Usually when we travel between Texas and Maine we fly, but this year we decided to drive from Maine and explore new places along the way. We stopped at West Point, Hyde Park, the battlegrounds at Gettysburg and Antietam and Monticello. I won’t bore you with all the details but share some tidbits you may not know about these places.
First stop is West Point.
The army likes order, so in the chapel the bible and hymnal are perfectly aligned. I’m wondering who checks after a service there to make sure they are correctly placed.
General Custer may not be the one buried here as some remains (maybe his, maybe not) were exhumed years after his last stand. Did you know he was the goat in his class, meaning that he finished dead last academically. Today, that might not be such a bad deal as the goat receives $1 from every graduating cadet. Last year the total was more than $1,000!
Winfield Scott is also buried on the grounds, not because he was a West Point graduate but for his military accomplishments. During the Spanish American War his troops wore gray uniforms because there was no blue or indigo dye. This was the origin of The Long Gray Line which still defines West Point cadets who continue to be garbed in gray.
Most of our time at West Point was spent in the cemetery where since the 1800’s more than 6500 graduates or honored military personnel are buried. Reading the tombstones is like a virtual history lesson as well as a grim reminder of young soldiers who have lost their lives in very recent years.
Situated high on the banks of the Hudson River, the facility couldn’t be in a more beautiful location.
Not too far from West Point in Hyde Park is the one time home to Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt.
It doesn’t appear that they are disturbed by all the people trekking through their home and grounds!
What we really enjoyed in Hyde Park was dinner at the Culinary Institute of America. I was astonished to learn there are some 3,000 would be chefs enrolled there.
Tomorrow we’ll roll on into Gettysburg and Antietam. Hope you’ll be along to share the experience.
i so appreciate your visit and the comments you leave behind
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Lulu's Musings 
What a drive Linda! I’m sure there are some beautiful sights to see.
Have always wanted to visit there!…Have a great trip going back to Houston…have fun and safe travels!
Loved hearing you were driving it is the only way to fly in my book Keep on TRUCKIN! lol so much more to see out your windows now. 🙂
The Hudson River region of our country is so interesting. I’m sure you are having a great time.
How much fun to explore along the way, I was wondering when you were heading back to Texas~my husband is way to antsy to take a leisurely trip like this so I look forward to enjoying yours! Be safe~
Jenna
The picture of the Hudson river is so beautiful. Have a safe trip back home!
Nice drive for this time of year… Enjoyed the pretty pictures…
Wonderful sculpture of the Roosevelts and moving words about West Point…nice post.
That photo of the Hudson River is gorgeous! It would look wonderful on a greetings card or postcard.
This was fascinating, Lulu! The places we go while reading blogs! West Point sounds a lot more interesting to visit than I thought.
XO,
Jane
We did that driving trip one year and actually took 2 months to complete it (with a week in Portland, Maine, as a break) we had such a delightful time. I am so sure you are enjoying every moment.
Having just been up to West Point for Bob’s reunion, I must say your pictures are better than ours!!! Did you see Anna B. Warner’s grave site?? She is the lady who wrote the words to “Jesus Loves Me this I Know” which is written on her tombstone!!! Safe travels and we’ll get together soon.
Texas Hugs and Love, Carol and Bob
Enjoying all…..love Kit
Just beautiful…….. Enjoy…..I am looking forward to the rest of your postings…..Kit