Revisiting My Travels of America on Her Birthday

I have been very lucky to travel America.  I have visited many historical sites, many entertainment sites and many small town charming sites.  This post is dedicated to those places I traveled that remind me of the fight that had to occur for the freedoms we have today. 

Home of Betsy Ross

Betsy Ross is credited with the creation of a symbol of American freedom, the United States flag.  It is said that Betsy Ross presented this flag to George Washington in the late spring of 1776 a full year ahead of the Flag Act.

Independence Hall

Independence Hall is home of the signing of the Declaration of Independence as well as the United States Constitution.  The United States Declaration of Independence was adopted on July 4, 1776 and read aloud in Independence Square located adjacent to Independence Hall.  The document was issued for those colonies who were declaring their independence from Great Britain. 

The Liberty Bell

The Liberty Bell was commissioned from a London firm and originally cast in 1752.  The bell was inscribed with a partial quote from Leviticus 25:10, "Proclaim LIBERTY throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof."  Upon arriving in Philadelphia it was placed in the steeple of what is now known as Independence Hall.  The bell was rung to summon lawmakers and advise citizens of proclamations being issued.  

Many bells were rung to mark the reading of the Declaration of Independence on July 8, 1776.  The Liberty Bell is considered a symbol of freedom today and has traveled the world bringing the idea of freedom with it.

Grave site of Benjamin Franklin

 A Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin was a huge proponent and campaigner for uniting the colonies.  The 6th President of Pennsylvania was a believer in Enlightenment and religious tolerance.  He was the 1st Postmaster General of the United States.  An inventor, author and social volunteer, Benjamin Franklin made a stamp on America and is a legend to be revered for his hard work and dedication to life for the people.

Mount Vernon

Mount Vernon is the home of our 1st president, George Washington.  From 1759 until the Revolutionary War, George Washington, an aspiring agriculturist, was operating five farms on the land.  Mount Vernon is the resting place of a beloved President and his wife, Martha.

White House

 The White House located at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue was completed in 1800 and remains the home of every American president since John Adams.  During the War of 1812, the White House was set to fire.  Enough re-construction of the home allowed President James Monroe to move into the house in 1817.

The completion of the White House also completed the move of the nation's capitol city to Washington, DC.  Although named many things in its early years, it is said that the White House name began when the fire damage was being covered with White Paint.  This iconic house represents the finality of accomplishing a sovereign nation that necessitated its own capitol city and home for future presidents.

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is a site of the Civil War.  In 1863, a battle took place in Gettysburg like none other seen on American soil.  The American Civil War fought between the North and South or the Union and the Confederates marked the end of slavery in America.  It also marked the end of the Southern states attempt to secede from the Union.

 

Site of the Gettysburg Address

The Gettysburg Address delivered by President Abraham Lincoln is considered one of the most famous speeches in American History.  The Address was given in Gettysburg four months after the defeat of the Confederates in Gettysburg on November 19, 1863.  Lincoln not only addressed the need to remain one union, but also the need of a nation to instill human equalities for all. 

In referencing the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, Lincoln started his address: "Four Score and Seven Years Ago..." bringing the listening public back to the belief system of democracy "...government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth." 

Washington Monument

The Washington Monument located in Washington, DC was completed in 1884.  The world's tallest obelisk was built to commemorate the 1st President of the United States, George Washington.  Washington passed in 1799, 2 years after his presidential term ended.  Beginning as early as 1783 talk had begun to create a monument to the nation's hero.  Statues were erected in the capitol, however many thought a more apt monument be created.

Political squabbling and funding issues delayed the Washington Monument we know today until 1884.  A democratic nation as viewed by Washington is represented by the Washington Monument, which reflects in the Reflecting Pool located nearby.

The 2011 earthquake in Virginia caused damage to the Washington Monument, which remains closed while under construction.

Statue of Liberty

Another icon of freedom for the United States is the Statue of Liberty.  She resides on Liberty Island and was a gift from France to the American people in 1886.  She represents Libertas, Roman Goddess of Freedom.  She holds a book representing law, which is inscribed with July 4, 1776 indicating the book is the Declaration of Independence. 

With a broken chain at her feet, she is a symbol of America's protection of freedom.  She is also a representation of the American global importance as it was an effort from France to befriend the United States of America in a time of French political strife. 

Her location on Liberty Island is appropriate as many immigrants arriving in America see her first and have written tales of elation just at the sight and representation of a new life in America.

National WWI Museum

In 1914 a global war, World War I, began and lasted for almost 4 years.  The Allies and the Central Powers were at war and once again a war was fought with human equality at the heart.  In 1917, America joined the war after many attempts by the Central Powers to cut off American ships to Europe, which included the sinking of 7 American Merchant ships.  It was at this time that America began the Selective Service Act and draft times began changing a nation both culturally and historically.

The Gateway Arch

The Gateway Arch was completed in 1965 and is a monument representing the expansion of America into the West.  The monument was commissioned in an effort to revitalize the St Louis riverfront.  America's constant need to improve levels of living were brought up in the speech given by Vice President Hubert Humphries during the dedication.  "Whatever is shoddy, whatever is ugly, whatever is waste, whatever is false, will be measured and condemned."

A firework illuminating the sky in St. Louis, MO

Fireworks are used in celebration of the American Independence Day.  This is thought as a representation of the American Civil War and the bombs and cannons that illuminated the sky.  It was also decreed by one of the Founding Fathers, John Adams, in a letter to his wife that Independence Day:

"will be the most memorable Epocha, in the History of America...It will be celebrated, by succeeding Generations, as the great anniversary Festival. It ought to be commemorated, as the Day of Deliverance by solemn Acts of Devotion to God Almighty. It ought to be solemnized with Pomp and Parade, with Shews [performances], Games, Sports, Guns, Bells, Bonfires and Illuminations [fireworks] from one End of this Continent to the other from this Time forward forever more."

Although this post only touches on a few of the memorable moments in American History as I have seen during my travels, the prevailing theme is one of gaining and maintaining freedom.  This has continuously been brought to life through monuments and dedications, as well as national holidays.

Happy Independence Day!  I thank all of those who have contributed to the freedom I savor today and hope that on this day as well as others, we remain grateful to the fight and struggle to remain free and allow human equalities.

Note:  The historical notes and information in this post is based on learning through travels, tours and pamphlets.  Additional assistance with dates was received via Wikipedia.

A Piece of Philadelphia, PA

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania certainly has a lot to offer tourists from cultural attractions to historical sites.  One or two times is not enough time to grasp all that Philadelphia has to offer, but you can try!  I certainly did by joining up with a Duck Tour in Philadelphia. 

To be honest, when my friend recommended a Duck Tour I thought she had lost her mind.  I know she lives in Oregan and a Ducks fan, but hours following ducks?  Then she gave me the lowdown on the real Duck Tour she was speaking of taking.

$27 gets you admitted on the Ride The Ducks Tour in Philadelphia.  You meet in the Liberty Bell Center and head out.  The Duck Tour is named after the vehicle being used not an actual duck chasing adventure.  The vessel for this tour can drive on roads and take you into water.  I understand this tour is available in other select cities, as well.  http://philadelphia.ridetheducks.com/buy-tickets.aspx

The tour takes you through the Historic District of Philadelphia pointing out sites along the way.  Our Captain was very knowledgable of Philadelphia and had a lot to offer as insight from living in Philadelphia his whole life.  This is a great way to figure out the sites you would like to return to for a more in depth tour.

On the Deleware River in the Duck.  The Benjamin Franklin Bridge is in the background.

A must see in Philadelphia also includes the Liberty Bell.  The Liberty Bell is located in the Liberty Bell Center, which you are conviently dropped off at the end of the Duck Tour.  This is free and just takes some patience while everyone is taking pictures with the Liberty Bell.

The Liberty Bell is the iconic symbol of American Independence.

The Liberty Bell Center boasts many displays featuring the history of the Liberty Bell including its travels around the world.  Previous to this visit, I was oblivious to the fact that the Liberty Bell would have a passport with more stamps than I have in my passport.  It turns out the Liberty Bell has traveled as a symbol of Freedom in many other countries and some consider the Liberty Bell a symbol of freedom available to the world.

Continuing with American history and symbols of freedom, we toured the home of Betsy Ross.  Betsy Ross is credited with the creation of the American Flag.  Her home and the area surrounding her home also contain stories of secret meetings and societies aimed at defeating the Bristish.

The home of Betsy Ross.  British taxation on homes was based on width of the house.  So, many homes were skinny and moved upwards to avoid taxation.  Taxation also included the number of steps leading to a home.

Other historical homes in the area includes Carstairs Row.  This street is also known as Elfreth's Alley.  Philadelphia’s Elfreth’s Alley is hailed as the longest continually occupied street in the country.

Elfreth's Alley is a National Historic Landmark.

Again, the trend within historical Philadelphia has everything to do with building skinny houses that move skyward.  The stairs shown here either indicate a richer area historically or they were added over time.  The first homes on this row were built in 1702.

A trip to Philadelphia would not be historically complete with hearing about Benjamin Franklin and his contributions to the American freedom we live today.

Independence Hall - this room is where the debates and adoption of both the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution took place.

If you visit Philadelphia and are interested in touring Independence Hall make sure to get your tickets in advance.  These tickets are reserved ahead of time by hour in order to keep the traffic and wait to a minimum.  Again, the tours offered here are directed by hosts very proficient in interesting and pertinent information.

The gravesite of Benjamin Franklin.

It is thought that while visiting the grave of Benjamin Franklin that tossing a penny on his grave is good luck.  Many will make a wish will donating their penny to the gravesite.

Philadelphia City Hall

Philadelphia City Hall was the tallest building in the US. A statue of William Penn is on the top and it was used as the marker that Philadelphia buildings were not supposed to surpass when building.  In 1984, this building was surpassed by One Liberty Place.  The breaking of the gentleman's agreement not to build above William Penn of the Philadelphia City Hall created great controversy with fear that too many skyscrapers would end the charm of the area.  There is tale that this is also when the Philadelphia Sports teams started a downward spiral.

The "Curse of Billy Penn" was lifted when Comcast Center was built ousting Liberty Place as the tallest building.  Included in the construction is a statue of William Penn at the very top making sure Penn is once again the tallest iconic fugure in Philadelphia.  It is said by locals that the Philadelphia sports teams became more successful at this point.

Love Park at Christmas

JFK Plaza also known as Love Park in Philadelphia houses the famous Love artistic display.  This display represents the City of Brotherly Love as Philadelphia has been nicknamed.  During Christmas the lighting of the Philadelphia Christmas tree resides with the Love structure.

Another cultural phenom in Philadelphia includes the famous scene from Rocky where Sylvester Stallone runs a training marathon that takes him to the top of the steps at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.  The walk there from the historic district is an endurance test itself, but the views and fountains heading up Benjamin Franklin Parkway make it worthwhile.

We went the distance and took the steps to the top of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

The Rocky statue is now located at the bottom of the museum entrance (along with Rocky water for sale), but you should still travel to the top for an amazing view of Philadelphia and to say you "went the distance".  Granted I did not run, but I did not travel slowly either.  Watch out!

View from the top of the Philadelphia Museum of Art

I plan on visiting Philadelphia many more times.  I am happily charmed and enamored with the Historic District and Benjamin Franklin Parkway.  There are also amazing restaurants including Amada by Jose Garces that has an amazing Sunday brunch.

Lets Talk About...Oatman, Arizona

Oatman, Arizona, you say?  Yes, it exists and is considered one of the last "ghost towns", but this town has a population of people.  Granted the population is about 100.  Another piece of the demographic are the burros.  Yes, I said...burros.  Burros rule this town and have actually become the tourist attraction for this town.  They roam the streets.  They beg for carrots from tourists.  They are treated as children of Oatman, Arizona.

Take a trip back in time.  A lot of the stores do not take plastic.  Have cash ready!

Take a step back in time and you will enter 1902 when gold was discovered in Oatman, Arizona.  The Drulin Hotel was built in 1902 to accommodate the newest folks with gold fever.  This hotel is still open today.  In the first decade this mining town yielded at least $3,000,000.  Hard to believe today when you take the 5 minute stroll up the main drag.

The main drag in Oatman, AZ.

In 1915, big gold was found in the amount of $14.5 million.  This town is on the Route 66 piece of history. Due to this, the town was able to hang on even after a fire.  Then WWII came along and other metals were needed.  With this the gold mines were shut down and Route 66 was refitting a new roadway, this time not including Oatman, AZ.

Later with Laughlin, Nevada coming into being as a gaming destination on the Virgin River, Oatman started to see life again by the 1980s.  In 1995, the gold mine was re-opened, however the price of gold was so low that the mine was shut down again.  Now, Oatman is back on Route 66 and the burros are the big attraction.

Oatman pride and sense of humor.

Locals of Oatman noticed that the burros once used to haul gold were an attraction to tourists who stopped along the way.  Now, Oatman boasts burros that are friendly and will eat carrots from your hand.  All of the cute shops along the main drag sell small bags of carrots for a couple dollars to the tourists.  As soon as you walk out of a shop you are met with some loving asses wanting to be fed.

A little freaked out by my entourage of asses, but charmed just the same.

There is also an old western style gun fight held for the tourists with requests for donations.  These donations help keep this once thriving gold mine town from really becoming a true ghost town.

Don't hit the car!

This post contains pictures from visiting Oatman, Arizona after taking a jet skiing trip in Laughlin for the weekend.  I checked out the Oatman asses, had a beer, bought a few trinkets and checked Oatman off of my random list of places to see.

Burro feeding time.

More nostalgic photo ops from the town revived by jackasses.

Some love for Cacti in Oatman.  Pretty incredible species.  Too bad they do not survive my "black" thumb.

Baby burros are marked with a red circle on their forehead.  This indicates they are not old enough to consume the carrots.

Just go with it!

Much of the information above was obtained while touring Oatman, Arizona and chatting with store owners.  Also, listening to the live "western gun fight" provided additional Oatman history.  Other holes were filled in by reading about Oatman on the website: http://www.legendsofamerica.com/az-oatman2.html.

French Lick and West Baden, Indiana

I have to love my job!  I get to travel to many places and often come across some awesome places.  One such place was French Lick Resort and West Baden Hotels in Indiana.  There is so much history at these properties and intriguing stories, I almost do not know where to start.

How about with the mineral springs.  These properties were originally built by two separate owners and were based on being a medicinal retreat for people that were looking for magic treatment for all that ailed them from the spring waters.  It was found later that the spring waters were not healthy and people were becoming addicted based on the ingredients (lithium salt) in the spring water wells.  The springs were shut down and new owners eventually came in.  Now there is one owner of both.

West Baden was a military hospital at one time.  French Lick Resort was an illegal gaming resort.  The only way to reach these properties was via train.  Once the LAW came and shut down the gambling, they would get back on the train and leave.  Then...the gaming resumed.  Many mobsters would hide out here as it was a long way for the law to get to from Indianapolis.

Here are some pictures that I took during my time at these historical properties.

West Baden Resort

Atrium Lobby at West Baden

In an effort to beat each other, the separate owners of West Baden and French Lick were constantly trying to outdo the other.  The Atrium lobby has been called the 8th Wonder of the World.  It was the first free standing dome of its size and was the only one until the Astrodome was built.  No one thought it was going to actually stand.  They brought in a bridge architect and engineer to complete the project.

Angels that were found in a room at the top of the atrium.

The Angel Room was located at the top of the Atrium and is believed to be of Italian descent.  A lot of rehabilitating was happening and the painters on the project were Italian.  It is said that by painting angels at the highest point of a building, your building will be protected.  The Angel Room is not accessible by guests as a ladder on the outside of the dome is necessary to view this room.

Rockwood Fireplace

Information on the fireplace from http://www.lssc.k12.in.us/highschool/projects/west/fireplace.php:  "The fireplace located in the atrium was part of the original construction in 1902. It is huge and reportedly will accommodate a fourteen-foot log. The height is a little over five feet.The fireplace, which was originally brick, was replaced with a pictorial scene, attributed to the Rookwood Pottery Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. The fireplace is covered in a special type of pottery material.

It has a scene of an elf-like character known as Sprudel, which was the trademark as well as the brand name of the medicinal water sold by the hotel. Sprudel is depicted in the scene at a break in the hillside where the healing waters cascade down the rocks. Under the limb of a nearby catalpa tree, the West Baden Springs Hotel is visible in the background.

The chimney to the fireplace in the atrium is concealed in the column or pillar to the left as a person faces the fireplace. The pottery has been cleaned, and it now gleams. The estimated value of the fireplace is reported to be in the millions of dollars. The fireplace is considered to be irreplaceable."

West Baden: The springs are covered now, but were located at points surrounding this space.

In the constant battle between the owner of West Baden and French Lick, the West Baden owner decided to name his springs by odd numbers.  The perception being that he had more springs on West Baden than French Lick. 

Lobby Ceiling at French Lick

 You will find in the lobby of French Lick, ceiling murals of this beauty everywhere.  There is opulence in this lobby that attract many visitors.

French Lick at Night

French Lick at night with the moonlight reminds me a bit of an institution.  Spooky, but cool with lots of stories yet to be revealed.

French Lick Springs

French Lick Spring Water was known as Pluto.  West Baden Spring Water was known as Sprudel.  This is a picture of the preserved spring well.  It is covered and no longer allowed to be used.  Pluto Spring water was known to be a very effective laxative.  It was very popular in the early 20th century.  "When Nature Won't, PLUTO Will." 

The finding of lithium in the waters of the mineral spring wells shut them down in 1971.

French Lick Photos of previous visitors

Amongst these notable visitors were Ronald Reagan, Clark Gable, Lana Turner and Al Capone.  Al Capone often used French Lick as a hiding place from the law.

View from The Mansion at the Pete Dye golf course

As one of the many amenities at the French Lick and West Baden Resort is a golf course with incredible views.

The Mansion at the Pete Dye Golf Course

The Mansion can be booked with a reservation.  Very few rooms and a tribute to history, this property still uses skeleton like keys to access rooms.  Even if you are not actually staying at the Mansion or golfing, there is a great Brunch.

West Baden Stables

Another amenity available is the West Baden Stables.  The stables hold a large collection of horses that can be used for horseback riding in the open, green fields.  There are also petting goats and a lovely gift shop with vintage souvenirs.

With great history, stories and amenities, this post only touches on the history and recreation that can be had in French Lick, Indiana.  I had never heard of this place, but will never forget it.  I would love to check out the Angel Room!

Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Visiting a historic site is always humbling and is often pretty quiet.  This is exceptionally so when visiting a historic site that was a war zone on American soil.  It is often hard to imagine that the Civil War happened between Americans.  Gettysburg, PA is a national historic site with cute shops and restaurants.  Even with these amenities, it is hard to visit this place and not imagine wartime and the loud boom of cannons.

In 1863, a battle took place in Gettysburg like none other known in American history.  More casualties are counted in the three days of the epic Gettysburg battle than any other American wartime.  A third of the regiments were killed or wounded during this period of the Civil War.

I am both proud and chilled to have walked the battlegrounds of our forefathers who created the reality we live today with great sacrifice.

Eternal Light Peace Memorial

Little Round Top



Pennsylvania Memorial to the Soldiers and Women who Supported the Soldiers



View from inside the Pennsylvania Memorial to the Soldiers and Women who Supported the Soldiers.  This picture was taken by my friend, Linda Carman.

Gettyburg from on top of the Pennsylvania Memorial to the Soldiers and Women who Supported the Soldiers.

Kentucky memorial to Lincoln.

Site of the Gettysburg Address.

Gettysburg at sunset.

If given the opportunity, make time to see historical sites.  Not just for the importance, but for the feeling and empathy that will encompass you at the end of the day...if you open your mind to it.