Now that it is safe to travel again, I am planning a trip to Beaufort, South Carolina to explore its rich history as it relates to my current book project about Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry.
Beaufort National Cemetery
I would love to hear a little bit about your favorite historic sites. Where do you go to feel connected to the past?
My wife and I took a quick honeymoon trip to the Beufort area - I'd definitely like to return. There was an evident Gullah culture in the area worth exploring. Also - check out Huntington Island for a low key beach experience if you're in the mood.
For me - Savannah. I have always been partial to the area due to the layers of history. Colonization, Revolution, Civil War, Reconstruction, Jim Crow, Civil Rights and modern historical preservation (and don't forget Jazz and Jim Williams [Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil]). Additionally, it has become my family's sort of go to area (Tybee Island) for a beach vacation - so it gives me the familial history as well.
Whether it's visiting The Old North Bridge or Walden Pond or Emerson's house, I've always enjoyed being in Concord, Mass. I particularly like visiting the ONB during different seasons. The different flowers that bloom over various seasons, the bridge in winter, spring, summer and fall. It's a special place!
I get connected to the past every day so I don't need a site to help with that! That said, I do spend a lot of time on Richmond's battlefields (Gaines' Mill, Malvern Hill, and Cold Harbor) because they've got the best hiking trails along which I spend quality time with wife and dog. And at some points I get energy from the landscape that is relatively unconnected from the history that took place there. (The "Confederate Attack Trail" at Gaines' Mill does it every time.)
That's what characterizes MOST visitors to historic sites: people who are trying to facilitate a family/group experience and it could be the history or the landscape or a social situation that unfolds...
But if I want to have a fun, challenging, uplifting, and thoughtful experience in direct engagement with history, I'd go back to the National Museum of the American Indian any day. I'm so in awe of the work they do.
I always enjoy popping into small, off-the-beaten path museums that share a specific story — they may focus on a group of people, a part of town, a specific industry during a period of time. These are the stories of our past that would otherwise slip away unnoticed.
I always joke that it's written in the Illinois constitution that all school children must visit the Lincoln sites in Springfield. I can actually remember when they used to be called the "Lincoln Shrines." For me, that is the ultimate nirvana. Being able to be in the same area that Lincoln walked and talked always brings home to me why I really like studying him so much. While the tomb requests that visitors show respect by remaining quiet, if you visit at certain times, you pretty much are guaranteed silence and being alone to meditate. It's very powerful.
There are a handful of places that I have visited that inherently command respect and reverence. Voices seemed to automatically lower, or ceased altogether, as I approached them. Places such as Auschwitz, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Andersonville National Historic Site, and the Oklahoma City National Memorial come to mind.
Two of the most profound experiences I have had were visiting Arlington National Cemetery and the Normandy American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach. We have all seen the iconic pictures of row upon row of crosses and Stars of David at Normandy, and the headstones at Arlington. To walk amongst them is breathtaking.
My wife and I took a quick honeymoon trip to the Beufort area - I'd definitely like to return. There was an evident Gullah culture in the area worth exploring. Also - check out Huntington Island for a low key beach experience if you're in the mood.
For me - Savannah. I have always been partial to the area due to the layers of history. Colonization, Revolution, Civil War, Reconstruction, Jim Crow, Civil Rights and modern historical preservation (and don't forget Jazz and Jim Williams [Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil]). Additionally, it has become my family's sort of go to area (Tybee Island) for a beach vacation - so it gives me the familial history as well.
Fort Delaware, Fort Mott, and Finn's Point National Cemetery
I am originally from New Jersey and I often think about stopping off at Finn's Point, but I have yet to do so. Thanks for sharing, Bill.
Whether it's visiting The Old North Bridge or Walden Pond or Emerson's house, I've always enjoyed being in Concord, Mass. I particularly like visiting the ONB during different seasons. The different flowers that bloom over various seasons, the bridge in winter, spring, summer and fall. It's a special place!
I couldn't agree more. Thanks for sharing.
I get connected to the past every day so I don't need a site to help with that! That said, I do spend a lot of time on Richmond's battlefields (Gaines' Mill, Malvern Hill, and Cold Harbor) because they've got the best hiking trails along which I spend quality time with wife and dog. And at some points I get energy from the landscape that is relatively unconnected from the history that took place there. (The "Confederate Attack Trail" at Gaines' Mill does it every time.)
That's what characterizes MOST visitors to historic sites: people who are trying to facilitate a family/group experience and it could be the history or the landscape or a social situation that unfolds...
But if I want to have a fun, challenging, uplifting, and thoughtful experience in direct engagement with history, I'd go back to the National Museum of the American Indian any day. I'm so in awe of the work they do.
You said: "I get connected to the past every day so I don't need a site to help with that!"
Right, and don't think that I am not incredibly jealous of what you get to do each and every day and where you get to do it. :-)
I always enjoy popping into small, off-the-beaten path museums that share a specific story — they may focus on a group of people, a part of town, a specific industry during a period of time. These are the stories of our past that would otherwise slip away unnoticed.
Me too.
I always joke that it's written in the Illinois constitution that all school children must visit the Lincoln sites in Springfield. I can actually remember when they used to be called the "Lincoln Shrines." For me, that is the ultimate nirvana. Being able to be in the same area that Lincoln walked and talked always brings home to me why I really like studying him so much. While the tomb requests that visitors show respect by remaining quiet, if you visit at certain times, you pretty much are guaranteed silence and being alone to meditate. It's very powerful.
Best
Rob
I've only been to Springfield once, but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
There are a handful of places that I have visited that inherently command respect and reverence. Voices seemed to automatically lower, or ceased altogether, as I approached them. Places such as Auschwitz, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Andersonville National Historic Site, and the Oklahoma City National Memorial come to mind.
Two of the most profound experiences I have had were visiting Arlington National Cemetery and the Normandy American Cemetery overlooking Omaha Beach. We have all seen the iconic pictures of row upon row of crosses and Stars of David at Normandy, and the headstones at Arlington. To walk amongst them is breathtaking.
I mean...I hear the staff at Reconstruction Era NHP is pretty solid. 😬
Yes, I hear they barbecue ribs and steam crawfish for visitors. Will keep you updated.