Travel and History at Online Highways and US History

Civil War Sketch Book

2012-04-24T11:29:00.000-07:00

Here at US History we're reviewing the new book by Harry L. Katz and Vincent Virga, "Civil War Sketch Book - Drawings from the Battlefront". It's a remarkable collections of drawings from the Civil War with extensive historical narrative. Soon available. Publisher is W.W. Norton and Company. The lowest price we've seen is via Amazon.com at about $33, available via pre-order.

May 2012's National Geographic will be featuring some of this extensive Civil War collection, the largest organized sketch book collection to date.

American History through American Art at the Metropolitan Museum of Art

2012-03-11T15:21:00.002-07:00

Image Credit: Metropolitan Museum of Art

If you're in the New York Area don't miss the new wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art featuring American history through art.

Following are excerpts from the Exhibit Introduction:

The Metropolitan Museum's collection of American art, one of the finest and most comprehensive in the world, returned to view in expanded, reconceived, and dramatic new galleries on January 16, 2012, when the Museum inaugurated the New American Wing Galleries for Paintings, Sculpture, and Decorative Arts. The new installation provides visitors with a rich and captivating experience of the history of American art from the eighteenth through the early twentieth century. The suite of elegant new galleries encompasses 30,000 square feet for the display of the Museum's superb collection.

The Museum's holdings are particularly rich in the works of the great masters, including John Singleton Copley (Daniel Crommelin Verplanck), Gilbert Stuart (George Washington), Thomas Cole (The Oxbow), Church (The Heart of the Andes), Winslow Homer (Prisoners from the Front), Thomas Eakins (Max Schmitt in a Single Scull), and John Singer Sargent (Madame X).

The centerpiece of the new installation is one of the best-known works in all of American art, Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze's 1851 painting Washington Crossing the Delaware. This double-sized gallery showcases Leutze's iconic work alongside two other masterpieces—Church's Heart of the Andes and Albert Bierstadt's Rocky Mountains.

The Museum's encyclopedic collection offers visitors the broad sweep of American history as told through great works of art. [US History themes in the art collection include] Colonial Portraiture, the American Revolution, the Young Republic, the Civil War Era, Art in the Folk Tradition, the Hudson River School, the West, the Cosmopolitan Spirit, and American Impressionism.

Interspersed among the pictures is the American Wing's sculpture collection. Artists represented include Erastus Dow Palmer, John Quincy Adams Ward, Augustus Saint-Gaudens, Daniel Chester French, Frederic Remington, and Frederick William MacMonnies.

The new suite of galleries also feature four rooms dedicated to the display of American decorative arts, principally treasures of colonial furniture and silver. Selected highlights of the Museum's extraordinary collection of early American silver include works by John Hull and Robert Sanderson, Myer Myers, and Paul Revere. The furniture gallery has masterpieces of late colonial case furniture by John Townsend of Newport and Thomas Affleck of Philadelphia, complemented by imposing architectural elements. In addition, the galleries include the grand pre-revolutionary entrance hall of the Van Rensselaer Manor House, Albany, New York.

The opening of the New American Wing Galleries for Paintings, Sculpture, and Decorative Arts in January 2012 represents the third and final phase of a major, multi-part renovation project. Part 1 opened in January 2007 with galleries dedicated to the classical arts of America, 1810–1845. Part 2 opened in May 2009 with the renovation of The Charles Engelhard Court and the Period Rooms. Now that Part 3 is completed, nearly all of the American Wing's seventeen thousand works are on view.

Visit the Metropolitan's website for more pictures and information about this spectacular new exhibit of American Art and US History. Metropolitan Museum of Art

Making Each Day Unique

2012-01-23T21:24:00.001-08:00

A US History Guest post

By: Evan Britton

One of the most commonly used expressions is “Time Flies Fast”. And it does, people’s lives pass them by way too fast, and when children come into our lives, they grew up right before our own very eyes. Before we know it – the kids are doing things that we can’t believe. Times really moves.

A major reason why time moves so fast is that we do the same thing each day. When you do the same thing over and over – the days run into each other and the weeks go by. And without different things happening in a given day – memories slip away and before you know it – a year has passed and you can’t remember many unique things that you did in that given year.

This is why birthdays are so important. As it gives everyone a chance to have one day which is special and unique. People look forward to that one day out of 365 in which everything is more important to them. However, part of the reason why birthdays are so great is that they are simply better than just about all of the other 364 more common days throughout the year.

It is important to realize that each day is special and unique. And with that in mind – the Famous Daily (http://famousdaily.com) was launched. The Famous Daily shows us what important events in history happened on this day. This allows us to understand that today’s date isn’t random and that it does have importance. The important historical events are displayed by categories which include general history, entertainment, geography, business, and sports.

In addition to history, the Famous Daily displays today’s Famous Birthdays. It is always fun to see what influential people and celebrities were born today to help give more importance to this day. Furthermore, the Famous Daily highlights a Famous Quote that was said on this date in history. By learning of a quote that has withstood the test of time, which was said today – it is easier for us to appreciate today and be excited about it.

Time flies fast – but the Famous Daily is here to help you stop, smell the roses, see what makes today special, so that you can better enjoy the day. You can sign up to the Famous Daily for free (http://famousdaily.com/subscribe ) each day via email.

Tomorrow may just be another day. However, important historical events happened tomorrow which helped to shape our world. And important people have a birthday tomorrow. So, tomorrow isn’t that boring afer all – and by realizing it – time will slow down!

Dead Sea Scrolls online

2011-10-07T23:26:00.000-07:00

The Dead Sea Scrolls are coming alive online thanks to a joint project with Google and the Israeli Museum that has provided high resolution imagery of the scrolls along with translations:

Official google.org Blog: From the desert to the web: bringing the Dead Sea Scrolls online

Museums of Richmond Virginia

2011-07-10T16:15:00.000-07:00

Richmond Virginia offers visitors one of the most fascinating and significant historical landscapes in the United States. As one of the most important and prominent cities of the Civil War era and the capitol of the Confederacy during the US Civil War, Richmond represents the charm and mystique of the antebellum South, the evils of the US slave trade, and arguably the most important and strategic city in the American Civil War.

Near Richmond you find the Richmond National Battlefield Park with extensive information about the two key Union Army campaigns to capture Richmond. Here you'll explore battlefields from the Peninsula Campaign and later actions.

A driving tour of several civil war sites in the greater Richmond area is maintained by the "Virginia Civil War Trails". The White House of the Confederacy is now part of the Museum of the Confederacy. This building has been fully restored to look as it did in the Civil War era. Daily tours. Next door is the "must see" attraction of this area - the Museum of the Confederacy (see below for description).

Do not miss the new "Richmond Slave Trail" and museum, which features exhibits and a walking trail to showcase the inhumanity and hardships of the southern slave economy.

Here, from the Richmond Visitors Website, are descriptions of more of the museums in this amazing and historical southern city:

Agecroft Hall

4305 Sulgrave Road. English manor home originally built in 15th century and then dismantled and transported to Richmond in 1928. Leaded glass windows, Tudor and Stuart artifacts, authentic furnishings and formal gardens.

Beth Ahabah Museum and Archives

1109 W. Franklin St., the museum features artifacts of international, national and local Jewish life and history. It is open to the public Sunday through Thursday from 10 am to 3 pm. For information on exhibits, guided tours, lectures or volunteer opportunities, please call (804)353-2668.

American Historical Foundation Museum

Located at 1142 W. Grace St., this National Historic Landmark was restored to Federal Period grandeur. It houses the Monument Avenue Museum, The US Marine Raider Museum and the Military Knife and Bayonet Museum.

For additional information, call (804) 353-1812.

Black History Museum & Cultural Center

00 Clay Street. Neoclassical style structure built in 1832 and purchased by Maggie L. Walker in 1922. In 1932, it became the African-American branch of the Richmond Public Library; in 1991 it was converted to a museum and cultural center for visual, oral and written records and artifacts commemorating the lives and accomplishments of Blacks in Virginia from their arrival in 1619 to present. Artifacts, videos, historical documents, and photographs are used to highlight the achievements of African-Americans in Virginia through.

For more information, call (804)780-9093.

Children's Museum of Richmond

The Children's Museum of Richmond is located at 2626 W. Broad St.. Come out and explore over 250 interactive exhibits including the wonders of flight, illusions and astronomy in the 42,000 square-foot museum. An interactive, hands-on museum for children ages 6 months to 12 years. Permanent participatory exhibits include - How it Works, the Feeling Food Neighborhood, the Art Studio and Our Great Outdoors. There is also an OMNIMAX film and multimedia planetarium show.

For more information, call (804)474-2667.

Chimborazo Medical Museum

Located at 3215 E. Broad St., the museum stands on the eastern end of downtown Richmond, at the site of the Civil War's famous Chimborazo Hospital. Between 1861 and 1865 more than 75,000 Confederate soldiers received treatment at this sprawling facility. The medical museum tells the story of those patients and the hospital and physicians that cared for them. Using artifacts, uniforms and documents, the exhibits describe the state of medicine in 1860. In highlights the care of wounded and sick soldiers on the battlefields, and in the many large centralized Richmond hospitals like Chimborazo. Chimborazo Medical Museum is open to the public, free of charge from 9 - 5 daily.

For more information, call (804)226-1981.

Edgar Allan Poe Museum

Located between 19th & 20th Streets on East Main Street, this museum features exhibits on the life and career of Edgar Allan Poe. By documenting his accomplishments with pictures, relics, and verse, and focusing on his many years in Richmond; visitors get a glimpse of what Edgar Allan Poe was like. Five small buildings and an enclosed garden house the poet's possessions and memorabilia.

For more information, please call (804)648-5523.

John Marshall House

Located at Ninth and Marshall Streets, this house was the home of John Marshall for 45 years. He was the pioneer chief justice of the U.S. Supreme Court. The house was built in 1790 and is the oldest brick house surviving the City. Restored as a house museum, it contains artifacts from Marshall's home and professional life.

For more information, call (804)648-1889.

Maggie L. Walker House National Historic Site

Located at 110-1/2 E. Leigh St., the Maggie L. Walker National Historic Site commemorates the life of a progressive and talented African American woman. Despite many adversities, she achieved success in the world of business and finance. She was the first woman in the United States to found and serve as president of a bank. The bank she founded, now Consolidated Bank & Trust, is the oldest surviving black-operated bank in the United States. The site includes her residence of thirty years and a visitor center detailing her life and the Jackson Ward community, in which, she lived and worked. The house is restored to its 1930's appearance with original Walker family pieces.

For more information, call (804)780-1380.

Maymont House and Park

Located at 1700 Hampton St., this 100-acre Victorian estate, once home of Major James H. and Sallie May Dooley, was bequeathed to the City of Richmond in 1925. Features include: nature center and gardens, a carriage collection, children's farm and native Virginia wildlife exhibits (with more than 300 animals, almost 60 species), and the restored mansion. Since 1975, Maymont has been maintained and operated by the private nonprofit Maymont Foundation.

For more information, call (804)358-7166.

Meadow Farm Museum/Crump Park

Located at 3400 Mountain in Richmond, this 1860's living historical farm recreates the life of a middle-class rural family. Changing exhibits, gift shop and orientation videos are features in the orientation center.

For more information, call (804)501-5520.

Museum of the Confederacy

Located at 1201 E. Clay St., adjacent to the restored historic White House of the Confederacy, this modern facility holds the world's most comprehensive collection of military, political and domestic artifacts and art associated with the period of the Confederacy, 1861-1865.

For more information, call (804)649-1861.

Old Dominion Railway Museum

Located at 102 Hull St., steam, passenger, freight and other artifacts of Virginia's rail heritage are on display near the 1831 birthplace of Virginia railroading. For more information, call (804)233-6237.

Richmond National Battlefield Parks

Located at 3215 E. Broad St., in the Chimborazo Park Visitor's Center Between 1861 and 1865, Union armies repeatedly set out to capture Richmond, the capital of the Confederacy, to end the Civil War. Three of those campaigns came within a few miles of the city. The park commemorates eleven different sites associated with those campaigns, including the battlefields at Gaines' Mill, Malvern Hill and Cold Harbor. Established in 1936, the park protects 763 acres of historic ground. Begin with an explanatory film, and then tour the well-preserved sites of the Civil War battle fields. There are history programs and more at the Chimborazo Park Visitors Center.

For more information, call (804)226-1981.

Science Museum of Virginia

Located at 2500 W. Broad St., this museum offers wonderful hands-on learning and fun. There is also a planetarium and special shows all year.

For more information, call (804)864-1400.

University of Richmond Museum

Located on the University of Richmond campus, the university has three museums: The Lora Robins Gallery of Design from Nature, The Marsh Art Gallery and The Joel and Lila Harnett Print Study Center.

For more information, call (804)287-6424.

Valentine Museum

Located at 1015 E. Clay St., this museum features the life and history of Richmond. Major changing exhibitions focus on American urban and social history, costumes, decorative arts and architecture. The museum's 1812 Wickham House features rare neoclassical wall paintings.

For more information, call (804)649-0711.

Virginia Aviation Museum

Located at Richmond International Airport, 5701 Huntsman Road, the Virginia Aviation Museum is a division of theScience Museum of Virginia. This shrine to the "Golden Age of Aviation" enhances the Science Museum's aerospace exhibits with its extensive collection of vintage flying machines. Learn which planes earned the nicknames: Rolls Royce, Cadillac and Flying Bathtub. Stroll past exhibits on pioneer aviation, World War II and the Virginia Aviation Hall of Fame. Enjoy aviation films and lectures in the Benn Theater. And if that's still not enough, how about getting an up-close view of the incomparable SR-71 Blackbird!

For more information, call (804)236-3622.

Virginia Fire & Police Museum

Located at 200 W. Marshall St., this museum houses antique fire and crime fighting memorabilia and operates as a museum and educational center. The museum is a National Historic Landmark. Richmond has the distinction of having the second oldest police force in the country and one of the oldest fire departments as well.

Virginia Holocaust Museum

Located at 2000 E. Cary St. in Shockoe Bottom, this museum is a tribute to Holocaust survivors. It features hands-on children's exhibits and an educational resource center. For more information, call (804)257-5400.

Virginia Historical Society

Located at 428 N. Boulevard, this museum offers a comprehensive collection of Virginia History. Nine-museum galleries exhibit rarely seen Virginia treasures. An extensive library for historical and genealogical research is also available. For more information, please call (804)358-4901.

Virginia House

Located at 4301 Sulgrave Road, this reconstructed English manor was home to Alexander Weddell, former United States Ambassador to Spain, and reflects his fascination with England and its history. The gardens are one of the highlights of the tour.

For more information, call (804)353-4251.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts

This top ten comprehensive art museum features 5,000 years of artistic achievement from the glories of ancient Greece and India, to contemporary international art. Major special exhibitions at all times. Also a not-to-be-missed museum shop, cafe´ and restaurant. Open 365 days a year and general admission is always free. For more information, call (804) 340-1400. Located at 200 N. Boulevard.

Virginia Randolph Museum

Located at 2200 Mountain Road, this National Historic Landmark commemorates the career of a pioneer of vocational education. For more information, call (804)261-5029.

Wilton House Museum

Located at 215 S. Wilton Rd. off Cary Street, this house is an impressive example of mid-18th century Georgian architecture with fine interior paneling accented by exquisite period furnishings. Wilton house is one of Richmond's architectural treasures.

For more information, call (804)282-5936.

Betsy Ross Home, Philadelphia PA

2011-06-07T11:23:00.001-07:00

Betsy Ross Home, Philadelphia PA, a photo by JoeDuck on Flickr.

Philadelphia Pennsylvania offers the history traveler some of the richest experiences in the USA, from tours of the Betsy Ross home (background here) to Independence Hall and the US Mint. You'll also find extensive colonial architecture as well as the Liberty Bell and much, much more. Here was the home of Betsy Ross, an early American Patriot who created the first US Flag at the behest of George Washington. Players offer free shows here and at other Philadelphia venues that address the historical and cultural themes of early life in the American colonies.

Also don't miss "Franklin Court" with the exceptional museum of Benjamin Franklin artifacts and history.

Two of the Greatest Photographers in US History

2011-05-05T14:12:00.000-07:00

The Two Great Photographers in US History

When we think of the two greatest photographers of the US history, we think of Ansel Adams and Edward Weston. Edward Henry Weston (1886 - 1958) was originally from Chicago, then moved to California. He was best known for his sensual nudes and spectacular landscapes.

In 1937 Weston received a prestigious Guggenheim Fellowship producing numerous award winning images. Some of Weston’s best images were taken around the Carmel California region. Weston’s legacy continued with both of his sons Brett Weston and Cole Weston who have continued in his footsteps.

Ansel Easton Adams (1902-1984) is known as the grandfather of fine art photography. Originally trained as a pianist Adams transferred his musical artistry into visual form. Adams primarily used a large format camera and is best known for his crisp sharp landscapes.

Adams was well known for the work he did on the preservation and recording of the landscapes of Yosemite National Park. Together with Edward Weston Adams also founded Group f/64 which was the seed for the Museum Of Modern Arts.

This history article was provided by Vitaly Geyman of Art Prints America. Check out his great selection of art prints at this website: www.ArtPrintsAmerica.com.

Check out Vitaly's Black and White Prints at his personal website VitalyGeyman.com

History of Concord, Massachusetts

2011-05-05T12:23:00.001-07:00

Few towns in the United States can boast incorporation in 1635, the date of the beginning of the colonial history of Concord, Massachusetts.

The annual "independence day" event in Concord, Massachusetts isn't on July 4th as in most parts of the USA, but this hardly represents any lack of patriotism on the part of Concord where the big parade is in April, following the reenactment of the battle for the Concord North Bridge. The North Bridge is now part of the National Park and is often considered the starting point of the Revolutionary War.

It should be noted that Lexingtonians from Lexington, Mass a short few miles away will often insist that it is Lexington Green, where Americans gathered earlier in the day to challenge the British, that is the true starting point of the Revolutionary War and not Concord. Serious historians generally note both events, suggesting that both events have enormous symbolic significance as setting the stage for the war to come and the eventual independence of the American states from England.

The North Bridge's fame stems partly from the poem written and read by Ralph Waldo Emerson at a Concord Bridge memorial years later where he called this the site of the "shot heard 'round the world"

Concord, MA, a photo by JoeDuck on Flickr.

Here, thanks to a summary from ConcordMa.com is an excellent list of sites important in the History of Concord:

The Bullet Hole House on Monument Street still has the hole from a bullet fired during the battle at the North Bridge. Please respect the folks who live in the houses while viewing all of Concord's historical homes.

Colonial Inn, earliest part built 1716 (Monument Square)

The Concord Museum is home to the Paul Revere lantern of "One if by land, two if by sea" fame, the best Henry David Thoreau collection, Ralph Waldo Emerson's Study. Don't miss the "Exploring Concord" film. Admission fee is low and well worth it - this is an excellent museum of early Americana. Location: Cambridge Turnpike at Lexington Rd, Concord.

The Ralph Waldo Emerson House was Emerson's home from 1835-1882. There is an excellent tour of the home and the history of this remarkable Massachusetts family. More about Emerson's writing

First Parish in Concord was the site of the first and second Provincial Congresses of 1774. (Lexington Rd)

Grapevine Cottage, home of developer of the Concord Grape, Ephraim Bull (Lexington Rd)

Meriam's Corner saw a skirmish between Minutemen and British troops retreating towards Boston on April 19, 1775. Location: Lexington Rd at Old Bedford Rd.

Minute Man National Historical Park, is an absolute "must see" area for anyone interested in US Colonial History. The Park includes the Old North Bridge and famous "Minuteman" statue. In April of each year hundreds of historical reenactors gather, dressed in British and Colonial garb, and fight the early battles of the American Revolutionary War. In the evening during the annual Concord "Patriot Days" festival candlelight tours of the park showcase some of the characters, homes, and activity during that time. Reservations are required for the candlelight fascinating tours - contact the National Park service for more information.

Old Hill Burying Ground: Colonial families and Revolutionary soldiers buried here. Location:

Lexington Rd at Monument Square.

The Old Manse, was the home of Nathaniel Hawthorne and Rev. William Emerson, the grandfather of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Hawthorne on the Old Manse . Location: Monument Street next to Minute Man National Historical Park. Wikipedia entry about the Old Manse and it's role in the History of Concord The_Old_Manse.

Orchard House is another superb local tour focused on the colonial history of Concord. Orchard house was the the home of the Bronson Alcott family, including Louisa May Alcott, from 1858-1877. This was the house described in Lousia May's "LITTLE WOMEN". Location: 399 Lexington Rd.

Sleepy Hollow Cemetary, with "Author's Ridge", is the final resting place for many of Concord's finest and most influential early citizens including Henry David Thoreau, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nathaniel Hawthorne, and Bronson Alcot. Note the Melvin Memorial by famous sculptor Daniel Chester French. From a page devoted to the famous and their gravesites, several in Sleepy Hollow are described and pictured here. (Bedford Street/Court Lane near the town center)

Along with other "must sees" in the history of Concord, you'll want to visit the famous Walden Pond, now a state park complete with a recreation of the tiny cabin where Thoreau lived and worked during some of his time in this area. Walden Pond is a few miles from downtown Concord, and the site of Henry David Thoreau's cabin and the source of much of his inspiration for the book "Walden." Route 126 near Route 2.

The Wayside was home to the Hawthorns, Alcotts, and later author Margaret Sidney who wrote "The Five Little Peppers and How they Grew". Location: 455 Lexington Road.

Wright's Tavern on Monument Square was built in 1747. The plaque on the front reads "Here met the committees of the PROVINCIAL CONGRESS on the eve of the Revolution while the larger body sat in the MEETING HOUSE close by. Headquarters of the Minutemen in the early morning of April 19, 1775. Later that day Headquarters of the British under command of Colonel Smith and Major Pitcairn".

George Washington

2011-04-23T16:35:00.000-07:00

George Washington's position in history is very secure as one of the founders of the American experiment and the first US President. As was the early practice Washington was elected by the congress rather than by a popular vote. There was no "White House" in 1789 and Washington was actually inaugurated on Wall Street, New York on the balcony of Federal Hall. He took the first US presidential oath of office on April 30, 1789.

Noting the significance of the first actions of the first US President, Washington wrote to James Madison, his friend and the man who would become the fourth US president, "it is devoutly wished on my part, that these precedents may be fixed on true principles."

George Washington was born in 1732. His was a family of Virginia planters and young George was raised as an 18th century Virginia gentleman. His two passionate interests were the military arts and western expansion. At age sixteen Washington helped survey the lands of the Shenandoah area in Virginia working for Lord Fairfax. A a lieutenant colonel in 1754, Washington fought in the first small battles of what would soon become the French and Indian War. A notable narrow escape to the young soldier as an aide to General Braddock when Washington had two horses shot out from under him as he rode.

For some 16 years before the beginning of the American Revolution, Washington managed the lands of his large estate at Mount Vernon and served in the Virginia House of Burgesses.

Like some of the other landed elite of the time, Washington felt exploited by the British both in terms of relations to merchants and commercial regulations. These conflicts would lead to war. In 1775, when the Second Continental Congress assembled in Philadelphia, Washington would be elected Commander in Chief of the fledgling "Continental Army". He would hold that title for the next six years.

The general superiority in number and training of the British forces led Washington to conclude that that small skirmishes and guerilla style actions would be more effective than large battles. He reported to Congress, "we should on all Occasions avoid a general Action, or put anything to the Risque, unless compelled by a necessity, into which we ought never to be drawn."

Some historians believe that without the participation of the French, who entered the war partly after the urging of Benjamin Franklin, the British would have quelled the US rebellion. But the French came to the aid of the US and in 1781 Washington forced the surrender of Cornwallis at Yorktown, effectively ending the Revolutionary War. The American experiment would soon blossom.

Washington expressed great interest in retiring to his Mount Vernon estate after the war. However his concerns about the early challenges of the United States and a strong lobby to draft him to become the first president motivated Washington as a participant in the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia, 1787. After the new Constitution was ratified the Electoral College unanimously elected Washington as the first President of the United States.

A key early foreign policy decision by Washington was that of neutrality during the war between France and England near the time of the French Revolution. This decision frustrated Thomas Jefferson, the first Secretary of State, who was very much in favor of helping the French. Some believe Washington's motivation was to let the new country grow stronger before committing to such a major international enterprise.

Washington retired at the end of his second term, unhappy to see how the emerging "two party" system might polarize debate unnecessarily. In his Farewell Address Washington warned against the perils of excessive party spirit and geographical distinctions while his parting advice for foreign affairs was to warn against long-term alliances.

On December 14th, 1799, after less than three final years at Mount Vernon, George Washington died. The cause was a throat infection. The life and career of one of the most remarkable historical figures of all time had come to an end, but the country Washington helped found - and arguably would not exist without his efforts - would grow and prosper for centuries to come.

George Washington's wife Martha biography is at the official White House website: click here for the article

Credit to the US White House Website for biographical information.

History of the US Democratic Party

2011-04-23T13:42:00.001-07:00

Over at the Travel and History blog is an article about the history of the democratic party of the USA, noting among other things how party power tends to swing back and forth over fairly long eras.

Over the next few months we'll profile several US presidents - both Democrat and Republican, and pull in some historical context as well.

The US President has been among the most important people in the world, especially since the 1940's when America rapidly assumed the role of global superpower and economic powerhouse.

The ravages of World War II left much of the world in a shambles, most notably five former powerhouses of Europe: Germany, Italy, England, France, and Russia. England's colonial empire was crumbling as pressures from inside the countries and internationally forced England's hand. Churchill was not happy with this development, but even his great WWII ally US President Franklin Roosevelt was a sharp critic of England's colonialism, and Roosevelt enouraged Churchill to grant English territories greater autonomy and/or independence.

[Berlin (now Brunswick), Md. Pontoon bridge and ruins of the stone bridge across the Potomac (destroyed in 1861)] (LOC)

2011-04-11T18:09:00.001-07:00

[Berlin (now Brunswick), Md. Pontoon bridge and ruins of the stone bridge across the Potomac (destroyed in 1861)] (LOC), a photo by The Library of Congress on Flickr.

This October 1862 photo of the Potomack River at what is now called Brunswick, MD is from the amazing Civil War collection at the library of congress.

Here, at the city now known as Brunswick, MD but then called "Barry" and later "Berlin", are a pontoon bridge along with the ruins of a stone bridge across the Potomac. The stone structure was destroyed in 1861.

A. Gardner was the photographer.

Note the telegraph pole to left. The pontoon bridge was built by Union troops across the Potomac River as part of their military operations. This view was taken looking from Virginia towards the town.

The town is about 30 miles south of Antietam, and the photographer was in the area to document the main eastern theater of the war, Battle of Antietam, September-October 1862.

Franklin Court Print exhibit.

2011-03-26T15:09:00.001-07:00

Franklin Court Print exhibit., a photo by JoeDuck on Flickr.

Here at the Franklin Court, Philadelphia, not much remains of Benjamin Franklin's home but for the back wall which was part of his original family complex at this location in dowtown Philly. The print shop behind this brick wall was built for Grandson Benjamin Bache, also a printer. Bache's full name was "Benjamin Franklin Bache". Bache expressed a lot of criticism of George Washington and he was arrested under the sedition act (later released) after expressing his strong views.

The Benjamin Franklin print shop was located at 2nd and Market, the historical center of commerce in colonial Philadelphia.

Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas and Miss Universe Pageant

2010-08-23T22:21:00.001-07:00

Looking North along Las Vegas Strip. House of Blues Foundation Room at Mandalay Bay, Las Vegas
Originally uploaded by JoeDuck

Mandalay Bay, located near the south end of the Las Vegas Strip in Las Vegas Nevada, was this year's host of the The Miss Universe Pageant. This picture is from the Mandalay Bay's exclusive "House of Blues Foundation Room" where you get one of Las Vegas' best strip views - here looking north to many of the other resort casino properties.

Venetian Gondola, Italy 2010

2010-07-25T10:47:00.001-07:00

Venice, Italy 134
Originally uploaded by JoeDuck

Venice was remarkable, a beautiful conclusion to our mini-tour of Italy where we visited the Cinque Terre, Rome, and Venice.

Personally I found the Cinque Terre to be the most charming of our many stops on the European Rail Adventure thanks to smaller crowds and more wild lands and the beautiful hike between the five cities, but my daughter felt Venice was the highlight of the trip.

The Venetian labyrinth of canals and walkways makes for some of Europe’s most intriguing and wonderful strolls, though you also will find it’s very easy to get lost here, where few paths are straight and even many of maps seem to lead you astray. I found intuition combined with the many pathway painted signs to big locations seemed to keep us on track better than our map.

Still, getting lost in what many consider to be the world’s most beautiful city is fun and has some advantages. Around almost every turn there would be new shops, restaurants, and pretty canal scenes.

On the down side of having a beautiful water world, Venice is struggling with the environmental pressures of a subsiding landscape, leading to seepage and flooding in much of the city, especially in the fall. Even during the summer trip we found the Piazza San Marco half covered in water - something that happens regulary and begins with just a small seep in the lower areas as in this picture I took in late June: Flooding in Venice

Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok :: HDR

2010-07-18T09:58:00.001-07:00

Suvarnabhumi Airport, Bangkok :: HDR
Originally uploaded by Artie | Photography :: Busy | No need 2 comment :)

Photo by Artie.

This was such a fine picture I thought I would post it. Airport. The Airports Official Website is here: http://www.suvarnabhumiairport.com/

World Airport Information

World Airports Blog

Lonely Planet's Northern California

2010-07-15T19:34:00.000-07:00

Lonely Planet has a good article about a California Vacation, though I think they may have forgotten there's a Southern California with some cool sites as well. They did cover several of my personal favorites of California: Redwood National Park, Yosemite National Park, Mendocino / Sonoma Coast, San Francisco, and Point Reyes National Seashore. However I'm not sure it's fair to ignore several other treasures of California such as Sequoia Kings Canyon National Park, Lassen Volcanic National Park, the Missions of Southern California, Hollywood, Disneyland, and much more.

More about California:

Kids Guide to California

Online Highways California

Europe by Rail Rocks

2010-06-24T06:47:00.000-07:00

Vernazza, Italy was certainly one of the highlights of our 2010 European Eurail tour, and we really thank Eurail Pass for the chance to travel throughout Europe on the amazing train systems of the countries who make up the Eurail system.

We're finishing up the Europe trip at www.TravelandHistory.com please join us there for more reports over the coming months about the trip with tips on how to travel.

Join us in Europe!

2010-06-07T15:20:00.001-07:00

www.TravelandHistory.com

From Norway to Italy we'll be blogging our 18 day rail trip across Europe. Join us.

Thanks Eurail Pass for helping to sponsor the trip!

Blogging Europe starts next week at TravelandHistory.com

2010-05-31T09:27:00.000-07:00

The rumors are true, "TravelandHistory.com" is a new blog about ... travel and history.

Follow my blogging family as we travel Europe by rail starting next month (June 2010) "TravelandHistory.com"

There's so much Travel and History to cover that we've added another blog.

US History will continue here where our Online Highways Travel blog will feature posts from the US and Europe including travel and history all over the world.

Here at US History we'll continue to cover mostly US History themes.

Vernazza (Cinque Terre - Italy)

2010-05-21T01:15:00.001-07:00

Vernazza (Cinque Terre - Italy)
Originally uploaded by fede0253

Vernazza is one of the five seaside cities of the Cinque Terre, one of Italy's most popular travel destinations.

European Events 2010

2010-05-13T10:12:00.000-07:00

European Capitals of Culture 2010

Here, from Eurail's website, are lists of some major events across Europe in 2010.

Three European Cities have been designated as "Capitals of Culture" for 2010, and will will host a year of music, theatre, dance, film, literature, and more.

Essen, Germany - Click for more about Essen / Ruhr, Germany's Capital of Culture Celebration
Pécs, Hungary - Click for more on Pecs Capital of Culture Celebration
Istanbul, Turkey - Click for more about Istanbul's Capital of Culture 2010

Rough Guide lists some major European Events

Carnevale, Venice, Italy (February - March)
St Patrick's Day, Dublin, Ireland (March)
Las Fallas, Valencia, Spain (March) More online
Cooper's Hill Cheese Roll, Brockworth, England (May)
Notting Hill Carnival, London, England (August)
Montreux Jazz Festival, Geneva, Switzerland (July)
Il Palio, Siena, Italy (July - August)
Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Scotland (August)
Running of the Bulls, Pamplona, Spain (July)
La Tomatina, Buñol, Spain (August)
Oktoberfest, Munich, Germany (September - October)

European Music festivals (note there are MANY more than this! )

Pinkpop, The Netherlands (28 - 30 May)
Roskilde, Denmark (1-4 July)
Rock Werchter, Belgium (1-4 July)
Exit, Serbia (8 - 11 July)
Dour, Belgium (15 - 18 July)
Sziget, Hungary (9 -16 August)

Booking Hotels in Paris

2010-05-12T17:09:00.001-07:00

With thousands of hotels and rooms for rent, you'd think booking Paris would be easy, and it would be if money and quality were no object, but of course they always are.

I'm finding almost *too many* resources for this part of the trip planning, but here are some of the more helpful:

Paris Info - this is the official Paris Tourism Website and has a lot of information. In the 'Bed and Breakfast" section I think many people will find exactly the type of accommodation they are looking for in an unfamiliar place - a room in a home with a host who knows Paris.

Parisinfo.com (this is English Version, though note that the Google page translator with chrome is now so good you can surf in many languages. Thanks Google! )

For those who don't want the social interaction of a B and B, there are many hotels to choose from. The usual US consolidators Kayak, Expedia, Hotwire, and Hotels.com seem to have far less options that Venere.com, the European version of those booking services, though even Venere seems to miss the many private residence and B and Bs which are throughout Paris and may offer the best quality for the money.

As a family it's much harder to find the right room, but it would be easy for a couple to find a wonderful room in the heart of Paris *with breakfast* for $100-150 using the following services, all members of the Paris Visitors and Convention Bureau which appear to enforce a set of regulations that govern the quality of the Bed and Breakfast homes on these lists:

2binparis.com

bed-and-breakfast-in-paris.com

www.bedbreak.com

www.fleursdesoleil.fr

www.francelodge.fr

www.goodmorningparis.fr

www.meetingthefrench.com

www.chambre-ville.com

Chur, Switzerland - the Beautiful Alpine Bottleneck

2010-05-11T23:23:00.000-07:00

Planning the Europe trip has involved a lot of itinerary work, especially for our trains in and out of Switzerland. The current plan has us travelling from Paris to Chur, Switzerland, one of the oldest inhabited areas in the country and historically a strategic location.

The Bernina Express runs north to south through the alps from Chur to Tirano, Italy.

Booking Trains in Europe

2010-05-11T16:52:00.000-07:00

Travelling around Europe on a Eurail Pass is definitely cool, but it also requires more than a little planning if you want to maintain any sort of schedule. With the family of four on the trip I want to have reservations for trains and lodging along the way, but this creates some flexibility challenges since we are fixing a lot of dates.

Very helpful in determining specific train times and schedules is the magnificent German train website Bahn.com . Another site with Europe-wide schedules is Austrian Rail. However even with these powerful tools it's tricky to match up the more frequent trains in and out of Chur and Lugano with with the Alps magnificent Bernina Express, which itself is not a simple single line but basically goes between Chur / Davos / or St Moritz Switzerland to Tirano, Italy and then on in summer by bus to Lugano, Italy. Confused? Here's the Bernina Express site. This is one of the world's great train rides and it's included in the Eurail Pass.

Note: Eurail Pass has helped to sponsor of our European family blogging adventure. Thanks Eurail Pass!

Bernina Express, Switzerland

2010-05-08T12:32:00.000-07:00

Switzerland's Bernina Express is one of the world's great train adventures, and we'll be riding these rails in mid June on the family's European Rail Adventure. I'm very excited about this part of our trip as the Bernina Express is one of the world's great train trips. Photo Credit Viator.com

The "express" does not refer to speed, rather to the fact you have the same seat for a fairly long trip through the Alps, traversing them north to south or south to north from Switzerland to Italy. Two lines on this Bernina express route are a designated World Heritage Site.

Wikipedia's Bernina Express page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernina_Express

Summer 2010 Eurail pass Instructions from the Rhätische Bahn, which runs the Bernina Express and other train lines in Switzerland:

Can purchase tickets and reservations for Bernina Express and Bus at http://www.rhb.ch/reservation .

You will be given a "dossier number". With the dossier number you can pick up the travel documents at any train station in Switzerland.

Note: If you do not pick up the tickets/ reservations your total fee will be charged.
General terms of contract are onine here a the Rhätische Bahn website www.rhb.ch/GTC

The Bus from Tirano to Lugano is included in the Eurail pass but you must make a reservation in advance.
You can make reservation for Bus and train in advance without holding the Eurail pass.

One can change the reservation dates (not clear if there is a fee for this or not). Rhätische Bahn said the most important thing is always to inform them of the travel plans and changes to avoid problems.

Rhätische Bahn: http://www.rhb.ch

International Travelers: http://www.swisstravelsystem.ch/

100 years of the Bernina Line www.mybernina.ch

Please note: Eurail Pass is a sponsor of our great European Train Adventure.