George Washington Birthplace National Monument – Three Strikes You’re Out
The weather was spectacular this weekend. It was the perfect weekend for taking blog pictures and indulging in a history adventure with my dad. We decided to check out the George Washington Birthplace National Monument. Perched on the banks of the Potomac River and Pope’s Creek, the locale was perfect for a photo shoot.
When we arrived, we watched a very good fifteen-minute video about the property at the Visitor Center. Then we hiked a very short distance to the Birthplace site. The house no longer stands as it was destroyed by a fire on Christmas Day, 1779. The foundation of this house is outlined with oyster shells.
Instead, there is a Memorial House located just steps from the original house. It is a house that was built to commemorate George Washington’s bicentennial birthday. The house is only accessible with a National Park Service Ranger who opens the door once every hour. Inside, it is a typical colonial house with simple furnishings and elegant china. The Ranger was very passionate about explaining how George Washington was born on February 11, 1731 based on the Julian calendar. However, when England adopted the Gregorian calendar, it had to “catch up” thus moving Washington’s birth year to 1732 and his date of birth to February 22. It is interesting to note that despite the change, Washington still celebrated his birthday on the 11th.
After the commentary, my dad was very eager to let the Ranger know our family’s “connection” to George Washington. He explained that my mom was born on Washington’s birthday (2/22) and he was born on Martha Washington’s birthday (6/2). To his dismay, the Ranger wasn’t impressed. That’s 0-1, Dad! 😉 So, we exited the house and began taking blog pictures.
The area is so scenic with water surrounding the farm and livestock like Hog Island sheep roaming the grounds freely. My only complaint is that you have to watch out for poop. It is everywhere and I don’t think the poop is picked up…gross!
Despite, we took lots of pictures for this outfit and even found a footbridge where we took more pictures. On this footbridge we encountered some interesting people. One was a Navajo Indian couple. My dad pronounced, “You are the peaceful Indians.” The woman laughed and responded, “We were all peaceful…the white man was violent and took our lands…” Yikes…0-2, Dad!
Finally, another couple walked across the bridge. In passing my dad noticed the guy was wearing a Navy hat. As we said hello, my dad asked if he served in the Navy. The man said yes and my dad acknowledged that he was in the Navy too. The guy responded with, “I’m so sorry to hear that.” Ha! 0-3, Dad! Perhaps, my dad should have been a Marine. 😉
Have a wonderful week. 🙂
Lizzy’s Latest for this week is the Marc Fisher Braelin Ankle Strap Sandals. I will give my review of these heels on Wednesday. For now enjoy the pictures! 🙂
April 20, 2016 @ 7:00 pm
In spite of the three strikes, it was a fun day. And as the pictures attest, you were stunning. As I reflect, I think the park ranger may have actually appreciated the fact that your parents share their birthdays with George and Martha. She was after all very infatuated with birthdays with the way she went on about cake and ice cream. I think that I lost her when I went on about how my Jersey roots in Old Bridge and Englishtown are linked to General George.
April 21, 2016 @ 2:33 am
Thank you, Dad! 🙂 Yes, the park ranger was very enthusiastic about proclaiming and explaining Washington’s “old style” birthday. I didn’t hear your convo about Old Bridge and Englishtown as I was already checking out the upstairs of the Memorial House. You’re most likely right…she seemed only interested in what she was talking about. 😉
July 1, 2016 @ 3:23 pm
Gorgeous every time darling! Have a fabulous weekend!
Much love, Len
http://www.lenparent.com
July 14, 2016 @ 5:37 pm
Len…thank you, Beautiful! 🙂