Its been a long time since the last post, so I will just start off by saying we have a beautiful grandson (Jack) and we couldn't be happier! Jess and Andrew, the new parents, are doing extremely well....and are pretty much back on their feet. Tom and I have been "laid off" from the business and are just grandparents now. It doesn't get any better than that, does it? Now that we are back at the campground a lot more, we are getting into more of a routine....walking, running (Tom only!!), crafting, and....exploring the neighborhood! Oh....and getting some quality time with Jack!!!
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| working on sewing projects (hmmm....more flannel lined burp cloths for the baby!) |
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| running again for the first time in about a year |
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| salad sooo big we couldn't fit it in a cereal bowl....just have to make due in the RV! |
We are in Civil War territory here in central Virginia, where there have been so many bloody battles. Its hard to believe it though, as we ride by gently rolling green pastures and farms. It looks so idyllic and peaceful now, but that was not always the case.
One of the neighboring towns is Gordonsville, a quaint little town located along a train route. The Exchange Hotel and Civil War Hospital Museum was on
my our "list" of places to explore in the area. For more information, click
here. Of the 53 receiving hospitals in Virginia, this is the only one that was not burned down by the Union.
Originally a Tavern in the 1840's, it was the Exchange Hotel in the 1860's - a "grand railroad hotel" for passengers changing railroad lines at this railroad junction. Many wealthy travelers stayed over in the Hotel, or had a nice meal in the Tavern.
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| Exchange Hotel |
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| the back of the Exchange Hotel (where the visitor entrance is located) |
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| Train station sign for "Gordonsville" |
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| the Tavern - a haven for weary travelers |
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| checkers anyone? |
(Just an aside for my microbiology/chemistry friends: Canning was available in the U.S. in 1830's, but the need to feed the soldiers during the Civil War promoted the use of canning as a means to preserve food in this country. I did NOT know that! The destruction of microorganisms through canning (killing microorganisms with heat and sealing the vessel so no air could get in) was a fairly new concept - even before the germ theory was developed)!
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| patents were held on each of these "canning" jars so that food could be preserved safely (Millville Atmospheric Jars) |
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| sock blockers....used to dry socks by the fire |
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hotel room for female patrons
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| the room was pretty nice actually |
Once the Civil War broke out, this beautiful hotel became a receiving hospital for soldiers wounded in the field. Union AND Confederate soldiers were treated here. A total of 70,000 soldiers were treated at this receiving hospital over the span of 3 years, and a total of 700 died here. They were buried in the field, and later the bodies were exhumed and buried in a Veterans Cemetery. There is a picture in the museum showing what that field looked like....and it is mind-numbing to see so many "graves". And think about it....this was just one receiving hospital (there were 53 total in Virginia), and 70 THOUSAND soldiers were treated. Woah! That's just awful.
I have to get some books on the Civil War and read up on this terrible bloody war. I always like to read books set in the location we are currently living in, though usually by that I mean fictional mysteries. If any of you have any suggestions for a good Civil War book, please email me:)
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| old medical kit....scary, isn't it? |
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| how gruesome! |
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| sponges spread infection.... |
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| 700 soldiers (Union and Confederate) died here and were buried out back (later exhumed and moved) |
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| yikes! |
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| and for my microbiology friends.....things sure have changed, huh? |
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| patients recovered here |
After the Civil War, the newly freed slaves came to this military hospital for medical treatment. Additionally, this was a place for "freedmen" to come for education. Children were educated during the day, and adults at night. Court for freedmen were also held here, and some of the court cases and the results are posted here.
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| later the "hotel" was used for "freedmen"- to offer medical, education, and court |
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| the balcony of the Exchange Hotel....looks right out onto the railroad tracks |
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| this outbuilding was used to prepare food for the tavern and the train passengers |
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| just a beautiful old building! |
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| the front of the Exchange Hotel |
The town of Gordonsville has a picturesque Main Street, with several shops to lure visitors in. There are also plenty of restaurants and a bakery. We have our eyes on the "Barbecue Exchange", which we hear is one of the best barbecue places in Virginia. We will have to give it a try one day, and report in with our vote!
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| cute little town...and I see some of my favorite words...homespun...alpaca |
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| oh, there goes the train now! |
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| lovely Main Street vibe (with lots of road construction going on)! |
