Today was the prettiest day yet of our travels. The beautiful green rolling hills of Virginia just added to that. We decided to take the hour and a half trip west to Appomattox Court House National Park.
Yesterday we visited the American Civil War Museum Tredegar Iron Works in Richmond, Va.
As we approached Appomattox, I think we both thought about how it all related to today’s “troubles” to use a term from Ireland. The Civil War was so geographically split and although some of that remains we are such a mobile society that pockets of ideas are tightly woven in and around the entire country.
Virginia, being the home state of the primary author of our constitution, Thomas Jefferson, adds an even more poignant element to the surrender of Lee to Grant.
Admittedly, my US history was quite some time ago. I didn’t know of the meeting of Lincoln, Grant and Sherman, or at least I don’t remember. They met to discuss the terms necessary to end the war, that slavery must be abolished and that the confederates must be free to return to their homes free of humiliation or penalty. It was a noble goal.
I did take from this the idea of both sides being able to walk away from conflict without humiliation. Such educated men of West Point and the Citadel and such, understanding human nature. How can we bridge our divide now before we take such drastic steps?
I think we can all aim to meet the “other” agreeing what we have in common and move from there. We do owe it to our founding fathers and mothers.
It was a moving and thoughtful visit.
The Nolan's Escape 
Interesting historical sites made for thoughtful reflection. Glad the weather was nice.
I’ve been reading ‘Grant’ by Ron Chernow. Excellent read. (It is long – but really good – perhaps one to read when you return).
😊
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Some where I have some note of my great great grandmother about Grant’s scandalous drunken behavior at West Point. Apparently he had a bit of a reputation. It would be an interesting read.
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