Visit Our Battlefields

BATTLEFIELDS of the Civil War exist in 32 states. The total number of battlefields is a staggering 384. Principal battles were fought in 26 states, and eight states had 15 or more battles. Virginia had 123 battles where Union and Confederate soldiers fought, bled, and died - the most of any state. The battle between the North and the South from 1861 to 1865 included about 10,500 armed conflicts. From Fort Sumter to Vicksburg; from Gettysburg to Appomattox; the War Between the States changed our nation forever.

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Civil War battlefields are some of our nation's most scenic and yet hollowed grounds. Clashing convictions of the Blue and the Gray - and the determination to defend them - cost the nation some 620,000 lives. However, the values tested and clarified in the Civil War are part of what binds us together as a nation today.

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Visiting a battlefield enables us to walk in the footsteps of our ancestors. It also reminds us of a nation ripped apart by divided loyalties. Further, being in the midst of a Civil War battlefield causes most visitors to experience an emotional empathy with those who fought there. But, perhaps the greatest thing we can gain from visiting a battlefield is the realization that freedom for everyone came at a high price.

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Battlefield visits are popular with people of all ages. A day trip to a nearby battlefield works well for many families. On other occasions, people may desire to arrange vacations in order to make a stopover at one or more battlefields. For those who are particularly fond of Civil War history, extended visits - with guided tours - are available. Some may even be scheduled over a three to four day time period.

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When considering leisure options for a day, a week-end, or a vacation, visiting a Civil War battlefield is a great choice.

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The photo above was taken at Wilson's Creek National Battlefield near Republic, Mo.

Discover Presidential History

VISITING libraries and museums of former U.S. presidents is an excellent way to discover the history of those presidents, and to uncover a wealth of general information about our nation during particular time periods. Even for individuals who do not consider themselves avid history buffs, a trip to a presidential library or museum will most likely be considered time well spent - and, an enjoyable leisure experience.

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Most of us are probably old enough to have lived during the terms of several, or perhaps many, of our presidents. We have been exposed to the news media and have had information sources concerning current events all of our lives. However, just one visit to any presidential library or museum will reveal facts, and the people, places, and events of the past which we somehow missed - or had forgotten.

At present, thirteen presidential libraries and museums are located in eleven states. Details about each one, including open hours and admission prices, are available online. The list below includes the location.

• George H.W. Bush Library & Museum - College Station, TX
• Bill Clinton Library - Little Rock, AR
• Ronald Reagan Library - Simi Valley, CA
• Jimmy Carter Library & Museum - Atlanta, GA
• Gerald R. Ford Library - Ann Arbor, MI (Museum - Grand Rapids, MI)
• Richard Nixon Library - Yorba Linda, CA
• Lyndon B. Johnson Library - Austin, TX
• John F. Kennedy Library - Boston, MA
• Dwight D. Eisenhower Library & Museum - Abilene, KS
• Harry S. Truman Library - Independence, MO
• Franklin D. Roosevelt Library - Hyde Park, NY
• Herbert Hoover Library - West Branch, IA
• Abraham Lincoln Library & Museum - Springfield, IL

Other places which relate to our presidents include the Office of Presidential Libraries in College Park, MD; the Presidential Museum & Leadership Library in Odessa, TX; and America's Presidency Museum & Gallery in Branson, MO. In addition, the homes of many former presidents, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, have been designated as historical sites and are considered national treasures.

Trips to presidential libraries and museums should rise above personal views about politics, political parties, or the presidents themselves. Visits may pay tribute to particular presidents, but more than that, they should honor the office of president. And, more than likely, visitors may find a lump in their throats - and hearts which are proud - as they discover presidential history.

-- The photo above shows the Ford Museum in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Journey to a Theme Park

A JOURNEY to a theme park can be an exciting adventure! Whether it's Epcot, Disneyland, Six Flags, Sea World, Busch Gardens, or any one of a number of others, theme parks offer great fun for most everyone - but especially for children and families.

Theme parks are scattered across the United States. Besides those named above, other top parks include the Magic Kingdom at Disney World, Universal Studios, Knott's Berry Farm, Cedar Point, and King's Island. In addition to these larger, well-known major attractions, smaller theme parks can be found in nearly every state. For example, Silver Dollar City, located in Missouri, draws thousands of visitors every year. Theme parks are also located in other countries. Disney, for example, has built parks in Paris, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. Denmark's Tivoli is a major attraction in Copenhagen.

The features which comprise theme parks can be somewhat similar, or strikingly different. Some of these features include attractions of various kinds; shows with a wide variety of entertainment; festivals and special events - perhaps highlighting heritage, culture, or crafts; tours; shops of all kinds; and places to purchase and enjoy food and refreshments. The biggest and most common feature of most theme parks, however, is rides: thrill rides, water rides, or rides specifically designed for small children!

Some theme parks are designated for special purposes. These would include water parks, animal parks, and family parks. The main purpose of any park is reflected in their promotion materials and advertising.

Generally speaking, the admission price for a theme park includes all rides, entertainment, and shows: basically everything except food, refreshments, and items for sale in shops. While the price for admission may seem costly, with all things considered, it might actually be a bargain! Some parks offer season passes. Visitors who anticipate returning to the same park - even once - within the following few months can save big bucks by buying these special tickets.

When considering places to go during weekends, holidays, or vacation periods; when thinking about the possibilities for free-time activities; when pondering the expenditure of dollars for leisure; the conclusion may be a journey to a theme park. If so, it's a great choice!

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-- The photo above captures "Wildfire" at Silver Dollar City in Branson, Mo.