East Coast Historic Tour - Days 7 and 8

First of all, I must apologize...I was not able to get on to the internet at our last hotel. I guess Gettysburg wants to remain in the 19th century!

Now, let me tell you about Sunday. We had a spectacular day...at least I felt that way. We started our day at Mount Vernon, the home of George and Martha Washington. This is by far, my most favorite stop on the trip! In the words of George Washington, "There is no better place situated than Mount Vernon." I would have to whole-heartedly agree. We arrived at around 9 in the morning. That is one of the best times because the sun is still rising and when you sit out on the back porch and overlook the Potomac river, there is no better place. Sorry Dad, but I would choose Mount Vernon over Hawaii, but that's the history in me.

We then headed out of Washington DC and made our way into Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. As many of you know, this is where the battle took place that changed the course of the Civil War in favor of the Union Army (the North). Gettysburg would probably be a close second behind Mount Vernon (that is why this day was spectacular). There are so many stories of the 75,000 or so that fought on these fields in July of 1863. The most astonishing fact that I learned yesterday, is that there are still around 1,800 bodies unaccounted for. This means they are still on the battlefield! This gave me an erie feeling as we were driving around. Also, there is a battlefield guide that is about 90 years old, and he was present at the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg. He was a boy scout then, and was used to help the 90 year old Civil War veterans find their way around. So, our guide told us that he gets to work with a man that has shaken the hand of a Civil War veteran! That connection made it very clear that we are not that far removed from the Civil War.

And now for Day #8. This has been a very relaxing day. We departed from Gettysburg and headed into Amish country about an hour and a half away, to a little town called "Intercourse". And no, I'm not making that up. We learned today that some of the townspeople have been working to change the name...I would second that motion. We visited a couple named Emmanuel and Rachel Smucker (and yes, he is related to the jams and jelly family). They are an Amish-Mennonite family, meaning they do not abide by the strict Amish customs. They use electricty and have a cell phone, however, they still live a very plain lifestyle. They are the neatest, most compassionate people you will ever meet. Allow me to tell you a story about Emmanuel:

There were some "outsiders" who had come into the town, to simply take advantage of the Amish people; needless to say, they were thieves. They came upon the Smucker household and were going to steal Emmanuel's ladder. Well, Emmanuel caught them in the act. As they were carrying the ladder out to their truck, Emmanuel grabbed the ladder from behind. No, he was not trying to stop them. He was helping them load the ladder into the truck. He stated, "If they need a ladder that badly, then I pray it will be a blessing to them."...WOW!! There are other stories that I can share with you at another time.

I must apologize, but I did not take any pictures while we were in Amish country.

Anyways, today we did a lot of driving. We then headed into New Jersey, where we are bedding down for the night. Tomorrow will be another great day, as we head into Philadelphia to tour the most historic square mile in the United States! Check back tomorrow night to see the fun!

1. Mount Vernon (front)
2. The view from the back portico, overlooking the Potomac River.
3. Tomb of George Washington
4. Civil War era graffiti on the tomb; check the date.
5. 75th anniversary monument at Gettysburg
6. General Robert E. Lee; overlooking where Picket's charge took place
7. The Eisenhower Farm
8. Damage from the war to a local farm
9. Pennsylvania's memorial to Gettysburg; largest monument on the battlefield
10. Little Roundtop; some say, where the battle was won.
11. Gettysburg Unknown Soldiers
12. Where Lincoln delivered his "Gettysburg Address"