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.