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 Later the government rescinded this constitution and settlers wanted to split from Coahuila and form their own state Texas.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.