Day 953-Keys to Canada-Virginia

 Still working our way through Virginia. The rich history surrounding us leaves us in love with history. From the Revolutionary war to Civil War battlefields, it's a honor to walk among the multitude of significant events that shaped our country.  We stumbled upon the Annual NATO international festival. Engaging booths with countries represented, a grand parade, and an electrifying Military Tattoo (concert not ink)with 5 countries delivering a truly phenomenal show.

Yorktown, PA

The site of the final major battle of the American Revolution in 1781, where Lord Cornwallis surrendered to George Washington.

While in Norfolk, VA, we stumbled upon a NATO parade and festival. Countries had floats, bands, and booths with travel information and food. Looking around, with military service members everywhere, we spotted a sniper on a rooftop. It made us feel safe, but also left us wondering… where are the ones we don’t see?

Later that night we attended a Military Tattoo.  A military tattoo originated in the 17th-century Netherlands as a signal for soldiers to return to barracks, evolving from the Dutch phrase doe den tap toe ("turn off the tap"). Drummer-led performances instructed tavern keepers to stop serving beer, ensuring soldiers' return. 

Frank O’Reilly, author of the definitive study The Fredericksburg Campaign: Winter War on the Rappahannock, has stated that this ground is absolutely critical to understanding the battle. He writes: “The Slaughter Pen is the very heart and soul of the Fredericksburg Battlefield. Without it, nothing makes sense. This is the point where the battle was won and lost on December 13, 1862.”

Chatham Manor is one of America's most beautiful and historic houses. Built in the 18th century by William Fitzhugh, the house served as a headquarters and hospital for the Union army during the Battle of Fredericksburg.

George Washington’s Ferry Farm is where young Washington spent his formative years and became an extraordinary man. The future general and first president was 6 years old when his family moved to King George County (now Stafford County), Virginia, in 1738.

The Battle of Chancellorsville and the Battle of Spotsylvania Court House (May 8–21, 1864) were two major American Civil War engagements fought in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. While separated by a year, they are deeply linked as part of the pivotal campaigns fought in the "Wilderness" region

Despite the victory, the Confederates suffered a devastating loss when Stonewall Jackson was accidentally shot by his own men and died days later.

Day 950-Keys to Canada-North Carolina-Virginia

 

From North Carolina to Virginia , this trip was filled with history, family, and moments that really stick with you. Walking the grounds of Virginia Military Institute, reflecting at Appomattox, and appreciating the stories behind each place—it all connects in a way that reminds you how the past shapes where we are today.

Rob and Rose Dickson in North Carolina

The Aberdeen Carolina and Western Railway Company is the largest privately held shortline or regional railroad in North Carolina. Getting a sneak peak made this place extra special. 

The Pisgah Covered Bridge is a historic 54-foot structure located in Asheboro, NC, within the Uwharrie National Forest. Built in 1911 it is one of only two original covered bridges remaining in North Carolina. It spans the West Fork Branch of the Little River

The Virginia Military Institute is a public senior military college in Lexington, Virginia, United States. It was founded in 1839 as America's first state-sponsored and -supported military college and is the oldest public senior military college in the United States

Grace Episcopal Church in Lexington, Virginia, has a deeply intertwined history with the local community and, specifically, the Washington and Lee University campus, serving as a landmark institution.

Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s most famous horse during the American Civil War, renowned for his grey coat, strength, and courage

Confederate General Stonewall Jackson is buried in the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery (formerly Oak Grove Cemetery) in Lexington, Virginia. He was laid to rest on May 15, 1863, following his death from pneumonia after being wounded at the Battle of Chancellorsville.

The Blue Ridge Parkway is a 469-mile scenic motor road connecting Virginia’s Shenandoah National Park to North Carolina’s Great Smoky Mountains National Park. 

‎⁨Appomattox Court House is significant as the site of Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s surrender to Union General Ulysses S. Grant on April 9, 1865, effectively ending the American Civil War. This surrender of the Army of Northern Virginia began the nation’s reunification and triggered the collapse of other Confederate forces

Hollins Mill Park Lynchburg, VA

Day 937- Keys to Canada- Georgia into Tennessee

 We successfully crossed from Georgia into Tennessee—no casualties, just snacks.  Been having a blast exploring Civil War battlefields… including quite a few that had us saying, “Wait, how did we *not* know about this one?” Turns out history has a pretty deep bench. Nashville did not disappoint, and yes, the Grand Ole Opry was a sight. But the real highlight? Reuniting with great friends who generously let us turn their driveway into our home base. Five-star parking, unbeatable company.

The Trail of Tears National Historic Trail commemorates the forced removal of over 60,0000 Native Americans, including Cherokee, Muskogee, Seminole, Chickasaw, and Choctaw nations, between 1830 and 1850. Administered by the National Park Service (NPS), the 5,000-mile trail spans water and land routes across nine states (AL, AR, GA, IL, KY, MO, NC, OK, TN)

Missionary Ridge

On November 25, 1863, Union troops under Ulysses S. Grant launched a, in part, spontaneous charge up the ridge, shattering the Confederate Army of Tennessee’s position and forcing their retreat into Georgia.

‎⁨Orchard Knob Resv⁩, ⁨Chattanooga⁩, ⁨Tennessee Valley⁩, ⁨United States⁩

Chattanooga National Cemetery 

The Great Locomotive Chase (April 12, 1862) was a daring Union mission where civilian James Andrews and 21 soldiers stole the Confederate train, The General, in Kennesaw, Georgia, aiming to destroy rail lines to Chattanooga. Pursued by conductor William Fuller for 87 miles, the raiders ran out of fuel near Ringgold, GA. Here is the monument for the raiders is located at the Chattanooga National Cemetery, where several are buried. 

Nashville, TN

Broadway in Nashville

Can't go to Nashville with out a tour of the Grand Ole Opry. 

The Battle of Franklin was one of the last great battles of the American Civil War. Fate and circumstance placed the small town of Franklin in the path of two great armies in late November 1864.

Visiting friend like Dave and Joanne makes life travels great. Dave teaching Tom how to play SINGO was full of laughters all around. Yes Tom did win. 

Fall Creek Falls, at 256 feet, is generally recognized as the highest single vertical drop waterfall in Tennessee and in the eastern United States

Driveway Surfing at the Libby's

Happy Easter