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.