nPostednon June 25, 2016
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nEvennthough Virginia was the tenth state to ratify the new Constitutionnand become a state, on this date in 1788, one of its nicknames isn“Mother of States.” Why do you suppose that is?
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nTwonpretty good reasons: n
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nFirst,nJamestown, Virginia, was the first permanent English settlement innthe “New World.” It was first settled in 1607 – more than 400nyears ago!
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nSecond,nseveral states were “born” on what was originally Virginianterritory. They include West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, Illinois,nIndiana, Wisconsin, and part of Minnesota!
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Anothernapt nickname is “Mother of Presidents.” Four of the first fivenpresidents were born in Virginia, including Washington, Jefferson,nMadison, and Monroe. Since those early years, four morenVirginia-born presidents have been elected: William Henry, Harrison,nJohn Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson. It probably doesn’tnsurprise you that Virginia can brag of providing more presidents thannany other state. (Although Ohio is right behind with seven.)
Anothernapt nickname is “Mother of Presidents.” Four of the first fivenpresidents were born in Virginia, including Washington, Jefferson,nMadison, and Monroe. Since those early years, four morenVirginia-born presidents have been elected: William Henry, Harrison,nJohn Tyler, Zachary Taylor, and Woodrow Wilson. It probably doesn’tnsurprise you that Virginia can brag of providing more presidents thannany other state. (Although Ohio is right behind with seven.)n
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Accordingnto ads, “Virginia is for Lovers.” Here are some things I lovenabout Virginia:
Accordingnto ads, “Virginia is for Lovers.” Here are some things I lovenabout Virginia:n
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nColonialnWilliamsburg is one of the best “living history” museums I’venever seen. The streets are carefully restored and recreated so thatnwe can see what life was like back in the late 1700s. Costumednre-enactors show guests how barrels and horseshoes and candles werenmade, how butter was churned and wine was prepared, how thread wasnspun and cloth was woven. n
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Recentlynmore emphasis has been placed on Williamsburg as a RevolutionarynCity. These days guests can see and hear more dramatic re-enactments,nincluding black enslaved people discussing the irony of living amongnwhite people fighting for “freedom,” Patrick Henry debating whatnto do now that colonists and British soldiers have clashed atnLexington, and Shawnee men debated a possible peace treaty with thenBritish. Not only are there the usual musket-loading and artillery demonstrations, there are “roving, large-scale street-theater pieces that stretch more than two hours in length“!
Recentlynmore emphasis has been placed on Williamsburg as a RevolutionarynCity. These days guests can see and hear more dramatic re-enactments,nincluding black enslaved people discussing the irony of living amongnwhite people fighting for “freedom,” Patrick Henry debating whatnto do now that colonists and British soldiers have clashed atnLexington, and Shawnee men debated a possible peace treaty with thenBritish. Not only are there the usual musket-loading and artillery demonstrations, there are “roving, large-scale street-theater pieces that stretch more than two hours in length“!n
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nWilliamsburgnis fairly pricey, but I loved my visit! And I have read that somenparts can be seen and heard for free. n
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I’vennever seen it, but I love the idea of Foamhenge – an exact replicanof Stonehenge made from Styrofoam!
I’vennever seen it, but I love the idea of Foamhenge – an exact replicanof Stonehenge made from Styrofoam! n
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nYou have to arrange a specialnaccess visit to walk among the stones of the real Stonehenge – butnyou have no such problem with Foamhenge! Plus, it’s free!
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Mt.nTrashmore is built on an old landfill. The park has lots to do,nincluding this cool playground.
Mt.nTrashmore is built on an old landfill. The park has lots to do,nincluding this cool playground.n
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nLastnbut not least, the Great Dismal Swamp looks more beautiful thanndismal. And the wildlife probably don’t find this refuge all thatndismal, either!
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nAlsonon this date:
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nAuthor/ illustrator Eric Carle’s birthday
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nWorldnHandshake Day
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nStatehoodnDay in Slovenia
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nIndependencenDay in Mozambique
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nAnniversarynof the capture of a “new” species
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nCroatia’snStatehood Day
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nArchitectnAntoni Gaudi’s birthday
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nGreatnAmerican Backyard Campout
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nPlannahead:
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nPlannahead:
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Checknout my Pinterest boards for:
Checknout my Pinterest boards for:
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nJunen holidays
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nJunen birthdays
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nHistoricaln anniversaries in June
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nAndnhere are my Pinterest boards for:
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nJulyn holidays
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nJulyn birthdays
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nHistoricaln anniversaries in July
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