Travels in the 2nd half

View from the ridge at Muhlenberg's Brigade   Visiting the sites of historic battles or encampments can sometimes be confusing. They tend to cover large areas, and it can be difficult to visualize the way they looked in the past. The National Park Service in the United States does an excellent job with these parts of our history and a visit to Valley Forge National Historic Park , just outside of Philadelphia, is a great way to spend a day. In the winter of 1777 the Continental Army was in trouble. The British had control of Philadelphia and New York City. American troops were run down and disorganized. General Washington realized that he needed to do something to get his forces back together, so he called for a winter encampment along the Schuylkill River, in a place that was protected, and where they could defend the Continental Congress, which had relocated to the city of York, PA. Washington and his staff chose an area with a river to its north and with ridges on three sides. ...

  The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall   When most people think Revolutionary Philadelphia it is the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall that come to mind. But there is more to see in the old part of city, and you can spend a very nice day exploring it. Start your visit at the Independence Visitors Center. Located on the Independence Mall, it is the perfect place to get information on what is happening in the area. It also has a National Park video about Colonial Philadelphia, a souvenir shop, and cafe to help energize your day. Along Independence Mall you will find the two most popular sites in the Old City - The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall. The Liberty Bell was cast in the early 1750’s to ring in the tower of what is today known as Independence Hall. The bell was rung in 1776 to signify the signing of the Declaration of Independence. In the 1830’s it became a symbol used by abolitionists. It was working from 1753 through 1846, when a second crack developed, making it...

The Arch by Alexander Calder   Do you like spending time walking in the countryside? How about taking in some modern sculpture? Well, if you enjoy either or both of these activities the Storm King Art Center is a great place to visit. The Storm King Art Center, usually just called Storm King, was founded in 1960 by Ralph E. Ogden. He purchased a 180 acre estate in Mountainville NY, about an hour north of New York City. He turned the etate’s house into a museum and then placed several statues that he had purchased around its lawn. Over the years the grounds have grown to 500 acres (0.75 mi. sq.), while its collection is now close to 100 statues, created by modern and contemporary artists. Storm King also now owns 2300 acres on Schunnemunk Mountain, which guarantees a natural backdrop for much of the artwork on display. The grounds of Storm King are divided into six areas, but most of the statues are concentrated in the North Woods and Museum Hill. Explore the North Wood by leaving t...