake, til the damn thing<br />
took off and scared the..well, you know</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After you've had your fill of sauce, cross the road to Jungle Gardens and Bird City. This is a natural paradise created and managed by the Avery/Mclhenny family's since the late 1800's, and features exotic plants, crocodiles, bamboo and other wildlife. The bird sanctuary was established in 1895 as a way to preserve egrets who were being slaughtered for their feathers. After raising a handful in captivity, Edward Mclhenny released them to mirgrate across the Gulf of Mexico and the following spring they returned with more egrets. This migration continues today where you can witness thousands coming back to roost. There's a small admission fee to the island and additional charge for Jungle Gardens, but well worth the price. Plan a full day for Avery Island.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwToDBfgCdrAzOahyphenhyphenpoyTgbR3LuVtWucgaLUOUW2XxEUduYdGDnTXy3RII__DwEPzCsOIwXPwIoWs8FSYs2gsOHGLh3LE5p_2R2qaMknMM5nSrbt08FZiQI7Qxerg0PsGg5qe/s1600/AcadianVillage4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwToDBfgCdrAzOahyphenhyphenpoyTgbR3LuVtWucgaLUOUW2XxEUduYdGDnTXy3RII__DwEPzCsOIwXPwIoWs8FSYs2gsOHGLh3LE5p_2R2qaMknMM5nSrbt08FZiQI7Qxerg0PsGg5qe/s200/AcadianVillage4.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arcadian Village</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our next stay was with an old childhood friend of Kathy's in Lake Charles. On the way from New Iberia, we stopped at the Arcadian Village in Lafayette. Created in the 1970's as a way to improve tourism, this "village" has two other purposes; preserve early Arcadian heritage and benefit the LARC (Lafayette Association for Retarded Citizens). They transformed 10 acres of farmland into a shaded community complete with a bayou running through it. Seven of the 11 buildings area authentic homes of the 19th Century, and all tell the story of Arcadian life. The admission fee was worth the price as we explored the many buildings in this 'historic' setting. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMpq_AT27xWX2rel6AjH7FnxsQKBdaM0RQkX14uRqUrf8D4aCqj6fsApfaAev7LtnZt66FHz4L7n71RNfiKsbatp2CXOyBTnQpn-QBa368OarMoyXod4nX0isqJyFnbC5DlTR/s1600/UsHavingFunAcadianVillage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmMpq_AT27xWX2rel6AjH7FnxsQKBdaM0RQkX14uRqUrf8D4aCqj6fsApfaAev7LtnZt66FHz4L7n71RNfiKsbatp2CXOyBTnQpn-QBa368OarMoyXod4nX0isqJyFnbC5DlTR/s320/UsHavingFunAcadianVillage.jpg" width="205" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathy and I capture our happy moment<br />
in front of the medicine cabinet at<br />
Arcadian Village.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our final stretch, after a couple of wonderful days with Kathy's friend Ann in Lake Charles, found us in Natchitoches, Louisiana's oldest town, established in 1714. You may recognize it as the setting for the movie "Steel Magnolias", and it's steeped in Native American and French history. Becoming part of the United States in 1812, the area never lost it's mix of Indian, French, Creole, African American and Anglo cultures. We spent a day around the city exploring the Cane River National Heritage Area, which includes many old Plantations open to tours daily. Plan a couple of days at least in this historic city, one to enjoy the Plantations and another to enjoy the historic downtown. <br />
<br />
We'll be writing more about Southern Louisiana in the months to come. It was a great adventure to wrap up our six week history tour. Although we had some setbacks due to RV problems in Mississippi that prevented us from seeing all we had planned to see, our trip did manage to teach us some valuable lessons; like shorter more frequent blogs are better (if you've made it this far you will probably agree), find a more reliable internet method other than RV Parks wifi and ATT's network, don't count on the weather to cooperate, and pretty much just go with the flow. I'm sure there's more lessons, but overall Kathy and I were very happy that we managed to live in tight quarters for six weeks with two dogs and still want to do it again. <br />
<br />
Here is our photo gallery for Southern Louisiana, including New Orleans<br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="http://photos.legendsofamerica.com/zf/core/embedgallery.aspx?p=06a1a2ea0ff405411CCCCCC032fdf2db008080008080.2" style="background-color: transparent;" width="480"></iframe>
<br />
<br />
____________________________________________________________<br />
<b>RV Park/Campground Reviews</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><a href="http://www.riverviewrvpark.com/" target="_blank">River View RV Park & Resort - Vadalia, LA</a></b><br />
Good location, nice view of the river, very accommodating and friendly staff, some sites need better leveling as we had several inches of water at our front door after a heavy rain. WI-FI is non-existent, unless you're in the clubhouse, I guess. We were parked right in front and still couldn't get it. Excepted Passport during the week. We gave this one 7 out of 10<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.bayhideaway.com/" target="_blank">Bay Hideaway RV Park and Campground - Bay Saint Louis, MS</a></b><br />
We can see why this RV Park is rated one of the best in the South. Great location just a few miles from the Gulf Coast. Very active with guests with planned outings and activities. Very clean and great Wi-Fi throughout the park during off peak hours. Although we stayed for only a few days (at passport rates during the week), there are several snow birds that come back year after year. Highly recommend this RV Park. While we did not use the shower/bathroom facilities, we did use their laundry, which was clean. We gave this one 8 out 10.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.judetravelparkofneworleans.com/" target="_blank">Jude Travel Park - New Orleans, LA</a></b><br />
If you are wanting to get close to the French Quarter without paying through the nose, this is a great RV Park. They offer shuttle service to and from the French Quarter from morning to around 10pm. Great WiFi and Cable TV. The RV Park is very tight though, and while they are pet friendly, there's not a lot of places to take your dog, other than your own area and up and down the single road in/out. Would recommend to those wanting to spend quality time exploring New Orleans. We marked "do not know" on family friendly simply because of the tight space. Did not accept Passport. We rated this park 6 out of 10.<br />
<br />
<b><a href="http://www.rvparklist.com/rvpark/1244/" target="_blank">Chases RV Park - New Iberia, LA</a></b><br />
Friendly staff and good RV Park. Great Wi-Fi close to the office, and just off highway 90 and 83 interchange. Did not use bathrooms while here, so don't know about them. Spacious and it appears to have some long term residents. Great place to stay to explore New Iberia and Avery Island which are close by. Did not accept Passport. We rated this one 7 out of 10.<br />
<br />
(Note: We use <a href="http://rvparkreviews.com/" target="_blank">RV Park Reviews</a>. Traveling in a 22' Travel Trailer. All electric 30 amp or more unless otherwise noted).<div class="blogger-post-footer">Legends of America is a Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic Minded.</div>Dave Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243636591572159544noreply@blogger.com2Louisiana, USA31.2448234 -92.14502449999997724.2833539 -102.47217299999997 38.2062929 -81.817875999999984tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8743388.post-40992812291481897042013-02-26T06:59:00.001-06:002013-02-28T05:36:31.616-06:00History Abounds Around Askew Landing<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We were coming off a nice stay in Louisville, <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-mainpage.html" target="_blank">Mississippi</a> where we had spent a few days catching up on stories and the business parts that pay the bills. Ready to get back on the road and explore more history of <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-mainpage.html" target="_blank">Mississippi</a> we hit the road and found ourselves in Philadelphia looking for one of Kathy's passions...Old General Stores.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl15_GPyCuf_bP3dAAFZu12MTngYxdeheeosk8jMs24CYBrGGLTGxA_Ynn_34EJ_K5k_e-11dEHO-sR8i6rPYBvPYI-SRxq1zFK2YJ4e5p_ZQCIEyU2vD0r2Qrgx0gvtBLL54a/s1600/WilliamsStore2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl15_GPyCuf_bP3dAAFZu12MTngYxdeheeosk8jMs24CYBrGGLTGxA_Ynn_34EJ_K5k_e-11dEHO-sR8i6rPYBvPYI-SRxq1zFK2YJ4e5p_ZQCIEyU2vD0r2Qrgx0gvtBLL54a/s200/WilliamsStore2.jpg" width="133" /></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Williams Brothers Store doesn't disappoint if your looking for an historic general store still in operation. From the bins of beans and seeds outside, to the fresh cut bacon inside, this place has a little bit of everything and is no small operation. Established in 1907 by brothers Amzie and Brown Williams, it still holds that old charm of yesteryear. According to an <a href="http://msbusiness.com/blog/2012/08/19/williams-brothers-general-store-is-something-to-count-on/" target="_blank">article in the Mississippi Business Journal</a>, it looks pretty much as it did in 1939 when it was featured in National Geographic.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcM5GRTPdF4guSw58MsXnKv71l4QALrjFFNQvsi5Gr4mRhR_VRhwrkivTuUl919HEWxN9e5N04lP88Nc1zA8mqhyphenhyphensWNmKpFAouwQQ-5pv8ez9J39wT2qVN8F02tCztffuTReAO/s1600/WilliamsStore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcM5GRTPdF4guSw58MsXnKv71l4QALrjFFNQvsi5Gr4mRhR_VRhwrkivTuUl919HEWxN9e5N04lP88Nc1zA8mqhyphenhyphensWNmKpFAouwQQ-5pv8ez9J39wT2qVN8F02tCztffuTReAO/s200/WilliamsStore.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Williams Bros Store, Philadelphia, MS</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Still slicing fresh bacon since 1907.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The article from last August points out that Williams Brothers employs up to 60 at the store, and sells everything from red rind Wisconsin hoop cheese to denim overalls. They even have some designer clothes. Today the store is still in the family and going strong. It has been a long time since I've seen a butcher actually slicing bacon for a customer. Need to get out of big chain rut and visit places like this more often.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After Philadelphia, we hooked west to get back on the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-natcheztrace.html" target="_blank">Natchez Trace</a>. The River Bend Picnic area (Mile Post 122.6) provided a nice stop to learn about the Pearl River. Named the "River of Pearls" by French explorer Pierre Le Moync, Sieur d'lberville, the Trace avoided the marshy lowlands of this area by following the ridge between the Pearl and Big Black Rivers for 150 miles. The last 75 miles of the rivers course have served as a boundary between Mississippi and Louisiana since 1812. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioi8o3jclK7kkBm5N-wNa3yoNVPbehGdMRhDW5RfLV312b0mXY5-gs_90kDH7TF5rL5mGpY4rc6hPL4PT04CHBPjRmwDWJLl4ZFyq7cfVdS7z-eaRg45PAfw8vdRD-HeLe66kT/s1600/CypressSwamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioi8o3jclK7kkBm5N-wNa3yoNVPbehGdMRhDW5RfLV312b0mXY5-gs_90kDH7TF5rL5mGpY4rc6hPL4PT04CHBPjRmwDWJLl4ZFyq7cfVdS7z-eaRg45PAfw8vdRD-HeLe66kT/s200/CypressSwamp.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cypress Swamp on the Natchez Trace</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Just a half mile away (mile post 122), you can really see why the Trace avoided lowlands. Here, you can take a 20 minute walk through a water tupelo/bald cypress swamp, which we found quite "magical". Cypress Swamp was created when the Pearl River changed its course and left an abandoned river channel. Water tupelo and bald cypress trees can live in deep water for long periods of time. In fact, some of the living Cypress trees may have seen the passage of Hernando de Soto nearly 500 years ago. During periodic low water, seedlings of these trees took root and the aquatic forest is the result. As the channel fills with silt and vegetation, other trees will gradually take over, but not for several hundred years. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kathy and I loved this stop for it's natural beauty, and recommend you take time for a leisurely stroll yourself. Although we did not see any, alligators are sometimes seen here. They look like floating logs with nostrils and mostly hide or sleep. Of course, that meant every log I looked at in the water was suspect, and I probably wasted quite a bit of digital space on the camera. I'm writing this in the blog so when I look at the photos years from now I won't wonder about my "floating wood obsession". A sign along the trail warns not to throw food to them or they may lose their fear of humans and become aggressive.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqKw6ARjPZYZp1jeVRAt1B-0vSuYFsBViqftQ1lJ-q49l5bn6KlR_D2Ku_c4u6F-JnJaLpYRnV07kjyaPqTm6kfGo-izQyVYh4DLtBnuwKcDpVep6PAldP3Q1O9jyXi2mV1E2/s1600/BoydMoundSite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqKw6ARjPZYZp1jeVRAt1B-0vSuYFsBViqftQ1lJ-q49l5bn6KlR_D2Ku_c4u6F-JnJaLpYRnV07kjyaPqTm6kfGo-izQyVYh4DLtBnuwKcDpVep6PAldP3Q1O9jyXi2mV1E2/s200/BoydMoundSite.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boyd Mound on the Trace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After Cypress Swamp we made another "mound" stop at Boyd Site (mile post 106.9). These Indian burial mounds were built up to 1200 years ago. Archaeologists indicate there was a house here sometime around 500 A.D., and that pottery found in the mounds date back before 700 A.D. While we are enjoying the burial mounds along the trace, we are finding that, after a few, a mound is a mound. The history is fascinating though. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(<i>Read more about the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-moundbuilders.html" target="_blank">Mound Builders of Mississippi</a></i>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we left Boyd Site we noticed traffic getting heavier as we were about to cross the northwest part of Jackson. We somehow missed Brashears Stand and another piece of Old Trace (mile post 104.5). The stand was advertised in 1806 as a "house of entertainment in the wilderness", and part of the original Trace is nearby. Osburn Stand (mile post 93.1), was opened by Noble Osburn in 1811 but by the early 1820's, when Jackson was founded, traffic shifted away from this part of the Trace. As with many of these stops, only a marker remains. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4x_igjOt0LpvXtiGxmg5Vy3rikFVakslULCCwLjToa2j3-PBoIUbRn2xT3xqjV7HA5ghs5vSOKwFhsaN1g9XGjNfLRegR-Q6h84Ypr_Mi2LINnimrIorLEsY9PK4ydw0ewAOt/s1600/CowlesMeade.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4x_igjOt0LpvXtiGxmg5Vy3rikFVakslULCCwLjToa2j3-PBoIUbRn2xT3xqjV7HA5ghs5vSOKwFhsaN1g9XGjNfLRegR-Q6h84Ypr_Mi2LINnimrIorLEsY9PK4ydw0ewAOt/s200/CowlesMeade.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Cowles Mead Cemetery</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A better stop for us, being the cemetery nuts we are, was Cowles Mead Cemetery (mile post 88.1). Mead came from the east for the opportunity the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-mainpage.html" target="_blank">Mississippi</a> Territory had to offer. In addition to owning a tavern on the Old Trace near Natchez, he also held several political offices, including acting governor in 1806. During this time he ordered the arrest of Aaron Burr for treason but the former Vice President was acquitted Mead followed the growth of the state and moved to the Jackson area, where here he built his "Greenwood" estate. Little remains today as the estate burned after his death during the Civil War. But the family cemetery remains.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Askew Landing near Edwards, MS</b></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPQ-L-d4i0NmbRBQIW1tQnv12jME4OMdV7pTgQINBkYzs07Pzh7Fm104cDFWVSZ__PEo_txX-wIEFy4nf9-BaPFmlc3ZLej6Mif9BSxnMExjd88OyBcx1td2bu8I4-f2QQW8U/s1600/AskewBarnWelcome-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpPQ-L-d4i0NmbRBQIW1tQnv12jME4OMdV7pTgQINBkYzs07Pzh7Fm104cDFWVSZ__PEo_txX-wIEFy4nf9-BaPFmlc3ZLej6Mif9BSxnMExjd88OyBcx1td2bu8I4-f2QQW8U/s200/AskewBarnWelcome-600.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Welcome to Askew's Landing</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We exited the Trace at Raymond to find our next long term stay. Kathy and I found a gem of an RV Campground hidden off back in the woods near Edwards, Ms. Askew Landing is in a perfect location for us, just 20 miles outside of Vicksburg and within driving distance for more <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-natcheztrace.html" target="_blank">Natchez Trace </a>and plenty of other great <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-mainpage.html" target="_blank">Mississippi</a> history. And there's great history right here at the campground, which is part of Bridgeport Plantation. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Established by Duklet Askew in 1859, he and his brother traveled from North Carolina to Mississippi searching for land to build a cotton plantation. Duklet bought 2,000 acres northeast of Edwards along the old Bridgeport Road and named it Bridgeport Plantation. He began by clearing more than 500 acres, farmed cotton, and built and operated a ferry across the Big Black River. Some time later, he built a cotton gin and general store close to the ferry on Bridgeport Road.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktmv8MhKEm0hOQD87zeUtIbbFTGxZRxbmtgRLryOGnvekNFUy4SyFP9PWIBGBmGZpCeKA14Tc4hEGVpxEW0e8oaAfqgIOIiASDmlJfEMOsrQ3DOzhARLmwhxrgIK-Vb9XH07l/s1600/AskewOfficeHistoricSign.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiktmv8MhKEm0hOQD87zeUtIbbFTGxZRxbmtgRLryOGnvekNFUy4SyFP9PWIBGBmGZpCeKA14Tc4hEGVpxEW0e8oaAfqgIOIiASDmlJfEMOsrQ3DOzhARLmwhxrgIK-Vb9XH07l/s200/AskewOfficeHistoricSign.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Askew's Landing is an historic site</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Life on the plantation was interrupted in 1863 by the Civil War as Confederates, fleeing after the Battle of Champion Hill back towards Vicksburg, were involved in skirmishes. The Confederates used Askew's Ferry to cross the Big Black River, then destroyed the ferry so that the pursuing Union troops couldn't use it. Nearly a month later, during the Operations in Northeast Mississippi, another skirmish took place at the plantation when a a Confederate cavalry force unsuccessfully challenged the Union picket guarding General Grant's eastern line.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>See our full story on Bridgeport Plantation and Askew's Landing <a href="http://legendsofamerica.com/ms-askew.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvw00ij7OyWK-qmJWb5XbxYH5Fa8skPXN7ABFONXvtrq-AUl2HJ-ZJotKtHyMijOF3J2bzeksmV4gEBLLyUNz8YptGT-JUCYxUnlYj8xr1qAbqigSAvtr5IQxkq1H2-CDqZ3O/s1600/DanAndEdnaAskew.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBvw00ij7OyWK-qmJWb5XbxYH5Fa8skPXN7ABFONXvtrq-AUl2HJ-ZJotKtHyMijOF3J2bzeksmV4gEBLLyUNz8YptGT-JUCYxUnlYj8xr1qAbqigSAvtr5IQxkq1H2-CDqZ3O/s200/DanAndEdnaAskew.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dan and Edna Askew</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Askew Landing RV Campground is truly one of Mississippi's best kept secrets. Listed on the National Register of Historic places with the camp ground sitting in the center of 300 wooded acres, it is easy to access off I-20, but, far enough away to shield its visitors from the sounds of nearby traffic or passers-through. With plenty of history to explore within driving distance, and due to 'beyond our control' circumstances, this wound up being our longest stay at any campground (almost 2 weeks). Things happen when you are RV'ing, and we were lucky it happened here. (<i>See RV Campground reviews at the end of this article</i>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Day Trips from Askew</i></b></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZxxDQLa6-VHtESc4rjx8anBlWu4HmIy-MN0omRafIpoz06LZsC45EfyCYeb2J1T_O2UPNDZTdNNx9-d47pu8oE2VCUc3ks6wpHMIN6iaXUBOR67voyfS6gTEN8wTiVIAgGca/s1600/battle-of-championhill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="124" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZxxDQLa6-VHtESc4rjx8anBlWu4HmIy-MN0omRafIpoz06LZsC45EfyCYeb2J1T_O2UPNDZTdNNx9-d47pu8oE2VCUc3ks6wpHMIN6iaXUBOR67voyfS6gTEN8wTiVIAgGca/s200/battle-of-championhill.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Battle of Champion Hill</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Over the course of our stay at Askew Landing we took several day trips to nearby history. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">One of our first excursions from the campground was the nearby Battle of Champion Hill, southeast of Edwards. This is not your typical "let's go see the battleground". There are markers scattered about that you have to know of ahead of time, or a private tour of the Champion Hill Battlefield can also be arranged with a descendant and owner of the property. ($25/person, minimum of two as of February, 2013). By all accounts, we've heard this is an excellent tour given by the great-great grandson of the original owner of the property.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7lGfun-B4QSMq_HWS3pHuymErwHZxZyvJoteDBNzke3qd-EIdGgEWUb5gaQHmgjxAFcQUYOU1KfkrATLJmTCB_2ymxtZYA3uHvxZmt-mIXxN3wIqkaylE4AmH9Y9JYMPVCQi/s1600/ChampionMarker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR7lGfun-B4QSMq_HWS3pHuymErwHZxZyvJoteDBNzke3qd-EIdGgEWUb5gaQHmgjxAFcQUYOU1KfkrATLJmTCB_2ymxtZYA3uHvxZmt-mIXxN3wIqkaylE4AmH9Y9JYMPVCQi/s200/ChampionMarker.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Champion Hill Battle Marker on Billy</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fields road SW of Edwards</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being the explorers we are though, and having multiple destinations in a day, we opted to find what we could "off private property", and found quite a bit. The <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-championhill.html" target="_blank">Battle of Champion Hill,</a> May 16, 1863, is described as a critical battle that could have swung the war to the Confederates. In fact, if Confederate forces had been victorious, Vicksburg would never have fallen, as General Ulysses Grant's Vicksburg campaign could have been stopped. Instead it was a disastrous day for Confederate Lieutenant General John Pemberton that put his troops on the run, and allowed Grant's momentum to continue. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Of the Champion Hill area, the battlefield and some of the original roads are very well preserved. However, there are no original buildings. Thousands of acres of the core battlefield are privately owned and another 800 acres of the outlying area is owned by the State of <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-mainpage.html" target="_blank">Mississippi</a>. An additional 402 acres have been protected by the Civil War Preservation Trust through conservation easements and land purchases. There are hopes that parts of these properties may become an extension of the Vicksburg National Military Park.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>Read our full story on the Battle of Champion Hill, including a link to a points of interest map of the battleground <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-championhill.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkortIrtP2Pydz7SkQcyHm6uiF_rRDRpG4ToC9F7IyRVKBLz1GVMfkYgAxcRTYe8HWr2WaARugn1fgsb5Md_UvwdoBN6OO6qsLsSBFIYo61w_eBXGO7J-1c2-1uSvf9bg6S6Qk/s1600/RaymondCourthouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkortIrtP2Pydz7SkQcyHm6uiF_rRDRpG4ToC9F7IyRVKBLz1GVMfkYgAxcRTYe8HWr2WaARugn1fgsb5Md_UvwdoBN6OO6qsLsSBFIYo61w_eBXGO7J-1c2-1uSvf9bg6S6Qk/s200/RaymondCourthouse.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">1859 Courthouse in Raymond, MS</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A few miles down Highway 467 from Edwards sits another battle site in and around the historic town of Raymond. Just off the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-natcheztrace.html" target="_blank">Natchez Trace</a>, Raymond was established in the late 1820's and at the time was the Hinds County Seat, before it moved to Jackson. In addition to Civil War history surrounding the Battle of Raymond on May 12, 1863, you'll find find plenty of small town charm, along with historic buildings, such as the 1859 courthouse built in southern Greek revival architecture. </span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-p1BIB1c-eKTOCG7bOzcVr-WogoogoaN7esapxq8nLi_Dj8Rcov-xaUr-5Er81vtEZ_Ly1ikRPpr8ObQbMgLvHe0yWgNipxhHcqFmIYfcCuOo2CK0LSndjWXYdLVxJu3VY_zR/s1600/RaymondConfCemetery.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="105" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-p1BIB1c-eKTOCG7bOzcVr-WogoogoaN7esapxq8nLi_Dj8Rcov-xaUr-5Er81vtEZ_Ly1ikRPpr8ObQbMgLvHe0yWgNipxhHcqFmIYfcCuOo2CK0LSndjWXYdLVxJu3VY_zR/s200/RaymondConfCemetery.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Confederate Cemetery at Raymond</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At Carter Cemetery just south of town we found a Confederate Cemetery, one of several we are running into. Kathy and I had never really dived into how the Union and Confederate's handled their fallen until now. Really, as American's, I guess some of us assume that National Cemeteries would be for Confederates and Union alike. That's not the case, as you have to keep in mind that we were not 'one' nation at the time. In fact, it wasn't until 1906 that the Federal Government became involved in permanently marking Confederate graves. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's some very interesting history in how our National Cemeteries came to be and how the Confederate fallen were handled. <i>Read "The Evolution of National Cemeteries", courtesy Kelly Merrifield for the National Park Service, </i></span><i><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-nationalcemeteries.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5JS_KaLw8pXtMZJfnlaSORIVUcbW1kqjxymgsVaHciez5heVJp3ZTQaxR5G1E70NbiLZ5BSpuKaV7ssG1CLWGUyspVClcbM5jJ2sVONSZ_yLYr4KwTPbXxsf006ad0cRhRHH/s1600/GibbsStoreLearned.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh5JS_KaLw8pXtMZJfnlaSORIVUcbW1kqjxymgsVaHciez5heVJp3ZTQaxR5G1E70NbiLZ5BSpuKaV7ssG1CLWGUyspVClcbM5jJ2sVONSZ_yLYr4KwTPbXxsf006ad0cRhRHH/s200/GibbsStoreLearned.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gibbes General Store, Learned, MS</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After Raymond, Kathy was on a mission to find an historic Church. But, as we have many times before, our mission becomes distracted by bright shiny objects, like another old Country Store that we literally stumbled upon in the very small town of Learned, MS. Gibbes General Store was established around 1899. Still in the family, this is another great stop for history and nostalgia buffs like us. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3oG9wZQAJwmGjhl3nvva-U0bhaP6cXCQa1qFmQvPu8tUcvHtynj7LmOThWXBdf7aD-0PbmEcBc9NIaDug7KV21xaUBaaz4NYJhMBUAX_Dahbn7r-yRSNuQCjyyBDvmBcKyM5/s1600/Gibbsinside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie3oG9wZQAJwmGjhl3nvva-U0bhaP6cXCQa1qFmQvPu8tUcvHtynj7LmOThWXBdf7aD-0PbmEcBc9NIaDug7KV21xaUBaaz4NYJhMBUAX_Dahbn7r-yRSNuQCjyyBDvmBcKyM5/s200/Gibbsinside.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Inside Gibbes General store is like</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">stepping back in time.</span> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We had a very pleasant visit with Chip Gibbes, the current generational owner, who told us about his families history in Learned dating back to 1836. As the only business left in the town, Gibbes Country Store is a combination 'museum' of sorts, as well as an active store and, some nights, even a steak house. We tried, but couldn't make it for what we understand to be one heck of a dinner service, but we did enjoy the visit and the old historic building. And to top it off, we found out Chip is a second cousin of Dan Askew at Askew's Landing. Yep, 'small world' applies in Mississippi too. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3iSPTMeRo_Yjat86uuh-WrhgdovcQ_QzNtyu10b81Qnh_E8mEOzOBivGa8vRzqcYShCf1YayAaQai8CTASHxMKfsR6T5pwyIe4G151ILuI5jmVgoIQjfmLwU0kubNSZRLwiY/s1600/CokerHouseTree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid3iSPTMeRo_Yjat86uuh-WrhgdovcQ_QzNtyu10b81Qnh_E8mEOzOBivGa8vRzqcYShCf1YayAaQai8CTASHxMKfsR6T5pwyIe4G151ILuI5jmVgoIQjfmLwU0kubNSZRLwiY/s200/CokerHouseTree.jpg" width="128" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This tree at the Coker</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">House has a lot going on</span>.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our day trip concluded with a visit to the Coker House, part of the Battle of Champion Hill off highway 467. The original is gone, just within the past few years, but there is a reconstructed home at the site now with many interpretive signs explaining the history of the home, it's occupants and its role in the battle. On the southern edges of the battle, it sustained fire from both sides, as well as serving as a field hospital after the battle. Overwhelmed a bit from all our Civil War history, I couldn't take my eyes off a peculiar tree in front of the house. Not a lot of words to describe its character, so I'll just let your imagination go with the photo. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><i>Valentines Day Trip with more Trace, Fried Chicken, Historic University, Ghost Town & Ruins</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8x0Ohotx0B_Ls8E7b-bY1kB8ODxO4HTk2ihMq5oWZ7gdfr5rPKBDtQNrUrPvGQdqtbjuCQgkLmV9ftACBVxjeacbVFFe5fKEjTWiFT3z0A9_GqtiIQBwvUrpD63WjSr1kWyL/s1600/electric.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij8x0Ohotx0B_Ls8E7b-bY1kB8ODxO4HTk2ihMq5oWZ7gdfr5rPKBDtQNrUrPvGQdqtbjuCQgkLmV9ftACBVxjeacbVFFe5fKEjTWiFT3z0A9_GqtiIQBwvUrpD63WjSr1kWyL/s200/electric.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Water rises at Askew's Landing</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Did I mention how much it has rained since we've been in </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-mainpage.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Mississippi</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">? And we're not talking your passing thunderstorm either. Kathy and I had our first experience of being stuck in the trailer for 3 days at Askew's Landing, watching the pond behind our trailer devour the road into the campground and inch closer and closer to our electric box. At least we know this amount of rain is abnormal for February, and the alternative back home in Warsaw, MO is lots of snow. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyC_PPqqqtm8kXw-CJHHGcCNIbvDjkRBBoDjlM7hGCCe0EcwVaI_t7WqEZI2CNVozkMrTwNl1rqBKWyAh0cX61L3uUKjZlznYD_S8M1IZ30b2zsBF0TVE1nOW2BkdKWcQKg4s/s1600/RockySpringsChurch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimyC_PPqqqtm8kXw-CJHHGcCNIbvDjkRBBoDjlM7hGCCe0EcwVaI_t7WqEZI2CNVozkMrTwNl1rqBKWyAh0cX61L3uUKjZlznYD_S8M1IZ30b2zsBF0TVE1nOW2BkdKWcQKg4s/s200/RockySpringsChurch.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Rocky Springs Church, built 1837</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So it was with great relief that Valentines Day turned out to be one of those 'blue sky' sunny days, perfect for a day trip on the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-natcheztrace.html" target="_blank">Natchez Trace</a> and more. We first headed south of Edwards to Old Port Gibson road, then over to the town that is no more, Rocky Springs, just off the Natchez Trace. Here you'll find the Rocky Springs Church, built in 1837. Still active, it was built by Methodists in the town, which up til then, had been a station for a circuit riding preacher who stopped here only once or twice a month. </span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02Z_9PPdR-lXvagHmGHV4qf-Rz3T7Rdj1dNSWeogYPD29OoHLuvDANhEeZSc7qjgOKPoDv24D06EshsIZnQ01nFUUF3cS26QIYbJe79dXFlHHFDGvfBEOhX50NfAN8wdeUMHc/s1600/RockySpringsSafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02Z_9PPdR-lXvagHmGHV4qf-Rz3T7Rdj1dNSWeogYPD29OoHLuvDANhEeZSc7qjgOKPoDv24D06EshsIZnQ01nFUUF3cS26QIYbJe79dXFlHHFDGvfBEOhX50NfAN8wdeUMHc/s200/RockySpringsSafe.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A safe remains as evidence of Rocky Springs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Early travelers along the Trace called the area "the Rocky Spring", and as the rural community developed in the late 1790's, several businesses were established, including a post office in 1821. The town boasted a population of over 2,600 in 1860, 2,000 of which were slaves, but that would be its peak. In addition to the ravages of the Civil War, a yellow fever outbreak in 1878 would devastate the population, and then in the 1900's the boll weevil struck their cotton crops. Rocky Springs would rapidly decline after that, and it's last store closed during the 1930's. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today a short interpretive walking trail will take you to the church, its cemetery and some interesting artifacts, like an old safe which could have belonged to a store, sitting on the side of the hill. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">At Rocky Springs we hooked back up with the Natchez Trace and, after missing Owen's Creek Waterfall at mile post 52.4, our first stop was Grindstone Ford (mile post 45.7). This ford marked the beginning of the wilderness of the Choctaw nation and the end of the old Natchez District. Fort Deposit nearby was a supply depot for troops clearing the Trace in the early part of the 1800's, and troops were assembled here during the Burr conspiracy allegedly to separate the Western States from the Union. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBTBNVrqTvVp5n7V3eCitZTDrpgd5XKmpliEkYywPe806fJ6Q7Z6E7HOIwVCjiOghRe9g5HLu2PRwN6hkoTuOFvNmEsHQS2ONsduMZ-fn5BVt_cFwXB7UeMz1Zx297qkirajf/s1600/GrindstoneFord.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiBTBNVrqTvVp5n7V3eCitZTDrpgd5XKmpliEkYywPe806fJ6Q7Z6E7HOIwVCjiOghRe9g5HLu2PRwN6hkoTuOFvNmEsHQS2ONsduMZ-fn5BVt_cFwXB7UeMz1Zx297qkirajf/s200/GrindstoneFord.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Old Cemetery at Grindstone Ford</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition, Riverboatmen on foot and horseback crossed here after floating cargo down from Ohio River to New Orleans and <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-mainpage.html" target="_blank">Mississippi</a>. Soldiers came here while protecting the Natchez District from British and Spanish threats. And </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Daniel Burnett's stand stood here. Burnett was a principal negotiator with the Choctaws, and framer of the Mississippi state constitution. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For many, this was the line between civilization and the wilderness. If you want to see the original road, this is another great stop, with a section of sunken Trace along with a small graveyard dating back to it's active years. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also nearby, Magnum Mound, another example of the Mississippi Mound Builders, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">tells us much about the people of the late prehistoric period. The Plaquemine culture included the ancestors of the modern tribes of Mississippi and Louisiana. It was a society with elaborate agriculturally oriented religious ceremonies. From the burials on this mound, it is known there is a high infant mortality, and upon the death of a chief, a brutal ritual was enacted in which his retainers were slain and buried with him.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We exited off the Trace near Loreman for the "Windsor Ruins Loop Route", a 32 mile long loop through Alcorn and Port Gibson, Mississippi providing a number of interesting stops. The loop is comprised of 20 miles along Mississippi Highway 552/Rodney Road, 7 miles along the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-natcheztrace.html" target="_blank">Natchez Trace</a> Parkway from milepost 30 to 37 and five miles through the town of Port Gibson and back to the Trace. </span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEka0At539R7X-myvxMJkzxHyQQGTBOOsiRH47Ss6vk4aBzAfLp78m2SC11G8R6RG-trc5GXig1Bu1tTQW02Zcwlc7BI_4MmTwviY6Yps0vk-weBLkRT9MuWCPkVc3inqQP-ls/s1600/OldCountryStoreLorman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="106" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEka0At539R7X-myvxMJkzxHyQQGTBOOsiRH47Ss6vk4aBzAfLp78m2SC11G8R6RG-trc5GXig1Bu1tTQW02Zcwlc7BI_4MmTwviY6Yps0vk-weBLkRT9MuWCPkVc3inqQP-ls/s200/OldCountryStoreLorman.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Old Country Store, Loreman MS</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We didn't follow the exact route promoted, and first on our agenda was lunch at the Old Country Store in Loreman, on Highway 61. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The building started as a General Mercantile store in 1890. Built by brothers M. Heiman, L. Joseph and R. Lehman Cohn who were already successful merchants in Clifton, Ms since 1875, the store in Lorman continued in the Cohn family until 1956. It was renamed the Old Country Store in 1964 by then owner Enest T. Breithaupt, who had been a long time employee of the Cohns'. Breithaupt and his wife Ruth ran the store for 30 years until Ernest's death in 1995. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBvdYAkOUTBIJgsXBx9ixrw_DGaUBIHxIZxD3qY-1je0Wrinx7YKW0sOMuiyfrfuz1eQsqdkYbIpQ1N-cDRbbYFGHD8TRJPs-7fxmjBxpju7Nd9x2N7Jc_umX4QFkb5Bgr4_z/s1600/MrDLoreman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBvdYAkOUTBIJgsXBx9ixrw_DGaUBIHxIZxD3qY-1je0Wrinx7YKW0sOMuiyfrfuz1eQsqdkYbIpQ1N-cDRbbYFGHD8TRJPs-7fxmjBxpju7Nd9x2N7Jc_umX4QFkb5Bgr4_z/s200/MrDLoreman.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mr. "D" serenades guests</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">at the Old Country Store</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 1996 the contents of the building were auctioned off and the building refurbished, opening back up in 1997 as a restaurant. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Today, along with walls of memorabilia, travelers along Highway 61 stop in for Arthur Davis' famous 'Heavenly Fried Chicken". Mr."D", as he is known, entertains guests regularly with his song about Grand Mama's cornbread, and cooks up a mighty fine all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. We found Mr. "D" and the employees service to be excellent, entertaining and down right fun. After serenading us, Arthur even gave me a rose to give to Kathy for Valentines Day. As for the food, this is prime southern cooking at its finest. Yes, the chicken is great, but I personally loved the cornbread even more. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After wiping our chins and taking in the memorabilia at the store, we headed back onto highway 552 and entered the grounds of historic Alcorn University. It should be noted that you must pass through a security gate here, but the guard on duty was extremely nice and accommodating as we wanted to get some pictures of some of the historic buildings. </span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85JrbhXlHcwBxDZgn9WZtxi2dbU2hDFIXVBUDT8tyA2kAwB27gBIL67OcLDLhRviu5XKLFtXeueapqTRoV5ir7_s0MqUGepw4MN58ffBiAbRuYQxrHE6tBWkKTwXoUgVXlfXr/s1600/Alcorn-OaklandChapel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg85JrbhXlHcwBxDZgn9WZtxi2dbU2hDFIXVBUDT8tyA2kAwB27gBIL67OcLDLhRviu5XKLFtXeueapqTRoV5ir7_s0MqUGepw4MN58ffBiAbRuYQxrHE6tBWkKTwXoUgVXlfXr/s200/Alcorn-OaklandChapel.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oakland Chapel built 1838</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alcorn is the oldest public historically black land-grant institution in the United States, and the second oldest state supported institution of higher learning in <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-mainpage.html" target="_blank">Mississippi</a>. It began in 1830 as Oakland College, founded by Dr. Jeremiah Chamberlain. An ardent Unionist and Whig, Chamberlain was assassinated on campus in 1851 by a secessionist, and after a few years of decline, Oakland College closed its doors at the beginning of the Civil War. The property was sold to the state afterwards, and in 1871 Alcorn University was established to provide higher education for freedmen. Named for James L. Alcorn, the state's governor at the time, at first it was exclusively for black males. However in 1895 women were admitted, and since that time it has continued to grow and educates over 4,000 students from all over the world. The oldest building on the campus is the Oakland Chapel built in 1838. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCY-kT0j3cRegGT23vgUDbcA9O4WEt2pRA7LKFm6bhmpAxn_7Y_Ma7BJAU871m4IbY7_gXQ9bYYEo8zMc2zbAMpT9lVBSSFfGaKvAgDtnZr727dw_e_fj1iRjx1lD4L8RIK2ge/s1600/RodneyServiceStation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCY-kT0j3cRegGT23vgUDbcA9O4WEt2pRA7LKFm6bhmpAxn_7Y_Ma7BJAU871m4IbY7_gXQ9bYYEo8zMc2zbAMpT9lVBSSFfGaKvAgDtnZr727dw_e_fj1iRjx1lD4L8RIK2ge/s200/RodneyServiceStation.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Old Service Station? - Rodney MS.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kathy and I love Ghost Towns, and our next stop was way off the beaten path. 4.8 miles southwest of Alcorn you'll find Rodney. Now, we took "College Road", a dirt road that exits out the back of Alcorn University to Rodney Road, but most would want to get there via Rodney Road from Loreman. With very few residents today, Rodney was once so important that it almost became the capitol of <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-mainpage.html" target="_blank">Mississippi</a>. In the 1860's it boasted a population of 4,000 and was the busiest port on the Mississippi River between New Orleans and St. Louis. However the river changed course, forever altering the fate of the town, and its population decreased to its ghost town status of today. </span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbgHxyXMckX6kYZpyx1Npyd5FS6h3snirexcBF_2Z0asgDmW6UM4QfxAaie6CxApfnShQISjqDpjqNlYeY8XwdNzEYzfqdg4i9diY8wizmUw-l54BSXI5UoIvEwuoDw375MDc/s1600/RodneyChurch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLbgHxyXMckX6kYZpyx1Npyd5FS6h3snirexcBF_2Z0asgDmW6UM4QfxAaie6CxApfnShQISjqDpjqNlYeY8XwdNzEYzfqdg4i9diY8wizmUw-l54BSXI5UoIvEwuoDw375MDc/s200/RodneyChurch.jpg" width="132" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rodney Church built 1828</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Careful not to intrude on anyone's private property, we took in the old buildings and abandoned stores. There are a couple of old churches in town, including the Presbyterian Church. Chartered in 1828 as the Church of Petit Gulf, it was shelled by the Gunboat "Rattler" when Federal sailors were captured by Confederate cavalry while attending Sunday services on September 13, 1863. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Above the top middle window you may be able to make out the cannon ball stuck in the wall.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>See our full story on Rodney Mississippi (COMING SOON) <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-rodney.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </i></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">From Rodney we headed back to Highway 552 to see the Windsor Ruins. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Smith Coffee Daniell II, successful cotton planter, completed construction of Windsor in 1861. The basic style was Greek Revival, but with added details borrowed from Italianate and Gothic architecture. The Windsor house contained 23 rooms, with an above ground basement, two residential floors and an attic. A cupola, where you could see the Mississippi River, was centered on the top of the roof. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXb30VvcCZT1nU5AfV3qKiGNVvyc24MC0bjH253mJq6ohku0rH99xfAFyyVgu5-DcANu-viyaRdt-E-bi7AwuepAgoS4hwVgJatfvc65di6_OtyT6rY4ukA8_mKAOnOxbxB8Qj/s1600/WindsorRuins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXb30VvcCZT1nU5AfV3qKiGNVvyc24MC0bjH253mJq6ohku0rH99xfAFyyVgu5-DcANu-viyaRdt-E-bi7AwuepAgoS4hwVgJatfvc65di6_OtyT6rY4ukA8_mKAOnOxbxB8Qj/s200/WindsorRuins.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Windsor Ruins</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Daniell, who owned over 20,000 acres of plantation land in Mississippi and Louisiana, died in April 1861 only weeks after completing the mansion. His wife and children continued to live here, but were left to suffer the loss of a large part of the family's holdings during the Civil War. Leading up to the Battle of Port Gibson in the spring of 1863, Confederate troops used the roof observatory as a lookout as General Ulysses S. Grant's army crossed the Mississippi River. After the battle the mansion was used as a Union hospital and observation post, thus sparing it from being burned by Union troops. Unfortunately, on February 17,1890, a house guest left a lighted cigar on the upper balcony and Windsor burned to the ground. Everything was destroyed except 23 of the columns, the balustrades, and the iron stairs.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Daniell family donated the ruins to the state in 1974.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's more to see on this Windsor loop before reaching Port Gibson. <i>See our Natchez Mile points of interest Mile posts 31 to 60 <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-natcheztrace3.html#Natchez Trace Parkway from milepost 31 to 60" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </i></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoBgF_3plwfNUqHRIdZljS4wgyuzs9PYjq7IkiUGu0aWlRJB8CTe5ixemivqIFVe3qusYXTRV4H7xygIyuBH40euGdkH7PJjFbsDbOYyO8F331hAKjj5IrwQzVqgPu4XmHEcS/s1600/PortGibsonCourthouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKoBgF_3plwfNUqHRIdZljS4wgyuzs9PYjq7IkiUGu0aWlRJB8CTe5ixemivqIFVe3qusYXTRV4H7xygIyuBH40euGdkH7PJjFbsDbOYyO8F331hAKjj5IrwQzVqgPu4XmHEcS/s200/PortGibsonCourthouse.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Claiborne County Courthouse</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After Windsor we pulled into the historic city of Port Gibson. This bustling town near the Gran Gulf Nuclear Power Station, is Mississippi's third oldest settlement, being occupied in 1729. Most of Port Gibson's historic buildings survived the Civil War because General Ulysses S. Grant believed the city "too beautiful to burn". Historic Church Street through the middle of town is lined with antebellum homes and church buildings, along with the beautiful Claiborne </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">County Courthouse. The Battle of Port Gibson in early May of 1863 was a turning point in the Confederates ability to defend against amphibious attack. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plan on a couple of days in </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vicksburg</span></i></b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCwTAq6Zznsdfa1bZc_LY1FiA1a2WJ1BSNWpg-CHRBUaOAzfj3SZzP4GQlFlpdXirsHErMaa0o5Oce9Vh5319ciLR_kLIyOnEw7qncJSSxQLQHhUQsSkhfzqwkVXd6Fj2W8bw/s1600/BiedenharnCandyCo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="142" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioCwTAq6Zznsdfa1bZc_LY1FiA1a2WJ1BSNWpg-CHRBUaOAzfj3SZzP4GQlFlpdXirsHErMaa0o5Oce9Vh5319ciLR_kLIyOnEw7qncJSSxQLQHhUQsSkhfzqwkVXd6Fj2W8bw/s200/BiedenharnCandyCo.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Biedenharn Candy Co building, Vicksburg</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Although we had driven through Vicksburg on the way back from our Valentines day trip, we didn't stop as we wanted to dedicate a full day to the city. In fact, to really do Vicksburg, you will need a couple of days, as there is a lot to explore in addition to Vicksburg National Military Park. Like the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> While Dr. Pemberton may have created his magic elixir in Atlanta back in 1866, it was Jospeh A. Biedenharn who first brought it to the people outside of Soda Shops. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPWFYCEehR_8e3_hNqm5ef47KzZzsQvmy-lk5auYLZZ-YmJgM9kv5iv-nxYQp3LHqS1TGBq9F5p2Vn1n8L01s_VgQRyNUmiFsY5AmlZmd6gR_UhROe1S8mOmfC9ifTbRUVgr8/s1600/CokeStuffweb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="86" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitPWFYCEehR_8e3_hNqm5ef47KzZzsQvmy-lk5auYLZZ-YmJgM9kv5iv-nxYQp3LHqS1TGBq9F5p2Vn1n8L01s_VgQRyNUmiFsY5AmlZmd6gR_UhROe1S8mOmfC9ifTbRUVgr8/s200/CokeStuffweb.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Memorabilia at the Biedenharn </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Coca-Cola Museum</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 1894, Biedenharn was so impressed by the growing demand for Coca-Cola at his soda fountain in Vicksburg that he installed bottle machinery in the rear of his store and began to sell cases of Coke to farms and lumber camps up and down the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-mississippiriver.html" target="_blank">Mississippi River</a>. He was the first bottler of Coca-Cola. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The museum is in the very same Soda Shop in historic downtown. And for the record, all traces of Cocaine were removed from Coca-Cola in 1903, but of course they kept the coca flavoring. Today, the </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum is owned and operated by the Vicksburg Foundation for Historic Preservation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMve4cxRPbiwGjfNqXfpjklLkkivILvgBWrGjV7nUrTB3PNyambe9NE1exZdi_XGiGdul4nYU7EAmJtl5WpxsfLPPvvT0b_ik7pz8n_7R5x8HXVxgxcFhzpxGDzxCEeRTifF7/s1600/MotorVessel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwMve4cxRPbiwGjfNqXfpjklLkkivILvgBWrGjV7nUrTB3PNyambe9NE1exZdi_XGiGdul4nYU7EAmJtl5WpxsfLPPvvT0b_ik7pz8n_7R5x8HXVxgxcFhzpxGDzxCEeRTifF7/s200/MotorVessel.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kitchen on the Motor Vessel MS IV</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In addition to the many other historic businesses and buildings, nearby you'll find the Motor Vessel Mississippi IV, a diesel-powered all steel ship that the Corps of Engineers used as a towboat and inspection vessel for the Mississippi River Commission. It served from 1960 to it's decommission in 1993, and today provides visitors the opportunity to come aboard, learn and explore. </span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPmJSJ60GcS4Cr410Q2eNpPJ4T23BvJ-O5rzRqUBm2NMB_DpvOs14f8DMSIaet7dj7QvIxNhsdImUcJ9QAJe_YM_SdthuZrN6pchlfrpladDlFQWLNxw7hQQfAJ4SIC-nmsbY/s1600/scaleofvicksburg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUPmJSJ60GcS4Cr410Q2eNpPJ4T23BvJ-O5rzRqUBm2NMB_DpvOs14f8DMSIaet7dj7QvIxNhsdImUcJ9QAJe_YM_SdthuZrN6pchlfrpladDlFQWLNxw7hQQfAJ4SIC-nmsbY/s200/scaleofvicksburg.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Model of Vicksburg at the Museum</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The vessel is located at the Lower Mississippi River Museum and Riverfront Interpretive Site. This is a must stop on your outing to Vicksburg, regardless whether you tour the ship. The Museum covers the history of Vicksburg, its role on the mighty river, and much more. Here we learned how the flood of 1927 resulted in hundreds of thousands displaced from their homes and unable to return for nearly 8 months after the rains had begun. It was the final motivation for many African American families to leave Vicksburg and relocate to other cities like St. Louis, Chicago and Detroit. For landowners, they viewed this migration as a loss of labor, and used "forced work camps" to make sure their labor remained in tact. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCgncrWjtLNLy3ahVpFPPirwQ3HdpiOe5A1cdvgAkm6jPCQxzt1nFAzTFWFnkl90m5RBr5OZfTqzgwv-LiMEyrfjF2Cx23YpscBxKjxE4Oix_vic_af6SQSuluDGcLdfTaTAK/s1600/IllinoisStateMemorial-Vicksburg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglCgncrWjtLNLy3ahVpFPPirwQ3HdpiOe5A1cdvgAkm6jPCQxzt1nFAzTFWFnkl90m5RBr5OZfTqzgwv-LiMEyrfjF2Cx23YpscBxKjxE4Oix_vic_af6SQSuluDGcLdfTaTAK/s200/IllinoisStateMemorial-Vicksburg.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Illinois Memorial at Vicksburg</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Markers for the Battle of Vicksburg can be found scattered in several locations around the city, but your primary Civil War stop is Vicksburg National Military Park. A drive through this beautiful landscape will wind you through monument after monument, dedicated to the men who fought in this critical turning point in the War. The Siege of Vicksburg, part of Union General and later President Ulysses Grant's Vicksburg Campaign, started in May of 1863 and would last until the Confederates surrender on July 4. The fall of Vicksburg that Summer, along with the defeat of Confederate General Robert E. Lee at Gettysburg, were critical turning points for the Union that would lead to overall victory over the Confederate States of America.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcU5UyTSUUULlvqiTgea2iU0aWeLqTZoTdSaNuEJFqkLZtQC-0HgL62oXjJluspoxaCo_L1ci86l6RAGF6CVwkxILQrfVuVMwaH7kFfNfPMEyM838dARKp34B5KZx4OFCGs36t/s1600/MissouriMemorial-Vicksburg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="127" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcU5UyTSUUULlvqiTgea2iU0aWeLqTZoTdSaNuEJFqkLZtQC-0HgL62oXjJluspoxaCo_L1ci86l6RAGF6CVwkxILQrfVuVMwaH7kFfNfPMEyM838dARKp34B5KZx4OFCGs36t/s200/MissouriMemorial-Vicksburg.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Missouri Memorial at Vicksburg</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Being from Missouri, one monument in particular held special meaning for us. The Missouri Monument at the Battlefield at Vicksburg, <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-mainpage.html" target="_blank">Mississippi</a> reminds us that the Civil War was not a struggle to fend off a foreign nation, but a war of Americans fighting Americans.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here, Confederates from Missouri fought Union soldiers from Missouri. At Vicksburg - and across every Civil War battlefield - men who had once been friends faced off as enemies. Neighbors and even family members found themselves on opposite sides, fighting for different ideals. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6VUm5hFgXVlzM5NEbEW71qFDfSmv_Fe17GwIDztoKB-GKoBRlfnp-7hJvxJt5v_gw4AfeR-KZaWlQfdYKoC7nqFlLpDZjotK5fgz_b57PMea5ohyphenhyphenTbSPuVE_0gYdAcZY7fXs/s1600/MoMonumentVicksburg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo6VUm5hFgXVlzM5NEbEW71qFDfSmv_Fe17GwIDztoKB-GKoBRlfnp-7hJvxJt5v_gw4AfeR-KZaWlQfdYKoC7nqFlLpDZjotK5fgz_b57PMea5ohyphenhyphenTbSPuVE_0gYdAcZY7fXs/s200/MoMonumentVicksburg.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">A rose left at the MO Monument</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The inscription at the bottom of the monument reads "To commemorate and perpetuate the heroic services, the unselfish devotion to duty, and the exalted patriotism of the Missouri soldiers, Union and Confederate, who were engaged in the campaign, siege and defense of Vicksburg." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Military Park and all other notable Civil War battle sites around the city will take time for you to explore, so plan on a dedicated day or two and enjoy history at Vicksburg, MS. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>See our full article on the Battles between Jackson and Vicksburg <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-jackson-vicksburg.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.</i> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Next travel blog, we explore a little more around Askew Landing and Edwards area along historic Highway 80, then finally made our way south to the beautiful city of Natchez. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the meantime, we'll be adding more to the Winter 2013 Photo Gallery <a href="http://photos.legendsofamerica.com/winter2013" target="_blank">HERE</a> and via this slide show. </span><br />
<br />
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="http://photos.legendsofamerica.com/zf/core/embedgallery.aspx?p=2908f2860ff408411CCCCCC032fdf2db008080008080.2" style="background-color: transparent;" width="480"></iframe>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">______________________________________________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Related RV Park Reviews</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b><br /></b></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgYtlMErXE4PRhYKzSluz-zEpKF_O3ifFux5GOjoY6fc209k-FINAqjU8O-yIoW7F1mvikNq5cHdByhS49jj41SDdK1URE0kJzLbxmOtUjh5trUfw8d7TeHupJlitDTbEz_3f/s1600/AskewCampgroundTrailer-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvgYtlMErXE4PRhYKzSluz-zEpKF_O3ifFux5GOjoY6fc209k-FINAqjU8O-yIoW7F1mvikNq5cHdByhS49jj41SDdK1URE0kJzLbxmOtUjh5trUfw8d7TeHupJlitDTbEz_3f/s200/AskewCampgroundTrailer-600.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Legends at Askew's Landing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><a href="http://askewslanding.com/" target="_blank">Askew's Landing Campground</a> - </i>Extreme southern hospitality. Pet and family friendly. Can't say enough good things about Dan and Edna Askew and their staff. Making sure the roads were good and customers taken care of. Historic location (marker on site). Great WIFI, laundry facility and small store in office make it very convenient. Beautiful location, hidden off the beaten track of I-20 and Edwards. On a large pond/small lake with plenty of wildlife. Between Jackson and Vicksburg with lots of history around the area to explore. Beyond the small on-site store, shopping not to far down I-20 in either direction, and a couple of smaller stores in Edwards. We gave this campground 9 out of 10 and that's just because we haven't found "paradise" yet. Not a "Passport" site" but that didn't matter with the weekly rates. We highly recommend this RV campground. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Note: We use <a href="http://rvparkreviews.com/" target="_blank">RV Park Reviews</a>. Traveling in a 22' Travel Trailer. All electric 30 amp or more unless otherwise noted).</span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Legends of America is a Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic Minded.</div>Dave Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243636591572159544noreply@blogger.com0Askew Road, Edwards, MS 39066, USA32.4055061 -90.5752956999999732.3786931 -90.615636199999969 32.432319099999994 -90.53495519999997tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8743388.post-30519342898248593582013-02-13T05:00:00.001-06:002021-04-29T09:09:36.942-05:00To French Camp on the Trace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52JFwKDhE5x-ZAOYjFP48rnII30Dzsxd9YYwGMVgY2pS8JF7RSlAEst9wkPvfjUbKHNEKTv8iLrj1nLJf-utqU7rmhwgFrgb_OXliYnozGfOfnMc4YavDIcaNu2OP5enSHTcM/s1600/pharrmoundsign.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi52JFwKDhE5x-ZAOYjFP48rnII30Dzsxd9YYwGMVgY2pS8JF7RSlAEst9wkPvfjUbKHNEKTv8iLrj1nLJf-utqU7rmhwgFrgb_OXliYnozGfOfnMc4YavDIcaNu2OP5enSHTcM/s200/pharrmoundsign.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">We headed South out of <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-corinthbattle.html" target="_blank">Corinth, Ms</a> ready for more journey on the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-natcheztrace.html" target="_blank">Natchez Trace</a>, picking it back up off highway 30 near Bay Springs Lake. This would be our first day of experiencing the Indian Mounds Kathy has already written about. Our first stop was <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-moundbuilders2.html#Pharr Mounds" target="_blank">Pharr Mounds</a>. It's the largest and most important archaeological site in northern Mississippi, with eight burial mounds built during the Middle Woodland period, between 1 and 200 A.D. Ranging in height from two to 18 feet, the mounds are distributed over an area of about 90 acres. They comprise one of the largest Middle Woodland ceremonial sites in the southeastern United States.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLP8a2uCcCAhfvrjuCnNKoBBAAUqahGP3FNMr1ttApxVsKdwZXKfiayXjyg9OuwHlJw1uL2-x7sIpJIC7UN6ljZb6pZemgPSmMYEcsogR-rLq8KdnMs1w7yd2fWjd4MgDqUG_/s1600/pharrmound.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYLP8a2uCcCAhfvrjuCnNKoBBAAUqahGP3FNMr1ttApxVsKdwZXKfiayXjyg9OuwHlJw1uL2-x7sIpJIC7UN6ljZb6pZemgPSmMYEcsogR-rLq8KdnMs1w7yd2fWjd4MgDqUG_/s200/pharrmound.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pharr Mounds Site</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Four of the mounds were excavated in 1966 by the National Park Service. The mounds covered various internal features, including fire pits and low, clay platforms. Cremated and unburned human remains were found in and near these mounds, as were various ceremonial artifacts, including copper spools and other copper objects, decorated ceramic vessels, lumps of galena (shiny lead ore), a sheet of mica, and a greenstone platform pipe.</span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The copper, galena, mica and greenstone did not originate in Mississippi; they were imported long distances through extensive trade networks. Such ritually significant non-local items typify the Middle Woodland period. The site is located on the Natchez Trace Parkway (milepost 286.7), about 23 miles northeast of Tupelo.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TkJQh8KcAnFl5RqEGjjfqdBDC9MsGN-mWX729MunD66-4BpyCivl60fMRt854PeIcdojiuxEDy9SHNhFw9w7cDc27jOJ2J7wwW431j49i-6CqEZ00FyEoKmGZ8kWuQMcieLL/s1600/ConfGraves.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5TkJQh8KcAnFl5RqEGjjfqdBDC9MsGN-mWX729MunD66-4BpyCivl60fMRt854PeIcdojiuxEDy9SHNhFw9w7cDc27jOJ2J7wwW431j49i-6CqEZ00FyEoKmGZ8kWuQMcieLL/s200/ConfGraves.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">13 Unknown Soldiers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">After Pharr Mounds we stopped at another 'sunken trace' site, where the original Natchez Trace was traveled hundreds of years ago. This stop (milepost 269.4) was different though, as the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-civilwar.html" target="_blank">Civil War</a> had left its mark. Although the Old Trace had been abandoned by the start of the war, soldiers marched, camped and fought along portions of the historic road. At this location, you can see the grave sites of 13 unknown soldiers. The marker near the graves indicates no one really knows who they are or how they died. But tradition holds that they belong to <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-confederatestates.html" target="_blank">Confederate </a>Soldiers who camped along this stretch, and either died from their wounds, or the lingering hunger, poverty an sickness in the army camps.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivd4zLQOHdOBtt52Tm9qa8g4FGyVDIefZRTJkrm7uuqEF6dc9kVjLu2lCsyB7n_c-3PswiZRAKj2c2WEHj76vz7ox7Nqx9NR0wwjHkLUMJuMNFx6eyiBUgA59LnT_YNg0X1yCC/s1600/confgrave.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivd4zLQOHdOBtt52Tm9qa8g4FGyVDIefZRTJkrm7uuqEF6dc9kVjLu2lCsyB7n_c-3PswiZRAKj2c2WEHj76vz7ox7Nqx9NR0wwjHkLUMJuMNFx6eyiBUgA59LnT_YNg0X1yCC/s200/confgrave.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Confederate Grave</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Today, their simple grave markers face backwards toward the Trace so that travelers might read and remember. And many apparently still do. We found coins laid on the top of the grave stones, as well as flowers and flags by each. It was another reminder of the horrible sacrifice thousands of American's paid as our country was ripped apart by the Civil War.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspJLxRm_9j8xwQFLczpz8K3KEOM7JadmsRcuMtt34Na5aKeGoW_ywluWd6ZxxjWTbxJYatRRCC3iFfUm2BhYQzLcf6n6VDfyVuhg6UZFzd7uktb5maUolkGxP83JaNvqfQX-D/s1600/VisitorsCenter.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjspJLxRm_9j8xwQFLczpz8K3KEOM7JadmsRcuMtt34Na5aKeGoW_ywluWd6ZxxjWTbxJYatRRCC3iFfUm2BhYQzLcf6n6VDfyVuhg6UZFzd7uktb5maUolkGxP83JaNvqfQX-D/s200/VisitorsCenter.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exhibit inside the Parkway Headquarters</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Before we exited off the Trace at Tupelo, we visited the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/natr/index.htm" target="_blank">Parkway Visitors Center</a> (mile post 266). This is the Natchez Trace Parkway Headquarters and well worth the stop. Exhibits about the history of the area, the Trace and it's origins, as well as how it became a National Parkway are all here, as well as a friendly staff ready to answer questions on most anything related to the Trace. We even got some tips on Natchez, Ms for our upcoming visit to the historic city. </span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">It was a somewhat short travel day for us, and we wanted to find a place to land for a few days to catch up with our on-line stuff, so we went into Tupelo and found a beautiful RV Park just on the outskirts of town. Unfortunately beauty wasn't what we were after, we just wanted some solid Wifi time. Despite the RV Parks best attempt at providing Wifi throughout the complex, we had problems connecting, so only spent one night. </span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><i><br /></i></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><i>(Note: Related RV Park Reviews at the end of this article)</i> </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7TjJyiONtxaM0MQYBeFaEC3p_wQcIwuDx1C8pOJ3OtCQORhQSZdFrvdazi2uNWYqiXpbf_xPghA-WQjte-MoM8_9bvWFTjudqCi9GzOkirieSy5FVWyPYSSlaq0QKy2jv6qT/s1600/Elvis_Presley_promoting_Jailhouse_Rock.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN7TjJyiONtxaM0MQYBeFaEC3p_wQcIwuDx1C8pOJ3OtCQORhQSZdFrvdazi2uNWYqiXpbf_xPghA-WQjte-MoM8_9bvWFTjudqCi9GzOkirieSy5FVWyPYSSlaq0QKy2jv6qT/s200/Elvis_Presley_promoting_Jailhouse_Rock.jpg" width="155" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The King - Elvis Presley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Although we didn't do Tupelo, there is lots to see and do here. While Tupelo may be the most famous for being the birth place of Elvis Presley, it's also home to the largest antique car collection east of the Mississippi River at the <a href="http://www.tupeloautomuseum.com/index.php" target="_blank">Tupelo Automobile Museum</a>. In addition, according to the Mississippi Official Tour Guide, <a href="http://www.tupelobuffalopark.com/" target="_blank">Tupelo Buffalo Park</a> has one of the largest herds in the east, as well as other exotics, and one of the best petting zoos in the area. </span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Being right next to the Natchez Trace Parkway, as well as having plenty of family entertainment, Tupelo is a great stop for any traveler. If we had a different agenda on this trip we probably would have visited the <a href="http://elvispresleybirthplace.com/" target="_blank">Elvis Presley Birthplace and Museum</a>. It includes the home that Elvis' father built, an Elvis statue with his first guitar, memorial chapel, a park, story wall, gift shop and more on newly expanded grounds. </span><div><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmidDkuvLePIgB11gEPWIw18rveKPv_leoBw9Zg6BLGwbKNgs-6ptW2WhvZqwFd14Rb68hu7Np_9DB_4X6EpXWSoHQ6cALFEBKDc9l-E1k60CAE4jHIAT-Iqi_mvWh1j_ghCFq/s1600/Interior+1.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmidDkuvLePIgB11gEPWIw18rveKPv_leoBw9Zg6BLGwbKNgs-6ptW2WhvZqwFd14Rb68hu7Np_9DB_4X6EpXWSoHQ6cALFEBKDc9l-E1k60CAE4jHIAT-Iqi_mvWh1j_ghCFq/s200/Interior+1.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tupelo Automobile Museum<br />
photographer unknown</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Other attractions include the <a href="http://gumtreemuseum.com/" target="_blank">GumTree Museum of Art</a>, a cultural and artistic guide to Tupelo; <a href="http://www.tct.ms/" target="_blank">Lyric Theatre</a>, a turn of the century production theater home now to Tupelo's Community Theatre and promoted as one of the finest live stage facilities in the state; <a href="http://www.healthworkskids.org/index.html" target="_blank">HealthWorks!</a>, a fun new children's health education center with exhibits designed to inspire a lifetime of healthier habits; and the <a href="http://mississippihills.org/" target="_blank">Mississippi Hills Exhibit Center</a>, which educates visitors about the Mississippi Hills National Heritage area, covering a 30-acre region whose culture is heavily influenced by the intersection of the Appalachian region and the Mississippi Delta. </span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Of course, the Civil War also touched this area, with two of the final battles of Mississippi, Brice's Crossroads, and the Battle of Harrisburg nearby. The <a href="http://www.nps.gov/tupe/index.htm" target="_blank">Tupelo National Battlefield</a>, a one-acre monument on Main Street in Tupelo, is the site of the July 14, 1864 battle of Tupelo, when <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-unioncivilwar.html" target="_blank">Union</a> Troops, including Colored regiments, marched into Tupelo and met an unorganized Confederate force. Involving over 20,000 men, neither side would be able to claim victory, however, the Union achieved its goal of keeping the Confederates away from Union railroads in <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/tn-mainpage.html" target="_blank">Tennessee</a>. The battle would rage until the afternoon of July 15. Notably, this would be the last time Confederate General <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-nathanforrest.html" target="_blank">Nathan Bedford Forest</a>'s famed cavalry troops would fight the Union, and Forest himself was injured and taken out of action for up to 3 weeks. </span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>Back on the Trace at Tupelo to French Camp</b></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6bZm-GzTlVqmUe-iMWiCVQKFKzRSPuVz9LveSJPlDBYy3ugW3jMkErszHquLtSsPC4NoO5q_mujDxVfjKqw2Xk72caUNkvvObr70oHSFwg4ElWO00grLOrEoI0XdEsHWr3AD/s1600/ChickasawSeal.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho6bZm-GzTlVqmUe-iMWiCVQKFKzRSPuVz9LveSJPlDBYy3ugW3jMkErszHquLtSsPC4NoO5q_mujDxVfjKqw2Xk72caUNkvvObr70oHSFwg4ElWO00grLOrEoI0XdEsHWr3AD/s200/ChickasawSeal.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">We were back on the Trace sooner than expected on a hunt for an RV Park with adequate Wifi, so we headed south toward French Camp, where we planned to divert off the Trace to Louisville, Ms. We missed the Chickasaw Village site (milepost 261.8), which has some exhibits portraying the daily life and history at a village that once stood there. It features a self-guiding trail as well. </span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">However, we did stop at the site of the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-chickasaw.html" target="_blank">Chickasaw</a> Council House (milepost 251.1). Only a marker along the Trace nearby its original location, the Council House was in the village of Pontatock, which in the 1820s became the Capitol of the Chickasaw Nation. Chiefs and other leaders met here to sign treaties or establish tribal laws and policies. Each summer two or three thousand Indians camped nearby to receive the annual payments for lands they had sold to the Federal Government. The Treaty of 1832 would see the last land surrendered though, and the Chickasaw Council House disappeared. The <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-chickasaw.html" target="_blank">Chickasaw</a> tribe moved west to Oklahoma where they remain today. </span></div><div><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPk4PbuhTSYVS08xuD8HK64GfxGgIBXdKigtNn4BJOzuwPUieVs2nVVgLp_sqAQBiG05NpW3sBOeJ8M9zkhb4bRf_UJ0dEsVP57rYMnGeZ2eXNGx14UE54zlChP911mrg3pSh/s1600/tockshish.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbPk4PbuhTSYVS08xuD8HK64GfxGgIBXdKigtNn4BJOzuwPUieVs2nVVgLp_sqAQBiG05NpW3sBOeJ8M9zkhb4bRf_UJ0dEsVP57rYMnGeZ2eXNGx14UE54zlChP911mrg3pSh/s200/tockshish.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Marker for the former site of<br />
Tockshish on the Natchez Trace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Just a couple miles south (milepost 249.6) is the marker for Tockshish. Named for a Chickasaw word meaning "tree root", Tockshish was a mixed community of Native Americans and white men. British agent to the Choctaws John McIntosh first settled here in 1770. In 1801, McIntosh's place was made the second post office on the Trace as a midway point between Nashville and Natchez, and a relay station where post riders exchanged weary horses for fresh ones. </span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Monroe Mission Station has its own marker (milepost 245.6), remembering where the Chickasaws first received Christianity and education in 1822. By 1827 81 students were attending the school, with boys learning farming and carpentry, and girls learning spinning and weaving in addition to classroom work. Monroe and three other stations were training centers for many who became leaders of the <a href="https://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-chickasaw/" target="_blank">Chickasaw Nation in Oklahoma</a>. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOveXzoespY0BCZKq_C0km71gZEWwgfDIep8WzI1Ddwf4jXp1_HMmiFRP-weNaHVihlvAwSbNNAXK4jp9r_d8OVWGop8uz2Fkhgajc8oGdH-zcxTgoARbmkYLM_j97ZczKoDfS/s1600/Hernando+de+Soto-275.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOveXzoespY0BCZKq_C0km71gZEWwgfDIep8WzI1Ddwf4jXp1_HMmiFRP-weNaHVihlvAwSbNNAXK4jp9r_d8OVWGop8uz2Fkhgajc8oGdH-zcxTgoARbmkYLM_j97ZczKoDfS/s200/Hernando+de+Soto-275.jpg" width="134" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hernando de Soto</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Also near here, another two miles south (milepost 243.3) Spanish Explorer Hernando de Soto crossed the animal paths that later became the Natchez Trace. In 1539 he set out on a journey that would take him across the Southeastern US. In 1540 near this marker he spent the winter among the nearby Chickasaw Natives. After a dispute with the Indians, de Soto and his army moved westward. </span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">You can read more about Hernando de Soto <a href="https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-hernandodesoto/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Another couple of miles south (milepost 241.4) is a marker for the Chickasaw Agency. These were all important United States agents who lived here from 1802 to 1825 along the trace. The fact that Americans could peacefully travel the road through Indian lands was due in large measure to the agents. Their efforts to preserve harmony included collecting debts, recovering stolen horses, removing trespassers, and capturing fugitives. Although Winters were lonely for the agents, during the summer months "Kaintucks" on their long journey from Natchez to their Ohio Valley homes would travel the Trace by the thousands. Many of them expected the agency to supply medicine or food and a good night's rest. </span></div><div><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItvmtbKfsePwm-dd1zi-Tx2UtMJzwBXw7sYZeSjALYVpneXBDpbL80_RaY-CD545vfLyBfLPBsZqCtQz1NrW7ebFKinAa-gIrNrgxte8eh5PbB7IuM-ZoPPuSlvUcejba3G6o/s1600/witchdancesign.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhItvmtbKfsePwm-dd1zi-Tx2UtMJzwBXw7sYZeSjALYVpneXBDpbL80_RaY-CD545vfLyBfLPBsZqCtQz1NrW7ebFKinAa-gIrNrgxte8eh5PbB7IuM-ZoPPuSlvUcejba3G6o/s200/witchdancesign.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Witch Dance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">While these markers were good to stop at and read, we were ready for a more substantial stop and got one down the road at "Witch Dance" (milepost 233.2). This site has restrooms, horse trail access, a bike-only primitive campground, and picnicking, but our focus was the haunted aspect. Already steeped in Native American lore, witches later began to gather at the place for nighttime ceremonies. Celebrating and improving their "abilities", they would feast and dance throughout the night. Legend has it that where their feet touched the ground during their dances, the grass would wither and die, never to grow again. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5O5VYQEXXMG5QkdwUKxuEVDA-jp4pUkFlHgNPy7snI1qe2j6aFtU8X0R0FoGYEqyX2FLx5fSw-_5Y-uhkpyaB1DKNhHc3ORv2UZuBwS3qPhhfkpt2UK5i9k9fn8aXzG39t3Ut/s1600/witchdance.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5O5VYQEXXMG5QkdwUKxuEVDA-jp4pUkFlHgNPy7snI1qe2j6aFtU8X0R0FoGYEqyX2FLx5fSw-_5Y-uhkpyaB1DKNhHc3ORv2UZuBwS3qPhhfkpt2UK5i9k9fn8aXzG39t3Ut/s200/witchdance.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bare spots at Witch Dance</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">The Chickasaw and the Choctaw Indians in the area immediately began to avoid the scorched patches of ground. During the War of 1812 and the Creek War that followed, <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-andrewjackson.html" target="_blank">Andrew Jackson</a> often traveled up and down the Natchez Trace. Though there is no indication that he feared the spots, they were interesting enough that he recorded them in his journal. </span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Read about the Native American Lore and Legends of Witch Dance on the Trace <a href="https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-witchdance/" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </span><br />
<br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Another mile south (milepost 232.4) is <a href="https://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-moundbuilders/#bynum-mounds-and-village" target="_blank">Bynum Mounds</a>. Built between 2,100 and 1,800 years ago, the six burial mounds range in height from five to 14 feet. Five of them were excavated by the National Park Service in the late 1940s. The two largest mounds have been restored for public viewing. Mound A, the southernmost of the two restored mounds, contained the remains of a woman placed between two parallel burned oak logs at the mound's base. Three additional sets of human remains were also found, consisting of the cremated traces of two adults and a child. </span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OwPVvScjhnjhgXvvWjfYmuo6TBaOUSk-N7H9-6gBCGImroMZD8SXKxSCvHx2Qp71S03c6uT1YKjjeUJnMzwLd-hlZ1UkAZ4eEouUedyvIZGM3jIhuR_CbTDjzsR6hpi_5fi0/s1600/bynummounds.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OwPVvScjhnjhgXvvWjfYmuo6TBaOUSk-N7H9-6gBCGImroMZD8SXKxSCvHx2Qp71S03c6uT1YKjjeUJnMzwLd-hlZ1UkAZ4eEouUedyvIZGM3jIhuR_CbTDjzsR6hpi_5fi0/s200/bynummounds.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bynum Mounds</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Mound B, the largest at the site, covered a log-lined crematory pit. An L-shaped row of 29 polished greenstone celts (axe heads) and the cremated and unburned remains of several individuals were located on the ash-covered floor. Other artifacts found in ceremonial context included copper spools, 19 chert projectile points imported from Illinois, and a piece of galena (shiny lead ore). Greenstone, copper, and galena, like the distinctive projectile points, do not originate in Mississippi. These high-prestige goods, like those found at the Pharr Mounds, were imported through long-distance trade networks.</span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">You can read more about the Mississippi Mound Builders </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-moundbuilders.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">HERE</a><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">.</span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br />Line Creek (mile post 213.3) is the former boundary between the Chickasaw and <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-choctaw.html" target="_blank">Choctaw </a>Tribes. Unlike many Indian nations who seldom recognized boundaries to their lands, the Chickasaw and Choctaw came to accept this stream as the dividing line between them, and it remained so until both tribes were moved to Oklahoma in the 1830's. Near this marker, Noah Wall and his Choctaw wife had a stand where food and shelter were provided to travelers along the Trace. </span><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Pigeon Roost (mile post 203.5) is where Nathaniel and David Folsom ran Folsom's stand and trading post, and where millions of passenger pigeons, now extinct, roosted here. </span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUyS-xYE0vyqEXwbGlS5llluZ9V4oLUavGke4LijGCLxHUvLpXVhloJ5cLoM6M6wM5hF4Zf2J2Og-jUKx3Y5EiADTP-0Io1b3NEjtxDSbQIpNnmud8rTFE01RXZP_cpGLUobg/s1600/tornadowindow.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwUyS-xYE0vyqEXwbGlS5llluZ9V4oLUavGke4LijGCLxHUvLpXVhloJ5cLoM6M6wM5hF4Zf2J2Og-jUKx3Y5EiADTP-0Io1b3NEjtxDSbQIpNnmud8rTFE01RXZP_cpGLUobg/s200/tornadowindow.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Driving through the Tornado ravaged<br />
area of the Natchez Trace.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Shortly after that stop we came out of the beauty of the Trace to what appeared to be a nightmarish landscape. On April 27, 2011, three sections of the Trace Parkway were impacted by a series of tornado's. While two of the sections were less than a mile in length, between mileposts 204 and 212 is an eight mile stretch of destruction. Pictures can only elude to the devastation, and we were left in awe of Mother Natures force while driving through here. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3lxknsSHF-rNhkD3Pz8ln31MvuR7Plv1xOxhIgKcsrcnj4NYzNv-M6G5fPlC9gD-RR5gmnuEJDknhehfHGP9WezpQNdfpNR8pyhNTU5P1eOfkkJKEdHncR4e-Ttg6muoNIHz/s1600/tornado.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI3lxknsSHF-rNhkD3Pz8ln31MvuR7Plv1xOxhIgKcsrcnj4NYzNv-M6G5fPlC9gD-RR5gmnuEJDknhehfHGP9WezpQNdfpNR8pyhNTU5P1eOfkkJKEdHncR4e-Ttg6muoNIHz/s200/tornado.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The April 2011 Tornado's left miles<br />
of destruction on the Trace.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">According to the National Park Service, while they did remove all the downed and damaged trees from the immediate roadway, they left the rest to provide food and habitat for the many animals that call the Parkway home. "By allowing nature to take its course, visitors can see firsthand the ecosystem's resiliency in response to dynamic forces" the <a href="http://www.nps.gov/natr/naturescience/tornado-impacts-2011.htm" target="_blank">NPS website states</a>. "As you visit the Parkway in the years to come, you will notice subtle changes that demonstrate the natural processes that are constantly going on around us. As time passes, the downed trees will decompose, providing nutrients to the soil for the next generation of growth. In time, nature will reclaim this area." Until then however, this area is a big reminder of how powerful weather can be, and how much you should pay attention to your surroundings while visiting any National Park. While there were thousands of people on the Natchez Trace that day in 2011, only one person perished in the storms that hit here. Unfortunately that was not the case across the state of Mississippi and other parts of the Southeast. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGMSycTTIarbf2nTwx9I0ObKwepzNOwrKmknQaVf-zfcOV3h4z8up3ofArchmWPr84J0q872XQbLvtDgrA2et0rF-Lh4opFz-t4rr9UwRT1eH8tJbHjfFa20L62JESnebKqAF/s1600/sunkentrace.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBGMSycTTIarbf2nTwx9I0ObKwepzNOwrKmknQaVf-zfcOV3h4z8up3ofArchmWPr84J0q872XQbLvtDgrA2et0rF-Lh4opFz-t4rr9UwRT1eH8tJbHjfFa20L62JESnebKqAF/s200/sunkentrace.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Original part of the Trace</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">After we emerged from the tornado stricken area we ran into more "Old Trace" (original part of the historic road at mile post 198.6) and Jeff Busby picnick area and campground (mile post 193.1). Named for <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-mainpage.html" target="_blank">Mississippi</a> U.S. Congressman Jeff Busby, who in 1934 introduced a bill authorizing a survey of the Old Natchez Trace, which just four years later became a unit of the National Park System, this is a great stop for camping, including an RV Campground. </span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwmyrDL_y3PVFFdSUDnBAu0HEKj9PwhqTdZVP3dYwKLzXit0vfWyB9qFkCmM_nVX8MIlQJPEsSa6LCwdhqhHID5cLFFG2GpbiFNiE_RdQpPCqF_fJykb9iVQklqhbzTydRZ_w/s1600/littlemountain.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnwmyrDL_y3PVFFdSUDnBAu0HEKj9PwhqTdZVP3dYwKLzXit0vfWyB9qFkCmM_nVX8MIlQJPEsSa6LCwdhqhHID5cLFFG2GpbiFNiE_RdQpPCqF_fJykb9iVQklqhbzTydRZ_w/s200/littlemountain.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the top of Little Mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">While we didn't stay, we did take the time to drive up to Little Mountain, one of the highest points in Mississippi (we chuckled when we found out we were at 603 feet above sea level. Especially since places we've lived in </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ks-mainpage.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Kansas</a><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> are higher than that). On a clear day you can see about 20 miles from the top. It should also be noted here that at one time, this stop on the Trace was home to the only spot right on the Parkway where you could purchase gas, however the station is now closed permanently. </span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oZu9CSz1JaHBJDMJwu9VE7C6CRIRZesdHx6zjwDu82dUsxDVu72ysyATCFw9nkljkMKiIsYqT3aeAzcdcQohN5Cbt6nZgJfNhzT-C1SChjGpeCWtPH1iYnRoVPRMPE72g8zU/s1600/frenchcamp.jpg" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9oZu9CSz1JaHBJDMJwu9VE7C6CRIRZesdHx6zjwDu82dUsxDVu72ysyATCFw9nkljkMKiIsYqT3aeAzcdcQohN5Cbt6nZgJfNhzT-C1SChjGpeCWtPH1iYnRoVPRMPE72g8zU/s200/frenchcamp.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">French Camp Historical Area</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">After our jaunt to the top of Little Mountain, we headed on down for our final exploration of the day. <a href="http://www.frenchcamp.org/historic/" target="_blank">French Camp</a> (mile post 180.7) was established around 1810. Originally known as "Frenchman's Camp" it was founded as a stand by Louis LeFleur. Here you can pay a visit to the historic village that includes the Council House Cafe and Carriage House. A self guided tour around the boardwalk winds through the historic buildings and out cabins. Local volunteers also run the Alumni Museum nearby. LeFleur's stand became a school in 1822 and is still in operation today as a Christian boarding school and home for youth facing difficult times. </span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">You can see our updated story, with mile by mile points of interest along the Natchez Trace Parkway <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-natcheztrace.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">We didn't get back on the Trace at French Camp, instead heading off toward Louisville, Ms where we would park the Trailer and catch up on things. Found a very nice RV Camp Ground and more just outside of Louisville at Lake Tiak-O'Khata Resort and planted ourselves for a few days. One thing about traveling like this in an RV and running your business from it at the same time...our pace is our own. </span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Next up, we head to the historic area around Jackson and Vicksburg. In the meantime, enjoy the slide show from the Natchez Trace, or visit the Winter History Tour Gallery "Natchez Trace" <a href="http://photos.legendsofamerica.com/p483149526" target="_blank">HERE</a>. </span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /><iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="http://photos.legendsofamerica.com/zf/core/embedgallery.aspx?p=1ccc46d60ff405411fdf2db01a111111008080008080CCCCCC001bVisit%20Natchez%20Trace%20Gallery.2" style="background-color: transparent;" width="480"></iframe></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br />primary information sources - <a href="http://www.nps.gov/natr/index.htm" target="_blank">National Park Service</a></span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">_______________________________________________</span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b>RV Park Reviews </b></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span><br />
<b><a href="http://www.cgbarnescrossing.com/" target="_blank"><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Campground at Barnes Crossing</span></a><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> - Tupelo, Ms - </span></b><span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">Just as you enter Tupelo after exiting the Natchez Trace. Reserved and paid two nights due to advertising that Wi-Fi was available at all campsites. Unfortunately Wi-Fi did not work hardly at all while we were there. Pull through site was uneven and a little difficult to get into due to concrete retaining wall on one side. Nicely landscaped, beautiful campground with tiered levels, very close to shopping and services. Full Hookups and Cable TV. Left after one night and received refund for second night without a problem due to our immediate needs for Wifi. Not a Passport campground, rate $32 a night. We gave this one 6 out of 10.</span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><b><a href="http://www.ltok.com/" target="_blank">Lake Tiak-O'Khata Resort - Louisville, MS</a> - </b>This site was more than adequate for our purposes, which was to catch up on work. For leisure travelers it's even better. Lake front spots available, full hookups, level slabs, cable, and Wifi. Wifi could be iffy in some spots, but talk to management and they will guide you accordingly. Rates were good ($20 per night). Cable was good, however HD channels iffy. Had to dig through leaves a bit to find the water and sewer hookups, but tis the season. Roads were a little rough coming in and could use some maintenance. Pet friendly. Would stay here again. We gave it an 8 out of 10 rating, although some reviewers noted problems negotiating into their spots (probably longer trailers). </span><br />
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"><br /></span>
<span face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif">(Note: We use <a href="http://rvparkreviews.com/" target="_blank">RV Park Reviews</a>. Traveling in a 22' Travel Trailer. All electric 30 amp or more unless otherwise noted). </span></div><div class="blogger-post-footer">Legends of America is a Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic Minded.</div>Dave Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243636591572159544noreply@blogger.com0Natchez Trace Parkway, 2680 Natchez Trace Parkway, Tupelo, MS 38804, USA33.7928067 -89.16517720000001627.0465647 -99.492325700000009 40.5390487 -78.838028700000024tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8743388.post-49672670489686428562013-02-07T11:50:00.003-06:002013-02-12T16:31:41.662-06:00Corinth, Shiloh and the Natchez Trace<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mODCepE-vMw/UQGHTxMB_jI/AAAAAAAAB7g/SZjukYuNBZI/s1600/ms-latrip2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mODCepE-vMw/UQGHTxMB_jI/AAAAAAAAB7g/SZjukYuNBZI/s200/ms-latrip2.jpg" width="181" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Planned Route</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Our </span><a href="http://legendsofamerica.blogspot.com/2013/01/south-bound.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Winter History Tour</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> started off with a sputter. After our departure from the home office in </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/mo-warsaw.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Warsaw</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Missouri was delayed by severe weather, we finally made it to our first destination a day or two later than anticipated. After making a one night stop at a pleasant little campground in Mountain View, </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/mo-mainpage.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Missouri</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> we made our way to Corinth, </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-mainpage.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mississippi</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. This was our first "long term" </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/rv-main.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">RV</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Park stay of the trip (about five days), as there is plenty of history to see in the area. We did our best to ignore the cold, and somehow the weather fit our mission. I think many of us, regardless if it were 100 degrees, would get a cold chill when learning about the humbling history here that claimed so many thousands of lives. <i>(Note: RV Park reviews at the end of this article)</i>.</span><br />
<div dir="ltr" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong></strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><strong><a href="http://legendsofamerica.com/ms-corinthbattle.html" target="_blank">Corinth, Mississippi</a></strong></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfL9FGYwdm5wRLmqXxi1RIBOupLA9Iipn8qsfXpXBSqL5OOjXeShXFKnb6JCi2bodpCpjc_HApAJTWArsaXhQw_nfVJCEBAm8RttZ9rlvoSOqs_s1GMumewVVSiB2T6DPnfocJQ/s1600/CorinthCrossroads-275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFfL9FGYwdm5wRLmqXxi1RIBOupLA9Iipn8qsfXpXBSqL5OOjXeShXFKnb6JCi2bodpCpjc_HApAJTWArsaXhQw_nfVJCEBAm8RttZ9rlvoSOqs_s1GMumewVVSiB2T6DPnfocJQ/s200/CorinthCrossroads-275.jpg" width="133" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The railroad crossroads </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">are still used today.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In 1854, the citizens of what was then, Tishomingo County invited two </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/rr-railroadtales.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">railroad</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> companies to build lines through the largely agricultural area of Northern Mississippi. The Mobile & Ohio, and the Memphis & Charleston railroads soon started construction with their two routes intersecting in the North Central part of the county. "Cross City" grew up at this crossroads and soon changed its name to Corinth.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">By 1860, the town boasted 1500 residents and was on its way to becoming a prominent town, with several fine homes, hotels, churches and even a school for young women, Corona College. However, when the </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-civilwar.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Civil War</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> began in 1861, both sides recognized the importance of Corinth due to the cross roads of two major rail lines. That set the stage for two significant engagements, a </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-unioncivilwar.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Union</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> siege of the town after taking control of the Tennessee River at the Battle of Shiloh, </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/tn-mainpage.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tennessee</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> in the spring of 1862, and a most bloody conflict later in the fall as </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-confederatestates.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Confederates</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> failed to take back the town. </span><br />
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yxuNqZOBiQU/URLP9WzudoI/AAAAAAAAB9o/XQZuw9gtoZA/s1600/CorinthContrabandCamp-300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yxuNqZOBiQU/URLP9WzudoI/AAAAAAAAB9o/XQZuw9gtoZA/s200/CorinthContrabandCamp-300.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Contraband Camp</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There's lots to see for history buffs with dozens of historic sites in and around Corinth. Check out the Contraband Camp, which was established after the Union took control, and allowed former slaves, now refugees, a place of safety behind Union lines. This would be an important place for African Americans as it was the first step on the road of freedom and the struggle for equality.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pr61_O-R7v4/URLRdkgoHNI/AAAAAAAAB9w/5Duzej3QRA0/s1600/CorinthInterpretiveCenter-300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Pr61_O-R7v4/URLRdkgoHNI/AAAAAAAAB9w/5Duzej3QRA0/s200/CorinthInterpretiveCenter-300.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Don't miss the </span><a href="http://www.nps.gov/shil/historyculture/corinth.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, a division of the Shiloh National Military Park, open every day 8-5 except Christmas. Exhibits include interactive displays and multimedia presentations on the Battle of Shiloh and the Siege
of Corinth. The culminating interpretive feature is a commemorative courtyard where stone and flowing water chronicle the birth and growth of the United States, the accompanying rise of sectionalism, key events leading to the Civil War, and a symbolic representation of four years of war. We found the Interpretive Center to be an excellent experience. A must stop on any visit to Corinth.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Read our full article on "<i>The Siege, Battle, History & Attractions of Corinth</i>" </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-corinthbattle.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">HERE</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qAst1YiB7Uw/UROx_nHChyI/AAAAAAAAB_A/ahVQsdR1RWc/s1600/CorinthDepotMuseum-300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="114" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qAst1YiB7Uw/UROx_nHChyI/AAAAAAAAB_A/ahVQsdR1RWc/s200/CorinthDepotMuseum-300.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crossroads Museum</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Also see the </span><a href="http://www.crossroadsmuseum.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Crossroads Museum</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, where the two critical rail lines meet, and the </span><a href="http://www.corinth.net/BlackHistoryMuseum.htm" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Black History Museum</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, featuring a vast permanent collection documenting black history in Corinth and Alcorn County.
Corinth also has a bit of aviation history, as, in 1910, Ernest Waits built and flew one of the first "aeroplanes" in the south. Aviation pioneer Roscoe Turner was born in Corinth.
And, as recent as 2000, Corinth native, Gus McCleod, was the first person to fly around the North Pole in an open cockpit plane. Other notable figures include Cartoonist, Russell Keaton. Today,
Corinth is called home to just under 15,000 people and features plenty of dining and shopping opportunities, including it's historic downtown, as the city boasts "History is only half our story."</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Around Corinth</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After seeing the city, we took a full day circle trip, first heading south of Corinth, then northeast to Alabama and Tennessee on the </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-natcheztrace.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Natchez Trace</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Parkway, westward to Shiloh National Military Park, and back to Corinth. This was a fun excursion,
as it involved plenty of back roads to lessor known places. Following a map we picked up at the Interpretive Center called "A Guide to the Corinth Campaigns of 1862" we headed south of Corinth along the old roads to Rienzi and Jacinto.
Our first stop was to be Union Camp Davies, but, either we were clueless, the map wasn't accurate, or they didn't have it marked, as we could never find it.</span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/photos-mississippi/SmithDrugStoreRienzi-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="130" src="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/photos-mississippi/SmithDrugStoreRienzi-600.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Smith's Drug Store in Rienzi</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Continuing with the map, we made a stop for a few pictures in the small town of Rienzi, established in 1830 and named after an Italian Politician. Though this tiny village continues to boast a population of about 300 souls,
Rienzi's heydays have obviously faded, as its businesses are mostly gone, and the structures that once housed them sit abandoned, providing for a number of "</span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ghosttowns.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ghost town</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">" photo opportunities.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/photos-mississippi/JacintoCourthouse-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/photos-mississippi/JacintoCourthouse-600.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">The historic Jacinto courthouse</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About eight miles east of Rienzi, we stopped at Jacinto, once the county seat of Tishomingo County and the cultural center of Northeast </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-mainpage.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mississippi</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. It was once lined with numerous taverns, businesses, hotels, and even an exclusive boys school.
However, when it was bypassed by the railroad in the 1850's, people began to move. After the Civil War, during Reconstruction, Tishomingo County was split into three counties, and the county seat for Tishmingo County was moved to Iuka.
Today, Jacinto is a true </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ghosttowns.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">ghost town</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. There is very little left other than the historic courthouse. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We then pushed on to Iuka. It was here, in September, 1862 that </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-confederatestates.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Confederate</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> General Sterling Price and his men raced to stop </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-unioncivilwar.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Union</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> General William Rosecran's troops just south of town.
The battle site appears to cross a major highway; but, there is small Confederate cemetery where 263 of Price's men were buried in a mass grave. Iuka also provides a couple of other historic views at its Mineral Springs Park and the Old Tishomingo County Courthouse and Museum.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywZiheUHswKp5bxHMu1m2XasnmQPGTZjwj6ySYWq6tv6RRVLTXC7JZiDGLRC5z_rSWIzQR7WcAW8Xyw2YcW8cfOFaRourbfBR5ogvJcmiLVKQc2Rci-6bBc-WKMdlgxslKx-X9A/s1600/welcomealabama-150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywZiheUHswKp5bxHMu1m2XasnmQPGTZjwj6ySYWq6tv6RRVLTXC7JZiDGLRC5z_rSWIzQR7WcAW8Xyw2YcW8cfOFaRourbfBR5ogvJcmiLVKQc2Rci-6bBc-WKMdlgxslKx-X9A/s1600/welcomealabama-150.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Natchez Trace and Shiloh</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After our brief stop in Iuka, we broke away from our </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-civilwar.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Civil War</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> map and headed across the state line on Lee Highway (72) into Alabama to get on the </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-natcheztrace.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Natchez Trace</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Parkway. We'll be writing a lot about the Trace on our </span><a href="http://legendsofamerica.blogspot.com/2013/01/south-bound.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Winter Tour</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">,
as we will be on and off it for a good part of our trip. The original Natchez Trace dates back thousands of years to the days of the </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-moundbuilders.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mississippi Mound builders</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">. Years later, it was utilized by the </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-choctaw.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Choctaw</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-chickasaw.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chickasaw</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, and </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-natchez.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Natchez</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> tribes
who called the region home and traveled upon the trail on hunting and trading expeditions. By the time the first European explorer </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-hernandodesoto.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hernando de Soto</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> came to the region in 1541, the path was well worn and the Mississippi Mound builders were gone.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7BK4Pywmi0g/UROy6lFKG8I/AAAAAAAAB_Q/yb-Jchd9Nqs/s1600/BuzzardRoostSpring-300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7BK4Pywmi0g/UROy6lFKG8I/AAAAAAAAB_Q/yb-Jchd9Nqs/s200/BuzzardRoostSpring-300.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buzzard Roost</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Right after getting on the Trace off Highway 72 you immediately run into <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/al-buzzardroost.html" target="_blank">Buzzard Roost</a> Spring. Originally called Buzzard Sleep, the name was changed to Buzzard Roost in 1801 by Levi Colbert, a renowned </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-chickasaw.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Chickasaw</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> chief. The spring was a water source for the Colbert house which also served as an inn and stand for travelers on the Old Natchez Trace. Levi also helped his brother George Colbert run the Colbert Ferry and their stands were about 2 hours apart by horseback.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Continuing on the trace a few more miles, we stop at the site of what was once Colbert's Ferry, which operated across the Tennessee River from 1800 to 1819 and included a stand, or inn, offering travelers a warm meal and shelter during their journey. Looking after their own best interests, the brothers once allegedly charged </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-andrewjackson.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Andrew Jackson</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> $75,000 to ferry his Tennessee Army across the river. Here, and at about 20 other stands along the Trace, Kaintuck riverboatmen, money-laden businessmen, </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-nativeamericans.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Indians</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/we-outlaws.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">outlaws</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> shared a spot of fellowship on a long hazardous road. Today, a beautiful bridge crosses the Tennessee River. This stop includes picnic tables, restrooms, and a boat launch. In fact, despite a chill in the air, a family was having a picnic on the grassy hill overlooking the river when we stopped there.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After crossing the General John Coffee memorial bridge, we came to our first glimpse of an original piece of the historic path. At "Sunken Trace", the trail became so water logged that wagons could not be pulled through, travelers cut new paths through the nearby woods.
Here you will see three cuts made to avoid mud into which oxcarts and wagons sank, making progress slow, dangerous and even impossible. Very visible today, we stood in the trail imagining a time long ago as travelers past through these woods.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e9IUEhXd-zE/UROzvSEgo8I/AAAAAAAAB_Y/vfFUT4HiT0s/s1600/ShilohBattle3D-display-300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="142" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e9IUEhXd-zE/UROzvSEgo8I/AAAAAAAAB_Y/vfFUT4HiT0s/s200/ShilohBattle3D-display-300.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;"><b>Shiloh National Military Park</b></span></h3>
</div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After crossing into </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/tn-mainpage.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tennessee</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> we exited off the Natchez Trace and headed west for Shiloh National Military Park. Also called the Battle of Pittsburg Landing, this battle took place in Hardin County, Tennessee in April 1862. As a result of the fall of Forts Henry and Donelson, Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston, the commander in the area, was forced to fall back, giving up </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ky-mainpage.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kentucky</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and much of West and Middle Tennessee. He chose Corinth as the staging area for an offensive against </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-ulyssesgrant.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">General Ulysses S. Grant</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> and his Army of the Tennessee before the Army of the Ohio, under Major General Don Carlos Buell, could join it. The Confederate retrenchment was a surprise to the Union forces, and it took Grant, with about 40,000 men, some time to mount a southern offensive, along the Tennessee River, toward Pittsburg Landing. Grant received orders to await Buell's Army of the Ohio at Pittsburg Landing.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Attacking the Union troops on the morning of April 6th, the Confederates surprised them, routing many. However, a number of other Federals made determined stands and by afternoon, they had established a battle line at the sunken road, known as the Hornets Nest.
Repeated Rebel attacks failed to carry the Hornets Nest, but massed artillery helped to turn the tide as Confederates surrounded the Union troops and captured, killed, or wounded most of them. Johnston had been mortally wounded earlier and his second in command,
General P.G.T. Beauregard, took over.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Union troops established another line covering Pittsburg Landing, anchored with artillery and were augmented by Buell's men who began to arrive and take up positions. Fighting continued until after dark, but the Federals held. By the next morning, the combined Federal forces
were some 40,000 strong, outnumbering Beauregard's army of less than 30,000. Beauregard was unaware of the arrival of Buell's army and launched a counterattack in response to a two-mile advance by General William Nelson's division of Buell's army at 6:00 am,
which was, at first, successful. Union troops stiffened and began forcing the Confederates back. Beauregard ordered a counterattack, which stopped the Union advance but did not break its battle line. At this point, Beauregard realized that he could not win and,
having suffered too many casualties, he retired from the field and headed back to Corinth. Resulting in a Union victory, the estimated casualties (those wounded, killed or missing) were 13,047 Union and 10,699 Confederate. It was the bloodiest battle of the
Civil War to that date.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The Union </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-corinthbattle.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Siege of Corinth</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> would happen just weeks later and Federal forces would take control of the town, and keep control despite the Confederate push later in the fall. During the war years, around 200 top Confederate and Union Generals were stationed
in and around Corinth. At least 300,000 troops were in or around the city during the course of the War, making it the largest aggregate number of troops ever assembled in the Western Hemisphere.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">These were also the last major Confederate offensives in Mississippi,
and the Union Victories enabled General, and later President, Ulysses S. Grant to put his efforts toward his ninth month campaign against Vicksburg. Union troops continued using the town of Corinth as a base for raids into Northern Mississippi, Tennessee
and Alabama before finally leaving in January of 1864. Although Confederates would return to Corinth, the end of the war in Mississippi came just a few short months later.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">For those who want to learn and understand the costs, human and otherwise, of the Civil War, much can be gleamed from a visit to Corinth and Shiloh. Both the interpretive center in Corinth, and the Shiloh National Military Park were free of charge to enter, both had driving tours, and we give the overall history experience here 10 Stars for excellence.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's our <a href="http://photos.legendsofamerica.com/corinth" target="_blank">Corinth Area Photo Gallery </a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here's the Slideshow from the Gallery</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="360" scrolling="no" src="http://photos.legendsofamerica.com/zf/core/embedgallery.aspx?p=34388e120ff405211CCCCCC03e111111F5F5F5DDDDDD555555CCCCCC.2" style="background-color: #555555;" width="480"></iframe><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">_____________________________________________________________</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<h3>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;">
RV Park Reviews </span></h3>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03s1VCulmEOe9CMqsRf9rVX0gGOYhBvLa8bYyhBH68nHP14nnBLMCHlVC0xm7DPrCz8L-7xvNDy_0NLjwrlyyb0_dThSe5Bfdl9lGZ0nAIVFftJOzyh3BxDec8IycWSfPA7SGcQ/s1600/OzarkSpringsCampgroundMountainViewMO-2-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi03s1VCulmEOe9CMqsRf9rVX0gGOYhBvLa8bYyhBH68nHP14nnBLMCHlVC0xm7DPrCz8L-7xvNDy_0NLjwrlyyb0_dThSe5Bfdl9lGZ0nAIVFftJOzyh3BxDec8IycWSfPA7SGcQ/s200/OzarkSpringsCampgroundMountainViewMO-2-600.jpg" width="200" /></a><b><a href="http://www.ozarksrvpark.com/" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ozark Mountain Springs RV Park</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - Mountain View, Mo</span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We found the manager on site to be very friendly and helpful. Guided us to our spot and made sure we were aware of the amenities. Only stayed one night. Clean and well kept. Accepts Passport members so we were very happy with the rates. Wifi available, full hookups, pull through sites, shade trees, and pet friendly. We will keep this one in mind for sure on our treks back and forth to the Southeast. We gave this one 7 out of 10 stars.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<b><a href="http://www.passport-america.com/Campgrounds/CampgroundDetails.aspx?CampgroundId=1380" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Corinth RV Park</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> - Corinth, Ms - </span></b><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">About 4 miles out of town. Full hookups and some pull through concrete slabs for parking, although we still had to level side to side. Nice and quiet setting while we were there. Park is part of a gun club which is closed in winter months (when we visited), so all was good. No other amenities. No on-site management, honor pay system (OK with us). Would not visit during gun club activity (March-October) with regular shoots on Thursday nights. Water leaked bad enough to submerge the faucet hookup, did not even attempt to use sewer as water was visible in the pipe. Would not stay here at full price of $30/night (Passport rate $15). We gave this one 6 out of 10 stars in our online review, but should have waited until we left after discovering sewer and water issues. So our rating is actually 5 out of 10.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We are using a 22' Travel Trailer. Electric at least 30 amp or more unless noted.</span></i><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Legends of America is a Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic Minded.</div>Dave Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243636591572159544noreply@blogger.com1Corinth, MS, USA34.9342548 -88.5222701999999834.830126799999995 -88.683631699999978 35.0383828 -88.360908699999982tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8743388.post-81312586564898625112013-01-25T05:19:00.003-06:002013-01-30T19:17:45.336-06:00South Bound<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lLBiPmgasOk/UQFdKHCo9SI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/oSohXsRxAW8/s1600/camperwithlogo-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="130" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lLBiPmgasOk/UQFdKHCo9SI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/oSohXsRxAW8/s200/camperwithlogo-600.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Legends' Mobile Motel</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">We're getting ready for our annual extended winter trip. This year we are headed to <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-mainpage.html">Mississippi</a>, Louisiana, with just a little slice of southeast <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/tx-mainpage.html">Texas</a>. Many of you on our </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/LegendsOfAmerica" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Facebook FanPage</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> indicated that you would like to see our itinerary and, as we travel, to provide our impressions and reviews of the places that we visit. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This blog is the place for both. <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/">Legends of America</a> is our fact and information website, while Legends' Blog is where we post information as we travel, updates for our readers, and any personal thoughts. When we're on the road, most nights we will review our photos and the information on the places that we've visited, then begin to share it with you here. While we have not always, in the past, provided our first impression and reviews, we will begin to do so on this trip. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">So, you see everything on the blog first, sometimes months before it ever appears on <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/">Legends of America</a>. Those tales often take a lot of research and tend to take off on many other paths. </span><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mODCepE-vMw/UQGHTxMB_jI/AAAAAAAAB7g/SZjukYuNBZI/s1600/ms-latrip2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mODCepE-vMw/UQGHTxMB_jI/AAAAAAAAB7g/SZjukYuNBZI/s200/ms-latrip2.jpg" width="181" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Planned Route</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Plans are to leave sometime next week. We've got to ensure that all is good with the "mobile motel" and also tie up some loose ends on the business side. We plan to take two days to get to <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-mainpage.html">Mississippi</a>, over-nighting at a campground in southeast <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/mo-mainpage.html">Missouri</a>. Our first destination is Corinth. From there, we head across the Magnolia State via the </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-natcheztrace.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;" target="_blank">Natchez Trace</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> then to New Orleans, southern Louisiana, and a small slice of southeast <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/tx-mainpage.html">Texas</a> before heading north and making our way home via <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ar-mainpage.html">Arkansas</a>. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">That's all assuming that the weather cooperates. Dave, the resident weatherman in the family, is saying that while Mississippi and Louisiana had higher than average temperatures for January, there is an expected change in the gulf stream for the month of February, making it colder than average. Depending on how cold it gets and other weather conditions, such as rain, ice or snow, it would not be unlike us to abandon plans on a few hours notice and head in another direction. But, until and if, here are the plans for the trip.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When we travel for weeks at a time, we operate on what we call a "hub and spoke" schedule. That means, we find a campground, drop the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/rv-main.html">travel trailer</a>, and make day trips to surrounding areas for several days. The schedule is aggressive -- I load it up in order not to miss anything; but, depending on how time goes, can't guarantee we will make every stop.</span><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--FOluDNdfmQ/UQGWN0gLGaI/AAAAAAAAB7w/XtBjxmk7bCc/s1600/Battle+of+Corinth,+Oct+3-4,+1862,+Kurtz+and+Allison,+1891-300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--FOluDNdfmQ/UQGWN0gLGaI/AAAAAAAAB7w/XtBjxmk7bCc/s200/Battle+of+Corinth,+Oct+3-4,+1862,+Kurtz+and+Allison,+1891-300.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Battle of Corinth</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Corinth, <a href="http://www.nps.gov/shil/planyourvisit/corinth.htm">Mississippi</a> Area:</span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/shil/planyourvisit/corinth.htm">Corinth Civil War Interpretive Center</a> </span></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/shil/planyourvisit/contrabandcamp.htm" target="_blank">Corinth Contraband Camp</a> </span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.corinth.net/museumsculture.htm" target="_blank">Historic Downtown Corinth</a>, including the Coca-Cola Museum, Borroums Drug Store, Biggers Hardware, Waits Jewelry</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-natcheztrace.html" target="_blank">Natchez Trace</a> from Mississippi border to Collinwood, Tennessee</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-natcheztrace.html" target="_blank">Shiloh, Tennessee Battlefield</a> </span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Natchez Trace from Mississippi State Line to Tupelo, MS</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.finalstands.com/interperpretive-center" target="_blank">Mississippi Final Stands Civil WarInterpretive Center</a> - Brices Crossroads National Battlefield and Battle of Tupelo/Harrisburg</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.elvispresleybirthplace.com/" target="_blank">Elvis Presley Birthplace</a></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0qy0GDPzPuU/UQHDLECS7zI/AAAAAAAAB8I/zaz5UvEthSA/s1600/NatchezTrace-300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0qy0GDPzPuU/UQHDLECS7zI/AAAAAAAAB8I/zaz5UvEthSA/s200/NatchezTrace-300.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Natchez Trace</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Jackson, </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-mainpage.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mississippi</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Area:</span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-natcheztrace.html" target="_blank">Natchez Trace</a> - Tupelo to Jackson</span></li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://mdah.state.ms.us/museum/mansion.html" target="_blank">Governor's Mansion, Jackson</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Old Capitol Museum, Jackson</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.legislature.ms.gov/Pages/History.aspx" target="_blank">State Capitol Building, Jackson</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinds_County_Courthouse_(Raymond,_Mississippi)" target="_blank">Hinds County Courthouse, Raymond</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.battleofraymond.org/friends.htm" target="_blank">Raymond Military Park, Raymond</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.battleofchampionhill.org/" target="_blank">Champion Hill Battlefield, Edwards</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/vick/index.htm" target="_blank">Vicksburg National Military Park</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.oldcourthouse.org/" target="_blank">Old Courthouse Museum, Vicksburg</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/vick/historyculture/pembertons-headquarters.htm" target="_blank">Pemberton's Headquarters, Vicksburg</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.visitvicksburg.com/explore/walking_and_driving.aspx" target="_blank">Driving Tour of Antebellum Homes, Vicksburg</a></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1f2mZGxNfI/UQJcB5J-xUI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/nhh75v-lsY0/s1600/Ruins+of+Windsor,+Port+Gibson.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Z1f2mZGxNfI/UQJcB5J-xUI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/nhh75v-lsY0/s200/Ruins+of+Windsor,+Port+Gibson.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ruins of Windsor</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Natchez, </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ms-mainpage.html"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mississippi</span></a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> Area</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Natchez Trace from Jackson to Natchez</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/vick/forteachers/upload/Windsor-2.pdf">Ruins of Windsor, Port Gibson</a><span id="goog_94712769"></span><span id="goog_94712770"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/"></a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.grandgulfpark.state.ms.us/" target="_blank">Grand Gulf Military Monument Park, Port Gibson</a> </span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/mounds/eme.htm" target="_blank">Emerald Mound, Natchez</a> </span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/history/nr/travel/national_cemeteries/Mississippi/Natchez_National_Cemetery.html" target="_blank">Natchez National Cemetery</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://mdah.state.ms.us/hprop/gvni.php" target="_blank">Grand Village of the Natchez Indians</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.stmarybasilica.org/history/history.html" target="_blank">St. Mary Basilica, Natchez</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.underthehillsaloon.com/custom/webpage.cfm?content=content&id=2" target="_blank">Under-The-Hill Saloon, Natchez</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.natchezghosttours.com/" target="_blank">Ghost Tour</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">City Bus Tour</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/3344" target="_blank">Mammy's Cupboard</a></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nldr_IULhfk/UQJccE2fxII/AAAAAAAAB8g/pvWZLw7ExHk/s1600/Tchefuncte+River+Light+House.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nldr_IULhfk/UQJccE2fxII/AAAAAAAAB8g/pvWZLw7ExHk/s200/Tchefuncte+River+Light+House.JPG" width="147" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Tchefuncte River Light House</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Southeast Louisiana:</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.stfrancisville.net/town_new/index.html">St Francisville, LA</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.myrtlesplantation.com/" target="_blank">Myrtles Plantation, St Francisville, LA</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.crt.state.la.us/parks/ipthudson.aspx">Port Hudson State Historic Site, Jackson, LA</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://lpbmm.org/">Lake Pontchartrain Basin Maritime Museum</a> & Tchefuncte River Light House, Madisonville, LA</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.campmoorela.com/">Camp Moore Confederate Museum</a> & Cemetery, Tangipahoa, LA </span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.louisianaoldstatecapitol.org/">Louisiana's Old State Capitol, Baton Rouge</a>, LA</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/louisiana/cap.htm">Louisiana State Capitol, Baton Rouge</a>, LA</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.exploresouthernhistory.com/powdermagazine.html">Old Arsenal Museum, Baton Rouge</a>, LA</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/nr/travel/louisiana/pen.htm">Pentagon Barracks, Baton Rouge</a>, LA</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Longwood (ghost town), East Baton Rouge Parish</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Burtville (ghost town) - South of Baton Rouge</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Bayou Goula Ghost Town, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">White Castle, LA</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UY4bIj7cRgk/UQJeqVkDO1I/AAAAAAAAB8w/MmFtDcnc6Y8/s1600/gulfcoast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-UY4bIj7cRgk/UQJeqVkDO1I/AAAAAAAAB8w/MmFtDcnc6Y8/s200/gulfcoast.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mississippi Coast Line</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Mississippi/Louisiana Coast:</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.prairieghosts.com/hawes.html">Phantom Harp of Hawes Mansion Ruins</a> – Pass Christian, Mississippi </span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ship_Island_(Mississippi)">Ship Island, Biloxi, MS</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.beauvoir.org/">Beauvoir Mansion, Biloxi, MS</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.biloxi.ms.us/museums/biloxilighthouse/">Biloxi Lighthouse</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Biloxi Historical Walking Tour</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://www.crt.state.la.us/parks/ifortpike.aspx" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Fort Pike State Historic Site, New Orleans, LA</a></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.crt.state.la.us/museum/properties/usmint/">Old U.S. Mint, New Orleans, LA</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.gsa.gov/portal/ext/html/site/hb/category/25431/actionParameter/exploreByBuilding/buildingId/925">Old U.S. Custom House, New Orleans, LA</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.frenchquarter.com/sightseeing/">French Quarter, New Orleans, LA</a> - Including Jackson Square, Bourbon St, Voodoo Spiritual Temple, St. Louis Cemetery No. 1, Spirit Tour, City Sites Bus Tour</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/jela/chalmette-battlefield.htm">Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Chalmette</a></span>, <span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">LA</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Lafayette, Louisiana Area:</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/jela/wetlands-acadian-cultural-center.htm">Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve, Wetlands Acadian Cultural Center</a>, </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Thibodaux, LA</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.chitimacha.gov/tribal_museum_main.htm">Chitimacha Museum</a>, Charenton, LA</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.stmartinville.org/">St. Martinville, LA</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.acadianvillage.org/home_page0.aspx">Acadian Village</a>, Lafayette, LA</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.nps.gov/jela/new-acadian-cultural-center.htm">Jean Lafitte National Historical Park and Preserve - Acadian Cultural Center</a>, Lafayette, LA</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.louisianatravel.com/vermilionville">Bayou Vermilion District</a>, Lafayette, LA</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.crt.state.la.us/parks/ilongfell.aspx">Longfellow-Evangeline State Historic Site</a>, Lafayette, LA</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HPQeuDgsxWs/UQJn2o1LhII/AAAAAAAAB9A/LZSot-o3aGk/s1600/sabinepass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-HPQeuDgsxWs/UQJn2o1LhII/AAAAAAAAB9A/LZSot-o3aGk/s200/sabinepass.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Sabine Pass Battleground</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Southwest Lousiana and Southeast Texas:</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.crt.state.la.us/parks/ishjones.aspx">Sam Houston Jones State Park</a>, Lake Charles, LA</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.louisianatravel.com/old-spanish-trail">Old Spanish Trail</a> - Westlake, Lake Charles, Sulphur, Vinton, LA</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.visitportarthurtx.com/attractions/historical-cultural-attractions/">Port Arthur, TX</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.visitsabinepassbattleground.com/index.aspx?page=14">Sabine Pass Battleground State Park</a> and Historic Site, TX </span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Central Louisiana:</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.acadiansingray.com/photo%20gallery-yellow_bayou.htm">Battle of Yellow Bayou</a>, Simmesport, LA</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.crt.state.la.us/parks/imarksvle.aspx">Marksville State Historic Site</a>, Marksville, LA</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.marksvillechamberofcommerce.com/fort_derussy.htm">Fort DeRussy</a>, Marksville, LA</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.crt.state.la.us/parks/iftsrandbuhlow.aspx">Fort Randolph and Fort Buhlow State Historic Site</a>, Pineville, LA</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.louisianatravel.com/cane-river-creole-national-heritage-area">Cane River Creole National Historical Park Magnolia Plantation Complex</a>, Derry LA</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dD5fqseCmS8/UQJn-A3itwI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/GJfq4g8tXJ8/s1600/Natchitoches.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="114" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dD5fqseCmS8/UQJn-A3itwI/AAAAAAAAB9Q/GJfq4g8tXJ8/s200/Natchitoches.png" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Natchitoches</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Natchitoches, LA and East Texas:</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.explorenatchitoches.com/attractions/historic-district/">Natchitoches National Historic Landmark District</a></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.caneriverheritage.org/main_file.php/fortstjean.php">Fort St. Jean Baptiste State Historic Site</a>, Natchitoches, LA</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.toledo-bend.com/attractions/index.asp?request=mansfield">Mansfield State </a></span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.toledo-bend.com/attractions/index.asp?request=mansfield">Historic Site</a>, Mansfield, LA </span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.explorenatchitoches.com/attractions/adai-indian-nation-cultural-center/">Adai Indian Nation Cultural Center</a>, Robeline, LA </span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.louisianatravel.com/los-adaes-state-historic-site">Los Adaes State Historic Site</a>, Robeline, LA</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.crt.state.la.us/parks/iftjesup.aspx">Fort Jesup State Historic Site</a> - Many, LA</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.battleofpleasanthill.com/history.asp">Pleasant Hill Battlefield</a>, Pleasant Hill Battlefield Park Road</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">, Pleasant Hill, TX</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.explorenatchitoches.com/history-culture/el-camino-real/">El Camino Real</a> from Natchitoches, LA to Nacogdoches, TX</span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2GuB06Ve104/UQJn6rDJwEI/AAAAAAAAB9I/y7kFyy6rVWg/s1600/Nacogdoches.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="134" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2GuB06Ve104/UQJn6rDJwEI/AAAAAAAAB9I/y7kFyy6rVWg/s200/Nacogdoches.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nacogdoches</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Nacogdoches, Texas Area:</span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Geneva, TX – Ghostown - The oldest continuously occupied town in East Texas</span></div>
</li>
<li><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://visit.sanaugustinetx.com/">St. Augustine, TX</a> Driving Tour</span>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.visitnacogdoches.org/page.php?id=16&category=What%20To%20Do">Nacogdoches Historic Town Center</a>, Nacogdoches, TX</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ghosts of Nacogdoches Historical Trail</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.millardscrossing.org/">Millard's Crossing Historic Village</a>, Nacogdoches, TX</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.olduniversitybuilding.com/history.html">Old University Building</a>, Nacogdoches, TX</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.sfasu.edu/stonefort/">Stone Fort Museum</a>, Nacogdoches, TX </span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The remainder of route will be determined by time available. Choices are to continue through <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/tx-mainpage.html">Texas</a> for a family visit near Sherman, checking out several ghost towns along the way, and heading northeast </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ar-mainpage.html">Arkansas</a> through Little Rock and <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ar-scenic7byway.html">Scenic 7 Byway</a> to </span><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/mo-mainpage.html" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Missouri</a><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> . Alternatively, we'll skip the rest of Texas and head home -- hopefully along the same Arkansas route. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Whew!!! I'm tired just writing all this down. It's gonna be a whirlwind trip - estimating about 6 weeks. If I've missed important historical sites and you're familiar with the area, please let me know. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Otherwise, we'll "see" ya on the road.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Kathy Weiser-Alexander</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Owner/Founder, <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/">Legends of America</a></span><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Legends of America is a Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic Minded.</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12597141614262458574noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8743388.post-70544727064612005492013-01-20T07:29:00.000-06:002013-01-20T07:44:57.322-06:00Change In Name for Our Store<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-fy2M1BV6m359nwQiHrCh9nKHYVVm9nyMc4MWT2-MQ8zC0q5lMHhBg-5Jutj2fGTRMLhd4lDJM7TI-TBdu0nTwvL3u7pS6Og5N9kmZEB04fn9fk6_1oktN6AdD0P_MlD84Cd/s1600/StoreFBProfile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ-fy2M1BV6m359nwQiHrCh9nKHYVVm9nyMc4MWT2-MQ8zC0q5lMHhBg-5Jutj2fGTRMLhd4lDJM7TI-TBdu0nTwvL3u7pS6Og5N9kmZEB04fn9fk6_1oktN6AdD0P_MlD84Cd/s1600/StoreFBProfile.jpg" title="Legends' General Store" /></a></div>
Just a quick house keeping note. As we move into our 10th year on the world wide web, we have decided it's time to further streamline our overall brand.<br />
<br />
Kathy started the "Rocky Mountain General Store" in 1998 as a booth in an antique mall near <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/mo-warsaw.html">Warsaw, Mo</a>. In 2003, when Kathy started<a href="http://legendsofamerica.com/"> Legends Of America</a>, she began using the Rocky Mountain General Store as a way to support her hobby. Today, all of our products have moved "On Line", and are the primary funding source for Legends Of America's travels, free news letter, and thousands of pages on American History.<br />
<br />
<b>In 2013 we are further incorporating the Rocky Mountain General Store into our primary business, renaming it simply <a href="http://store.legendsofamerica.com/" target="_blank">Legends' General Store</a>.</b><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
As we always, we continue to offer a variety of history and travel related products, in addition to many other items, and the change is in branding/name only. You will continue to see the highest level of customer service and quality products you've come to expect from our small business. <br />
<br />
Our primary categories of products remain<br />
<br />
<a href="http://store.legendsofamerica.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=122" target="_blank">Our Old West Merchandise</a><br />
<a href="http://store.legendsofamerica.com/images/products/thumb_category_thumb_122_Mercantileicon600x600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://store.legendsofamerica.com/images/products/thumb_category_thumb_122_Mercantileicon600x600.jpg" width="200" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://store.legendsofamerica.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=124" target="_blank">Our Native American Products</a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://store.legendsofamerica.com/images/products/thumb_category_thumb_124_teepeetradingpost2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://store.legendsofamerica.com/images/products/thumb_category_thumb_124_teepeetradingpost2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://store.legendsofamerica.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=123" target="_blank">Our Route 66 Products </a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://store.legendsofamerica.com/images/products/thumb_category_66Emporium-600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://store.legendsofamerica.com/images/products/thumb_category_66Emporium-600.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
In addition we have added <a href="http://store.legendsofamerica.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=324" target="_blank">Outdoor, Sports and Travel </a>and <a href="http://store.legendsofamerica.com/index.php?l=product_list&c=326" target="_blank">Gift Ideas</a> for additional ease in browsing our store.<br />
<br />
For more about Legends' General Store, and our other offerings, see <a href="http://store.legendsofamerica.com/index.php?l=page_view&p=about_us" target="_blank">About Us</a> in the store. And stay connected with specials and featured products by liking our stores <a href="http://www.facebook.com/LegendsGeneralStore" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>.<br />
<br />
Dave Alexander (Owner-Operations Manager)<br />
Kathy Weiser-Alexander (Owner/Founder)<br />
Legends Of America<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Legends of America is a Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic Minded.</div>Dave Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243636591572159544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8743388.post-24993278238302644642012-11-05T14:03:00.000-06:002012-11-05T14:33:32.241-06:00Jim Hinckley Contributes to Legends<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/jimhinckley/images/jimhinckley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/jimhinckley/images/jimhinckley.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author Jim Hinckley</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/" target="_blank">Legends Of America</a> is proud to announce that award winning author Jim Hinckley is now an official contributor to our website. Many are already familiar with Jim's fantastic works, including books on <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/66-main.html" target="_blank">Route 66</a> and <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ghosttowns.html" target="_blank">Ghost Towns</a>. Jim is also known in the auto world as a former Associate Editor of Cars and Parts Magazine, where he contributed a monthly column profiling the independent thinkers of the American Auto industry.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
His love of history, especially that of Route 66 and the American Southwest, shine bright through his photography and his writings. Jim says <i>"After years of having friends and associates tell me that I was blessed with a gift for telling folks where to go, and with support from my loving wife, I began writing about my passion for lost highways, the road less traveled, the special places found along the way, and the vintage vehicles that once traveled them."</i> Eight books have resulted from that passion to date, along with more than a thousand feature articles for a wide array of publications including Old Cars Weekly, Classic Auto Restorer, American Road and others. Jim was also featured in an interview with Jay Leno on Jay Leno's Garage.<br />
<br />
In 2010, Jim was one of several Co-Authors, including Legend's founder Kathy Wesier-Alexander, for the book "<a href="http://store.legendsofamerica.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=254" target="_blank">Greetings From Route 66</a>". It was during this project we became more familiar with Hinckley's work and began following his adventures. After several attempts to connect, always interrupted by life on our end, we finally had the chance to sit down with Jim at last months <a href="http://legendsofamerica.blogspot.com/2012/10/a-little-missouri-66-in-october.html" target="_blank">Cuba Missouri Route 66 </a>Festival. Our partnership formed quickly over some bacon, biscuits and gravy. And who doesn't like bacon? It was enough for us to know it would be a productive agreement. Jim blogged <i>"To say I am excited about being a contributor for this website would be a gross understatement as it has been a favorite of mine for years." </i><br />
<br />
We look forward to bringing you Jim's passion on a regular basis, including two new stories already published. "<a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/jh-stanleybrothers.html" target="_blank">Two Heads are Better Than One</a>" is the story of brothers F.O. and F.E. Stanley, legendary automobile pioneers who transformed the world with their genius. And "<a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/jh-johnsoncanyon.html" target="_blank">Frontier Era Time Capsule</a>", a look at the Johnson Canyon rail tunnel, an <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/az-mainpage.html" target="_blank">Arizona</a> forgotten time capsule of large importance in American rail westward expansion. <br />
<br />
Jim currently writes a blog "<a href="http://route66chronicles.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Route 66 Chronicles</a>", about the life of a starving artist on Route 66, and says <i>"It is my sincere hope that you find my books and articles an inspiration for over coming obstacles, discovering the joy that comes from seeking the road less traveled, and are inspired to make a road trip or two."</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
You can read more about Jim on his L<a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/jimhinckley-bio.html" target="_blank">egends Bio Page</a>, which also has links to his various books and of course, articles on <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/" target="_blank">Legends Of America</a>. <br />
<br />
Please help us welcome Jim Hinckley to Legends Of America!<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Legends of America is a Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic Minded.</div>Dave Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243636591572159544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8743388.post-39429811349801784602012-10-31T20:51:00.000-05:002012-10-31T21:14:42.913-05:00How to help Sandy VictimsKathy and I send our prayers to everyone effected by Sandy. The scenes have been heart wrenching, yet mixed with uplifting courage and strength. As we have time and time again, American's will pull through due, in no small part, to the enormous generosity and caring of our citizenry.<br />
<br />
If you can help, we suggest the following resources. <br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/2012/10/31/how-help-survivors-hurricane-sandy" target="_blank">White House Release - How to help the Survivors of Sandy</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.redcross.org/" target="_blank">Red Cross</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/usn/www_usn_2.nsf" target="_blank">Salvation Army</a><br />
<br />
We look forward to seeing your full recovery as you write the next chapter in our American story.<br />
<br />
Kathy Weiser-Alexander<br />
Dave Alexander<br />
Legends Of America<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Legends of America is a Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic Minded.</div>Dave Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243636591572159544noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8743388.post-11160628383432257952012-10-23T08:32:00.000-05:002012-10-23T22:27:33.216-05:00A Little Missouri 66 in October<b>Friday - Buying a New RV</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9B8R4u9JgvV1f4YO3cXW5JFc16gAN-MycA8ujAEJBt5UxkTfxsWK9bcXJbLPVAFfw4Ao2vtN3uo1Vfx4V3-eNAxV0Hr_5kq7IRG-6eJzSbQEwljtJA5LdHa2kseORzNijW0m_/s1600/Camper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9B8R4u9JgvV1f4YO3cXW5JFc16gAN-MycA8ujAEJBt5UxkTfxsWK9bcXJbLPVAFfw4Ao2vtN3uo1Vfx4V3-eNAxV0Hr_5kq7IRG-6eJzSbQEwljtJA5LdHa2kseORzNijW0m_/s200/Camper.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our New KZ Sportsman 200</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If you're a reader of our Newsletter or this blog, you know that we borrowed a camper last month and took it to Tennessee to see if it was a feasible lifestyle for us. After really enjoying the experience, <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/newsletter-0912.html" target="_blank">we asked our Newsletter readers</a> to chime in on their experiences and recommendations and received some great feedback. Like making sure to think through the traffic flow inside the RV based on your typical occupancy. How's it work with 2 dogs? Getting one with a larger fridge that runs on both propane and electric. Checking for any water damage, are the tires good, etc. Lots of great advice that we took into consideration on our search.<br />
<br />
With our towing capacity at 3500 pounds, we were limited in our choices for the size of camper we required. We both knew that one of us would wind up hurt in less than a 19 foot trailer (probably me). Having separate offices at home, in separate buildings, has made us a bit spoiled in that aspect. In short, what we found out is that until about 2010, most travel trailers 20 feet were over 3500 pounds, but gas prices seemed to have forced the industry to develop more light weight, larger trailers for fuel economy. That meant that everything we found 'used' that we liked was over our limit, while everything used within our limit was too small. <br />
<br />
That ultimately led us to the KZ Sportsmen. After looking at several floor plans, what was perfect for our needs was the <a href="http://kz-rv.com/sportsmen-classic/200.html" target="_blank">Sportsmen Classic 200</a>. We never intended to buy a new camper as we are big believers in buying any vehicle used. However, the price on these made it very appealing, especially when many of the used we had looked at were only a couple thousand cheaper. So after many searches and phone calls, we found our's waiting for us in Cape Girardeau at <a href="http://www.youngbloodrv.com/" target="_blank">Youngblood's Capetown RV</a>. That's six hours away from Warsaw, but we thought why not make it another adventure and spend some quality time coming home along Missouri Route 66. (This is obviously our first experience at buying a camper, so won't give Youngblood's nor the Sportsmen a complete review other than to say the staff was friendly, they worked with us a little on price, went over everything in the camper, and even let our dogs come in for the paper work signing. No complaints).<br />
<br />
<b>Saturday - Towing Our New Mobile Motel Home in Missouri Color</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp85OlG3A-pWYyljL4d6kvVqxbZcs7TWZQ3IkenmadF0eQwdKxNPOddwPGC7YrGpMPgNBvK5ivgJanmVldhG7__2dYPoyfRGvSbZblSOd2zZM1wi0aGj80P1BqtMedKfojm9pt/s1600/MissouriBarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp85OlG3A-pWYyljL4d6kvVqxbZcs7TWZQ3IkenmadF0eQwdKxNPOddwPGC7YrGpMPgNBvK5ivgJanmVldhG7__2dYPoyfRGvSbZblSOd2zZM1wi0aGj80P1BqtMedKfojm9pt/s320/MissouriBarn.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Missouri in October is very colorful (just outside of Cape Girardeau)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
We stayed in Cape Girardeau at Cape Camping RV Park. Very clean park, nice pull through's to make it easy on me that first night, and level. But this is what Kathy refers to as RV Parking lots. Row after row, close together and NO trees. Close together not really that big of a deal, but the lack of shade and the feeling of being in a parking lot would exclude this place as a long term stay for us. Also, I thought it was odd to have a speed bump coming in the park, which led us to our first indication that we need to secure the cabinets in the camper better.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6K8qx6UfGHH3QelOmbUUZ8fV2j7ecKTZAcf3qBSSWa_WI980KDA24TV2-psLM0RapcHG8UE3wcQTg2-xC58luTR-L9sVhrcacAP7fXoqT46uY_TsgJMEP0pDiyGrKDlUQkgn7/s1600/MeramacCavernBarn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="115" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6K8qx6UfGHH3QelOmbUUZ8fV2j7ecKTZAcf3qBSSWa_WI980KDA24TV2-psLM0RapcHG8UE3wcQTg2-xC58luTR-L9sVhrcacAP7fXoqT46uY_TsgJMEP0pDiyGrKDlUQkgn7/s200/MeramacCavernBarn.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Meramac Barn east of Stanton, Missouri</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We wasted no time getting on the road Saturday morning, with our ultimate destination being Cuba Missouri, which just happened to be having their annual Cuba Fest. So we head up I-55 to Festus, then cut across to St. Clair to catch the Mother Road. Beautiful colors this time of year with Fall in full swing, we felt it was the perfect time for Route 66, which meandors along the frontage road of I-44. St. Clair was established in 1849 as "Travelers Repose" but changed to its current name in 1855. With small town charm and attractions, make time to stop here if you can. (Read more about this stretch of 66 <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/mo-graysummit.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>)<br />
<br />
Continuing west we go through a favorite for 66'ers, Stanton. Close to Meramac Caverns, there are some interesting attractions beyond the cave here, including the Jesse James Museum. If your into 66 history like us, you also want to get a pic of the now closed Antique Toy Museum which attracted many over the years before being closed down in 2009. (More about Stanton <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/mo-stanton.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>)<br />
<br />
Sullivan is also nearby, founded in the mid 1850's. With a revitalized historic downtown and it's close proximity to Meramac State Park, it's another great place to relax along your Route 66 journey before continuing west to Bourbon, thought to be the only the only town in the U.S. named after Bourbon Whiskey, an apparent result of Irish immigrants who helped build the railroad. (More on Sullivan and Bourbon <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/mo-sullivanbourbon.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkc-tYDP3hFUyVNMbsYRnyaOLuTX_y8VCbB4OKCfVBtMyfqJOarWqEhNgQ8CuwcSM2QFvPSVCAIdATWrIWGHSNa9l57qeVQySZm25Xq039wPlEVQ3vZtKInUX863Dd-tehzi9L/s1600/WagonWheel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="139" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkc-tYDP3hFUyVNMbsYRnyaOLuTX_y8VCbB4OKCfVBtMyfqJOarWqEhNgQ8CuwcSM2QFvPSVCAIdATWrIWGHSNa9l57qeVQySZm25Xq039wPlEVQ3vZtKInUX863Dd-tehzi9L/s200/WagonWheel.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Heading west, we're getting into Missouri Vineyard country, with several Wine Vineyards along our path to Cuba. I never really thought of Missouri as a place for Wine making, but there are a lot of quality ones in this part of the country. Established in 1857, Cuba got it's name from the island country and was known for its apple orchards and barrel making. Though the apple production declined in the 1930's, barrel making continues to this day. It was also in the 1930's that the town picked up and moved the original town site next to the railroad tracks to be closer to the new Route 66. With that move, several services and tourist stops sprang up, including the now historic <a href="http://www.wagonwheel66cuba.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3&Itemid=4" target="_blank">Wagon Wheel Motel</a>. Starting as the Wagon Wheel Cabins in 1935, this motel is now on the National Register of Historic Places and continues to serve travelers today. Purchased in 2009 by Connie Echols, the motel has been completely restored and feature some of the most unique original buildings left on the Route today.<br />
<br />
Of course we had to stop in at the annual Route 66 Cuba Fest. Traditionally the third weekend in October, this event is a big draw for Mother Road fans, and featured trolley tours and plenty of 66 history and fun. Make plans to attend in 2013 if you can. You can find out more via the <a href="http://cubamomurals.com/" target="_blank">Cuba Mural City website</a> and of course the <a href="http://cubamochamber.com/" target="_blank">Chamber of Commerce</a>. And be sure to read our story on Cuba (soon to be updated) <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/mo-cuba.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
Still getting accustomed to hauling an RV, we decided it best to camp here for a night or two and see the sites without camper in tow. We found a great RV park called the Lady Bug right outside of town. Plenty of trees and a layout that doesn't make you feel your in a parking lot, this stop gets high marks from us. Good internet, full hookups and a great price with friendly owners! Couldn't recommend the <a href="http://www.ladybugrvpark.com/" target="_blank">Lady Bug RV Park and Campground</a> enough. The only problem, as of this writing, was the fact that Kathy's smartphone didn't get 3 or 4G service here, but the wireless internet provided was plenty adequate during the times of day we needed it most (early morning).<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday - Day Tripping down forgotten parts of the Mother Road</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNkdbKvLtVACy8Bbvz2HTK2E8ibWfSvrKX8z_cRKIUvbKY27GU-8pswte_GfDi1RtrxSwQyp-pKNrH7hgH2e0DOrbjU2F0Y6G9ud8Zkp9uculW0JIrsuyxnnJc7aUVl8IXOTX/s1600/LargestRocker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnNkdbKvLtVACy8Bbvz2HTK2E8ibWfSvrKX8z_cRKIUvbKY27GU-8pswte_GfDi1RtrxSwQyp-pKNrH7hgH2e0DOrbjU2F0Y6G9ud8Zkp9uculW0JIrsuyxnnJc7aUVl8IXOTX/s200/LargestRocker.jpg" width="133" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Worlds Largest Rocking<br />
Chair</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b></b><br />
<b></b>
We started Sunday morning by having breakfast with our 66 friends <a href="http://jimhinckleystudio.zenfolio.com/" target="_blank">Jim Hinckley</a> and Rich Henry. Mr. Hinckley is a co-author with Kathy on "<a href="http://store.legendsofamerica.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=254" target="_blank">Greetings from Route 66</a>", and has written several other books, including "<a href="http://store.legendsofamerica.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=155" target="_blank">Ghost Towns of Route 66</a>", "<a href="http://store.legendsofamerica.com/index.php?l=product_detail&p=156" target="_blank">Ghost Towns of the Southwest</a>" and others. His latest endeavor just debuted and is sure to be a 66 Best Seller. "The Route 66 Encyclopedia" debuted at Cuba Fest and goes on sale November 1. Be watching <a href="http://store.legendsofamerica.com/" target="_blank">Legend's General Store</a> as we make it available soon. Hinckley came into Cuba all the way from Arizona, while Rich Henry came in from Staunton Illinois. Henry runs the fun Route 66 must see attraction "<a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/il-henryrabbitranch.html" target="_blank">Henry's Rabbit Ranch</a>" and it was great to catch up with both of them along with Jim's wife Judy.<br />
<br />
Feeling unencumbered with our RV back at the park, we left breakfast heading west on Old 66 to our first photo stop at the <a href="http://www.fanning66outpost.com/" target="_blank">Fanning Route 66 Outpost</a>, home to the Guiness Certified Worlds Largest Rocking Chair, which stands just over 42 feet tall and 20 feet wide. From there it's down the road to Rosati, Little Italy in Central Missouri. This is most definitely wine country and Rosati has an intriguing history dating back to the 1840's. Read more about this historic town <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/mo-rosati.html" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzaOXQmtrNRBMIaahFW561zhcBB7NOIgXUhpo4zQ1QZuRj_5hqNYOIobrtXzThsTIRhCZykEVPGMX-78VRBP16vx9xqsxlQe53y5ykq5-gnhAEjiNkR2K9VtnI5JXQOdowdtX/s1600/JohnsModernA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnzaOXQmtrNRBMIaahFW561zhcBB7NOIgXUhpo4zQ1QZuRj_5hqNYOIobrtXzThsTIRhCZykEVPGMX-78VRBP16vx9xqsxlQe53y5ykq5-gnhAEjiNkR2K9VtnI5JXQOdowdtX/s200/JohnsModernA.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John's Modern Cabins</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
From Rosati we stayed on the Mother Road, going through <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/mo-stjames.html" target="_blank">St. James</a>, and <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/mo-rolla.html" target="_blank">Rolla</a>, each with plenty of history, but being the Ghost Town type geeks we are, our primary focus of the day was really an area just west of there off exit 176 and down Arlington Outer Road. This section of Route 66 that was bypassed by I-44 in 1957, was bypassed even more when I-44 was again adjusted further north more recently. It's also the place you'll find the long abandoned John's Modern Cabin's, next to the still active and Route 66 Icon Vernelle's Motel. John's Modern Cabin's is on private property, but the owner allows you to walk around "at your own risk". Nothing being done to preserve, these cabins that once served weary travelers are not long from being completely gone, so we were glad we made the trek to capture what's left in photos.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1Sdfba6CjGNKVOWISy6_X9xAD2-DuxytLSKc0b6j6rLpDOZcArdBQoMe7pLCCUbwizgVttrjgzLb7BKNVWVBDLOqRbUX8OoQB4g6ly4aFijgoWtGH8N5_5t6W6_8p9Sxr0Jc/s1600/Arlington.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq1Sdfba6CjGNKVOWISy6_X9xAD2-DuxytLSKc0b6j6rLpDOZcArdBQoMe7pLCCUbwizgVttrjgzLb7BKNVWVBDLOqRbUX8OoQB4g6ly4aFijgoWtGH8N5_5t6W6_8p9Sxr0Jc/s200/Arlington.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1860's Hotel still stands in Arlington</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had an extra treat just a bit further down this outer road when we reached the Ghost Town of Arlington. Founded in 1867, this was a popular resort town in the early days of Route 66, with a hotel that dates back to the original founding. After Route 66 was widened then later bypassed the town it went into decline and today is privately owned. We will be writing much more about Arlington soon as there is great history being restored here and new owners are making good use of the existing homes and historic hotel. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RQ5NLib1oRBysx5wS6FOyjOOYbglbQE13qwaEC7wdPYqGhHDRkZH7DIH6bovNByxdZzDmxER5QhrZLrhrY1FhhK1LbzhR67tJl5Iqdi12ZZK_0NGoNBbpHf9bBJ0AVvshWOc/s1600/StonyDell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RQ5NLib1oRBysx5wS6FOyjOOYbglbQE13qwaEC7wdPYqGhHDRkZH7DIH6bovNByxdZzDmxER5QhrZLrhrY1FhhK1LbzhR67tJl5Iqdi12ZZK_0NGoNBbpHf9bBJ0AVvshWOc/s200/StonyDell.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stony Dell Resort</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Still more to see in this area, we had to backtrack to the Interstate and venture off exit 172 to Jerome, just past the abandoned Stony Dell Resort. Much like John's Modern Cabins, this once popular stop stands as a reminder of more leisurely travel days along Route 66. Just before Stony Dell you will see the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/mo-jerometears.html" target="_blank">Trail of Tears Memorial</a>, built by Larry Bagget. The memorial was once a major attraction on the Route, but was abandoned after Baggets death in 2003 and is now closed off. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We wrapped up our day continuing on Old Route 66, through <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/mo-pulaskicounty.html" target="_blank">Devils Elbow</a> and Hookers Cut before making our way back to the interstate and back to our camp ground outside of Cuba. It was a great day for history that you can see in our Facebook photo album "Fall In Missouri" <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151203511809732.471102.110001784731&type=1" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
Ps. After spending quality time in our <a href="http://kz-rv.com/sportsmen-classic/200.html" target="_blank">KZ Sportsmen 200</a>, we both feel very much at home in it. We believe this is going to fit our travel lifestyle well.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Q1c-33neaKCutMX8i-60NLmcJB7LcnXe3GPEXTFzGLuBabQOj0ZK0cWOD-_YMpXnbmSguZ7AvINS_Ewy43ssFVT6zJHdF74v7ITnFcosEnCB2sgJrzPoKfzlmmQwVSVGCAyk/s1600/TurkeyCrossing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Q1c-33neaKCutMX8i-60NLmcJB7LcnXe3GPEXTFzGLuBabQOj0ZK0cWOD-_YMpXnbmSguZ7AvINS_Ewy43ssFVT6zJHdF74v7ITnFcosEnCB2sgJrzPoKfzlmmQwVSVGCAyk/s320/TurkeyCrossing.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Why did the Turkey Cross the Road? To see where Chicken went. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Legends of America is a Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic Minded.</div>Dave Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243636591572159544noreply@blogger.com0Cuba, MO, USA38.0628225 -91.403483338.037819000000006 -91.442965300000012 38.087826 -91.3640013tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8743388.post-59885653874780917652012-09-23T08:40:00.000-05:002012-09-23T08:41:18.960-05:00Buffalo Bill in Scotland?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<i><span style="color: blue;">Editors Note: The following guest post to Legends Blog is submitted by Fiona J. Johnston</span></i><br />
<br />
<div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<b>Buffalo Bill In Scotland?</b></h2>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://photos.legendsofamerica.com/img/s1/v22/p1061954380-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="216" src="http://photos.legendsofamerica.com/img/s1/v22/p1061954380-4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
On the evening of 16th November 1891 in the city of Glasgow, Scotland, around 6,000 people gathered to watch the most exciting show of the age. Rumours had been circulating for weeks before the show's arrival and now the audience’s anticipation and excitement had reached a frenzied peak.<br />
<br /></div>
But finally the wait was over, and the first notes from the cowboy band carried across the cold sharp air as they started their rendition of the Stars and Stripes, and Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show began.<br />
<br />
A hundred years ago Buffalo Bill was a world class celebrity in the order of someone like Madonna or The Beatles today. Everyone would have known about Buffalo Bill and his Wild West Show, and everyone would be talking about his visit.<br />
<br />
Ask today’s Glaswegians about Buffalo Bill and a few may know that in the Glaswegian suburb of Dennistoun there stands a commemorative bronze statue of Bill on horseback, fewer still are aware of the Scottish tour.<br />
<br />
But one person will not let Buffalo Bill’s visit to Scotland fall into the shadows of history, Scottish writer and director Alan Knight. Alan is currently developing a documentary ‘Buffalo Bill In Scotland - An Evocation’ adapted from Scottish author Tom F. Cunningham’s book ‘Your Fathers The Ghosts – Buffalo Bill’s Wild West In Scotland.’<br />
<br />
Knight was completely inspired by the book and has spent a lifetime in love with the Wild West and the great age of the American frontier. He set about further researching the Wild West tour thinking of ways he could adapt the book to the screen.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://photos.legendsofamerica.com/img/s3/v23/p740012581-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="http://photos.legendsofamerica.com/img/s3/v23/p740012581-3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
He soon discovered that there is little in the way of archive material surrounding the show’s visit to Scotland, although Buffalo Bill visited the country twice, once in 1891 and again in 1904 with his ‘Rough Riders Of The World.’ So Knight thought the best way around the problem would be to incorporate animations where archive material is missing.<br />
<br />
Material on such characters as one George C. Davis otherwise known as Carter The Cowboy Cyclist who performed death defying acts of the most daring and sensational kind. Carter was the Evel Knievel of his day but instead of a motorcycle he used a push bike.<br />
<br />
If that sounds a little tame to you, consider that this was at a time in history when bicycles were a luxury item only the very rich could afford. Most of the audience had probably never even ridden a bike, let alone thought about flying through the air on one.<br />
<br />
Knight had a test animation of Carter created, quirky and fun but also totally reflective of the mood and time of the Wild West Shows, this was definitely the way forward. So he set his mind to developing a documentary adding multi-media into the usual documentary mix, creating an exciting modern take on this fascinating moment in history.<br />
<br />
The Wild West Show played at only one Scottish city during the 1891 tour, Glasgow. During this great Victorian age the city was second only to London in the British Empire and was a huge powerhouse of industry and commerce.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://photos.legendsofamerica.com/img/s1/v19/p845028335-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="68" src="http://photos.legendsofamerica.com/img/s1/v19/p845028335-3.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
When Bill visited Scotland the second time in 1904 with his Rough Riders Of The World Show he toured all over Scotland visiting towns such as Perth and Dundee and even went as far North as Inverness, the capital of the Highlands.<br />
<br />
While in Inverness, two of the Indian company Iron Tail and Blue Shield took a trip even further North to John O’ Groats the most northerly settlement on the British mainland. They were accompanied by Mr. Small who had taken to dressing in a kilt while touring Scotland and was the show’s photographer.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxStOw8pp18VsGfDuAWb2ZjZY2JxS24hcKTUqoziyuwo3ww-mvy7Gy9E5QEDENCQm5BWUkNBJ8yb3_MCXY0LB7WZGxIpwvmZwBERE7XvZD01_9Q2Ukju2IpY_Zz2fI9fp-43uu/s1600/Iron+Tail+in+Glasgow-300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxStOw8pp18VsGfDuAWb2ZjZY2JxS24hcKTUqoziyuwo3ww-mvy7Gy9E5QEDENCQm5BWUkNBJ8yb3_MCXY0LB7WZGxIpwvmZwBERE7XvZD01_9Q2Ukju2IpY_Zz2fI9fp-43uu/s200/Iron+Tail+in+Glasgow-300.jpg" width="158" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Iron Tail in Glasgow, 1904<br />
(photo courtesy of<br />
Invisible Emperors Ltd)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
An article in the Northern Ensign, a local newspaper, comments that both Indians were dressed in their ‘Native garb,’ and were ‘decorated with feathers.’ Local onlookers had a totally different view of the Indians. They were convinced the warriors were women!<br />
<br />
After all, the Indians had long, dark hair and smooth skin on their faces, it was an easy mistake to make… However, the photograph sold well as a postcard, and the incident is a great example of Buffalo Bill’s showmanship and marketing skills.<br />
<br />
No one knows if Iron Tail and Blue Shield found out what those John O’ Groats onlookers thought. And it is ironic that many of the Native Americans who travelled with the Wild West Show were warriors who had fought during the Wounded Knee massacre. Their lands lost to immigrants, and their culture suppressed by white Europeans, much like the ones they were now entertaining.<br />
<br />
In fact, the Wild West Show was one of the few ways that the Native Americans were able to preserve their culture, through the display of traditional skills in horsemanship and archery.<br />
<br />
The documentary will explore the response of the Scottish people to the show and will look at fantastic characters in the Buffalo Bill company, such as Charging Thunder, one of the Lakota contingent, who attacked George C. Crager, an interpreter with the show. Charging Thunder ended up in Barlinnie, a Glasgow prison, for 30 days after Colonel Cody called the police.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://photos.legendsofamerica.com/img/s1/v20/p761868119-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://photos.legendsofamerica.com/img/s1/v20/p761868119-3.jpg" width="140" /></a></div>
And Annie Oakley, who could famously split a playing card on its edge several times before it hit the ground, she was apparently so enamoured with tartan that she had some wonderful photographic portraits taken dressed in a tartan outfit.<br />
<br />
If you'd like to see the photographs of Annie and find out about the progress of the documentary, then please click on the Facebook link below.<br />
<br />
Please 'Like' the page to be kept up-to-date with other little known archive images as they're unearthed, as well as Buffalo Bill in Scotland historical information and video updates from the team of filmmakers.<br />
<br />
Also keep October 2nd 2012 in your diary as that's the official launch of the Buffalo Bill in Scotland IndieGoGo campaign. The team are raising development funds for the documentary and will be asking for contributions so they can tell this wonderful story!<br />
<br />
Fiona J. Johnston.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.facebook.com/BuffaloBillInScotland">http://www.facebook.com/BuffaloBillInScotland</a><br />
<a href="https://twitter.com/BuffaloBillScot">https://twitter.com/BuffaloBillScot</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Legends of America is a Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic Minded.</div>Dave Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243636591572159544noreply@blogger.com2Glasgow, Glasgow City, UK55.864237 -4.25180655.721674 -4.5676630000000005 56.006800000000005 -3.9359490000000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8743388.post-90584055247178871342012-09-20T09:45:00.002-05:002012-10-07T14:48:07.669-05:00Tennessee to Missouri (Day 10 - 12)<b>Day 10 - Perfect Timing for Chickamauga</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aJ9Sn2wnyOwRKwncvpPrctq0NmGEPE4PAqoRPvmCXgWzrMLHQK_ZMOAi0rkAt4YrPj7QIpmmF-cBMTHnhsQXJR-WYRL_1_IclpPJVBY3GmBP3bx2_6VjNxLBEFmHt_z89U86/s1600/393744_10151157119144732_1593403718_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3aJ9Sn2wnyOwRKwncvpPrctq0NmGEPE4PAqoRPvmCXgWzrMLHQK_ZMOAi0rkAt4YrPj7QIpmmF-cBMTHnhsQXJR-WYRL_1_IclpPJVBY3GmBP3bx2_6VjNxLBEFmHt_z89U86/s400/393744_10151157119144732_1593403718_n.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Re-enacters firing the cannons during the 149th Anniversary of the Battle of Chickamauga </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Our final days in our <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-civilwar.html" target="_blank">Civil War</a> tour east of the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-mississippiriver.html" target="_blank">Mississippi</a> found us at the "Gateway to the Deep South". Chattanooga, TN and nearby Chickamauga, GA were the scene of several battles, including the second bloodiest battle of the war. In 1863, Union and Confederate forces fought to control Chattanooga, and on September 19 and 20, the Union suffered its most significant defeat in the Western Theater, with the second highest number of casualties in the war during the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-chickamauga.html" target="_blank">Battle of Chickamauga</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdDgGOx5slnBHGROgz4T8BR7K8KhzY0H9c2puUj4haSho2J95iqQ-x-wY75n-QN5lbeeZp4oLHU4uDZaC-CKn33Gs7QPXafEE-GhAB6oqY0pIOVLDG5WZ8pVH96tg7WQAkgcY/s1600/643972_10151157087439732_697213656_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPdDgGOx5slnBHGROgz4T8BR7K8KhzY0H9c2puUj4haSho2J95iqQ-x-wY75n-QN5lbeeZp4oLHU4uDZaC-CKn33Gs7QPXafEE-GhAB6oqY0pIOVLDG5WZ8pVH96tg7WQAkgcY/s200/643972_10151157087439732_697213656_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>We just happen to be there the weekend before the 149th anniversary, and were fortunate enough to catch a little action while there. Re-enacters shot off cannons as part of the commemoration of the battle that saw over 35,000 men either wounded, killed or missing in action. We talked with a park ranger who indicated that they were not allowed to actually re-enact the battle in the park itself. She did not give a specific reason, and we have yet to find one. Plans are underway for a large remembrance event next year for the 150th anniversary, and we were told a re-enactment would be held nearby the park.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
This was a must see on our tour. The Chickamauga National Battlefield Park in Fort Oglethorpe Georgia has some 1,400 monuments and historical markers and a well put together driving tour. We recommend this stop for all history buffs, and it's a great learning experience about some of America's darkest hours.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafxcq31wZnO8eYx7d1kgP-Via7kS8KgrrQDbcvyaF8zFe5yzjxhX6xqI3mcHiCwAPXMV8qtmB4Ycr7WtnSR2E60URScK3CmFadp5nsQUmhMbD3gjQSasATwE-SEnxuLHYI1go/s1600/557176_10151157087759732_127543197_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiafxcq31wZnO8eYx7d1kgP-Via7kS8KgrrQDbcvyaF8zFe5yzjxhX6xqI3mcHiCwAPXMV8qtmB4Ycr7WtnSR2E60URScK3CmFadp5nsQUmhMbD3gjQSasATwE-SEnxuLHYI1go/s200/557176_10151157087759732_127543197_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boyhood Home of John Ross, Rossville, GA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Just down the road, back toward Tennessee in Rossville, GA, we found the two story log house that was once the boyhood home to Cherokee Chief <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/na-johnross.html" target="_blank">John Ross</a>. Although only part Native American, Ross was elected "Principal Chief" of the Cherokee Nation for 40 years, and an advocate for justice for 57 years. He voluntarily chose exile with the Cherokee people as they were forced onto the Trail of Tears, losing his wife along the way.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0o3Ip-D8sKRVzu-MDS-7sPOhXjveEMv43pHI5jK2yQkTlavLffOPrN82FeQY0DmOAGo2Oo84EIGWt2OOuboIaHldF3DN7b3tFRmnIHGBguVoVxhbvITUHjJe8J79lQxZs3Qv/s1600/539449_10151157087139732_2042965218_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY0o3Ip-D8sKRVzu-MDS-7sPOhXjveEMv43pHI5jK2yQkTlavLffOPrN82FeQY0DmOAGo2Oo84EIGWt2OOuboIaHldF3DN7b3tFRmnIHGBguVoVxhbvITUHjJe8J79lQxZs3Qv/s200/539449_10151157087139732_2042965218_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic Hotel</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Back in Chattanooga TN, we made our way downtown for a quick peek at the Chattanooga Choo Choo. The first train pulled into this Gateway Terminal Station in 1909, with the depot growing to serve nearly 50 passenger trains a day. With the decline of travel by rail, traffic at the depot slowed nearly to a halt by the 1960's, and after almost 61 years in operation, the grand old building was closed in August of 1970. Local businessmen reopened it in April of 1973 as a unique vacation complex, and in 1974 it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.. The Chattanooga Choo Choo Historic Hotel is considered one of the city's first historic preservation projects.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP28t0Csb9M195LU3MBtwtKgTwwS-QbdUUlCKmh0OGHE8TY4m9YnonjIWZYF-83iV_cWHKb3ZeLoLsPUEoaIAjw1C1lq3OW1sjo8WRyjXHIae-joaf8oVE_xgxuLjMzMqxLX9l/s1600/183266_10151157088309732_465982593_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP28t0Csb9M195LU3MBtwtKgTwwS-QbdUUlCKmh0OGHE8TY4m9YnonjIWZYF-83iV_cWHKb3ZeLoLsPUEoaIAjw1C1lq3OW1sjo8WRyjXHIae-joaf8oVE_xgxuLjMzMqxLX9l/s200/183266_10151157088309732_465982593_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Craven House on Lookout Mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A few miles away, we found ourselves on Lookout Mountain. During that bloody fall of 1863 as battles raged for Chattanooga, Lookout Mountain played key roles for both Union and Confederate forces. Both sides used the Craven House as an observation post and headquarters at some point, we a complete view of Chattanooga below. The mountain had seen action before during the Summer and Fall of 1794. It was then that American Settlers fought the Cherokee in a decisive success, now known as the "Last Battle of the Cherokee" during the Nickajack Expedition. <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NlnWosZSZIL6Utf61gb_Mqbnh9i7yZZM9SeCNpLGF9JL0CviSoJFZOCubEJZ21GMzb5DkHrAAKJLXgG2BVOGyGq4tGvQCFxImVtOsTrdme5awfyOKzJ0b8gy9moRfg6beFwv/s1600/395193_10151157087259732_1111243232_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="128" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7NlnWosZSZIL6Utf61gb_Mqbnh9i7yZZM9SeCNpLGF9JL0CviSoJFZOCubEJZ21GMzb5DkHrAAKJLXgG2BVOGyGq4tGvQCFxImVtOsTrdme5awfyOKzJ0b8gy9moRfg6beFwv/s200/395193_10151157087259732_1111243232_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from Lookout Mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
On November 24, 1863, the Battle of Lookout Mountain during the Civil War saw a majority of hand to hand combat near Craven's house halfway to the summit. On the day of the battle, fog descended about halfway down the mountain, leading to the event being called the "Battle Above the Clouds". It would play a key role in the Union's ultimate victory for Chattanooga. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpOsAc-6kqQOGkmqFe3_QQTvUxtETZriELy0BBoAuBLE3lZGwKKsCHfT9DUHwo_uCmOuRclplo8xOVqSuZh56nggNCOVofRoMqXQPEo3aQwKU4P_iQG0WtpeykvL2TQn2glJ9/s1600/527385_10151157088614732_1685525530_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpOsAc-6kqQOGkmqFe3_QQTvUxtETZriELy0BBoAuBLE3lZGwKKsCHfT9DUHwo_uCmOuRclplo8xOVqSuZh56nggNCOVofRoMqXQPEo3aQwKU4P_iQG0WtpeykvL2TQn2glJ9/s200/527385_10151157088614732_1685525530_n.jpg" width="148" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">New York Peace Memorial,<br />
Lookout Mountain</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There's plenty to see and do here, with the Lookout Mountain Incline Railway, Ruby Falls Cavern, City of Rocks and Point Park. We stopped at Point Park, which was completed by the Corps of Engineers in 1905 and dedicated to the Union and Confederate soldiers that fought there. Inside the park you will find the New York Peace Memorial, standing 95 feet high and 50 feet wide at its base. On top of the shaft a Union and Confederate Soldier shake hands under one flag, signifying peace and the unification of America after the war.<br />
<br />
It was a good day of touring without the camper in tow, so after a nice meal we headed back to our KOA campground to plan the next day. Unfortunately, the forecast looked like it would plan it for us.<br />
<br />
<b>Day 11 - The Rain Out</b><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSe5zXy68aCUB0gRwvcaoPhAofsAq3jgpEcBDXdujYp3pbv9GD860GA7wdp8AZPkDMlBtB_MlxWu7l9U9_Zp3QhqtYzfnypFRlDT9HxVjqfcVU9Y09tYajH3Di5IvFEvITrAW9/s1600/225977_10151157119219732_625818607_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSe5zXy68aCUB0gRwvcaoPhAofsAq3jgpEcBDXdujYp3pbv9GD860GA7wdp8AZPkDMlBtB_MlxWu7l9U9_Zp3QhqtYzfnypFRlDT9HxVjqfcVU9Y09tYajH3Di5IvFEvITrAW9/s320/225977_10151157119219732_625818607_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainy day in Nashville :(</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We got up Monday knowing that there were several inches of rain predicted for most of Tennessee. After seeing that no matter which way we went we would be in rain, Kathy and I made the hard choice of moving north toward Nashville in hopes of getting out of the weather system. It wouldn't be until we were past Nashville that it would finally slow down enough for us to do anything. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOa4UwWffu762LtbBGLR_85clPrxzt2JeWS5VGq8plOHJeaCmMqZiRyRz5ggDheaxxYWO44Fep7aI0cSy07iz_taXi3Jz8BnoiOPM0yuijW44a8UcsLGfNpUERzzYA1pTx5rr/s1600/421370_10151157086454732_1580948787_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfOa4UwWffu762LtbBGLR_85clPrxzt2JeWS5VGq8plOHJeaCmMqZiRyRz5ggDheaxxYWO44Fep7aI0cSy07iz_taXi3Jz8BnoiOPM0yuijW44a8UcsLGfNpUERzzYA1pTx5rr/s200/421370_10151157086454732_1580948787_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Abandoned business in downtown Adams, TN</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We did find some bonuses (at least what we would call bonuses) along the way. Adams Tennessee isn't a Ghost Town, but this small town of 600 appears to have lost their downtown businesses and the buildings provided some good picture opportunities. Just outside of Adams we wanted to see Bell Witch Cave, but unfortunately it was closed. The Legend of the Bell Witch dates back to the early 1800's. The story of farmer John Bell, settling in the area with is wife and children in 1804, starts around 1817 when members of the family began experiencing strange looking animals around the property, and late night sounds that were unexplained. As time pased, Bell's account of what was happening at his home attracted many to come investigate. Soon after, the noises became a voice which is said to have been a witch named Kate, bent on killing John Bell. Bell died in 1820, some say by the hand of the witch. Strange things have been reported here and in nearby Adams since. The cave has its own stories, and is said to be where the Bell Witch lives. Privately owned today, tours are given during the summer and October.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOv4aoUuZznx8ZB8nuZHyKHw7aNWX85Q_aIqbl6OW4ynU33W2oEaA-1Jx-XXdSnEQGffehKJW2nyJCm4rapJ-PxoGe92_39gbavY8ERk9Em7aII38By1YuBxLDo-rmvAfjUCJH/s1600/60164_10151157087889732_557113747_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOv4aoUuZznx8ZB8nuZHyKHw7aNWX85Q_aIqbl6OW4ynU33W2oEaA-1Jx-XXdSnEQGffehKJW2nyJCm4rapJ-PxoGe92_39gbavY8ERk9Em7aII38By1YuBxLDo-rmvAfjUCJH/s200/60164_10151157087889732_557113747_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guthrie, Ky</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Down the road we stopped for more picture opportunities in historic Guthrie Kentucky. Home to Pulitzer Prize winner Robert Penn Warren, author of "All the Kings Men", and the only person to have won Pulitzer Prizes for both fiction and poetry, Guthrie currently has around 1,500 residents. Established in 1867, the town saw major decline in the 1970's and reportedly had high poverty levels segregating it from its parent county. In recent years new plans for the future have been put in place to revitalize the city, including a Guthrie Transportation Museum.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWw46M3V5B4uTmevONU7SI1c0olI1R4zonMVVTqMv-0u3AhrR3EjZYaCOBt1GfC_5q5BqkFQac7LeVS5EUgCr22C2cLYRnHmjUkRTLOJfmIItAHjQDKh3NccgZZEs8dWrJQik4/s1600/384224_10151157087024732_1727334030_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWw46M3V5B4uTmevONU7SI1c0olI1R4zonMVVTqMv-0u3AhrR3EjZYaCOBt1GfC_5q5BqkFQac7LeVS5EUgCr22C2cLYRnHmjUkRTLOJfmIItAHjQDKh3NccgZZEs8dWrJQik4/s200/384224_10151157087024732_1727334030_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cleaning up abandoned buildings<br />
in downtown Cairo, IL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We kept pushing down the road, deciding we would go ahead and cut our RV adventure short and move closer to home. Along the way we stopped in Cairo Illinois to revisit it's downtown. Right at the convergence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, this town once had a lot of promise, but racism and corruption would be its death. Kathy was here a few years ago and since then we found that they are starting to demolish many of the abandoned buildings downtown as part of a revitalization effort. We will be updating Kathy's very <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/il-cairo.html" target="_blank">extensive story on Cairo</a> soon.<br />
<br />
That would be our final history related stop of the trip as we landed for one more night in the RV near Sikeston Missouri, still over 300 miles from home, and drove straight through Southern MO on Day 12 headed back to <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/mo-warsaw.html" target="_blank">Warsaw</a>. Despite the rain ending our adventure in <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/tn-mainpage.html" target="_blank">Tennessee</a> early, we did learn that the RV/Camper life is one we would enjoy immensely, and had a pretty good, easy stay at Town and Country RV Park near the intersections of I-55 and I-57. Thankful that Kathy's sister Kristy and her husband Geno allowed us to use their camper, we are already planning to get our own, especially for our much needed Winter trips to the South. <br />
<br />
Be sure to see the pics of our final days in our Facebook photo album Tennessee Back to Missouri <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151157086264732.463366.110001784731&type=1" target="_blank">HERE</a><div class="blogger-post-footer">Legends of America is a Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic Minded.</div>Dave Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243636591572159544noreply@blogger.com0Chattanooga, TN, USA35.0456297 -85.309680134.8376362 -85.625537099999988 35.2536232 -84.9938231tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8743388.post-27103195645161486632012-09-16T09:25:00.000-05:002012-10-07T14:48:53.100-05:00Tennessee Day 8 and 9<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<b>Day 8 - On the Tail of the Dragon</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOv5-_s4c1nNVAgUhdkiIkLq5pBhsjDh8dZ4_1ooxL7pI2UMG5k6E7gfNw1SEHWba-5Libg-hvlOn_68dRF4fk4Bi492brmz2B8zm_WjotmYK3THQ0CXJ1aHJD5_lusJ3VUUE/s1600/389950_10151152735289732_1785841807_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicOv5-_s4c1nNVAgUhdkiIkLq5pBhsjDh8dZ4_1ooxL7pI2UMG5k6E7gfNw1SEHWba-5Libg-hvlOn_68dRF4fk4Bi492brmz2B8zm_WjotmYK3THQ0CXJ1aHJD5_lusJ3VUUE/s200/389950_10151152735289732_1785841807_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Horse graze in Cades Cove</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
We had set aside Friday as the day to do the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Kathy had a plan that would take us on Highway 321 out of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee and over to the entry past Townsend. The idea was to do part of Cades Cove loop. The cove area was home to Cherokee and later pioneer families for generations until the area became part of the national park. Today it has been preserved to look much the way it did in the 1800's, with original pioneer homesteads, barns, businesses, pasture and farmland, set in the midst of the beauty of the Smoky Mountains.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg349Dckwldy8X0rdj3F15LnOPJCEyI8lplZ4YlWQYGUNkbFZpzzJfgmipVQQRXIQGVk-wirPCW_fAbevLMwN4cXe2Q6yGcznzIn7HjEAdvx6AdCSPz1zMhLzz0XE_LZ8FQQSDO/s1600/486831_10151152735989732_356569927_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg349Dckwldy8X0rdj3F15LnOPJCEyI8lplZ4YlWQYGUNkbFZpzzJfgmipVQQRXIQGVk-wirPCW_fAbevLMwN4cXe2Q6yGcznzIn7HjEAdvx6AdCSPz1zMhLzz0XE_LZ8FQQSDO/s200/486831_10151152735989732_356569927_n.jpg" width="163" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parson Branch Road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
However, our agenda for the day had plenty of miles, so Kathy's route was to break away from Cades Cove about a third of the way in on Parson Branch Road. I wasn't worried about the fact it's not paved since we didn't have the camper in tow, but when we reached the warning sign I knew this would be one of Kathy's back road adventures. "Warning, no trailers or RV's allowed, Enter at your own risk, one way, you may not re-enter, no emergency services, etc". 8 miles of unimproved road that leads from the Cades Cove Loop toward North Carolina. The road was originally a main artery among a complex of roads feeding the smaller coves and hollows with Cades Cove, with these highland coves home to several mountaineer farmers who stood against Confederate raiders during the Civil War. <br />
<br />
It really wasn't as bad as some we've been on, but definitely one for high clearance vehicles only. We wound up and down the road over creeks and pot holes until, after what seemed like an eternity (gratis exaggeration) we finally came to the highway on the other side. "What the heck is that?" I questioned, as a large piece of black material, wound in branches along the side of the road, caught my eye when we pulled up to the intersection. I looked closer and realized it wasn't just a pile of branches, but an entire tree that seemed to be mangled and busted to splinters where the material was positioned. "That's part of a car!"<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGNmrt82qzZvWQDbkYO6a7_ZdxNGJlHeK3ejTADXY0L46u5y4GxBRnOcjiJ4fp32ItaDVQh4rSRp_PNbuF16ZfwWIGbgU8DHL4K0zEiv3Lno5nKSPO9WTZyIrEvm-PNp1F1ND/s1600/229313_10151152736624732_1558064051_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkGNmrt82qzZvWQDbkYO6a7_ZdxNGJlHeK3ejTADXY0L46u5y4GxBRnOcjiJ4fp32ItaDVQh4rSRp_PNbuF16ZfwWIGbgU8DHL4K0zEiv3Lno5nKSPO9WTZyIrEvm-PNp1F1ND/s200/229313_10151152736624732_1558064051_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Windy roads abound</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This wasn't just any highway we had come to, as we would learn later this is the Tail of the Dragon. An 11 mile stretch of highway 129 that crosses Deals Gap at the Tennessee/North Carolina state line, this road is considered by many as one of the world's foremost motorcycling and sports car roads. With nothing to slow you down, other than the rapid fire of curve after curve, we could see why this would be a favorite for Cyclists, and it was only a few seconds before we started seeing them, so many of which it took me a moment to get onto the highway. <br />
<br />
Once I was on though, the testosterone levels increased almost immediately. I just couldn't help myself, as I steadily picked up speed trying to keep up with the motorcycles in front of me. Completely ignorant of the fact that now both dogs had jumped from the back into Kathy's lap and all three of them were hanging on for dear life. I don't know if Kathy finally said something or if it was just the looks on their faces, but something told me to go ahead and pull over at the state line to let everyone regroup. This highway isn't for site seeing. Yes it is beautiful, but you are there for the road, and you have to pay close attention as you drive it. Locals call this "that damn road to Tennessee", with very little elevation change along the stretch we were on, and many of the curves banked like a racetrack, I could see how it got it's more popular name "Tail of the Dragon."<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeUG4W3138enDDJRclel_ugNiLg6aHoC35ai8ZaT8wnZoKpqOciGc8mtSOoUUDcjTL04gH-xFNlzBkcPskKBOEq7F0dpb3yrYgUGY6_p1rRWhiKwXcu_sSosvecTvVXJqcJLo/s1600/560468_10151152736164732_1375563924_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLeUG4W3138enDDJRclel_ugNiLg6aHoC35ai8ZaT8wnZoKpqOciGc8mtSOoUUDcjTL04gH-xFNlzBkcPskKBOEq7F0dpb3yrYgUGY6_p1rRWhiKwXcu_sSosvecTvVXJqcJLo/s200/560468_10151152736164732_1375563924_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Great Smoky Mountain Railroad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After entering North Carolina, we had exited the most exciting (or terrifying depending on who you were in the car) part of the road, but of course it was still plenty curvy. Beautiful area, as we made our way onto highway 28, running along side Lake Cheoah, across Fontana lake and into Bryson City. We stopped at this quaint little touristy town to take pictures of the Great Smoky Mountain Railroad, a train that takes passengers on a scenic rail excursion from their historic depot. With 53 miles of track that includes two tunnels and 25 bridges, the train takes you on a journey through the Carolina Mountains, which comprise over half of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Although there are several different train rides you can take, varying in length and time, we opted to move on down the road on highway 19 toward the Cherokee Indian Reservation. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7koQC4w0m_EKgmS5uN9ZOfq8kY7MLwbRN_efyS-gLooa5RuRH8-GrJuNXTSjMB3MAmICKJ39_UjFyGPst2U-dgjf11XDi3ns6caG2RC8evYxj6MlugG08rSQUCP8wyrCYkyFm/s1600/545374_10151152733124732_1986354913_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7koQC4w0m_EKgmS5uN9ZOfq8kY7MLwbRN_efyS-gLooa5RuRH8-GrJuNXTSjMB3MAmICKJ39_UjFyGPst2U-dgjf11XDi3ns6caG2RC8evYxj6MlugG08rSQUCP8wyrCYkyFm/s200/545374_10151152733124732_1986354913_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cherokee, NC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The city of Cherokee appeared to us to be a great stop for families and tourists into all the trappings that entails. Complete museum, visitors center, outdoor theater, artsy and tourist shops lining the highway and more, Cherokee is the headquarters for the Eastern Band of the Cherokee Indians. It's economy got a big boost back in the mid 1990's after Harrah's opened a casino there, as before that the tourist season only provided work for half the year. We took time to stretch our legs and walk part of the way along the shops, contributing a little to the economy, before getting back on the road into the National Park. We could have done a portion of the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, as it ends here, but we were pressed for time.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4OZ4oBl-Qz5sxNzyJr0QfJKVObym7Sk2eirbt4vYQPKQSC50SsyWSxJpSW_h0uI37O_sWMiRl8A9sYCzDtGc-tSDX51mnBj_W_dqJaE_ueQoHKAhdjK1dOSLr5hXacU6HUQM/s1600/548699_10151152732824732_852258620_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI4OZ4oBl-Qz5sxNzyJr0QfJKVObym7Sk2eirbt4vYQPKQSC50SsyWSxJpSW_h0uI37O_sWMiRl8A9sYCzDtGc-tSDX51mnBj_W_dqJaE_ueQoHKAhdjK1dOSLr5hXacU6HUQM/s200/548699_10151152732824732_852258620_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mingus Mill, NC</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We needed at least one more historical building along with a great scenic view to make our day a success for our purposes, so our next stop was the Mingus Mill back in the Park. Built in 1886, this historic grist mill is a little different from others we've seen, as instead of using a water wheel to power the machinery inside, it uses a water powered turbine instead. Here you will find a miller on site to demonstrate the process of grinding corn into cornmeal, and they even have mill related items available for sale. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIbuMbfkiIhtfa3TQRsvhJ_osxCsxZ9Ng8ZNOF-_1U-cWH2RXUlEbWjaGrJXnFHtiu74runER3OIiVohXrOpOwiRLiqlXg9CrsvL03C8tpK7CVTW3QRvhNpd0N9Wt7pwnyhnQ/s1600/3697_10151152737229732_656341512_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheIbuMbfkiIhtfa3TQRsvhJ_osxCsxZ9Ng8ZNOF-_1U-cWH2RXUlEbWjaGrJXnFHtiu74runER3OIiVohXrOpOwiRLiqlXg9CrsvL03C8tpK7CVTW3QRvhNpd0N9Wt7pwnyhnQ/s200/3697_10151152737229732_656341512_n.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Newfound Gap, Smoky Mountains</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Continuing on we made it to Newfound Gap. At just over 5000 feet, this stop along the North Carolina/Tennessee line provides spectacular views of the Smoky Mountains, and is on the Appalachian Trail. We enjoyed the stop for sure, and took in the beauty only a pass like this could provide. But time was running short on daylight by now, so we didn't stay long and soon headed back toward Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge. <br />
<br />
Gatlinburg is a popular mountain vacation resort city, surrounded on all sides by high ridges. Officially established around 1856, the town is named after Radford Gatlin who had started a general store there in 1854, however there were trappers who had called the site home since the early 1800's. Radford Gatlin was a controversial figure in town who was at odds with many of his neighbors. When the civil war broke out his confederate leanings got him kicked out of town. Gatlinburg tried to remain neutral during the war, but Confederate Colonel William Holland Thomas would occupy the town for a time, protecting the salt peter mines nearby. Union forces forced Thomas and his troops to retreat back in North Carolina, and they never returned. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7cH0Y-cRxsG4UL22JJmPZfR7-AMIGRWqAdQJlXhOsTbQMx_Z7CCmX_ruwPHkys5Uk6NCcPO0Ics-kk0UNxXfXml0MBL_6m6_1N4PikcdeKKntS5r02ha1itAUS4qesIZZKMb/s1600/264215_10151152731944732_1830617001_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7cH0Y-cRxsG4UL22JJmPZfR7-AMIGRWqAdQJlXhOsTbQMx_Z7CCmX_ruwPHkys5Uk6NCcPO0Ics-kk0UNxXfXml0MBL_6m6_1N4PikcdeKKntS5r02ha1itAUS4qesIZZKMb/s200/264215_10151152731944732_1830617001_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gatlinburg, TN from the bypass</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We knew we still had to get past the traffic at Pigeon Forge, so after a quick picture from the bypass overseeing Gatlinburg, we made our final trek back to my Aunt and Uncles in Sevierville. Kathy would call this day somewhat of a bust as far as our travel mission, but considering the views and history we did encounter, I was very satisfied with the days journey. Most normal travelers would be well served to spend several days around the Great Smoky Mountains National Park as there is plenty to see and do. <br />
<br />
As we discussed our day with Aunt Peg and Uncle Dan, my testosterone levels rose again as they told us about the Tail of the Dragon we had been on. Secretly I wanted to leave the dogs and Kathy at the camper and ride the road the again, but thought better after remembering the mangled tree and piece of car along the side of the road. If you would like to experience the Tail of the Dragon yourself through video, our good friend Cole Deister strapped a camera to his helmet and did the trip the opposite direction. You will see him pull off the road just a little at the state line. This was the same spot we stopped to "regroup" and let Kathy and the kids get their stomachs back. Just click <a href="http://youtu.be/O41K-mtIt8U" target="_blank">HERE</a> to watch.<br />
<br />
<b>Day 9 - Hooking back up and moving out for Chattanooga</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SYeB9an235HxoCCbSAhVqmOw4FchAJX3S30rSWSSYQn00SnNkaPb6HoBZCPTmA_svfEmC3NqzNwlmPIfmtZuuPvc7Z5ErzN8WnGqo-vhPKvHIUqtbVq15iHtJT8ygdPKT9Bt/s1600/393720_10151152732219732_1268941191_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3SYeB9an235HxoCCbSAhVqmOw4FchAJX3S30rSWSSYQn00SnNkaPb6HoBZCPTmA_svfEmC3NqzNwlmPIfmtZuuPvc7Z5ErzN8WnGqo-vhPKvHIUqtbVq15iHtJT8ygdPKT9Bt/s200/393720_10151152732219732_1268941191_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> Thanks Aunt Peg and Uncle Dan!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b>
Saturday morning it was time to say our goodbyes to the kind folks at Fort Kautzky. Family time was great, and our hosts were tremendous, but this is a working adventure and onward we must go. Kathy had us coming out of the Sevierville area down highway 411 to Maryville, then on toward Vonore and Fort Loundon State Historic Park. This 1200 acre site was one of the earliest British fortifications on the western frontier. built in 1756. Much of the park lies on an Island of Tellico Lake, making this a fun stop for boaters and history lovers alike. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhb6gwdRyy7WXmd7cs75K7_Zihpz-TmqnBx6cb-ZtFoZXqgUAHQ_nMwE30c14k61jopypInF-Cof-5bZe2HxxOQuchnrmgtg2l3qL74TRWTJjAkzzBXUlkoXK6sXOOFhjrTfb/s1600/250690_10151152716214732_221355329_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJhb6gwdRyy7WXmd7cs75K7_Zihpz-TmqnBx6cb-ZtFoZXqgUAHQ_nMwE30c14k61jopypInF-Cof-5bZe2HxxOQuchnrmgtg2l3qL74TRWTJjAkzzBXUlkoXK6sXOOFhjrTfb/s200/250690_10151152716214732_221355329_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fort Loundon, TN</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The fort was built during the French and Indian War, as British were nervous about French activities in the Mississippi valley. The garrison built here helped to ally the Overhill Cherokee Nation in the fight against the French and guaranteed trade would continue between the Brits of the South Carolina Colony and Cherokee. However, relations soured and in August of 1760, Cherokee attacked and captured the fort, after which it would never be used for military purposes again. In 1917 a commemorative marker was placed at the site of the fort ruins, and in 1933 the state purchased the site. Since that time they have reconstructed the fort and provide a visitors center complete with history and a movie about the area. Very nice state park and great history we recommend to anyone in the area.<br />
<br />
Right near the fort you will find the Sequoyah Birthplace Museum. Sequoyah, born in 1776, wasn't literate in any language, yet he perfected a system for reading and writing in Cherokee. His desire to do so was born out of his time under General Andrew Jackson during the war of 1812, as there was no way for the Cherokee to write letters home, read military orders, or write about their experiences. After returning home from the war, he began to make the symbols for words, finally reducing thousands of Cherokee thoughts to 85 symbols representing sounds. After being introduced to the tribe, the Cherokee people became literate and awarded Sequoyah a silver medal created in his honor and a lifetime literary pension.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TodbzHHeWi-JrP1NcVHXP-_IbQtoRWkibMGlnO66M35leMVb1K20_m8S1jArnqEYrdsBim0zpPKZfD4Xh609SbRj7SXuLlvo-CICt248WVKxHGyo933vTWaAsS-4yJPWkh6A/s1600/423929_10151152737599732_1821049599_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-TodbzHHeWi-JrP1NcVHXP-_IbQtoRWkibMGlnO66M35leMVb1K20_m8S1jArnqEYrdsBim0zpPKZfD4Xh609SbRj7SXuLlvo-CICt248WVKxHGyo933vTWaAsS-4yJPWkh6A/s200/423929_10151152737599732_1821049599_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Memorial to Tanasi</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Not to far down the road from the museum, we found ourway back to a memorial for the site of the town Tanasi, once the capitol of the Cherokee Nation. It's also the origin for the name of the state, however nothing remains as it is now under the waters of the lake. <br />
<br />
We pushed on toward Chattanooga with plans of staying in the area a couple of days to visit the numerous historic Civil War sites. Landing on the other side in Georgia, we found a nice KOA campground in the woods complete with everything we need and then some. <br />
<br />
Next up, our tour of Chattanooga. In the meantime, enjoy the tour in photos in our Smoky Mountain National Park and More Tennessee Facebook album <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151152715439732.462387.110001784731&type=1" target="_blank">HERE</a><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6hpLeOdAQ5QvfPMwlk2E1aYxsPOLku0TadMis1rzOPHQ1wiMZdutUxmtAlYEPv1rYNeber7TeIhav1vga0fu26doJkNy8Xln9bV5jPTAG3nbjQYOjr-ZnELFuYGz8GPVnKJg/s1600/539542_10151152770569732_291569684_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6hpLeOdAQ5QvfPMwlk2E1aYxsPOLku0TadMis1rzOPHQ1wiMZdutUxmtAlYEPv1rYNeber7TeIhav1vga0fu26doJkNy8Xln9bV5jPTAG3nbjQYOjr-ZnELFuYGz8GPVnKJg/s320/539542_10151152770569732_291569684_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> KOA Campround, Trenton GA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Legends of America is a Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic Minded.</div>Dave Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243636591572159544noreply@blogger.com1great smoky mountain national park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Townsend, TN 37882, USA35.587108 -83.84216335.574195 -83.861904 35.600021 -83.822422tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8743388.post-44095087077185935892012-09-14T07:54:00.000-05:002012-10-07T14:49:32.711-05:00Kentucky to Tennessee Via the Gap (Day 5-7)<b>Day 5 - From Original Road to Original Recipe</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Q6gWP-kFsTKKeo2j__IvNLxkC-6RYOQlRC7-Mk-biDDHReedFvDWHKLUaC_uxwxC6s_l6dKvoSOCRofDDMK9m8DcmvyuYSdgxVybyr_b_aIam6uEiu-1p7iaHdC9pmMgoGC7/s1600/255579_10151148747549732_783882774_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Q6gWP-kFsTKKeo2j__IvNLxkC-6RYOQlRC7-Mk-biDDHReedFvDWHKLUaC_uxwxC6s_l6dKvoSOCRofDDMK9m8DcmvyuYSdgxVybyr_b_aIam6uEiu-1p7iaHdC9pmMgoGC7/s200/255579_10151148747549732_783882774_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Wilderness Road</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We decided to stay an extra day at our campground near Lake Cumberland in Kentucky and do another area tour as a day trip. We're learning fast that it's a lot easier to drop the camper longer and spread out than it is to pack it up every morning. First on our agenda was the Battle of Camp Wildcat in northern Laurel County near London. The battle site just happens to be along the Wilderness Road, a principal route used by settlers for over 50 years to reach Kentucky from the East. The road was blazed by none other than <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-danielboone.html" target="_blank">Daniel Boone</a>, who headed up a small crew for the Transylvania Company from Fort Chiswell in Virginia in 1775.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjAN3uEWjAWLscfaI7kYGzfCVBXiCT5rJzwSLTM-nkcu_Dwa0vpCtn9DKvlNojDfRGiG1I1qlYHjBgQlwzVYOzQNLF0_jQs-lpqrhBShAbZsePFd5a-6ChiYAwWiKS02F8wI6/s1600/218115_10151148733744732_549102689_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwjAN3uEWjAWLscfaI7kYGzfCVBXiCT5rJzwSLTM-nkcu_Dwa0vpCtn9DKvlNojDfRGiG1I1qlYHjBgQlwzVYOzQNLF0_jQs-lpqrhBShAbZsePFd5a-6ChiYAwWiKS02F8wI6/s200/218115_10151148733744732_549102689_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Battle of Camp Wildcat</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The Battle of Camp Wildcat on October 21, 1861, part of the Kentucky Confederate Offensive, is considered one of the very first Union Victories, and marked the second engagement of troops in the commonwealth. Alarmed at the Confederate offensive, Union forces were instructed to establish camp and block Wilderness Road. They were successful in their task as Confederates withdrew that night and began a retreat to Cumberland Ford. Although there would be exaggerated accounts of the number dead, official counts would show only 4 Union and 11 Confederate casualties, with a few dozen more wounded. This site is now part of the Daniel Boone National Forest.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzq4fw2HMdbBThs7QTMpE_NjYezpDoP0ldeXZNo63eCKHsJauWTo8sgmx3WIE0YwyK9uySrbqaULRIvEGSYymZD8gvVA8FZdPiILMZa5zRKGGGh4ryVDE9IKF-AFWtS3JomZm/s1600/402826_10151148747094732_1950304880_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRzq4fw2HMdbBThs7QTMpE_NjYezpDoP0ldeXZNo63eCKHsJauWTo8sgmx3WIE0YwyK9uySrbqaULRIvEGSYymZD8gvVA8FZdPiILMZa5zRKGGGh4ryVDE9IKF-AFWtS3JomZm/s200/402826_10151148747094732_1950304880_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kitchen in Sanders Cafe Museum</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As we continued our <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ah-civilwar.html" target="_blank">Civil War</a> tour, we ran into some more recent history in Corbin Kentucky. This is where Colonel Harland Sanders Pioneered his famous recipe that would become the world wide giant Kentucky Fried Chicken. In 1930, when Sanders was operating a service station here, he began cooking for travelers who stopped for gas. His idea of home cooking on the road was so well received that Kentucky Governor Ruby Laffoon made him an honorary Colonel in 1935. As the years passed he perfected his secret blend of herbs and spices and the basic technique that is still used today. While the KFC empire has grown by leaps and bounds since its humble beginnings, the original Sanders Cafe still stands in Corbin as a museum and KFC restaurant. <br />
<br />
After a quick tasty treat in Corbin, we headed out to the Battle of Barbourville. This was an earlier conflict before the Battle of Camp Wildcat, and considered the first Confederate Victory in Kentucky. The battle on September 19, 1861 threw a scare into Union commanders, who then rushed troops to Kentucky to try to repel the Confederate Offensive, which stopped at the Battle of Camp Wildcat in October. This is a notable battle due to the fact it was the first to claim lives from both sides of the Civil War, 1 pro Union and about 7 Confederates. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvLLY9KhvOEX0-mdSGQIt3LKeyta-thQbhAVhcdoioh58ngCrpY_N1YHt1i2kTxtxenNRcg6g4Z6Il9N9HoUSPfLRhpb6hNsor5tT6CQZImhQ-E1KnN3IJ0-xgIuSFQqFUOgk/s1600/377944_10151148747419732_1453703208_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRvLLY9KhvOEX0-mdSGQIt3LKeyta-thQbhAVhcdoioh58ngCrpY_N1YHt1i2kTxtxenNRcg6g4Z6Il9N9HoUSPfLRhpb6hNsor5tT6CQZImhQ-E1KnN3IJ0-xgIuSFQqFUOgk/s200/377944_10151148747419732_1453703208_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Site of the First Log Cabin in KY.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Down the road from Barbourville a few miles off US 25E on highway 459 is the site of the first house in Kentucky. Built by Dr. Thomas Walker, who led the first expedition through Cumberland Gap in 1750, the site is near the river in which he named Cumberland. A replica of the home stands today for visitors to enjoy and is supposedly on the same spot the original was built. Although the exact size of the original is disputed, Walkers journal indicates it was about 12 by 8 feet, however historians think it was 12 by 18 feet due to the way Pioneers measured buildings at the time. The state has done a good job of helping preserve the site and attract families with more than just the replica. This park includes a basketball court, gift shop, horseshoes, miniature golf and picnic areas. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUm93UZFQJ-j66P3jfTB5W47HudYAj5DZnxay-J-Tgevpupz1qVIEHF3OryZdCJtFlhP1xk5nu-sVd3Bu-M4E_GcFKPwSs4kPnYE0qzmo3tktd-PgBzEjt7a-_JxhnmZZUfGuV/s1600/285404_10151148745634732_1738311232_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUm93UZFQJ-j66P3jfTB5W47HudYAj5DZnxay-J-Tgevpupz1qVIEHF3OryZdCJtFlhP1xk5nu-sVd3Bu-M4E_GcFKPwSs4kPnYE0qzmo3tktd-PgBzEjt7a-_JxhnmZZUfGuV/s200/285404_10151148745634732_1738311232_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cumberland Falls</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
To round out our day trip we circled back toward Lake Cumberland to see the famous Cumberland Falls. Sometimes called the Little Niagara, the Niagara of the South, or the Great Falls, this large waterfall on the Cumberland River was a beautiful way for us to wrap us this day. The falls are 68 feet high and 125 feet wide, with an average water flow of 3,600 cubic feet per second. On nights with a full moon, Cumberland Falls is also famous for its elusive lunar rainbow, or moonbow, formed by the mist. This natural phenomenon is not visible anywhere else in the Western Hemisphere on a predictable schedule around a full moon. The falls attract over 750,000 visitors a year with its beauty, moon or not.<br />
<br />
<b>Day 6 - Kentucky to Tennessee through the Gap</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbQTNfDcxTISntILMRIFIBhetkr09bIUys49T3tQCUxaoCEuwplIX-ad95cQ88_7ajIh_0hinaZ2eIXh6VRBldLgXSHZw13HyE___KKSrAMvDPmwOIUNcYXtAejlM8oB_jpQV/s1600/561500_10151148747279732_799536918_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsbQTNfDcxTISntILMRIFIBhetkr09bIUys49T3tQCUxaoCEuwplIX-ad95cQ88_7ajIh_0hinaZ2eIXh6VRBldLgXSHZw13HyE___KKSrAMvDPmwOIUNcYXtAejlM8oB_jpQV/s200/561500_10151148747279732_799536918_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cumberland Gap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Although the state parks we have parked our RV at have been nice, we really enjoyed our stay at <a href="http://www.lakecumberlandrvpark.com/" target="_blank">Lake Cumberland RV Park</a>. The people there were great, and we got a lot of wonderful tips on RV life while there from the camp host. But, as in all our travels, there comes a time to move on down the road, so hitched up our mobile motel and headed out for <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ky-cumberlandgap.html" target="_blank">Cumberland Gap National Historic Park</a>. Covering almost 32 square miles in three states (Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia), the park commemorates a vital early phase in the westward movement. It also played a key role in the American Civil War, as the Old Wilderness Road cutting through the Gap was a natural invasion route. For the Confederates it led to Kentucky and for the Union it led to Northern sympathizers of East Tennessee along with an opportunity to cut rebel supply lines.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMtaaSkZSLMrgG65jysbIFEhJpZApBjBVwCGhSHVuQRBL7Rb6RuONgn5uWpbUEPJYZ9OkPFYUqidEItKXLwkovs1JEQc8_w9TZJn8eZPj3EC1A0_P4GTkMR_npW9d7C7GFzwV/s1600/546351_10151148746664732_884928122_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxMtaaSkZSLMrgG65jysbIFEhJpZApBjBVwCGhSHVuQRBL7Rb6RuONgn5uWpbUEPJYZ9OkPFYUqidEItKXLwkovs1JEQc8_w9TZJn8eZPj3EC1A0_P4GTkMR_npW9d7C7GFzwV/s200/546351_10151148746664732_884928122_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinnacle Peak</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a quick stop at the Visitors center, we headed toward Pinnacle Peak Overlook and ran into our next major dilemma with the camper...can't get there. Warning signs forbidding vehicles and trailers over 20 feet stopped us in our tracks, but obviously we weren't the only ones that have had this issue. At the same spot of the warnings the park service has built a parking lot with plenty of room to drop your camper and move on. It was well worth it too. Moving up the road we ran into a little more Civil War history with a couple of small Forts, and some spectacular views. The Overlook at the end of the road gives you a great view of Pinnacle Peak, where you can see for miles into Kentucky, Tennessee and Virginia that converge at the top of the peak. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgfLsISvN8dU9YBrdzT1NHafZ-OTCQqWs0Esy1ea79lA1K05-aZxHnzzdBokUt5KWC7Ueh12HucJup1FYBCFO1_Q5QFlUSgOKAoVVHSziOzWOGfGyTL6Tk0gaZ0HL_S7lxQHi/s1600/488311_10151148745744732_1999210145_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="126" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisgfLsISvN8dU9YBrdzT1NHafZ-OTCQqWs0Esy1ea79lA1K05-aZxHnzzdBokUt5KWC7Ueh12HucJup1FYBCFO1_Q5QFlUSgOKAoVVHSziOzWOGfGyTL6Tk0gaZ0HL_S7lxQHi/s200/488311_10151148745744732_1999210145_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Mill Inn in Cumberland Gap,TN</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Coming back down the mountain I quipped that we shouldn't forget the camper. Kathy and I both laughed, but as dorky as we are I could see us getting down the road a ways before realizing we had a lighter load than normal. After our quick hook up, we headed back out to the highway, through the tunnel and sprang out into Tennessee on the other side for another quick stop in the town of Cumberland Gap. Here we found the Old Mill Inn. Built in the 1800's, this Inn was run by the Daniel Boone family for over 100 years and is the oldest Historical Building in the town. A log cabin built in the 1700's was moved beside the Inn in the 1940's. It served as headquarters for the Tennessee Volunteers at one time. The Mill itself has served as a boarding house, art school, ice cream parlor, brothel, museum and even a church over the years. Today it's a Bed and Breakfast.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsleZ-meWsJ-iOqp7fgIVb30sTkgI67t6BeJYJWFRbF6xP8oz4Jy2YOZKeF2ifUcP9pGWM-8TkQ0vdiYcneavRmqo5DzJHCOKyTTHMXXfNNnpl2V6yQ12pSUqRNtX1HnxSoI2/s1600/310309_10151148747354732_950102666_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsleZ-meWsJ-iOqp7fgIVb30sTkgI67t6BeJYJWFRbF6xP8oz4Jy2YOZKeF2ifUcP9pGWM-8TkQ0vdiYcneavRmqo5DzJHCOKyTTHMXXfNNnpl2V6yQ12pSUqRNtX1HnxSoI2/s200/310309_10151148747354732_950102666_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
Being so close to the state line, Kathy had me jog over into Virginia just to say we were there and then turn around back to Tennessee toward our final destination of the day, Sevierville. Along the way we stopped at a road side overlook with more spectacular views, this time of Cherokee Lake. We had a great trip to Sevierville, and looked forward to our stay at Fort Kautzky. Well, not really a fort, but home to my Aunt Peggy and Uncle Dan, family I don't get to see nearly enough. I'm glad to say that no one took pictures of Dan and I getting the RV backed into their back yard as I'm sure it was a bit comical. <br />
<br />
<b>Day 7 - Covered Bridge and Pigeon Forge</b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYFcboyeWySId0NMkFmVR7jsft2M9WnV8Jr6rXL8HFJgo9AwxkedVJGYtuA0JxP_FV7io6Dre0rW2Ydalq6_2FlRoRQmxQZaJTbji7YAl_LUiPHX152neXn5_RH0Fgj5gyX87/s1600/304935_10151149976029732_710098824_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieYFcboyeWySId0NMkFmVR7jsft2M9WnV8Jr6rXL8HFJgo9AwxkedVJGYtuA0JxP_FV7io6Dre0rW2Ydalq6_2FlRoRQmxQZaJTbji7YAl_LUiPHX152neXn5_RH0Fgj5gyX87/s200/304935_10151149976029732_710098824_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1875 Covered Bridge at Harrisburg, TN</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This area of Tennessee is tourists dream. Sitting right next to the Smokey Mountain National Park, the beauty is complimented by plenty of history and things to do. However, catching up with family took priority for us this day, so we only ventured out for a few hours. Kathy found an historic covered bridge in the small community of Harrisburg, now part of Sevierville. Built in 1875, it was fully restored in 1972 and was a great picture opportunity. This hidden treasure is off highway 411 north of town about 5 miles, then east on TN-339. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXlRw24FsfDan-uIRz6P3yMjRGF8DnaJ5Z24R4oyzwCRC00VfYV3z7prmzH-k31XjdxiSRduZEPOhEyud884ogG9cgKqhr_rgrjBFTqZoGg7tr7dD2a4YEDrf0NABI5KY1dN-/s1600/543438_10151149976349732_1288029066_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvXlRw24FsfDan-uIRz6P3yMjRGF8DnaJ5Z24R4oyzwCRC00VfYV3z7prmzH-k31XjdxiSRduZEPOhEyud884ogG9cgKqhr_rgrjBFTqZoGg7tr7dD2a4YEDrf0NABI5KY1dN-/s200/543438_10151149976349732_1288029066_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Old Mill, Pigeon Forge, TN</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After the bridge we headed for Pigeon Forge, home of Dollywood and, at least during our visit, one heck of a car show. The Pigeon Forge Rod Runs bring thousands of classic car, truck and motorcycle enthusiasts each year. Needless to say I was extremely thankful we didn't have the camper in tow as we inched our way down the main road through town. We did make a stop at the Old Mill, but decided to forgo the crowds and head back to the camper for more family time. While not exactly our cup of tea, with the exception of the history of course,Pigeon Forge is sure to have something for every family member. Lots of entertainment, fun parks and attractions add to the hundreds of thousands that visit this area each year. <br />
<b><br /></b>
After we returned Kathy caught up on her photos while I caught up with family. It was another great day with anticipation of our next adventure into Smokey Mountain National Park. <br />
<br />
In the meantime you can see all the latest pics on our Facebook photo album Kentucky to Tennessee <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151148725849732.461651.110001784731&type=1" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer">Legends of America is a Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic Minded.</div>Dave Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243636591572159544noreply@blogger.com1Cumberland Gap, 1, VA 24248, USA36.6039715 -83.6729736.5912245 -83.692711 36.6167185 -83.65322900000001tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8743388.post-15474797709933535412012-09-11T09:41:00.001-05:002012-10-07T14:50:45.104-05:00French Lick, IN to Lake Cumberland, KY (Day 3 and 4)<b>Day 3</b><br />
<br />
Kathy and I are easing into this RV Camping by not going "all out" in the beginning and adding stuff along the way. The first night we camped in Illinois we didn't have water hook ups at the site and we didn't put water in the holding tank. The second night, in Indiana, we decided since there were no water hookups we would go ahead and take advantage of the water filling station and use the holding tank. At least we wouldn't have to walk to a public restroom. That meant as we were leaving Patoka Lake State Park we would get the experience of a dump station. I'm very happy to report that we have no dorky story to tell on this one.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09wS43m4pCV0706ddRqFOlBWTkAHztpkI1RBEw5-p_j-Sl7G8rEu8qyaz4rm19lyr2i-WnVfX8irMHn1zJUTnQW8TKpbE-OBksNNGto0U97THJk2leWLlVyxy-FRjiifBRQy_/s1600/westbaden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi09wS43m4pCV0706ddRqFOlBWTkAHztpkI1RBEw5-p_j-Sl7G8rEu8qyaz4rm19lyr2i-WnVfX8irMHn1zJUTnQW8TKpbE-OBksNNGto0U97THJk2leWLlVyxy-FRjiifBRQy_/s200/westbaden.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
So after getting business done, it was back up the road a few miles to French Lick and more specifically, the adjoining town of West Baden Springs. This small community is home to the West Baden Springs Hotel, which at one time, in the early 1900's, had the largest free-spanning dome in the world. Undergoing renovation and reopening within the last decade, the hotels history goes back to 1852, when Dr. John Lane built a hotel to compete with the French Lick Springs Hotel , both of which are near a mineral springs which at the time would attract visitors for their "healing" powers. At the time of it's opening French Lick was actually Mile Lick (named after the salt licks discovered in the area in the late 1700's), so he called it the Mile Lick Inn. It changed names to the current West Baden in 1855 in line with the community changing theirs. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7kSkQMsIxJOnwgQIX1LI8WuBRah3DTpEsaEGwBNJsFXyAChIyNazX_NzfoC76FyjbyH5THnNJr2ctLmXFxFwly_iWBjyHHDchX6HPg4A9AkgMio5rMHXPLDWs4J60n67eui5/s1600/westbaden3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF7kSkQMsIxJOnwgQIX1LI8WuBRah3DTpEsaEGwBNJsFXyAChIyNazX_NzfoC76FyjbyH5THnNJr2ctLmXFxFwly_iWBjyHHDchX6HPg4A9AkgMio5rMHXPLDWs4J60n67eui5/s200/westbaden3.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
The hotels in French Lick and West Baden competed heavily, and marketed their mineral water under different names. French Lick sold "Pluto Water" and West Baden "Sprudel Water". By the late 1800's guests were coming from all over the country, and in 1888 a group of investors from Indiana purchased the hotel and it's over 660 acres. Lee Wiley Sinclair bought out his investor partners and turned the hotel into a resort, calling it "The Carlsbad of America". The resort included an opera house, bicycle and pony track, and baseball diamond that would be used by several major league teams for springs training.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZP09tAMtVaUr1ZdNxs6ovplSXwGSRMda00jf0ZMu69CNKUnX53gF9MGzrJs7eQ6L_JXcx3q87UO0PAf1Lbgp3YF1ZQnuf9isS8bIgNQofRqIizfVZDnf77JT8uh16u2StADc/s1600/westbaden2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="125" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkZP09tAMtVaUr1ZdNxs6ovplSXwGSRMda00jf0ZMu69CNKUnX53gF9MGzrJs7eQ6L_JXcx3q87UO0PAf1Lbgp3YF1ZQnuf9isS8bIgNQofRqIizfVZDnf77JT8uh16u2StADc/s200/westbaden2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
After a fire in 1901 destroyed everything, Sinclair offered to sell the land to the owner of the French Lick hotel. However after the French Lick owner turned him down and said he would simply expand his own hotel, Sinclair declared he would build a fireproof hotel with the worlds largest dome. Several builders rejected the challenge, but a bridge engineer from West Virginia named Oliver Wescott accepted, and with several hundred workers, built the structure before the first anniversary of the fire. It re-opened on September 15, 1902 and was advertised as the Eighth Wonder of the World. The next few decades would see the decline of the hotel, and finally after the Wall Street Crash of 1929 the hotel struggled and closed its doors in 1932. It was donated to the Jesuits, a religious organization, in 1934, who converted it the West Baden College, which was a seminary. In the mid 1960's it was sold again and operated as a private college satellite campus until 1983. Since then, investors have renovated the property and restored it to it's early glory, and in 2007, 75 years after it had closed, the West Baden Springs Hotel reopened.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6r9tKpq7NjQZm4Oe2PeU_QNysOrtkZ8cP2lYLrDWPcvDzzCv9geaUfMNmMLcPeXLXmgoFjmr7PgAplmBAReltaiQd_tiI1G58vFaPRe3tOVOTrXr55FdbtPVamZDmhVClqjN/s1600/belleoflouisville.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg6r9tKpq7NjQZm4Oe2PeU_QNysOrtkZ8cP2lYLrDWPcvDzzCv9geaUfMNmMLcPeXLXmgoFjmr7PgAplmBAReltaiQd_tiI1G58vFaPRe3tOVOTrXr55FdbtPVamZDmhVClqjN/s200/belleoflouisville.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belle of Louisville</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After West Baden it was time to head toward Kentucky for our next stop Louisville. This river city has some great history, and although we tend to stick to the smaller, out of the way and lessor knowns, we wanted at least to see the Belle of Louisville, which, built in 1914, is the oldest operating Mississippi style steamboat in the world. This would be a simple pass by for us though, as I was back to "white knuckle driving" getting the camper through downtown. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUdv33HKrweS_BZIc484-CVXpZ1NkIeS9VAhH6y-Ho5lG00WpeKCg4HmtXTd88DjY4mPOIZDHk1D1rogmeGHZWjJ0Vw6dBc_pHUmE57wPto-t2O7dRtVGZq5J0x9dx8CWF6yo/s1600/churchilldowns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheUdv33HKrweS_BZIc484-CVXpZ1NkIeS9VAhH6y-Ho5lG00WpeKCg4HmtXTd88DjY4mPOIZDHk1D1rogmeGHZWjJ0Vw6dBc_pHUmE57wPto-t2O7dRtVGZq5J0x9dx8CWF6yo/s200/churchilldowns.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchill Downs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We made a stop at Churchill Downs, home of the famous Kentucky Derby for a quick unwind and picture opportunity, then decided to move on down the road toward Fort Knox. We had planned a side trip to the allegedly haunted and infamous Waverly Hills Sanitorium, figuring that although the scheduled tours were closed this month, we could at least get a few pictures from their parking lot. After a bit of trouble trying to find the road to get there, which is actually an entry way to a Golf Course, we made our way up a narrow road to find the gate to Waverly closed. We respect all No Trespassing signs, but figured maybe we could see something on this side of the gate, so Kathy got out to try to get a picture. It was about this time we noticed the car that had followed us up the road and as soon as Kathy exited our car he raced up beside us.<br />
<br />
"You can't cross that line," the security detail said while pointing to the gate. "We know, we just thought we would get a quick picture from here and see if there's a way to turn around with our camper," I said with a tinge of hope he would see that there was NO way to get the camper turned around. "Well, you can't cross that line." And with that he was back in his car, opening the gate, quickly crossing and just as quick to make sure to stop and hurry back to close it, as if we were going to crash through at any moment. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34ETXsV9QH75Eaqaqr5YY_3BdRNuLQ8cZzbdEYMr8anSlhSvnsn0q51zyevov7N2EEyAxgs0zVVAfkofnJrQR3Oa8JEj_ufIVHY3Zxn575k4d_VvhKn-xY3hBFGHkK87oDB0h/s1600/waverythugs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg34ETXsV9QH75Eaqaqr5YY_3BdRNuLQ8cZzbdEYMr8anSlhSvnsn0q51zyevov7N2EEyAxgs0zVVAfkofnJrQR3Oa8JEj_ufIVHY3Zxn575k4d_VvhKn-xY3hBFGHkK87oDB0h/s200/waverythugs.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeah, thanks for the assist</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
This is where the real fun began. After attempting to turn around a few times with no luck, Kathy and I resolved ourselves to the fact I was going to have to back up with our camper in tow a quarter mile to the Golf Course parking lot. We were about two or three hundred feet into this when we see a golf cart with two more security detail driving down from the Sanitorium to the gate. "Hey, maybe they saw how we were struggling and have decided to let us pull in to turn around in their parking lot?" We got our answer pretty quick as the two goons just sat and stared us down from the gate. So with a quick "wave", we continued, and I was thankful I had the practice back in Illinois. <br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, Kathy and I completely understand the need in security. This place has a history of vandalism, etc. We also highly respect No Trespassing signs, and history hunters that don't give everyone else a bad name. What struck us was the rather rudeness of the operation. Typically we wouldn't even write about it, and move on.."our bad". But after seeing a few other reviews with the same "rude" theme on <a href="http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g39604-d1524185-Reviews-Waverly_Hills_Sanatorium-Louisville_Kentucky.html" target="_blank">Trip Advisor</a>, we thought it would be worth mentioning. My only suggestion would be for the owner to seriously consider training staff on customer skills, and that includes non paying customers who could have promoted your business to others, even though we didn't go in. Waverly is more than an alleged haunted place, it's a part of history and a grand building that many would write about beyond the spirit aspect. Again, our only problem with this experience was the rudeness factor, and lack of common courtesy. We would have had to back up anyway if someone wasn't there, but staring us down as we did was a little over the top. While there are several good reviews, we would advise reading through some of the "not so good" before going.<br />
<rant on="on"></rant><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLikBM83nSLm9EuAIBZnA3BYRw3ead3GoNNYZrYCxC3bNR97cI3rKSltZeqTaFGaMzOE4khulaUJSXtOwDh45HKFFWGWVNxFtTaWTqZ8M40olf-H4IfyZnzUcx_AAUmAnYNwx/s1600/FortKnox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="141" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmLikBM83nSLm9EuAIBZnA3BYRw3ead3GoNNYZrYCxC3bNR97cI3rKSltZeqTaFGaMzOE4khulaUJSXtOwDh45HKFFWGWVNxFtTaWTqZ8M40olf-H4IfyZnzUcx_AAUmAnYNwx/s200/FortKnox.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vault at Fort Knox</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On down the road we had to make a quick stop to see Fort Knox. Established in 1918, this is home to the United States Bullion Depository, holding over 4500 metric tons of gold bullion, roughly 2.5% of all gold ever refined. As an active military base, there is a long proud history here that includes General George S. Patton. The Patton Museum contains the largest collection of Patton artifacts in the world, and is a complex worth visiting. I'm sure we will eventually write more in detail on Fort Knox and it's important role in American Military history. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcD280MzuDuvpzRdPkThIPexFJXEaAEhfLQ5mYDV-s9a324F6AXba8qoQGuOSF1Zm-OOWALgDaSlGgAMdOfTDLx0olSPtsvXj54B3EledvMNx-0yUtU5D2ePn27U0qUWVa81Lj/s1600/campground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcD280MzuDuvpzRdPkThIPexFJXEaAEhfLQ5mYDV-s9a324F6AXba8qoQGuOSF1Zm-OOWALgDaSlGgAMdOfTDLx0olSPtsvXj54B3EledvMNx-0yUtU5D2ePn27U0qUWVa81Lj/s200/campground.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lake Cumberland RV Park</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a couple of pics of the Vault from the road, we decided it best to move on to our next camping destination, Lake Cumberland Kentucky. Since Kathy had good cell coverage, she was able to use her phone as a wifi hotspot while driving and actually booked us a place to set up in advance. <a href="http://www.lakecumberlandrvpark.com/" target="_blank">Lake Cumberland RV Park and Golf Driving Range</a> was a very welcome change from our previous nights. This place comes with everything we need, full hookups, very friendly staff (not that the others weren't) and Wifi if your close enough to the office. They put us in lot 1, and although we lost their wireless signal a couple of times, we have good cell coverage so Kathy's phone could act as a backup. I realize we are still novices and early into the RV thing, but I couldn't recommend this stop enough for RVer's. It even has a seasonal indoor pool. Being close to the beautiful waters of Lake Cumberland, we can see why this is a popular spot.<br />
<br />
<b>Day 4</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2SMTzYhHKdRtkygYe3xAGBpftwVLQaRxAHcnZ4YISD1czvcZYU4epM2MFJUPOXmSi3wNvmFrYBJ3Sqz1N7EaTq4Zra_in7_lB5QrY0PWzCIl60RJD__6HZsnE1ZX7FOYwuyz/s1600/monument.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN2SMTzYhHKdRtkygYe3xAGBpftwVLQaRxAHcnZ4YISD1czvcZYU4epM2MFJUPOXmSi3wNvmFrYBJ3Sqz1N7EaTq4Zra_in7_lB5QrY0PWzCIl60RJD__6HZsnE1ZX7FOYwuyz/s200/monument.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
This is our first planned two night stop, so the next morning we unhooked the Highlander from the camper and day tripped around the area of Lake Cumberland. Our goal was Civil War history, and there is plenty of it here. Near Nancy, KY, the Battle of Mill Springs, fought in January of 1862, was the first significant Union Victory as forces under the command of George Thomas defeated Confederates under the command of George Crittenden and Felix Zollicoffer. Work is underway to make this a National Historic Site, but preservationists have done an excellent job at the state level, with a Museum in Nancy and a 10 stop driving tour that winds up on the opposite side of Fishing Creek. <br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAxaMj2PQyKQaTs-jm2gvdoHaUb37rErTuIXKCGK-xQAX_urFFlsR2082TqLtReV8KhTPwKNQCt4rUYi0JPJACRKsMBfB_iq-NlbtAbhQOCn8jn-MuQhqOoArLmPD1t6nzHJC/s1600/massgrave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXAxaMj2PQyKQaTs-jm2gvdoHaUb37rErTuIXKCGK-xQAX_urFFlsR2082TqLtReV8KhTPwKNQCt4rUYi0JPJACRKsMBfB_iq-NlbtAbhQOCn8jn-MuQhqOoArLmPD1t6nzHJC/s200/massgrave.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Down in that grove of trees lies a mass<br />
grave for Confederate Soldiers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Despite having a fairly equal number of forces, the Confederates were at an immediate disadvantage due to the weather. The cold wet weather of January caused problems with firearms for many of Zollicoffer's troops and visibility of the battlefield made enemy recognition a problem as well. Kentucky, like Missouri, was a border state in the war, not fully declared for either side. Confederates hoped a victory here would encourage the state to join them, however the Union Victory removed all chances of that. Even with the victory however, Brig. General George H. Thomas wouldn't get the credit he deserved after the fact as he was under a cloud of suspicion due to his southern roots. President Lincoln even went as far as preventing Harper's Weekly from putting Thomas on the cover.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1QvYEnXMTYXFp-E4LB_e2tNNez8hg0cFH_dGrIrDivVG5OAe-j38bl6QWn0wZ3fXtswf8t7VQSY9oUZJvWQJ-Q37fv1HZm76rZz1beNvQpWNX_P_-nKDEkCEw6A2NStNjlIR/s1600/GristMill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiK1QvYEnXMTYXFp-E4LB_e2tNNez8hg0cFH_dGrIrDivVG5OAe-j38bl6QWn0wZ3fXtswf8t7VQSY9oUZJvWQJ-Q37fv1HZm76rZz1beNvQpWNX_P_-nKDEkCEw6A2NStNjlIR/s200/GristMill.jpg" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Grist Mill</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Soldiers from at least eight states took part in this battle, and the site of Zollicoffer's death and a mass grave for Confederate troops may have been lost if not for the remembrances of 10 year old Dorotha Burton in 1901. Growing up on a farm adjacent to the battlefield, Burton would decorate a nearby Oak tree with a wreath of evergreen and the mass grave with wildflowers. It was that act that inspired Confederate and Union Veterans, along with Zollicoffer's daughters, to erect a permanent remembrance in 1911. Make your first stop the Museum in Nancy and get the driving tour instructions. We found the tour very well marked, even though vandals had removed a couple of the signs last weekend. This is a scenic area for sure, and you will enjoy the history and the drive very much. There was some back tracking for us as we had to get across Fishing Creek and Lake Cumberland to get to the final spots on the tour, but it was worth it.<br />
<br />
Grist Mill at Mill Springs has roots back to 1700 when hunters and explorers, called "Long Hunters", found a place "with excellent springs near a waterfall." The settlers were no doubt amazed at the sight of 13 springs flowing from the hillside! Here, Price's Station, one of the first settlements in Kentucky was established and eventually became a fur trading center. In 1774 Daniel Boone and Michael Stoner passed through this area.<br />
<br />
Touring this area the day before the 11th Anniversary of 9-11 was a good reminder of just how far our country has come, and the adversity we as Americans can pull through and come back together for the common good. After this nice leisurely day we decided we would stay an extra night at our RV campground. Next on the agenda is the Daniel Boone National Forest.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, you can see all the pics from Day 3 and 4, which have been added to our East of the Mississippi Facebook Album <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151144492969732.460889.110001784731&type=3" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Legends of America is a Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic Minded.</div>Dave Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243636591572159544noreply@blogger.com0Mill Springs-Battlefield Rd, Nancy, KY 42544, USA36.958671131530316 -84.786987304687536.552733131530317 -85.4187013046875 37.364609131530315 -84.1552733046875tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8743388.post-53817422922347368882012-09-10T07:42:00.000-05:002012-10-07T14:52:41.980-05:00Legends Goes Rv'ing (Day 1 and 2)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>The Learning Curve</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx58l0atcSp6jUYR3x9G71lezhC42-QfAy05qzsa-e89SqEKQ3QnHvQaSq4mR5J2l20IqAVtmOTlzL3QWCT2GKIcK267eHCOFHlyD4VeodM1ktTRzjtQtaWa5VqPyq7R-CCB6c/s1600/431264_10151144493244732_1811889260_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx58l0atcSp6jUYR3x9G71lezhC42-QfAy05qzsa-e89SqEKQ3QnHvQaSq4mR5J2l20IqAVtmOTlzL3QWCT2GKIcK267eHCOFHlyD4VeodM1ktTRzjtQtaWa5VqPyq7R-CCB6c/s200/431264_10151144493244732_1811889260_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>Like any small business in a tight
economy, Kathy and I have been adjusting and changing plans to adapt.
One of our biggest needs is downsizing the cost of travel. We've
been somewhat spoiled, always staying in hotels and motels. Nothing
fancy, we try to go as cost effective as possible; but, we have our
“criteria” that each place must meet. That has often left us searching
when we pull into a destination and
we haven't always been able to find one that met all of our
requirements, the biggest of which is internet, but, must also allow our two dogs, Kaydee and Riley.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This past summer Kathy started hinting
around at changing from the Hotel/Motel plan, and camping instead.
She first suggested that we get a tent, but, I quickly nixed that one.
The idea of the two of us, along with two dogs, in a tent, at the
mercy of Mother Nature, just doesn't appeal to this computer geek
turned history lover. After I convinced her just how bad of an idea
that was, she turned her focus to Pop Up campers. Ok, that's more
doable, but, do we really want to go out and buy a Pop Up without
doing this “camping” thing first? Our good friends, David and
Tim Cattalino, who publish books on RV's and Camping through their
company <em><a href="http://www.roundaboutpublications.com/" target="_blank">Roundabout Publications</a></em>, knowing Kathy for probably 20 plus
years, and knowing me since 2003, answered that question with a
resounding “NO”.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ok, so how to get the RV/Camping
experience without buying an RV? In comes Kathy's sister Kristy and
her husband Geno. They just happen to have a Starcraft Travel Star camper.
Alright, now we are in business! Kathy spent some quality time
planning out a trip that would take us on a camping adventure to
parts East of the Mississippi River, with the idea that we would then be
able to truly judge if this was the way for “us” to travel. We
figured all that money we are spending on a cell phone with a data
plan would pay off, and when there wasn't any wireless internet
available, we could use the phone as a hot spot.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Geno says I did pretty good at learning
the in's and out's of setting up, etc. He got a chuckle or two the
first time we hooked it up to the Legends Mobile and I freaked out at
various noises. “Are you sure that thing isn't about to fall off
the hitch?” “No worries Dave, it's just settling in.” He could
tell by the look on my face that our planned 11 day outing would be
an adventure, with a few stories to tell (and some to probably keep
secret).
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Day 1-Warsaw to Lake Rend Illinois</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And so it was, this past Friday, that
after carefully stocking up the RV fridge and cabinets, making sure
to pack all the comforts of home, we headed out from Warsaw, Missouri to our first destination, Rend Lake, <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/il-mainpage.html" target="_blank">Illinois</a> (just
outside of Whittington). Kathy's plan took us toward St. Louis, but
she made sure to keep me off the interstate at first so I could get
my feet wet pulling a Camper. Glad she did, as I was pretty “white
knuckled” that first few hours. It didn't help that Kathy came up
with her usual “I've got a short cut” schemes, one of which wound
up getting her lost and back to the same area of I-64 in <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/il-mainpage.html" target="_blank">Illinois</a>
over and over again. That's due to the fact Kathy has really settled
into being a Missourian. “I don't think this is the right way
Kathy.” “Show me it isn't”. When she finally gave in and told
me to follow our Tom Tom GPS instead, we booked on down the road, pulling
into Lake Rend with plenty of daylight left. <br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pQ3JnqjxGtQ9VW_MAhZOCbsVpOA5nhH-E5A0WVD7xUcnrGphjAC2LnRnH5PEpPty772C3pm8Dn4oIOgvIX1619SIzhBydQBMTIEY-NUOrMwRQIm9dwRjTr-R7AHIdg_oRfSv/s1600/293001_10151144493634732_395149048_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pQ3JnqjxGtQ9VW_MAhZOCbsVpOA5nhH-E5A0WVD7xUcnrGphjAC2LnRnH5PEpPty772C3pm8Dn4oIOgvIX1619SIzhBydQBMTIEY-NUOrMwRQIm9dwRjTr-R7AHIdg_oRfSv/s200/293001_10151144493634732_395149048_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kaydee and Riley enjoying Lake Rend<br />
with storm clouds brewing. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Of course, we needed that extra
daylight, as being novice campers, we were going over the checklist
more than once, making sure we had it all right. Leveled, check.
Stabilizers down, check. Dogs on leashes, check. Hey, that fridge
really did work on batteries..and so on. After getting everything
settled, we sat down at the picnic table beside the camper and took
in the lake view, noticing pretty quick the storm clouds building
in the background. It wasn't long before the camp host drove up to
alert us to the Severe Thunderstorm, with 60 to 80 mph winds, heading
directly for our nice little set up.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This is where Kathy and I both became
full fledged Missourians. Me being raised in the <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/tx-mainpage.html" target="_blank">Texas</a> Panhandle,
Kathy in Southwest <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/ks-mainpage.html" target="_blank">Kansas</a>, living in the Kansas City area for over a
decade, we both said “Storms? Show Me.”
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And so, after negating the need in
following the camp guides instruction to the nearest safe shelters,
we brought in the dogs, settled into our very first night in the new
mobile motel, and pondered on just how hard headed we were being.
Luckily for us, the RV only swayed a little, and with just a couple
of moments of “shoulda, woulda, coulda,” we weathered the storm.
This state campground didn't have WiFi, and unfortunately, Kathy's
new “smart” phone wasn't so smart after all, so couldn't get on
the internet. Kathy asked me why she could receive and make calls, but not get internet. I showed her the "E" symbol for ATT's Edge Network and told her that unless that was 3 or 4G we would probably be out of luck. "E means Internet is Empty babe." Giving up on our normal “geekin” routine, we called
it a night.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Day 2 - Whittington, IL to French Lick Indiana </b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3Md9cnhn0NQwSsXOQ5eSGnKScwwNeVwditqMrwc8vN-i1MgaQSSfboyILUkoGG0iCXDSaXaFAYXWGzutumzwu5PxAWyKebYSg3GHUBwJ6mf_VXCKM8_nltWa345bL5XbGQjh/s1600/561660_10151144493144732_188815561_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI3Md9cnhn0NQwSsXOQ5eSGnKScwwNeVwditqMrwc8vN-i1MgaQSSfboyILUkoGG0iCXDSaXaFAYXWGzutumzwu5PxAWyKebYSg3GHUBwJ6mf_VXCKM8_nltWa345bL5XbGQjh/s200/561660_10151144493144732_188815561_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>After a little tossing and turning
getting used to our new sleeping arrangements, we awoke ready to push
on out to our first day of actual history travel. Since our campsite
didn't have a direct water hookup, therefore nothing to get rid of at
a dump station, there wasn't a lot to do before heading out. We
took note that despite all the wind the night before, the campsite
and state park seemed to be intact, and the camper made it through
unscathed. Our first item on the agenda was a quick stop in Benton, <a href="http://www.legendsofamerica.com/il-mainpage.html" target="_blank">Illinois</a>.
This is where 1920's mobster Charley Birger would become the last
person "publicly" hanged Illinois. The town still displays the gallows, noose
and all, and it was a good picture opportunity, not to mention great
practice for me in figuring out where to park with camper in tow.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After Benton, Kathy's next target was
New Harmony, Indiana, just across the state line. In Crossville,
we followed our Tom Tom GPS (which is probably 6 years old by now)
and turned on a highway that would take us straight there, just 7
miles down the road. Now, you would think that we would pause and
reconsider upon immediately reading “Road Closed 6 Miles Ahead,
Local Traffic Only”, but no, we are still on the “Show Me”
tour, and just couldn't imagine that there wouldn't be a way to get
past the closure 1 mile from New Harmony.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5LCqpiRDoaUQtKbM0Fbt8v3rH2KBw55cQZvQhdZLtStbfScLWKTcFSEf5fvIrHiCPRF9wi6hdhta6TCkaI7J8cAxFFtYB27N_orFZq1fb3ooISgx1Wy2o7RKriaFuHwBVcTu/s1600/376665_10151144493354732_2137530074_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="130" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH5LCqpiRDoaUQtKbM0Fbt8v3rH2KBw55cQZvQhdZLtStbfScLWKTcFSEf5fvIrHiCPRF9wi6hdhta6TCkaI7J8cAxFFtYB27N_orFZq1fb3ooISgx1Wy2o7RKriaFuHwBVcTu/s200/376665_10151144493354732_2137530074_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>Standing at the Wabash River, at the
now closed Harmony Way Toll Bridge that seems so long forgotten, but, only permanently closed since May, we could only imagine New Harmony on
the other side. The fading red sign announcing “Entering Indiana”
still hangs high on the trellice over the bridge. The Toll Booth,
though a ghost of it's former self, still standing to beckon visitors
across the state line. Surprisingly, we weren't disappointed that
we had ignored the signs telling us this road was closed. Dorky as it
is, this is one of the things Kathy and I enjoy. Running into history
in the form of ghost towns, and the occasional ghost bridge. Surely
there's a story to be told about this relic, sentenced to rust away
over the Wabash as a constant reminder of it's once more fruitful
days. A quick search shows that it was built with private funds back in 1930, but started having structural issues in 2007 and long story short, several years later there just wasn't enough money to "fix" everything that needed fixed. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
“I saw a cross roads back a mile or
so. I bet we could take it and get there”, Kathy says, announcing
another 'I know a short cut' scheme. “I don't think so honey,
didn't look like a road that would get us across the river.” “Show
Me”.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One of the things I haven't practiced a
lot is backing up the camper for a long distance. I do alright
backing into the campgrounds or into the driveway, but much more than
that, notta. So as the county road she had me turn on changed from
asphalt to gravel, then started changing to dirt, I got my first
crash coarse in backing up to a cross roads we had passed at least
500 feet back. You know, it doesn't take a lot to turn a camper going
backwards, and if you turn too much, you wind up snaking your way
back and forth just to keep it on the road. Yeah, I figured that out
pretty quick, but got the practice I needed and by the time we
reached the cross road, I was ready to back another 500 (but, not this moment).
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRIubfF2R35zeaRm3q0JP3JIozVJgduTtc9L8bE8Iz4UI3_iOyZ8G590VLATgwIZryXi11twa3B2md3udhRbPoZBAXazpJd5o3JViyw8TmL8KFy_IN7L9w-rKWTr6PVRXCJJz/s1600/318468_10151144493714732_1671493971_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsRIubfF2R35zeaRm3q0JP3JIozVJgduTtc9L8bE8Iz4UI3_iOyZ8G590VLATgwIZryXi11twa3B2md3udhRbPoZBAXazpJd5o3JViyw8TmL8KFy_IN7L9w-rKWTr6PVRXCJJz/s200/318468_10151144493714732_1671493971_n.jpg" width="200" /></a>By the time we reached New Harmony it
was already lunch time. There's a lot to see here, so we found the
visitors center, parked in the back lot, with the plan of doing a
walking tour followed by sandwiches in the camper. This is a pretty
neat town, established in 1814 by the Harmony Society, a group of "Harmonists" decided to build a town in the wilderness. In 1825 they decided to sell it to an industrialist and social reformer, Robert Owen, who wanted to create utopian as a social experiment. Although an economic failure after only a couple of years, the community became known as a center for advances in education and scientific research. Residents established the first free library, a drama club, and public school system.</div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7XGECVG-8fv8pfODjp5bmo0idr_iFuTwN84DmexI91QfCUbiR4lq8L8x3JEP3bS8wXHotTSIMoho1pQ2_L15-fxdWXSzH56H9UJzEoj57pJ24gUiGqJjIFNhCdD7N624iDUQ/s1600/223871_10151144493889732_1130704967_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="133" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN7XGECVG-8fv8pfODjp5bmo0idr_iFuTwN84DmexI91QfCUbiR4lq8L8x3JEP3bS8wXHotTSIMoho1pQ2_L15-fxdWXSzH56H9UJzEoj57pJ24gUiGqJjIFNhCdD7N624iDUQ/s200/223871_10151144493889732_1130704967_n.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roofless Church in New Harmony, IN</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Today, in addition to the numerous restored buildings in the historic district, you will find the Roofless Church and Atheneum. The Atheneum is the towns visitors center which opened in 1979, and in addition to historical information, provides the starting point of guided tours if you wish. The way we travel, we decided to pick up the information and tour on our own. As we walked through the town we kept seeing tree trimming trucks and a couple with power poles attached pulling through town. After running into felled trees, large and small, along with scatterings of branches, we realized just how fortunate we were at Lake Rend during that storm. One tree in particular, probably at least 100 feet high, laying on the ground completely uprooted, pretty much convinced me that next time we would seek better shelter. I guess you could say it "showed us".<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0x-Meq-AOunCllGLAEUQ5R9ilPe8AJVWedci8QbmdXEeI8fa3Bu41cEMKQjyXuDoFLyxphe85v-nDYM4NOWzG6QEET4HZz6zG2NiTLvBEdG9hyJ3Gzp_Mol_MSGBYH7dkQY_/s1600/408224_10151144493999732_1135045122_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0x-Meq-AOunCllGLAEUQ5R9ilPe8AJVWedci8QbmdXEeI8fa3Bu41cEMKQjyXuDoFLyxphe85v-nDYM4NOWzG6QEET4HZz6zG2NiTLvBEdG9hyJ3Gzp_Mol_MSGBYH7dkQY_/s200/408224_10151144493999732_1135045122_n.jpg" width="133" /></a>After a couple more pics of the abandoned toll bridge, and a quick lunch in the camper, it was time to mosey over toward Poseyville and down the road toward Ferdinand, once known as the wooden shoe village. Established in 1840, this was a quick picture opportunity to see the Monastery of Immaculate Conception, which began in 1867. This is the monastery of The Sisters of St. Benedict of Ferdinand, who have been serving the area since. They immediately began teaching at the Ferdinand parish school, and in 1870 opened a boarding school for girls. In 1914 the community established a training school for teachers, St. Benedict Normal College, which closed in 1970. The girls boarding school would also be victim to declining population and closed in 2000.</div>
<br />
By this time we needed to find our next camping spot near French Lick, Indiana. Not planning ahead, this turned into one of our motel searches, as we bounced from spot to spot. One campground appeared to be just for long termers. Yet another, had no trees, no guests, and looked like it could have been run out of our own backyard. So we decided to backtrack to Patoka Lake State Park instead. Another great campground, this one with a fresh water filling station, but still no internet. "What does your smart phone say"? I asked, knowing that we probably were still on E. "Still looking for a G spot", Kathy replied. Gonna have to work on her cell phone lingo.<br />
<br />
We've got a G Spot today (Day 3), so I'm catching up on the blog. Will write about our adventure into Kentucky next blog as we traveled from French Lick to Lake Cumberland.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, you can see the highlights in our East of the Mississippi Facebook photo album <a href="https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10151144492969732.460889.110001784731&type=1" target="_blank">HERE</a>.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Legends of America is a Travel Site for the Nostalgic and Historic Minded.</div>Dave Alexanderhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11243636591572159544noreply@blogger.com0New Harmony, IN 47631, USA38.1297678 -87.935029938.117277300000005 -87.9547709 38.1422583 -87.915288900000007