On Friday we went to the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park in Woodstock, Vermont. It is the only national park in the whole state. The mansion was built in 1805-1807 and we were able to take a guided tour, but couldn't take any pictures inside.
The history of the families was very interesting and ended with Mary and Lawrence Rockefeller (son of John D. Rockefeller) who donated the mansion and grounds to be a national park in 1999.
What a beautiful view from the front porch!
The garden is being maintained by the park service and expenses for upkeep are covered by a grant from the Rockefellers.
It is definitely worth seeing if you ever get to Vermont!
I forgot to add the following photo earlier that was taken by the Stone House in the Manassas National Battlefield Park in Manassas, VA. We went here on August 31. This is where the two battles of Bull Run was fought during the Civil War and this stone house served as a place to take the wounded. I'm standing by the fence in case you did't notice.
There are so many historic sites in the east and during this 150 commemoration of the Civil War, it is hard to put into words the feelings we have just seeing a film of it. I can't imagine how the women left behind must have felt and the men going through the horror of it all. We have so much to be thankful now, even though we do have problems. Just think what they had to endure then.
BEAUTIFUL, RUTH! Thanks for the tour.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn :)
What beautiful sights. That Rockefeller house is amazing - imagine living there! I can't imagine being left behind if my hubby went to war today, but to have endured it 150 years ago when women had so much less respect and fewer rights... We do truly have a lot to be thankful for as women and as a country.
ReplyDeleteToday's beauty at the battlefields is no doubt far different from the heart-rending events of the Civil War! In a book I have, "Divided We Fought", a pictorial book of the CW, the pictures are not at all lovely to look at, and many of the men were so very young! Such a sad time! --- Hey, on a different note, it's 59 degrees here this morning! Wonderful! ---"Love"
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing. The mansions of old are so beautiful to look and tour when you can.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your journey, Ruth. It helps us put our circumstances in perspective, doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteThe Rockefeller house looks awesome. I can't imaging living in, let alone maintaining a house and gardens that size.
ReplyDeleteI think that the realities of the battlefield is something we can hardly imagine. At any time in history. At a time when women had no rights and no status it must have been terrifying to be left behind to fend for themselves.
A very important part of our history in any case and so inyteresting to 'see' it.
I would love to see the Rockefeller house in Vermont.
ReplyDeleteLillian
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What fun you guys are having;) Just read through the last few of your blog entries...fun! I would love to be on a road trip right now;) Been a long time;) Enjoy the sights, the people, and yourselves;)
ReplyDeleteHappy Quilting!!