Reaching freedom’s shore
Look and you’ll see another tiny, quiet river town with a quaint historic district loaded with shops and locally owned businesses. Look closer and you’ll find layers of history hiding some real American heroes.
All posts filed under: Underground Railroad/Civil War
This summer I’m letting my nerdy, history-loving side out to play. I’ll be exploring various spots in the Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana tri-state area that played roles either as part of the Underground Railroad or the Civil War.
Underground Railroad: Fee Villa
Along the river are a lot of those little blink-and-you-miss-them towns. You know the kind that have a sign saying, “Welcome,” then 10 feet later one saying “Thank you for visiting.” They’re charming, usually hiding some kind of gem – either a great locally-owned shop or restaurant, or someone with a great life story. One thing you can count on is they always have a story to tell.
Wednesday, Bloody Wednesday
They say a picture is worth a thousand words, but what if the picture leaves you with no words, just feelings of shock and despair? That’s how I felt after visiting the site the bloodiest one day of battle in American history.
Exploring on Sunday
Long drives on quiet Sunday mornings come with big rewards. While I was hunting Underground Railroad locations in southern Ohio, I rediscovered a nondescript white house with ties to a Civil War general and former President. It was a reminder that no matter where you begin in life, you never know where you may end up.
Up next: Summer shenanigans
I’m breaking my no-preview rule because I am just so gosh-darned excited for my summer adventures!
Washington, Ky.: Take a walk through time
The more I explore Kentucky, the more surprised I am by how many very interesting and beautiful things lurk in the next holler. One of the places that inspired me recently was a small village just south of Maysville, Ky. When I walk on flagstone sidewalks along Main Street, it’s easy to imagine hearing the clop of hooves on the road. What is harder to imagine is the impact the people of this blip on the map have had on the world.
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