Side Trips (or If We Stayed Home, I Might Have to Clean the House)

Really, "hallowed ground" surrounds us from all directions!  70 miles from our nation's capital, we feel fortunate to live in a 4-state region (West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania) so rich in history and culture. The history of this region dates back to colonial times.  Nine Presidents had homes within easy driving distance.   There are ample opportunities to learn about battles fought on American soil (French & Indian, American Revolution, War of 1812, Civil War).  We have our admirable National Park Service doing an impressive job maintaining these historical sites.

Places mentioned in this post have historical significance, but were not part of The Hallowed Ground tour.
 

1. Saturday Jan 28, 2012. Ford's Theatre, Washington DC.  Spent the day in Washington DC. We attended a presentation of Necessary Sacrifices at Ford's Theatre . Eddie and I met David Selby (ex-Quentin, Dark Shadows), who starred in the role of Abraham Lincoln. We had a delicious, yet somewhat pricey lunch at Hard Rock Cafe on E Street NW.
I'm getting better-- I didn't get lost coming home from the Metro--  Great Day!

 "This nation cannot excel half-equal and half-unequal. To accept that would be merely to remove our shackles from our legs, clean and polish them, and put them right back on. This work must be done, and done forever."   -Frederick Douglass in Necessary Sacrifices.

Below, you see Eddie and D. Selby, the President's Box, and a shot from Necessary Sacrifices. (Read the preview from the Washington Examiner)

 

Itenerary: The Plan for the 1st Leg of the Tour

First leg: Starting at Gettysburg PA, down Rt 15 South through Frederick County MD to the Potomac River at Point of Rocks MD. This 175-mile trip approximates the Old Carolina Road, a major "thoroughfare" dating back to Colonial times.  Today we call it US Route 15.  This road was used by Native Americans and early settlers for trade and migration.  Several presidents made homes along this important route.  It was used extensively through the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, and the Civil War. It is a beautiful road, with breathtaking views of the Catoctin Mou ntains and a wide open horizon. Of course, this "tour" can be driven in a day, but who would want to drive past all these great places????  We plan to do it in a year.

First leg:  Gettysburg to the Potomac River.
1.  Gettysburg PA.
2. Emmittsburg MD.
3. Thurmont, MD.
4.  Frederick, MD.
5.  Point of Rocks MD.

Gettysburg

  
   

The Eisenhower Farm, near the battlefield

 Eddie and Alison at the Battlefield



View this clip from the movie "Gettysburg"

11th stop: Orange, VA to Charlottesville.

11th stop. Weekend trip. Maybe staying 2 nights.  Includes Orange, Montpelier, Barboursville, Gordonsville, Ash Lawn, Monticello and Charlottesville.

9th stop: Rappahanock Station, VA

9th stop. Includes Kelly's Ford and Brandy Station Battlefields and Graffiti House Museum.

7th stop: Oak Hill, VA

7th stop. Drive by home of President James Madison.  (visible but not open to public) Includes Aldie Mill, Mt Zion Church, and Buckland.

First trip: Gettysburg PA

Highlughts of the day:  Sights in Gettysburg PA:  Battlefield at the Gettysburg National Military Park, American Civil War Wax Museum, Avenue Restaurant, Eisenhower National Historic Site,  Family's Choice Antiques (in nearby MD).
 
We began our journey in Gettysburg PA, about 1 1/2 hours from our home in Jefferson County, WV.  The first stop was the American Civil War Wax Museum.  (297 Steinwher Ave).  We enjoyed the wax museum tour and the wonderful gift shop.

Next, lunch. As the book suggested, we had a very enjoyable family-style lunch at the Avenue Restaurant (21 Steinwehr Avenue).

Next destination was the home of President Dwight D. Eisenhower, following his retirement as 5-star general in WW2.  His 187-acre farm is located on Baltimore Pike, but it's necessary to get there from the battlefield Visitor Center and go by shuttle.  (We've toured the battlefield several times, and wanted to explore something different).  The visitor center is on Baltimore Pike. 

Eisenhower's farmhouse adjoined the battlefield.  It was not ornate, but very interesting. Being a military man, Ike didn't care for a lot of "stuff" in the house.  He had a great view of the battlefield and the surrounding mountains. It was too cold to walk the ground, but they say that Ike walked those grounds often, hoping to leave the land better than when he came.  Many of the rooms were rose pink, owing to Mamie's designer tastes. She was the daughter of a millionaire but had to live somewhat simply as the wife of a carer military man.

Heading home on US Rt 15, we stopped at one of my favorite furniture places, Family's Choice Antiques, just outside of Frederick, MD. There I found a lovely framed setting of three very old Washington DC postcards dating to 1873. I thought I wasn't going to buy anything, but I got that for $45.  A real bargain.  I highly recommend this store for its high quality refinished antique furniture.

Back home again at 6:00 pm.  A good day on the road.We are looking forward to more travels.