Arlington National Cemetery-Arlington, VA

If you're ever in Virginia or Washington D.C. you should definitely visit the Arlington National Cemetery.The cemetery was established 150 years ago on June 15, 1864. It was created out of necessity for the soldiers lost during the Civil War. Today it is a shrine to the numerous men and women who have survived during times of war and peace for our beloved country. 

This is from our trip in 2011.

Now I've been to the Houston National Cemetery to visit my Grandpa and Uncle's grave, but being at Arlington it is a once in a lifetime experience. To see that many graves in one place puts things into perspective. This is a place to visit and show your respects. 

There are two things you must see while there: the eternal flame and the changing of the guard. The eternal flame is at the grave site of John F. Kennedy and was put in at the request of his wife, Jackie.
The flame has only been extinguished a few times once when holy water was spilled on it and once by a heavy rain. Both times the flame was relit by hand.

At the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier it has been guarded since July 2, 1937 continuously. Inclement weather, terrorist attacks, and other events do not cause the watch to cease. The Soldiers from the 3rd Infantry Regiment "The Old Guard" protect the tomb day and night. The soldiers who walk the mat do not wear rank, so they won't outrank the "Unknowns."

The soldiers duty is not only ceremonial but they will confront anyone trying to cross the barriers or people who are disrespectful/loud.

Arlington National Cemetery is open 365 days a year in April-Sept from 8am-7pm, Oct-March 8am-5pm. There is a charge for parking and there may be a charge to get in but that can be found on their site!

The Museum of Edgar Allan Poe-Richmond, VA

"I became insane, with long intervals of horrible sanity."-Edgar Allan Poe

We went to Richmond, VA to go to a performance shop for my husband's truck that needed work and before heading back we stopped at The Museum of Edgar Allan Poe. 

I didn't know there was a museum until looking it up on one of my favorite apps History Here. Poe never lived in the building that the museum is in, but it is set up to reflect Richmond at that time. The museum hosts a large collection of manuscripts, personal belongings, first editions and a 3D model of Richmond from when he lived. 

Pictures were not allowed to be taken inside so sadly I have none to share but this one to the left. In the museum you get to learn of his life. They have relics from his boyhood bed, his truck, walking cane and even handwritten first copies of some of this work. 

It's interesting to learn more about him then the things you are taught in school. It would of been nice to have someone dressed up as him reading "The Raven" or a "Tell Tale Heart." I would visit it again next time I make it back to Virginia. 

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. 

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.