Category Archives: President

A magical moment at Mount Vernon

Posted on August 11, 2020 by Tim

Recently I experienced what I call a magical moment at a history site. I haven’t been to any historic sites since March, thanks to the pandemic. I was happy to hear that Mount Vernon, George Washington’s restored home near Alexandria, … Continue reading →

Posted in 18th century, house, President | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

In praise of historic sites

Posted on April 14, 2020 by Tim

I’ve enjoyed visiting history places ever since I can remember. Whether Devil’s Den at the Gettysburg battlefield or the hallowed room of Independence Hall in Philadelphia or the sweeping lawn of Mount Vernon, places have captured my imagination and allowed … Continue reading →

Posted in 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, American Revolution, military, national park, President | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Best historic bike trail in the US?

Posted on December 7, 2019 by Tim

The 52-mile Capital Trail runs from Jamestown to Richmond, paralleling the James River through centuries of history. Continue reading →

Posted in 18th century, 19th century, agricultural, American Revolution, city/town, Civil War, house, military, President, religion | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Tracking a Killer

Posted on April 17, 2019 by Tim

A day shy of the 154th anniversary of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, I stood looking at the bucolic southern Maryland countryside, trees tinged with the bright green of early Spring. Staring at the simple white frame house surrounded … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th century, Civil War, house, military, President | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

James Madison’s Montpelier

Posted on November 21, 2018 by Tim

More and more historic sites are beginning to tell the whole story. What I mean is after many decades of avoiding difficult topics, such as slavery, they are pushing past self-imposed boundaries, seeking the complex truth, and striving to find … Continue reading →

Posted in 18th century, 19th century, American Revolution, civil rights, house, President | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Comparing American Revolution Museums – Part 2 – Yorktown

Posted on August 30, 2018 by Tim

Two new museums devoted to telling the story of the American Revolution opened within a month of each other in Spring 2017. What are the odds? Philadelphia and Yorktown, Virginia both seemed like obvious places for such a museum. The … Continue reading →

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Comparing American Revolution Museums – Part 1 – Philadelphia

Posted on August 30, 2018 by Tim

Two new museums devoted to telling the story of the American Revolution opened within a month of each other in Spring 2017. What are the odds? Philadelphia and Yorktown, Virginia both seemed like obvious places for such a museum. The … Continue reading →

Posted in 18th century, American Revolution, military, President | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

One of George Washington’s churches

Posted on January 25, 2016 by Tim

Three churches in northern Virginia are usually associated with George Washington: Pohick Church near Lorton, Christ Church in Alexandria, and the Falls Church in the city that was named for it. All remain active churches today and their exteriors have … Continue reading →

Posted in 18th century, 19th century, cemetery/grave, President, religion | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Another Virginia presidential estate

Posted on April 25, 2015 by Tim

There’s nothing like visiting a history site on a glorious early spring day after a long cold winter. I had the opportunity to visit President James Monroe’s Highland (as he named it) to hear a book talk during the Virginia Festival of … Continue reading →

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A Lincoln log cabin

Posted on April 18, 2015 by Tim

Abraham Lincoln has  been on my mind this week because Wednesday was the 150th anniversary of his assassination. Plus, I just returned from a trip to Illinois, the land of Lincoln, where it seems one is always several miles from a … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th century, agricultural, President | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment