A Journey through US history! (week 24)

This past week we visited 2 state capitals, drove through 4 states, made new friends, and visited one of the most historic places in the USA - Jamestown Settlement and Historic Jamestown, Virginia.

We got a wonderful surprise when we went  to pay our entry fee - not only did we get the homeschool discount, we also just happened to be visiting on the only weekend of the year that "The Military through the Ages" was being hosted! They have well over 100 volunteers dress up in time period costumes and set up their spots in that time period - Real food cooking in the outdoors and all! (Beginning at the Roman Empire and ending with the Vietnam War).

I couldn't have asked for a better experience. The kids were able to see history come alive and learn so much from the volunteers who studied their time period AND remained in character while telling tales from the past!

Afterward we headed over to the Historic part of Jamestown. WOW!

There are still some items in place from 1607 when the settlers landed and made camp - like the well, that when dried up, was used as a garbage dumping place, which of course served the archeologists very well in order to understand their history and collect items to preserve in the museum (we were not allowed to photograph those items, but it was impressive what was left behind - soles from shoes of both young and old, jewelry, belt buckles, weapons, cooking utensils and much more).

The two state capitals we visited were West Virginia and Virginia. At the West Virginia Capital we learned the history of Mothers Day and the woman who inspired it. What a story!  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ann_Jarvis. 

They also have a bust of Booker T Washington who was born a slave in 1866, and in 1881 started the first school for African Americans - Tuskegee University (which we had the privilege to visit on this trip).

At the Virginia Capital we saw a statue of George Washington that is not only detailed to exactly his height and frame, but is the original statue that he modeled for and allowed his face to be cast for. Which means, the face was made from a mold that was placed on his face - talk about life like accuracy!

 A story is told of General Lafayette, who knew and admired him, that when he took one look at it, he fell on his knees in tears, exclaiming he would swear it was as if standing next to him!

We were blessed earlier this week to stay with 2 Candle in the Window families who have lots of property and animals. Our girls made new friends and got lots of outdoor time - Brings such joy to this mommies heart. We are currently at a YWAM base and will be leaving early Tuesday morning.

Tomorrow is a full day visiting Yorktown. I think that will need it's own blog post!

Marilyn