Historic Sites – Page 89 – WANDERLUST FAMILY ADVENTURE

Appomattox Courthouse National Historical Park

November 3, 2017 Joseph Candora Architecture, Historic Sites, National Parks Service, North America, Virginia

Appomattox Courthouse National Historical Park commemorates the battle and surrender of General Robert E Lee and his Army of Northern Virginia to General Ulysses S Grant. Wilmer McLean had an interesting life intricately associated with the Civil War. After his home was damaged in the first major battle of the war “The Battle of Bull Run” he moved his family to the sleepy village of Appomattox Courthouse, Virginia.

New photo by Wanderlust Family Adventure / Google Photos

It was in his front parlor that Lee surrendered to Grant foreshadowing the end of the war shortly after.

The history of the house at Appomattox is as interesting as McLean’s himself. After the signing Union soldiers ransacked the home for souvenirs literally tearing it apart in the process. McLean eventually defaulted on the house and it made its way into the hands of spectaculars. The house was dismantled with the hopes that it would be re-assembled and put on display either in Washington or at the a Worlds Fair exhibition. The house never made it to Washington and it was left disassembled in a pile for the next 50 years. The National Park Service established the Appomattox Courthouse National Historical Monument in 1940 and eventually re-assembled the house and furnished it with period accouterments. You can tour the house today.

The park is nicely placed in an attractive rural area, there is a 4.5 mile “History Trail” that winds through the ravines and dells surrounding the restored houses on site.

The passport to the National Parks cancellation stamp is in the bookstore/shop in the Tavern Kitchen. A beautiful park with a pleasant blend of history and nature.

Ellis Island part of The Statue of Liberty National Monument

November 3, 2017 Joseph Candora Architecture, Historic Sites, Museums, National Parks Service, New York, New York City, North America, United States

When you plan on a trip to the Statue of Liberty National Monument make sure you leave time to go the the Ellis Island portion of the park. Ellis Island was the gateway millions of new Americans used to enter the country. In the troubling times that we live in it is an important reminder that the country was built by immigrants seeking a better life for themselves and their families. We get our strength from our diversity.

When you book your tickets check the schedule and plan out your stop to Ellis Island. On the island you will want to spend time in the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration. The information desk has a park brochure and is where you can get your passport to the National Parks cancellation stamp.

Wandering these halls and thinking about the fear and apprehension my grandfather must have felt leaving his home country to start a new life made me all the more connected to my family history and gave me a deeper understanding of the modern world.

Honeymoon Covered Bridge – Jackson, New Hampshire

November 3, 2017 Joseph Candora Covered Bridges, Historic Sites, New Hampshire, North America, United States

The Honeymoon Bridge was built in 1876 and spans the Ellis River. The bridge is easily accessed from NH Route 16 between the town of North Conway, NH and the Mount Washington Auto Road. Not the prettiest covered bridge in the state but worth a stop for a few minutes if you are heading up to the auto road. We have not stayed there but there is a lodge nearby.

Antietam National Battlefield

November 2, 2017 Joseph Candora Historic Sites, Maryland, National Parks Service, North America, United States

Antietam National Battlefield commemorates the site of the bloodiest single day in US Civil War history. The battle of Antietam or (Sharpsburg)was important in many ways. Robert E.Lee made his first attempt to invade northern territory and was narrowly defeated by a superior Union force despite heavy causalities. After the battle the Union General George McClellan was relieved of overall command because of his failure to pursue Lee with his superior force.

The most important consequence of the battle was that Lincoln was able to use the victory to announce the Emancipation Proclamation. Although it did not actually free any slaves at the time the symbol was undeniable.

The battlefield itself is excellently presented with a good visitor center and a nice driving tour winding its way through the key areas of the battlefield. The park also has some wonderful walking opportunities.

The Burnside Bridge was the key site of the battle. Park above the bridge for a great overview of the area and then take the short walk to the bridge.

During summer weekends you may catch some re-enactors.

Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.

November 2, 2017 Joseph Candora Architecture, Hiking, Historic Sites, Maryland, National Parks Service, North America, United States, Virginia, Waterfalls

Great Falls Park is where the Potomac River cascades over jagged rocks through Mather Gorge.

The main visitor center for the park is on the Virginia side of the river and is where most of the infrastructure and hiking trails are located. On the Maryland side of the river is the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historic Park and the Great Falls Tavern Visitor Center. There are a dozen unique passport to the National Park cancellation stamps so be sure to check the park web site for details. There are a lot of hiking and walking opportunities here as well, the most fun is the Billy Goat trail where you literally go up a cliff face like a mountain goat.