Historic Travel Sites in the United States 1

Hello history friends and welcome back to rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it. In this month’s podcast series, we are going to remember history in a slightly different way. Rather than talking about it (which, of course, is a great thing to do and a great way to learn), we are going to visit history, see history, experience history, and get immersed in history. (And, yes, we will talk about it a bit too!) What do I mean? I mean that this month we are going to discuss important historical sites around the United States. You might not realize that there are lots and lots of different sites where great and important historical events have occurred.  Some were small and brief events. Others were large and long lasting. But all were memorable and all were game changers.  I think that it is so important to visit historical sites and see where and how things happened, where people lived and how they lived. Remember, one of my goals is to bring history to life—that is one of the very best ways to keep history alive. And it’s also lots of fun.

I remember, when I was 8 years old, my parents took my brother and me on a road trip from Pennsylvania to California. That was one of the most fun trips ever!  Besides just spending time together as a family, we also went to historical sites that I had read about in school.  It was amazing to actually see the Liberty Bell and the original document of the Constitution.  And I was just amazed by visiting Harper’s Ferry!  (What? You haven’t heard of Harper’s Ferry?!)  No worries. It is one of the places that we’re going to discuss during our exploration of the great historic sites!

You might be asking yourself: why is she discussing this issue right now?  Great question! Sure it is a change from the topics that I have covered in the past, particularly in April. In that month, I discussed people who had been killed in the fight for civil rights.

 There were so many people who sadly gave their lives during the civil rights movement but I was only able to discuss a few of them like Harry and Harriette Moore  who were was killed for documenting cases of lynching and who fought for equality in education, Rev. James Reeb who was killed while attending the Selma March and Birdia Keglar and Adlena Hamlett who were tortured and killed on their way home from testifying before the Commission on Civil Rights and who had worked tirelessly for voting rights.  Yes, these stories were hard to hear but it was important to remember them and what they lived and fought for.  So, sure, this month’s podcast series is very different.  But why now?

Because school is nearly finished for the year. People are making vacation plans.  They want to travel and visit family. Those are great things to do. That is my plan as well.  But I would love for people to consider visiting some of these places or having some of these experiences.  None of them are expensive. And they give so much more than they cost. And they are experiences that can be remembered for life.  We must not let history die. We must support those places that keep African American history alive and remembered. We should take our children to these places so they can see what came before them.  History is a larger way of looking at and experiencing life so let’s live life to the fullest. Remember Dr. Carter G. Woodson (the father of Black History) said that “If a race has no history, if it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.

We must never become a “negligible factor” to anyone, particularly ourselves.  

Finally, I just want to remind you that this is the new and improved website called rememberinghistory.com where were are remembering history and we’re making history, too. We are a large and growing community of fun and friendly historians and we welcome everyone who loves history or even if you’re just curious about history, we welcome everyone to join.  Leave your comments. Read the bodacious blog.  If you want more information about the people or issues, go to the remembering history book store called Books & Stuff. You’ll find, of course, books but also DVDs, audiobooks, games and other fun learning tools.  Everything has been personally vetted by me so you can trust these resources—or you can blame me if you don’t like them. That’s accountability.  Not easy to find on the Internet but you’ll find it here. Visit the Facebook page (which is also new).  On the Facebook page, you will find pictures of the places that I mention in the podcasts and you’ll see pictures of the people too.  A picture really does speak a thousand words.  And you’ll find additional information about the historic sites mentioned here. Finally—really this time!—I just want to remind you that rememberinghistory.com has a  surprise coming that will be released on June 1st. Next week, I’ll give you more information about this surprise and how you can be eligible to win one of these surprises.

Now, let’s get started remembering history and making history.

Yes, I think that I know what YOU’RE thinking now:  how can she possibly talk about all the different historic sites related to African Americans?  You’re right. I can’t possibly discuss EVERY one of them. Or even most of them. After all, we are talking about more than 400 years of history. It is a lot. So, I’m going to break it down. In this first podcast, I will discuss slavery and abolition. 

Although slavery ended in 1865, many of the historic sites still remain or have been restored. They are not often visited—after all, it is not a period or topic that most Americans are proud of, like the Declaration of Independence.  But it is a part of American history and, especially, African American history so we should take steps to remember it, learn about it and learn from it.

Mount Vernon

This might seem like a strange place to revisit slavery. But it is one of the most moving places that I have ever visited.  As you are probably aware, Mount Vernon was the plantation home of George Washington, first president of the United States.   Of course, Washington did not live on the premises during his two terms as president.  But he always remained connected to the plantation and immediately returned to it following his tenure. 

It is no surprise that George Washington owned slaves. In fact, he owned as many as 316 slaves that lived at Mount Vernon.  At the time of his death in 1799, 90 percent of the population at Mount Vernon consisted of enslaved African Americans.  And they lived in different quarters on the five farms that comprised Mount Vernon.  The largest slave quarter was located at Mansion House Farm where 90 slaves lived.  In other quarters, located at nearby farms or in distant fields, the quarters were smaller, housing around 45 or 50 persons. There is some dispute about the quality of the slave quarters. Some records say that the living areas were made of brick, had several fireplaces and glazed windows. Other reports (written by visitors to George and Martha) said that the quarters were basic log houses.  Inspectors described them as wretched. Husband and wife slept on a pallet while children slept directly on the floor.

I am mentioning Mount Vernon because the slave quarters (near the main house) have been restored and are open to visitors. This was an amazing experience.  Standing in the quarters where the enslaved population lived was an emotional trip and brought the history to life for me. I witnessed others having the same experience—both adults and children.  It is a trip back in history that every American should take.

With its large population of enslaved persons, Mount Vernon also had a cemetery for the African slaves. It is near the main house. Today, it is marked with a small monument that recognizes the slaves who lived, worked and died on the plantation. 

To bring it all together, Mount Vernon has an excellent museum that discusses various aspects of life at the plantation, including the living conditions, experiences and lives of the enslaved population.  It has excellent and interesting descriptions, exhibits and explanations.  It even discussed the clothing, food and working conditions of the slaves. 

Mount Vernon has made a great effort to restore and present life at the first president’s plantation. The restored slave quarters, the slave cemetery and the museum presents the enslaved population (both skilled and unskilled) in a realistic and dignified way. 

Mount Vernon is open 365 days each year.  It is a short drive from Washington, D.C. and has an amazing restaurant. You gotta try the hoe cakes (pancakes made from cornmeal—it’s an original recipe by Washington’s niece)!  Take the whole family—you will never forget the experience.

I just briefly want to mention another plantation from the same period.  Montpellier is the plantation owned and operation by James Madison, 4th president of the United States.  Montpellier was a larger and grander plantation than Mount Vernon (I didn’t think that this was possible) and had large, multi-generational population of enslaved persons.   

Montpellier has undergone many restorations but there much less is known about the slaves who lived on the plantation.  (The Madisons kept long and copious notes about their lives and the work of James Madison, but they did not maintain the detailed records like those kept at Mount Vernon.)  Nevertheless, it is known that between 1723 and 1844, there were more than 200 slaves that lived on Montpellier and that 7 generations of families were born, lived and died there.

So, why do I mention Montpellier? There is an amazing archeological dig and excavation being conducted on the plantation.  And they take volunteers from the public. You simply have to sign up for one of their week-long sessions where you will live and work with the archeologists on Montpellier.   Some of the excavations focus on the mansion and property owned by the Madisons.  However, they are also excavating the slave quarters and even restoring them for historical purposes. This is a unique opportunity to be a part of history and to protect history for future generations.  This type of opportunity does not often occur and it will not last forever so it is important to contact Montpellier as soon as possible if you wish to participate in this important excavation and restoration. You can get the information on the remembering history Facebook page. But it is also available at Montpellier.org.  I encourage visiting the Remembering History Facebook page because you will find more specific details and you can ask any questions that you might have.

Again, Montpellier is an important place, not just because it was the home of James and Dolley Madison but also because of its large slave population who lived for 7 generations on the plantation.  The current excavation gives you a chance to be a part of history. And that’s what this podcast is about:  making history!  For more information and pictures, go to the Remembering History website or the Facebook page.

Okay, so let’s leave the plantations now and visit the home of one of the most famous and greatest abolitionists:  Frederick Douglass.

Yes, you can actually visit his home! Frederick Douglass House is part of the U.S. National Park Service. In fact, it has been since 1962.  Frederick Douglass house is one of the most interesting and often forgotten treasures in the Washington, D.C. area.  It is based in Anacostia, Maryland, just minutes from the national capitol. 

As you probably know, Frederick Douglass was born into slavery and was purchased by several different kinds of people. Some were cruel. Others were more compassionate. He actually learned how to read (which was illegal for slaves) from a compassionate and brave woman who was married to a man who had purchased him. He eventually escaped and became a very influential abolitionist, orator and writer. He published a newspaper that opposed slavery and published his autobiography called Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass, which described his life and thoughts as a slave and the degradations that he suffered under the terrible institution. His autobiography gave momentum to the abolition movement.  Frederick Douglass travelled throughout the United States and Europe speaking against slavery.  As a runaway slave, though, he was constantly threatened with capture but influential friends later purchased his freedom.

Frederick Douglass purchased the house called Cedar Hills (we know it as Frederick Douglass House) in September of 1877. He paid $6,700 for the house and the 10 acres around it. The following year, he bought another 5 acres around the house.  He moved into the house in the Fall of 1878 and remained there until his death in 1895.

The house was first restored in 1922 by the Frederick Douglass Memorial and Historical Association and the National Association of Colored Women. It was further restored in 1972 and a third restoration was completed in 2007.  The house and the surrounding land are beautiful and scenic and reportedly have the best views of the national capitol.

As part of the National Park Service, there are today many tours of Frederick Douglass House. In fact, the only way to get inside the house is as part of a tour, which take place throughout the day. One point to highlight is the library. Frederick Douglass was a true man of letters and had an extensive library with books on virtually every imaginable subject.  It has been called the most impressive room in this most impressive house.

A “not to be missed” room in this house is the “growlery”.  This was a special room and I urge you to ask the knowledgeable volunteers about how Mr. Douglass used this room. You will be surprised!

If, unfortunately, you are not able to visit Frederick Douglass House or you just can’t wait to see the interior, then you can also take a virtual tour of the house on the website.  More on this great feature on the Remembering History website and Facebook page—and you will also find helpful information about the opening times, tours, directions and the history of the house. Go visit the website or Facebook page and I hope that you will “like” us there too.

Continuing on with the history of the abolition movement, we have the Black Heritage Trail. Do you know where the Black Heritage Trail is?  Can you guess?  Okay, I’ll just tell you: Boston.  (Yes, there is also a Black Heritage Trail in Columbus, Ohio, too.) But we will focus on Boston.

The Black Heritage Trail links more than 15 pre-Civil War structures and historic sites, including the 1806 African Meeting House, which is the oldest surviving black church in the United States. (You will hear about another church in the last podcast in this series so stay tuned.)

The Black Heritage Trail is a path in Boston, Massachusetts, winding through the Beacon Hill neighborhood and other sites that are important in African American history.

Massachussetts was the first state to abolish slavery and, therefore, a large abolitionist community was formed there. And many enslaved persons escaped and sought refuge in the state.

The trail begins at the Museum for African American History in Boston (which is actually located in Abiel Smith School).

The trail includes 10 sites that were known to be part of the Underground Railroad. Stories about the owners and escaped slaves are provided at the houses. At the beginning of the trail, visitors can collect maps and written histories of how the Underground Railroad assisted slaves in getting to freedom. However, it notes the difficulties didn’t end in Boston, particularly after the passage of the Fugitive Slave Act and other laws that threatened escaped slaves.  The Black Heritage Trail is an interesting and active historical site that is a strong part of American history.

Take the family. Take the car. Or be prepared to walk, which is always a good idea.  You will find interesting and inspirational stories of real heroism and courage. Never depressing. Always interesting.  Shows how individuals can make a real difference.  For additional information including a map of the Black Heritage Trail, go to the Remembering History Facebook page.  I think that you will definitely like us. But you be the judge.

Finally, there is one last place that I want to mention in this podcast on famous historic sites about slavery and abolition.  This site is slightly different than the others but I hope you will agree that it is very relevant and extremely important—historically and today.  It is called the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.  Based in Cincinnati, the mission of the Freedom Center is to collect and reveal the stories of freedom heroes from the Underground Railroad to the present time. Its goal is to inspire modern abolitionist heroes. 

There are stories about true American heroes like Harriett Tubman and her work to help enslaved people escape to freedom as well as her work as a nurse and spy during the American Civil War. The center devotes a lot of resources to fighting modern day slavery as well as recognizing the history of African slavery.

The Center offers a variety of programs for visitors and educators including films, lectures, exhibits, gallery talks and family programs.  In a special section of the center, individuals and groups can learn how to become modern day abolitionists in a three-step program. Spoiler alert: The three steps are:  Learn, teach and act. But there is much more to it and the center is devoted to abolishing modern day slavery. 

Less you think that the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center is a heavy, boring or slightly depressing place, get ready for a big surprise.  Yes, there are parts that are difficult such as the Auschwitz exhibit, there is also interactive and age-relevant stories that are so inspirational and empowering that visitors are left feeling ready, willing and able to change the world! 

For additional information about the Freedom Center, take a look at the Remembering History Facebook page—there will be lots of practical information but also interesting commentary and stories. Again, visit the page and hopefully like us there.

So, that is all for today. Great sites: The slave quarters and the slave cemetery at Mount Vernon.  At Montpellier, you can actually excavate and restore the slave quarters.  Then Frederick Douglass House—the world’s most famous abolitionist. The Black Heritage Trail will take you along the Underground Railroad. And finally the  National Underground Railroad Freedom Center shows us how to fight modern day slavery and helps to work as modern day abolitionists. You see, there are so many great African American historical sites throughout the country.  I hope that you have enjoyed this podcast and gotten great ideas about places to go and to take the family this summer.  So much to see. So much to learn.

And, no, we’re not finished. In the next podcast, we are going to visit some unusual historical sites.  They might be surprises but I will give a small hint: think of a very famous, “game-changing” athlete and where he became famous.

And the final podcast in this series is going to take us to the west coast of the United States. Yes, there are a lot of interesting historical sites there—don’t let the people on the East Coast or in the South make you believe that African Americans did not have a strong presence in the west. We did—and you will hear about it in the third podcast.

So, please visit the rememberinghistory.com website or the Facebook page. You will find great resources and information and a great community of history lovers in both places.  Oh, did I mention the books and DVDs that you might also find interesting? Well, I mentioning them now so take a look or listen on the website. I hope that you find them interesting and helpful.

See you next time at rememberinghistory.com where we are remembering history and we’re making it.

Bye for now!

Robin