Soaking Up History

So much for seeing friends in Chattanooga. Due to a very contagious stomach bug in their house, they suggested we catch them up on the way back home. So, after driving for several hours in the rain, we spent our first night in a Wal-Mart parking lot somewhere in Virginia (along with several other cars and a truck -- all of us clustered around a sign that said "No Overnight Parking."

We then spent an unexpected and absolutely delightful day in the small town of Lexington, VA, home to Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University. Robert E. Lee was president of Washington and Lee from after the Civil War until his death. According to the helpful lady at the Visitor's Center, he took the job because after the Civil War he really needed a job. I've always admired Lee, and this visit only confirmed that. He was a man of character and integrity. He told his student he only had one rule: Always be a gentleman.

We also saw the grave of Lee's beloved horse, Traveller. Lee always kept the stable open and let Traveller graze on the yard. Today, the stable is still kept open so Traveller's spirit can roam freely.

Interested tidbit of trivia; Robert E. Lee was regarded as a traitor by the government because of his service to the Confederacy. He finally received a pardon from the federal government in the late 1970s by President Ford.

The town of Lexington is so pretty and quaint. We're not on a schedule, and it's was great to explore a place we would have never found if we hadn't jumped off the interstate.

Yesterday, we did Gettysburg, which was absolutely fascinating. It certainly brought out the UDC member in me. (For those of you who don't know, that's United Daughter of the Confederacy -- and to be fair, I'm a DAR, too.) We didn't know how close that battle actually was and could really have gone either way.

We also saw President Eisenhower's home there, which was not luxurious at all, and in many ways, quite spartan. We learned Mamie Eisenhower was addicted to soap operas, "As the World Turns" in particular, and if she had to miss it, she made a secret service agent watch and write down what happened. Remember, this was way before VCRs and TIVO.

Today, we spent the entire day at Valley Forge, where George Washington and his troops spent a terrible winter. And since it is very cold and snowing here today, the weather felt quite appropriate! We actually wimped out and are in a hotel tonight. We felt the need for a hot shower, and I just can't make myself rent a shower at a truck stop!

Tomorrow, Philadelphia.