World United States Virginia Williamsburg

WESTON'S RVING ADVENTURE CONTINUES.....

AMERICAN HISTORY Oct 27, 2010

We’ve spent the last couple weeks exploring several of America’s most historic areas including Philadelphia, Jefferson’s Monticello and the “Historic Triangle” of Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown, Virginia. There is a tremendous amount of history in these areas starting with the birth of our nation, the Revolutionary War and the Civil War. It is fascinating stuff and much more than I can discuss in a travel blog entry – so I thought I’d post some of pictures and just mention a few of the things that I learned.

Jamestown Colony (1607) was established before the more famous Plymouth Colony (1620). Jamestown was the first permanent English settlement in North America but was NOT the first settlement. St. Augustine (Florida) was settled by Spain in 1565.

The Revolutionary War battle of Yorktown was won with the assistance of the French Army led (on land) by Generals Lafayette and Rochambeau and Admiral de Grasse with the French fleet at sea. Without the assistance of the French, the American Army -under the leadership of General George Washington - would likely have been defeated and the course of world history would be significantly changed. France’s reward for helping the American colonies was the surrender of British General Cornwallis and satisfaction of defeating the British on land and at sea. I found it fascinating that if it weren’t for France’s military aid in1781, America may never have gained independence.

The Liberty Bell held no real significance in the founding of America and it wasn’t until the 1830’s when the abolitionists (anti-slavery folks) took it as their emblem that it became an iconic symbol of American liberty.

There is so much more to see in this part of our great country. The courage of our founding fathers, the strategic and violent battles for independence and the freedom of all men (black men had the right to vote long before women did - woman’s suffrage came years later)…is what makes Philadelphia, Virginia and D.C. fascinating and “must see” places to tour.

Too many Americans do not understand the sacrifices, commitment and lives that were lost so that they can own property, vote, and make decisions on their own without the interference of government. “Without the interference of government” is one of those issues we are still struggling with today…just as our Founding Fathers struggled with it over 200 years ago……Please show that you appreciate what others have lived and died to give you…be responsible, examine the issues and VOTE!

It is a good life!