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Honoring History, Celebrating Alpacas!

Posted on April 15, 2024April 15, 2024

Skip loves history. He’s read numerous biographies of Revolutionary and Civil war heroes. Thus, planning time in Virginia became a key objective as we mapped out our trip through the southeast, eager to learn more and to honor our American heritage.

First stop— First Landing State Park near Virginia Beach. Unbeknownst to us, and perhaps to you, the first English settlers landed at the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay on April 26th, 1607. The Virginia London Company funded this commercial enterprise, sending 104 men and boys to establish a settlement in the new land. Having explored both banks of the James River, the men pushed up-river and settled at Jamestown. We visited Jamestown, marveling at the original church tower still standing, the replicated ruins of the first Anglican church, and a reproduction of the initial barracks. How sobering to know that an estimated 80-90% of the original 104 men and boys died due to starvation and disease by 1610.

Original 1610 Church Tower at the Jamestown settlement
Skip at the cannon; Jamestown barracks behind
Reproduction of the outline of the first church at Jamestown in 1607

Second stop, Colonial Williamsburg—a location that has long been on my list of places to visit. We wandered the streets, enjoyed listening to a passionate speech by Patrick Henry, appreciated all the people dressed in period costumes, and visited the courtyard and capital. We capped our day by hearing George Washington deliver his final speech before returning to his rural life for retirement. I had a good chat with George. He agreed to a “sketch” of us together.

Patrick Henry stirring up the crowd

Third stop—a day in Richmond to visit the American Civil War Museum, housed in the Tredegar building which manufactured steel for artillery, and famously, the iron clad sheeting that protected the Merrimack Confederate warship. The artifacts in the museum were deeply moving. We learned that more soldiers died from disease and starvation in this war then those who died on the battlefield or because of their wounds. We also toured the White House of the Confederacy where Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate States, lived with his wife and children.

Uniforms displayed in the American Civil War Museum in Richmond
The White House of the Confederacy


Last stop—Appomattox Court House which is a town in Virginia. We learned that many towns are named based on the location of the courthouse. The actual site where General Robert E. Lee surrendered the Northern Virginia army to General Ulysses S. Grant was not the courthouse as we supposed. Rather, the generals sat in the parlor of a private home, owned by Wilmer and Virginia McLean, who agreed to have their home used for this momentous event. We felt a deep sense of reverence as we stood in the parlor, imagining both men seated as they signed the terms of the surrender authored by Grant, and the surrender agreement penned by Lee. Skip had occasion to congratulate both generals as we departed.

The McLean Home
Parlor where Lee surrendered to Grant in April 1865
Famous painting of the surrender
Skip getting to know Grant and Lee outside the McLean home

As a respite from the gravity of visiting these historical sites, we opted for a Harvest Host overnight at an alpaca farm. We loved it! The owners of Circle W Farms, Anita and Terry, loved sharing their passion for alpacas. Most had just been shorn so they looked a bit skinny and naked, but they still had fluffy hair on their foreheads. We were able to feed the alpacas. They are such gentle creatures. My favorite was Stella.

Stella in the middle with brown spots on her white head
This girl sure wanted to be in a close up!

Onward we go to Charlotte and Asheville, North Carolina. We’ll visit the Billy Graham Library, The Cove, the Biltmore mansion, drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway, and explore the Great Smoky Mountains. We hope you’ll come along for the ride!

7 thoughts on “Honoring History, Celebrating Alpacas!”

  1. Teri Kaechele says:
    April 15, 2024 at 10:52 am

    Anne..so enjoy your log….a reminder of the places that we have also visited and enjoyed…keep sharing your adventures.

    Reply
    1. anne says:
      April 15, 2024 at 11:35 am

      Thanks, Teri! It’s a joy to share the joy we’re experiencing!

      Reply
  2. Eloise says:
    April 15, 2024 at 5:20 pm

    Love the blogs! Thank you and safe travels, please.

    Reply
  3. Christie Greene says:
    April 16, 2024 at 2:00 pm

    I finally joined the blog — I will enjoy it I’m sure! Thanks AnnE

    Reply
    1. anne says:
      April 16, 2024 at 3:13 pm

      You are welcome, ChrisIE!

      Reply
  4. Christie Greene says:
    April 16, 2024 at 2:01 pm

    Looking forward to your next post, AnnE

    Reply
  5. Pingback: Celebrating Billy Graham, Cherishing Friendships - With Gratitude

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