Monday, October 26, 2009

Today we visited Manassas National Battlefield Park where two major Civil War battles were fought; First Manassas (First Bull Run) and Second Manassas (Second Bull Run). First Manassas was the first major battle of the War.

During the first battle, July 21, 1861, there is an extra piece of history for you history buffs. Early reports of the battle report that the Union was winning the battle, but the Confederates rallied and part of the rally was due to a young Confederate officer named Thomas J. Jackson. As he was rallying his troops, another officer said: “There stands Jackson like a stone wall! Rally behind the Virginians!” From that point on, he was called Stone Wall Jackson. The Confederates won both of the battles at Manassas. Stone Wall Jackson played a key role in both battles.

I really enjoy all the history that is around us. Connie tolerates my obsession.

In the afternoon, we drove back to the Washington DC area to Silver Springs, MD. We visited with Jim and Lynne Latchaw, and their daughter, Pam, who were neighbors of Connie’s when growing up in Oelwein. They lived across the street and Connie baby sat for some of their children. They were great family friends of the Levin’s also. Jim just celebrated his 90th birthday and is in great health. Unfortunately, Lynne has some health issues, but Jim, at 90, is the primary care-giver. Connie was thrilled to be able to spend some time with such dear family friends.

We did stay in DC long enough to make getting back to the motor home twice as long as it should have taken. You can’t believe all the people out here!

Tomorrow, more Civil War sites and presidential homes. Connie can hardly wait.