Saturday, October 10, 2009

Thursday, October 8, 2009




We made three stops today; Fallingwater, Ft. Necessity, and Friendship Hill.

First, we went to Fallingwater. It’s a Frank Lloyd Wright design that was built over a stream and water falls in the hills of the Laurel Highlands of southwest Pennsylvania. It has been called the most popular residential home of the 20th century. The design has lots of cantilevers and flat roofs/ decks. We took a one-hour tour of the house and guest house. It’s a “must see.”

Ft. Necessity is a National Historic Site and tells the story of George Washington’s first military engagement in 1754. This was the beginning of the French and Indian War. George had a small battle with the French troops; killed the senior French officer and others; and lead to the beginning of the war. The brother of the French officer gathered his troops and came after Washington and his men. Washington built the fort for his protection, out of necessity. George lost the battle and surrendered under the agreement that he and his troops would be allowed to leave.

Friendship Hill is the historical home of Albert Gallatin, President Jefferson’s Secretary of the Treasury. He was secretary during Jefferson’s purchase of the Louisiana Territory and the funding of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. He also negotiated the treaty that ended the War of 1812. Interesting home that overlooks the Monongahela River.

Three good stops today just before the rain starts. Tomorrow is a travel day, weather permitting.

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