Ft McHenery NM

O! say can you see,...

by the dawn's early light, a large red, white and blue banner? Whose broad stripes and bright stars . . . were so gallantly streaming! over the star-shaped Fort McHenry during the Battle of Baltimore, September 13-14, 1814. The valiant defense of the fort inspired Francis Scott Key to write "The Star-Spangled Banner."

Sept 30 2018
Making the most out of our bad situation while waiting for our trailer to be repaired we decided to take in Fort McHenry NM. So much of the fiber of this Country is rooted in this Fort. We had a great Ranger lead tour that really went into what made this such an important part our Country's history. After the tour we were on our own to explore and take in the park. This site is a must visit to understand the roots of this Country.

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NPS Website

Our 134th NPS Unit

National Capitals Parks - East

A Journey To Parks Beyond The Capital

Welcome to National Capital Parks-East. We invite you to journey to parks Beyond the Capital of Washington, D.C.  National Capital Parks-East is 13 park sites, parkways and statuary covering more than 8,000 acres of historic, cultural, and recreational parklands from Capitol Hill to the nearby Maryland suburbs


Main NPS Website

Sept 29 2018
We are calling this one our accidental park unit and with so many sites to see it is sure to go on our return list. While traveling to New Hampshire I took the wrong exit around Washington DC and we ended up on I-395 instead of the intended route of taking I-495. After some nail biting ( we were towing the trailer ) we made it though and ended up on the Baltimore - Washington Parkway.  Got to enjoy the drive and were amazed to see a green area in the middle of Washington D.C.

NPS Website

Our 133rd NPS Unit

Tupelo NB

                                                                               

Tupelo National Battlefield

In July, 1864, Union forces, including men from the United States Colored Troops, marched into Tupelo, Mississippi.  Disorganized Confederate soldiers fought fiercely but could not overpower the federal troops. Neither side could claim a clear victory, but Union troops had succeeded in their main goal:  keeping the Confederates away from Union railroads in Tennessee.


1 Sept 2018

A small site to take in, only the size of a small city park. To learn more about the history of this battle stop at the Visitor Center located on the Natchez Trace Parkway ( Mile 266 ), It is located 6 miles North of the site. There are two informational panels located on site that help explain the significance of the battle relative to Union General William T. Sherman's "March to the Sea" in Georgia. While much of the battle field has been lost to time this site preserves a small portion to tell the story of the sacrifice made here.

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NPS Website

Our 132nd NPS Unit

Natchez Trace National Scenic Trail

A Walk through History

The 450-mile foot trail that became known as the Natchez Trace was the lifeline through the Old Southwest.  You can experience portions of that journey the way earlier travelers did - on foot.  Today there are five separate trails totaling over 60 miles and they are administered by the Natchez Trace Parkway.

2 Sept 2018
After taking in the Natchez Parkway Visitors Center, we headed to a small section of the original Trail. When we take in the Parkway we will piggy back visits to the trail that follows the Parkwa

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NPS Website

Our 131st NPS Unit

Brices Cross Roads NBS

Winning the Battle, Losing the War

The Confederate victory at Brices Cross Roads was a significant victory for Major General Nathan Bedford Forrest, but its long term effect on the war proved costly for the Confederates. Brices Cross Roads is an excellent example of winning the battle, but losing the war.

1 Sept 2018
Taking in this unit is best done by first stopping at The Mississippi's Final Stands Interpretive Center, located at 607 Grisham St, Baldwyn, MS 38824, (operated by the Mississippi's Final Stands Civil War Board). This is not a NPS ran center but they have a great center and tell the story well. This unit does not have a Visitor Center. The site is small and can be seen in a short time. Be sure to take in the cemetery next to the site, so much history there.

Click here for photo's of our visit

NPS Website

Our 129th NPS Unit