Travel and History

Here at Online Highways / US History our mission is to bring travel and history information together. Our US History editors have assembled one of the best online resources for U.S. History anywhere. Our travel information is strongest for the Pacific Northwest but we feature city by city information for all of the USA, several countries in Europe, and even Uzbekistan, thanks to the contributions of our friend Marat who publishes that region's top travel magazine.

Travel and History are a natural combination, and for most cities the history of the community features prominently in their appeal. Here in the Pacific Northwest we enjoy the historical and cultural benefits of the rich and colorful Native American experience in the region as well as the powerfully American traditions of early miners, loggers, and seafarers.

There are stories of heroism, tragedy, hardship, and triumph, and we hope to share some of those with you in the coming months. Also, we'd love to hear from you with any historical notes of interest to tourists and travelers. Post them in the comments or email me personally at this address: jhunkins@gmail.com

Happy travels, and Happy history!

Virginia Frontier Fort circa 1755

Virginia Frontier Fort circa 1755
Originally uploaded by JoeDuck

The Hupp Homestead, near Harrisonburg Virginia, was built about 1755. Stone houses like this have held up pretty well in the Shenandoah Valley over some 250 years of use during both the Revolutionary War and the US Civil War.

For more US History visit our main site U-S-History.com

Las Vegas History

Las Vegas - Fremont Street Experience

Freemont Street Light Show, Las Vegas
Originally uploaded by JoeDuck

From the bright lights of the Las Vegas strip or the huge light show canopy over Fremont Street you'd hardly guess how humbly Las Vegas began. Originally Las Vegas was a dusty speck in the huge Nevada desert, but burst into prominence when gambling and drinking were offered here to serve the thousands of workers building the Grand Coolee dam - at the time one of the world's largest construction projects.

Weaverville CA Gold Stamping Mill

Weaverville CA Stamp Mill
Originally uploaded by JoeDuck

Weaverville, California was home to a lot of gold miners back in the day, as the fast flowing rivers and streams of the gold-rich Trinity Alps gave up their bounty. More agressive mining techniques were used here at the stream behind the stamp mill, where "hydraulicking" water canons blasted aways tons of soil to uncover a the tiny flecks of gold dust that were then extracted via sluices.

Read more about the California Gold Rush at Online Highways.

Louisa May Alcott Home, Concord Mass

Louisa May Alcott Home, Concord Mass
Originally uploaded by JoeDuck

Louisa May Alcott's father, Bronson Alcott, was an educational reformer who believed in a broad education for all, including girls. Here at the Alcott family home in Concord Lousia spent much of her time learning from some of the great minds of early America. Ralph Waldo Emerson and Henry David Thoreau were among the network of American intellectuals that lived nearby.

Louisa penned "Little Women" in the upstairs room here.

California's Trinity Alps: Lower Canyon Creek Lake looking South

Above Lower Canyon Creek Lake looking South
Originally uploaded by JoeDuck

California's Trinity Alps offer one of my favorite hiking adventures. This photo is near the highest spot along the Canyon Creek Lakes trail, which follows the creek up the valley past a couple of waterfalls. The Trinity Alps are somewhat reminiscent of a mini-Yosemite with smooth granite and prominent peaks.

MinuteMan National Park Patriot Days

During Patriot Days MinuteMan National Park near Concord Massachusetts comes alive with the sound of musket fire and hearty "huzzahs" as hundreds of local residents reenact the events that led to the formation of the USA.

MinuteMan National Park Patriot Days
Originally uploaded by JoeDuck