pieces of history

[jennylafleur]

I'm always listening to something while I sew, music, a sermon, an audio book. This week I've been "reading" Manhunt: The 12-Day Chase for Lincoln's Killer. It was really good, both the book and the audio performance. Well researched, well written and quite gripping actually, even though I knew the end of the story. The interview with the author at the end was cool too, you can tell he has a passion for the subject.

I knew the basic facts but none of the details and it was pretty cool when places I knew (and have visited) began to be mentioned like Port Tobacco, Pope's Creek, Bowling Green & Port Royal (where JW Booth died). I've traveled through and past those very places many times... probably passed historic signs and whatnot without ever noticing. In fact RCHS usually participates in Port Royal's 4th of July celebrations but I've always skipped it for the other local 4th of July gig. Who knew such interesting events took place there?

*sigh* I love learning new things, particually about history. It's invigorating.

So now I want to go exploring and visit some of these historic sites. I'm right here, seems a shame not to. Unfortunately Ford's Theater is closed for renovations right now and there doesn't seem to be anything but historic markers in Bowling Green & Port Royal. Maybe the small county museums would be worth a visit though. Dr Mudd's house and Surratt's Tavern look interesting at least.

I sometimes forget how spoiled I am living were I do, so much American history happened in this area. People travel miles and miles to see these sights but I live here. I drive past major Civil War battlefields, Washington family homes and President's houses in the course of my daily life. After a while you stop seeing them. I've barely stratched the surface of the "major" sites let alone discovered the out of the way pieces of history to be found tucked away here and there.

I really need to be better about taking advantage of such things... especially since I don't want to live here forever. :>

sites of interest:
http://www.fordstheatre.org/
http://www.fordstheatre.org/visit/virtual-tour.htm (virtual tour, including artifacts)
http://civilwarstudies.org/OnlinePrograms/Thumbnails/Boothtour/start.htm http://www.civilwartraveler.com/EAST/MD/booth.html
http://members.aol.com/RVSNorton/Lincoln.html
http://www.historicportroyal.com/index.htm
http://www.co-opliving.com/coopliving/issues/2005/February%202005/Images/feb05%20down%20home.pdf

Comments

[sarahnucci.livejournal.com]

I have a full appreciation for it now that I'm all the way across the country and homeless people set fire to historic buildings they are camping out in... Go see them while you can - you never know what will happen.

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Umm, very true. Historic sites are not forever unfortunately.

[jubilima.livejournal.com]

I totally loved that book, even though early American history had never really gripped me. I took a trip to Washington, D.C. shortly after starting the book. I had only just gotten to the description of Mary Surratt, so imagine my surprise when we finished our dinner one evening and discovered that we had just eaten a meal in the actual historic Surratt house. Yep, this historic site now houses a pretty good Chinese restaurant called Wok 'n' Roll.

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

That is wild! I'm glad you enjoyed the book too. :>

[bauhausfrau.livejournal.com]

Fords theater does a production of A Christmas Carol every year and every year I think how cool it would be to get a group together and go in costume...

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Umm... an idea. Although I'm not sure there would be much room for hoops looking at the pictures. :P Looks like it's supposed to re-open in 2009... they are a bit vauge when though.

[suededsilk.livejournal.com]

How could you *not* explore every last site? :D

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

My thoughts exactly! :>

Lucky You!

[(Anonymous)]

I have to admit, I have to fight down a burning jealousy everytime you mention the things in your area and all the events and such you can go to. My great amibition right now is to someday take a trip to Colonial Williamsburg. If I could just live where you do, man, you couldn't pull me away from any of the historical sites.

Do try to take advantage of it, because you never know where you might end up, and trust me, places like Phoenix don't have much history at all. So far that's one of the best things about my recent move, I now live in a state that's been a longtime part of US history, not one that hasn't even hit the cenntenial of it's statehood.

Also, I'm glad that you're posting again, and hope you're feeling better. I missed all your sewing!

-Beth
www.beppycat.blogspot.com

Re: Lucky You!

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Thanks so much, I'm glad you enjoy my posts! When you make it to CW let me know and we'll do tea or something! :>

[jehanni.livejournal.com]

A group of us did Surrat's Tavern a few years ago: they had a lovely display of Victorian hair jewelry and knotwork, some antique kitchen gear, and other fun stuff. I took dark pics of some of the hair work. Still haven't seen Ford's Theater myself: definitely think it'd be fun to go in costume once it's reopened. I wonder what kind of opening gala they'll do? Hmmmmm.....

[jennylafleur.livejournal.com]

Cool! I'm hoping to go with B while she is home for spring break...