This week, the National Park Getaway travels to the westernmost reach of the Florida Keys to visit a remote cluster of islands accessible only by charter, boat or float plane. Dry Tortugas National Park is known for coral reefs, sandy beaches, near-pristine sea grass beds that nurture diverse wildlife populations and historic Fort Jefferson.
Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas
In the shallow waters surrounding the park, snorkelers can discover vibrant corals, tropical fishes and sunken treasures of ancient shipwrecks.
Bird watchers will find that several species rarely seen elsewhere in the United States nest in the Dry Tortugas and migrating birds are a common sight in spring and fall. [Click to read more]
The Tigress (middle boat) was General Grant's headquarters at Shiloh
SHILOH, Tenn. — Tennessee’s Shiloh National Military Park, a masterpiece of Civil War interpretation and preservation, will hold the 150th commemoration of its strategic battle during a series of events taking place March 29-April 8.
On a personal note, the Frontier Traveler’s great-great-grandfather, James Knox, of the 18th Missouri Infantry was wounded here.
The state’s 2012 Sesquicentennial Signature Event: “Invasions by Rail and River: The Battle of Shiloh” will be held April 4-5 at Pickwick Landing State Park in Pickwick Dam.
Confederate Infantry Lines, Living History
The Signature Event begins with the Looking Back project hosted by Tennessee State Library & Archives and also features a teacher’s workshop “Illuminating the Battle” hosted by Middle Tennessee State University’s Center for Historic Preservation. There will be a red carpet film premiere of a state-of-the-art documentary The Story of Shiloh: Fiery Trial at 7 p.m. on April 4.
[Click to read more]
Thanks to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for sharing this information:
Lighthouse at St. Marks
Mark the 150th anniversary of the start of the U.S. Civil War with a visit to a national wildlife refuge that preserves remains of the nation’s bitter four-year struggle and the period leading up to it. Each of these interpreted sites sheds light on a distinct facet of the war. And, of course, visitors can also enjoy seeing wildlife — from black bear to spoonbills– while they’re there.
I visited the Lighthouse at St. Marks a few years ago – and enjoyed the refuge, including the many alligators along the way!
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, Suffolk, VA: Deep inside the [Click to read more]
