Scholar Says He’s Found New Photo of Lincoln at Gettysburg

Abraham Lincoln’s appearance at Gettysburg on Nov. 19, 1863, has been remembered in the roughly 270 ringing words he spoke that day and exactly one undisputed photograph.

But now, a scholar is claiming he has identified another image of Lincoln from that occasion: a tiny, dark-suited speck in a wide shot of the crowd, his head slightly bowed.

Christopher Oakley, a professor of new media at the University of North Carolina, Asheville, made the discovery, which was reported in the October issue of Smithsonian magazine, while working with a group of students on theVirtual Lincoln Project. That project, which includes a detailed digital reconstruction of the Gettysburg ceremony, involved looking at the nine known photographs from that day, as well as the roughly 130 known photographs of Lincoln from other occasions.

It was while looking at a much-scrutinized photograph taken by Alexander Gardner that a familiar face, belonging to a figure standing near a man Mr. Oakley had newly identified as Secretary of State William Seward, leaped out.

“It sank in very quickly,” Mr. Oakley, a former Disney animator, said in a telephone interview. “I jumped back from my desk and did a little historian’s happy dance.”

Mr. Oakley is not the first person to spot Lincoln among the throngs in Gardner’s photograph. In 2007, an amateur historian named John Richter drew headlines, and some vigorous rebuttals, when he announced that a different figure on the left-hand side of the photograph — a stovepipe-hatted man on a horse, with his back turned to the camera — was Lincoln.

But the image examined by Mr. Richter was actually one of two very similar stereoscopic images taken by Gardner that day, which were made simultaneously with two different lenses set about three inches apart, and would result in a kind of 3-D image when combined through a viewfinder. It was while looking at a highly magnified detail from the less damaged left-hand image, only recently scanned by the Library of Congress (and which Mr. Richter had not examined), that Mr. Oakley found further evidence supporting his own claim.

The man on the horse, Mr. Oakley argues, cannot be Lincoln, since the new scan reveals that he is wearing epaulets, which Lincoln would not have worn. And his own positive identification of Lincoln has drawn tentative support from some prominent scholars, including some, like Harold Holzer, the chairman of the Lincoln Bicentennial Foundation, who had previously supported Mr. Richter’s claims.

“It’s like ‘Law and Order,’ ” Mr. Holzer told Smithsonian. “You keep enhancing an image until you see the suspect.”

**This is an article from NY TIMES  I did not write it.**

Picture Update

I will fix the pictures on the other posts sooner rather than later. I have no idea what happened since I uploaded them on here and Blogger should have them in there system. I will look into it. In the meantime I shall share an article with you about Lincoln. 

Mayan frieze found-Holmul, Guatemala

GUATEMALA CITY (AP) — Archaeologists have found an "extraordinary" Mayan frieze richly decorated with images of deities and rulers and a long dedicatory inscription, the Guatemalan government said Wednesday.

The frieze was discovered by Guatemalan archaeologist Francisco Estrada-Belli, a professor at Tulane University's Anthropology Department, and his team in the northern Province of Peten, the government said in a joint statement with Estrada-Belli.

"This is an extraordinary finding that occurs only once in the life of an archaeologist," Estrada-Belli said.

The archaeologists were exploring a Mayan pyramid that dates to A.D. 600 in an area that is home to other classic ruin sites when they came upon the frieze.

"It's a great work of art that also gives us a lot of information on the role and significance of the building, which was the focus of our research," Estrada-Belli said.

The high-relief stucco sculpture, which measures 26 feet by 6 feet (8 meters by 2 meters), includes three main characters wearing rich ornaments of quetzal feathers and jade sitting on the heads of monsters.

The frieze, which was found in July, depicts the image of gods and godlike rulers and gives their names.

The dedicatory inscription "opens a window on a very important phase in the history of the classical period," Estrada-Belli said.

The inscription is composed of some 30 glyphs in a band that runs at the base of the structure.

The text, which was difficult to read, was deciphered by Alex Tokovinine, an epigraphist at Harvard University and contributor to the research project at Holmul, the site where the frieze was found.

View gallery."

This June 2013 photo released by Proyecto Arqueologico Holmul shows a detail of a high-relief stucco …

Tokovinine said the building was commissioned by Ajwosaj, king of the neighboring city-state of Naranjo, and vassal of the powerful Kaanul dynasty, the statement said.

David Stuart, an expert in Mayan epigraphy at the University of Texas at Austin, called Tokovinine's reading of the text "excellent."

But while the government statement called it "the most spectacular frieze seen to date," Stuart was cautious about using superlatives.

"It's really impressive," Stuart said in an email to The Associated Press. But he added, "I certainly wouldn't say this is the 'most spectacular' temple facade."

"There are other buildings in Maya archaeology that are just as magnificent, if not more so," Stuart wrote, pointing out the temple called "Rosalila" at Copan, Honduras, and a building excavated starting last year at the ruins of Xultun, Guatemala, which has not yet been uncovered in full.

Also Wednesday, Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina presented the National Geographic Society with the Order of the Quetzal, Guatemala's highest award, for their research on the Mayan civilization.

Perez Molina thanked National Geographic for its support and said the society has "put on high the cultural heritage of the Mayan civilization."

Estrada-Belli is a National Geographic Explorer. His excavations at Holmul were supported by the Ministry of Culture and Sports of Guatemala and funded by the National Geographic Society and other Guatemalan and foreign institutions.

___

Associated Press writer Mark Stevenson contributed to this report.

**This is an article from Yahoo! I did not write it. Link to article is at the beginning. **

Appomattox Court House-Appomattox, VA

"Here on Sunday April 9, 1865 after four years of heroic
 struggle in defense of principles believed fundamental to the
existence of our government Lee surrendered 9000 men the
remnant of an army still unconquered in spirit."

I think it is safe to say that everyone knows this country fought in a Civil War from 1861-1865 between the United States of America (North) and the Confederate States of America (South). The war was won by the North at Appomattox Court House. 

On my first trip to VA at the advice of people who worked with my fiancé we made the trip out there. For the short time we did live in VA it was weird that people who have always lived there have never been. Oh well there lost!

I would recommend going to visit when it is a little bit cooler outside because you will be walking around outside. It is a quiet place to visit. 

At the site there is the McLean House where the surrender took place. The house is filled with period furniture, items and clothing. Lee walked into the house first and then Grant followed, 90 minutes later they emerged and Lee rode back to tell them that they had lost.

There is outbuildings that you can see such as the exterior kitchen, outhouses and slave quarters. You can also take a walk through the county jail, and I know I wouldn't of wanted to be held in there. 

There is a few to pay per person depending on the season, but it isn't much. When we went they only took cash. 

Alamo-San Antonio, TX

If you know anything about Texas then I'm sure this is one thing you definitely know. This is the Alamo. I'm pretty sure as a Texan we are taught about this place from birth or maybe even while still in the womb. 

You first learn that this is where Texas fought for independence from Mexico. Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna is bad, Davy Crockett and his coonskin cap, and that we lost. Once you get older though you learn the whole back story in Texas history classes. 

The Alamo was originally known as Mission San Antonio de Valero and was a Roman Catholic mission and fortress. It went from Spanish control to Mexican control. In 1821, Mexico won its independence from Spain and there was much fighting and chaos in Mexico City as liberals and conservatives struggled with power. Most Texas settlers approved of the Mexican Constitution of 1824 which gave many freedoms to states. Texas was part of the sparsely populated State of Coahuila y Texas. Later the government rescinded this constitution and settlers wanted to split from Coahuila and form their own state Texas. Tensions were high and in October 1835 the first shots were fired of the Texas Revolution. 

(I'm really trying to give you a short version of the history here... I don't want to write a book.)

At the Alamo there was 200 defenders among those are William B. Travis, Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett. Santa Anna, General and 11 time President of Mexico, arrived with nearly 2,000 men.  The defenders lasted for 13 days but they were finally defeated on March 6, 1836. Texans would win their independence at San Jacinto. 

I've been to the Alamo numerous times. I still love going, but the last time I was in San Antonio I didn't wait in line to go inside. I just walked around outside, that's why I only have this one photo. It's a great place to go see but be prepared for groups of people. Millions of people visit this place each year. Admission is FREE and they gladly accept donations to maintain the site. 

Dzibilchaltún-Merida, Yucatán

Dzibilchaltún is located just outside of Merida, Yucatán, Mexico. (There is no official website that I could find, so I linked it to TravelAdvisor.com) When we took a cruise we joined in on this tour of Mayan ruins. It's not the popular one you always see pictures of, but impressive nonetheless. 

There were settlements here from 500 B.C. to 1540 A.D. It is believed that this area had as many as 40,000 inhabitants. From what I've read to refresh myself on this site is that there is a museum. I didn't get a chance to check it out, but from the pictures the museum exhibit looks really nice. 

At the Temple of the Seven Dolls, also known as Temple of the Sun, a phenomenon takes place twice yearly, at the spring and fall equinoxes, when the rising sun is visible through one window and out the other, a tribute to the incredible mathematical knowledge of the Mayas.  It is amazing what they knew just from watching the stars, moon and sun. These days we all rely on a computer to tell us this. Simply amazing.

Another interesting feature of the site is the natural spring pond, Xlacah. The end on the left is very shallow and gets progressively deeper. It it over 140 feet deep and that leads to a tunnel. In the water they have found carved bone, wooden objects and pottery. This is also one of the largest and deepest bodies of water found on the Yucatan. I didn't take a swim in it because this was our first stop and I wasn't prepared to swim. 

Some of the structures you can climb on top of  to look out at the scenery and it is breathtaking. It can also be a little scary if you are afraid of heights like I am. All in all it is a great place to visit. 

Alcatraz Island-San Francisco, CA

The infamous Alcatraz Island where Al Capone was held prisoner. To be honest, I had vaguely heard of or remembered hearing about Alcatraz before we visited. It was pure luck that we got into San Francisco and to the Pier at the perfect time to get on the ferry. 

The Island has had an interesting history being a military prison, first maximum-security minimum-privilege penitentiary, Indian Island, and now a National Park.

After purchasing your ticket at the pier you are then transported to the Island on a ferry. You land and walk around the Island till you get to the prison, and once inside you can take an award winning audio tour that tells you about the prison from the point of view of correctional officers and inmates. This is one of the best audio tours [although I haven't done many] because you don't hear some random person tell you about events that happened there and they just read about it. I'm guessing here, but the audio tours must be in all different orders so each area isn't crammed with people trying to see at once. I went with 3 people and we would pass by each other, at different spots and we all started at the same time. 

This one of the places that I could write about and tell you about the Battle of Alcatraz and how some prisoners tried to escape, but this is just a place you have to experience for yourself. Something to also keep in mind if you are a bird lover or bird watcher the island is a bird sanctuary. Parts of the Island are closed from February to September to breeding birds can nest.

The Henry Ford-Dearborn, MI

When we decided to visit The Henry Ford Museum I really had no idea what I was in for. If you didn't know I am a huge Ford fan (yes, I do drive a Chevy but beggars can't be choosers). My dream car, well cars, are an '84 F-150, SVT Raptor, Shelby GT 500, and a 60s Mustang Coupe or Fastback... le sigh. Back on subject though, this museum is amazing!

I was expecting to just a history on Henry Ford, Ford Motor Company and different vehicles from the line. I was highly mistaken. This is an American history museum.

Declaration of Independence

You can see everything from Heroes of the Sky, Dymaxion House, Made In America, Presidential Automobiles, With Liberty and Justice for all, and more. I was most impressed with the American history items they had on display.In their collection they have one of the exact copies of the Declaration of Independence that Congress authorized to be produced. Only about 30 exist today. It was hard to contain my excitement... I mean, how cool is this? I have yet to see the original in D.C. yet. 

One of my favorite parts of American history is when Alice Paul and others fought to get women the right to vote here in the U.S. I was so happy to see this, and that people can inform themselves on this important time in history.
I can't include all the pictures I took in this blog post, but to truly see everything you need to block out a couple of hours and check it out. I thought we would be there 1-2 hours but I think we ended up spending close to 3-4. We went during the Christmas holiday and the day we went we couldn't do the factory tour. Hopefully next time. 

Other things to check out while in the museum is the Presidential vehicles, the huge train car, the Exploded Model T, the chair Lincoln was sitting in when assassinated, the bus Rosa Parks rode on, and pretty much everything else!

Virginia Holocaust Museum-Richmond, VA

If you are in the Richmond area then you must visit the Virginia Holocaust Museum. I have been to the one in Washington D.C. and I thought the one in VA was a lot better. 

Walking up to the building  you see the fence around the entrance and signs in German telling you to stop. Outside they also have a railcar from Germany that held Jewish people as they were being transported.

The whole experience is a moving one. World War II is in my top 5 things of history to study. 

The museum is free of charge and they recommend it for children 11 and up because of the graphic content. Walking through the museum you see the cramped quarters they were forced to sleep in. They give you more of a perspective because they have mannequins cramped in the bed. You also see teeth, hair, and other items that the Nazis collected. 

In the museum, they have interactive parts where you can step into a mock gas chamber and crawl through holes to "hide." You will definitely get a history lesson even if you know or don't know anything about the genocide the Nazis committed.

One sad thing is seeing children's artwork and poems from that time.  During 1939-1945, 1.5 million children were annihilated. They have a memorial with their names and some pictures. 

We happened to stumble across this place when in Richmond and I'm glad we stopped. We spent a few hours in here and I would gladly go back and stay longer. The museum also focuses on genocide after WWII. Lots to be learned when you walk in those doors. 

Ash Lawn-Highland-Charlottesville, VA

The home of President James Monroe is Ash-Lawn Highland located down the street from Thomas Jefferson's Monticello. This house has a very interesting history from its name to why the house is two different colors. You can take a guided tour of the house for a fee, and once again you're not allowed upstairs (I don't believe there was an option for a special tour, but you can can call and ask).

This photo is from here.

Jefferson urged Monroe to settle near him in Ablemarle County since 1784 and he finally acquired land in 1789. Monroe referred to his home and land as Highland because this was higher then the other property he owned down where the University of Virginia now is (to the best of my knowledge that's what I remember the tour guide saying). The white part of the house is the original part of the house that Monroe lived in. The yellow part of the house is Victorian and was added on by Parson John Massey after a fire destroyed the front part of the house. After Monroe's death the house had many owners, Massey being the last, before it was given to the College of William and Mary. 

 The tour guide we had offered information on Monroe's life and about the design of the house. I wish I could remember some neat little facts he told us, but at this time my mind is drawing a blank. I'll remember eventually....

The tree to the left has been there since Monroe owned Highland. It's a massive tree, I can only imagine how it looks when the it's Spring. 

While Monroe's home isn't as grand as Jefferson's it is still worth a stop. It is a nice modest home with a great view. In the spring and summer from what I've read and saw you can see baby lambs, peacocks, etc. We only saw cows and got pretty close to them. Walking through the garden is nice with tall bushes. 

Also, did you know you could get married here? You can! The history nerd in me loves this, and the views around are beautiful on the mountain. Not sure if it would be my first choice, but definitely a contender if you want an outdoor wedding. 

Monticello-Charlottesville, VA

This is Monticello, the home of Thomas Jefferson--the author of the Declaration of Independence, founder of the University of Virginia and the third President of the United States of America. Jefferson designed the house and changed the plans many times. It was a functioning plantation starting with tobacco and moving to wheat.

Driving up the mountain to Jefferson's home is a nice drive along a winding road. Upon parking you walk up to the museum, gift shop and other buildings to get your first idea of what you are about to embark on. Pricing can be found on their website for the various tours they offer. We purchased the Monticello Day Pass which gives you a guided tour in a group of about 20-25 others. You take a bus ride up to the house, meet your tour guide and then it begins.

Inside you can't take any pictures :( which sucks but I understand why. You get to see all of the first floor, his furnishings, art and gadgets (the coolest being his clock and his dumbwaiter). His collection of old books intrigued me the most seeing Plutarch. It's also to see the yellow room and his bedroom and where he stored his clothes.  

Once you make it outside your guided tour has come to an end, but you can explore the grounds and the cellar by yourself. You can also see Mulberry Row where his slaves lived. Archaeologist are excavating the area. 

Another interesting thing to see is the Monticello Graveyard where Jefferson and his wife is are buried. Other lineal descendants with a few exceptions are buried there also. 

I could of spent a lot more time there, but make sure you have at least 2 hours. You want enough time to take the tour, walk around outside and look around the gift shops. I would love to go in the Spring or Fall to see the leaves have trees. Next time, I also want to take a tour of the 3rd floor and see the Dome. 

Knowing that Jefferson was there at one point in time and I was standing in a spot I'm sure he stood in is surreal. 

San Jacinto Museum of History- La Porte, Texas

This is the San Jacinto Museum of History located in La Porte, Texas. Texas won their independence from Mexico here on April 21, 1836. Unless your parents take you to visit the Monument (that's another name for it too) your first experience is probably on a school field trip in 4th grade when you learn all about Texas History.

However, if you're like me you've been here a thousand times maybe even more. You see, my Mom and family friend have worked out here for the last decade and I myself have worked out here off and on. 

If you know nothing about Texas history, then walking through the main exhibit gallery will give you a basic understanding and to do that it is, FREE! The gallery use to house more of the permanent exhibit that the museum has in archives, but they have different Special Exhibits right now which you have to pay to see. 

On the hour, they show a 35 minute presentation on the Texas Revolution which gives you a more in depth understanding. The film is narrated by Charles Heston and it will cost you money. 

You can also take a ride to the observation level 489 ft above. You can see the Houston Ship Channel, Downtown Houston, and the surrounding marshlands. It's really a nice view.

It's a great place to go, but I've just been there way to much recently. One thing you don't want to miss is the yearly reenactment of the Battle of San Jacinto. They do it on the actual day or the closet weekend to that date and it is a whole day festival and event. It's free to get into the park, but museum fees still apply.

Intro

So, what kind of catchy intro do I write to make you read this post and the posts to follow? I have no clue. I've tried the blog thing before, but it was a celebrity gossip blog that didn't last long (it used to be this site, but I've given it a makeover).

Like you've read above, I love history. I always have. I'm not sure where I got the love for history from, but I've liked it since elementary. When the elementary school library is giving away old library books, what kind of kid picks a biography of Abraham Lincoln? Me! Even when I was a young teenager I wanted to meet a certain boy band, but I also wanted to meet Abraham Lincoln, Princess Diana and Mother Teresa. That list has changed with time, but Lincoln has managed to stay on it all these years.

The plan is to post about places I've been, what I've liked about it, the neat things I saw and what ever other stuff crosses my mind. 

Enjoy!