Robert E. Lee Visits the Historical Veterans Museum in Madison

Robert E. Lee and Breanna went on a long adventure all the way up north to Madison, WI on a beautiful weekend to see the historical museum for veterans. Madison became the capital in 1838 and is the second largest city in the state of Wisconsin. The city was named for President James Madison because he had passed away that summer. This museum has exhibts that range from Discover Wisconsin Innovations, People of the Woodlands, Frontier Wisconsin, The Immigrant State, Making a living, and a sense of community. Robert E. Lee and Breanna traveled 926.66 miles round trip. Brining his grand total of miles traveled to 1559.76 miles.

John A. Logan Visits Fort Kaskaskia

On a rainy and dreary day, John A. Logan and Karla weathered the storm to visit Fort Kaskaskia in Ellis Grove, IL. Altogether, they traveled 97.2 miles round-trip to make for an adventurous day. Fort Kaskaskia is a historical site that can be found on a bluff which overlooks the well-known Mississippi River. While standing on this bluff, one can see where the original town of Kaskaskia was once located, historically known for being the first state capital of Illinois. With several historical connections, one of the most prominent facts about Kaskaskia would be its role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In 1797, William Clark visited Kaskaskia while looking into a lawsuit filed by Spanish civilians. During this visit, he ended up meeting several dominant and influential men, who would help him out in the future. Years later, in 1803, these men provided Clark with useful information regarding knowledge of the Illinois Country. Also, one of the main reasons for Lewis and Clark to visit Kaskaskia again, was to recruit more men for their expedition. By the end of their visit, they ended up recruiting around 11 men from Fort Kaskaskia, who thus added an immense amount of help to their journey. In present day, Fort Kaskaskia is a beautiful place to visit, with great historical elements and a beautiful view (when it is not raining of course). After completing this journey, John A. Logan traveled a total of 470.92 miles.

John A. Logan Visits New Athens

John A. Logan and Jamie made an adventurous trip to the war memorial site in New Athens, IL. They traveled 137.56 miles round-trip. At this memorial site, there is a monument that was originally honoring the those who served for our country during the Mexican American War, the Civil War, the Spanish American War, and World War I. Eventually, an addition to the monument was included to honor those who served in World War II, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. This memorial was established by the citizens of New Athens as a way to commemorate those involved in the wars. Another interesting feature at this site is time capsule. The capsule includes items from the mid 1900's and will be opened at the 100 year mark. The total miles that John A. Logan has traveled so far is 373.72 miles.

Robert E. Lee and Ashton Culver traveled all the way to Oxford, Mississippi which was a total of 596 miles round trip from Carbondale, Illinois. They visited the Lyceum which is a building on campus at the University of Mississippi. During the Civil War it served as a hospital for the Union and Confederate soldiers. In 1962 it was the scene of a major event in the Civil Rights Movement. So far Robert E. Lee has traveled a total of 633.1 miles.

Diana & John A. Logan take a trip to Perry County Courthouse

Diana and John A. Logan took a trip to Perry County Courthouse in Pinckneyville, IL. They went a total of 63.36 miles to reach their destination and back. The courthouse has a veterans memorial on one side and this proto type liberty bell on the other where you see John A. Logan visiting. The bell was given as a loan and the chamber of commerce erected the bell on July 4, 1975 as a bicentennial memorial to "remind us that liberty and justice have made this nation greatest in the world." The bell was taken from Immanuel Lutheran Church of Lost Prairie, Illinois that was destroyed by a tornado in 1967. As for the courthouse, it looks modern outside but some of the courtrooms inside are the look back in the civil war era when trials were being tried on slaves. There is information posted in the courthouse and you may go to the Perry County Jail Museum to get more information about the Civil War time in Perry County and other historical facts. John A. Logan had a good time learning about this site and visiting it. He has traveled a total of 236.16 miles so far. Great job John and good luck.

Robert E. Lee travels to Marion Carnegie Library

Kathy Bloodworth and Robert E. Lee traveled to the Marion Carnegie Library in Marion Illinois. Marion Carnegie Library was built in 1916 with funds that were donated by Andrew Carnegie. Andrew Carnegie is known as the second-richest man in history and donated enough money to build 1,689 libraries in the United States and many more all over the world. In the spring of 1861 Carnegie was put in charge of military transportation as the Superintendent of Military railways and the Union Government's telegraph lines in the east. Carnegie helped open the railway lines into Washington D.C. after rebel troops had cut them, he rode the locomotive that pulled the first brigade of Union troops to reach Washington D.C. Carnegie personally supervised the transportation of the defeated troops out after the Union defeat at Bull Run. Under his supervision, the efficiency of the telegraph services to the Union cause, significantly assisted in their eventual victory. Carnegie joked that he was "the first casualty of war" because he gained a scar on his cheek from freeing a trapped telegraph wire. This is why the Marion Carnegie Library has such great historical significance. Not only did a great man donate a large portion of his wealth to help the public have access to literature, he also was a key figure in the success of the Union military, which changed the direction of a nation. Robert E. Lee and I traveled round trip 83.82 miles for our trip to the Marion Carnegie Library and he has traveled a total of 85.02 miles.

John A. Logan goes to the Silkwood Inn

Susan Polbinski and John A. Logan visited the Silkwood Inn in Mulkeytown, IL on Labor Day. It was 51.2 miles round trip. The Silkwood Inn was built in 1827 and is historically important because it is the only remaining original structure along the Old Shawneetown-Kaskaskia Trail in Southern Illinois. The inn was a popular stop along one stagecoach line. Silkwood traveled to Georgia in the 1830s where he became acquainted with several slaves. One in particular, Priscilla, while on the trail of tears, ran into Silkwood in Jonesboro in 1838. Silkwood remembered her and bought her for $1000 in gold. Priscilla brought hollyhock seeds from Pennsylvania, planted them, and they continue to thrive.

John A. Logan Total Miles: 172.8 miles

John A. Logan Travels to the Pauper House

Markie Rhodes and John A. Logan traveled 78.6 miles round trip to Harrisburg, Illinois. While in Harrisburg, Markie and John A. Logan visited the Pauper House. The Pauper House is one of several original buildings from the 1800s that are part of the Saline County Museum. The Pauper House was built in 1877 as part of an initiative to care for the poor. Originally, the intent of the Pauper house was to have the tenants serve as caretakers and workers in exchange for their residencies. Although the Pauper House began with honorable intentions, it soon began to serve the purpose of a jail, orphanage, and insane asylum for the socially outcast people of the time. According to the Saline County Museum, the Poor Farm represents the manner with which social issues were dealt during this time period. In the late 1800s, little consideration or effort was given to improve social welfare in the Harrisburg area. Reflecting upon the struggles of people living during this time period truly makes one appreciate the luxuries we are afforded in the present day. After this journey, John A. Logan has traveled 121.6 total miles.