Foxwood Casino, CT

We're spending the night at the Foxwood Casino, located just off Hwy 2, roughly between I-95 and I-395 in Connecticut on our way to Maryland. This makes for a good overnight stop and a nice dinner.

Now in the casino dining room, our table has a place mat which is a map of Connecticut, Circa 1625. It has occurred to me in several places visited, that when America was colonized, the English, having no imagination just named everything as it had been, but put "New" in front of it: New England, New Jersey, New York, etc. The French weren't much better. They just named places after people: Champlain, Montpelier, Barre, etc. I can't find a picture of the map I'm referring to, but the picture above taken off the Internet, will give you an idea.

Of course all these places were named centuries earlier by the Native Americans, who as I was taught, recorded their history in dances, story telling, and song. So I'm sitting here looking at this map wondering who on earth came up with names spelled Menunkatucks, Quinnipiacs, and Paugussetts? Should I blame the English or French, and how in the world are they pronounced? Off to Washingotn DC!

Boston, The USS Constitution and Bunker Hill

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

Resuming more or less where we left off on the Freedom Trail, one of the first things we find is the New England Holocaust Memorial. We have no idea it is here, but take time to stop and remember. The 6 glass towers are imposing, and stand for the 6 main death camps. Six million numbers are etched into the glass symbolising the tattoos of the Nazi bureaucracy. Each tower stands 54 feet high.

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

As we continue our walk, the aroma of Italian food is unmistakable. I'm guessing we must be in "Little Italy." Here are a few pictures of what we see.

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

Walking by the Old North Church (Episcopal) we find this memorial dedicated to our troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. We don't go inside as it is quite crowded and we want to get to the USS Constitution which is still quite a walk away.

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

Finally, we walk across the bridge and over to the home of the USS Constitution, AKA "Old Ironsides." After going through much security, we get to wait. Here you see a young women seaman who gives us a little history prior to boarding. Once aboard, several young seaman (mostly women) give us the history of the ship and explain that although the ship is made entirely of 3 layers of oak, the live oak, in the middle, gave it the strength which ultimately led to the nickname of Old Ironsides. 50 - 80 active duty U.S. Navy Sailors are members of her crew today. Launched October 21, 1797, she remains the oldest commissioned warship afloat in the world!

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

It is interesting to note that the USS Constitution is still served and sailed by the U.S. Navy. Next, we're off to Bunker Hill.

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

Driving from New Hampshire into the Boston area on the thruways, the Bunker Hill monument is the one thing I recognized as we drove through Boston out to Cape Cod. It is a thrill to finally see it on foot and enjoy the park.

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

The 221 foot obelisk commemorates the Revolution's first major battle of colonial unity against British forces. It was dedicated in 1843. Regrettably the monument was closed as was the museum across the street by the time we arrive. This marks the end of the Freedom Trail, but we enjoy our walk back to the pier adjacent to the USS Constitution and the ferry ride back into the city. The pictures are mostly taken abroad the ferry as the sun is setting. It's been a long day!

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

Finally, we come into dock after a brief sail. It is a great way to enjoy the sunset and the skyline of Boston.

From Revisiting Boston, The USS Constitution & Bunker Hill

For further information: New England Holocaust Memorial; USS Constitution;
Boston National Historical Park

A Quick Drive through Barnstable, MA

From A Quick Drive through Barnstable

After our visit to the Cap Cod Canal Visitor's Center, we drive east on Old Hwy 6 to take a quick tour of the Village of Barnstable.

From A Quick Drive through Barnstable

From A Quick Drive through Barnstable

From A Quick Drive through Barnstable

We park in front of the courthouse and find these two statues, apparently of citizens past.

From A Quick Drive through Barnstable

From A Quick Drive through Barnstable

From A Quick Drive through Barnstable

We love the contrast between old and new, natural shingles and colorful doors. It is a very charming village.

From A Quick Drive through Barnstable

From A Quick Drive through Barnstable

From A Quick Drive through Barnstable

From A Quick Drive through Barnstable

Only in Cape Cod, have we ever seen a sign like this!

From A Quick Drive through Barnstable

From A Quick Drive through Barnstable

From A Quick Drive through Barnstable

One thing which seems plentiful everywhere in the east are graveyards. All are interesting and photogenic.

From A Quick Drive through Barnstable

From A Quick Drive through Barnstable

From A Quick Drive through Barnstable

From A Quick Drive through Barnstable

For further information: Barnstable

Cape Cod Canal, MA

From Cape Cod Canal

The US Army Corp of Engineering has been responsible for the operation and maintenance of the Cape Cod Canal since 1928. It's purpose is to provide safe navigation channel for vessels seeking the shorter and safer Canal route through the isthmus of Cape Cod, saving between 135 - 166 miles of open sea travel out and around the Cape Cod Peninsula. In effect, Cape Cod is now an island.

From Cape Cod Canal

From Cape Cod Canal

For us landlubbers, the Cape is accessible by two bridges: the Old Bourne Bridge, 2,384 feet in length and the Sagamore Bridge, with a total length of 1,408 feet.

From Cape Cod Canal

From Cape Cod Canal

The Visitor Center is open seasonally from early May to late October and is a wonderful place to visit. Not only can you watch passing vessels, but the inside displays are interesting and plentiful.

From Cape Cod Canal

From Cape Cod Canal

From Cape Cod Canal

Along the canal are walking paths, bike trails, marina services, fishing, and camping.

From Cape Cod Canal

From Cape Cod Canal

From Cape Cod Canal

During our stay, the Bourne Bridge was being renovated. From Peter's Pond in Sandwich, we drove an extra 20+ minutes around to the west to access the Sagamore Bridge. We came to know the Canal quite well!

From Cape Cod Canal

From Cape Cod Canal

From Cape Cod Canal

One visitor thought the fishing pier was perfect for napping while his master's fished.

For further information: Cape Cod Canal 508.759.5991; Cape Cod Canal Field Office 508.833.9678

Saugus Iron Works, Saugus MA

From Saugus Iron Works

Enroute to Salem, we stop at the Saugus Iron Works National Historic Site to visit the site of the original 1640's plant to produce cast and wrought iron. This site on the Saugus river, contained all the raw materials needed, water-power, water transport, woodlands and other raw materials.

From Saugus Iron Works

Ranger Patricia McMahon gives us a wonderful tour of the plant.

From Saugus Iron Works

From Saugus Iron Works

From Saugus Iron Works

The last picture above attempts to explain the term "pig iron." The molten iron was allowed to flow into trenches in the sand floor, and the smaller trenches to the right apparently reminded the men of suckling piglets. Personally, I think the heat got to their brains!

From Saugus Iron Works

From Saugus Iron Works

From Saugus Iron Works

The technology of the era required water power to turn the water wheels, which in turn alternately compressed the leather bellows to maintain the high temperatures needed for smelting ore into molten iron. In the Forge building, the water wheels drove a shaft containing lower rollers and slitters. This made it possible to "cut" the ore into bars which were ultimately used to produce nails. Interestingly, all the nails had to be shipped back to England, except for enough to produce goods strictly for the English Colonies. The sale of nails was forbidden.

From Saugus Iron Works

Here Patricia holds up a bar that has been slitted for the manufacture of nails.

From Saugus Iron Works

From Saugus Iron Works

Shown above in the blacksmith shop are products produced from iron. We were fortunate to have a hand's on demonstration of nail making.

From Saugus Iron Works

From Saugus Iron Works

From Saugus Iron Works

In 1943 local citizens formed the First Iron Works Association. Archaeological finds together with colonial documents and materials describing and illustrating 17th century iron works in England made the restoration possible.

From Saugus Iron Works

From Saugus Iron Works

In 1954 the restoration was completed and the site was opened to the public. In 1968 the iron works was transferred to the National Park Service.

For further information: Saugus Iron Works

Touring Salem, MA

From Touring Salem, MA

Continuing our quest to visit National Historic places, we arrive at the Salem Maritime National Historic Site.

From Touring Salem, MA

From Touring Salem, MA

From Touring Salem, MA

Built in 1871, the Lighthouse on Derby Wharf completed the system for the Harbor of Salem.

From Touring Salem, MA

From Touring Salem, MA

Yes, even back in 1819 you had to pass through Customs and pay duty on goods brought into the country. Back then, it was a hugh part of U.S. revenue and provided the means for the government to build lighthouses and beacons, and even provided medical care to needy sailors!

From Touring Salem, MA

The Derby House, built in 1762 for shipbuilder Elias Hasket Derby, stood in sight of the owner's ships and wharves. It is the oldest brick house in Salem.

Derby (1739-99) was Salem's most prominent merchant and quite possibly America's first millionaire. Active in both European and West Indies trade, he was also respected as a knowledgable shipbuilder.

From Touring Salem, MA

From Touring Salem, MA

The Narbonne-Hale House was built during the 17th century and was both a home and shop for craftsmen and tradesmen.

From Touring Salem, MA

The Hawkes House (1780) was used as a privateer prize warehouse by Elias Haskey Derby during the Revolution. It was designed by the great architect Samuel McIntire, and later purchased in 1801 and acquired its present form by Benjamin Hawkes, owner of the shipyard next to Derby Wharf.

From Touring Salem, MA

From Touring Salem, MA

The House of Seven Gables was originally built in 1668 and became famous due to the novel by Nathaniel Hawthorne. This is just a partial view. With tourists everywhere and narrow streets, we could not get a photo of the front, which faces the harbor.

The following are photos taken during both our walk and bus tour of the town. They are in no special order, but allow a glympse of what Salem looks like to us, at least the houses and buildings that we find appealing. Hope you agree!

From Touring Salem, MA

From

From Touring Salem, MA

eat=embedwebsite">Touring Salem, MA

From Touring Salem, MA

From Touring Salem, MA

From Touring Salem, MA

From Touring Salem, MA

From Touring Salem, MA

From Touring Salem, MA

From Touring Salem, MA

From Touring Salem, MA

From Touring Salem, MA

From Touring Salem, MA

From Touring Salem, MA

From Touring Salem, MA

From Touring Salem, MA

From Touring Salem, MA

From Touring Salem, MA

From Touring Salem, MA

From Touring Salem, MA

From Touring Salem, MA

From Touring Salem, MA

Although Salem is far more commercial than anticipated, we do love the way they celebrate Halloween. Here are a few of the decorations we see around town. I think you'll agree they go all out:



For further information: Salem Maritime National Historic Site; House of Seven Gables 978.744.0991; The Salem Athenaeum 978.744.2540; The Corwin House Association 978.744.8815; Historic New England 978.744.0440

Touro Synagogue, Newport & Roger Williams NHS Providence, RI

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

Come rain or shine, we take a break from Boston and head to Rhode Island for the day. Our first stop is Newport, home to the Touro Synagogue. Dedicated in 1762, it still serves an active congregation.

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

The congregation was founded in 1658 by Sephardim, who fled the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal and was searching to escape religious persecution. As usual, interior photos are not allowed. Please visit their website to see more.

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

The walking tour of Newport is worth the effort. As we want to visit Providence today, we cut our visit a little short but leave you with this picture of the harbor.

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

Now in Providence, we visit the Roger Williams National Memorial. The park, visitor's center, and memorial statue commemorates the life and founder of Rhode Island and defender of religious freedom.

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

Inside the Visitor's Center are interesting displays. Williams respected the Narragansetts and Wampanoags and tried to champion Indian rights.

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

Here in the interior of the Visitor Center, Bob meets Ranger Caitlyn Brown. The remaining photos show the streets and buildings of Providence.

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

From Touro Synagogue, Roger Williams National Memorial, Rhode Island

For further information: Touro Synagogue 401.847.4794; Touro Synagogue NHS; Newport's Old Quarter; Newport Visitor's Bureau; Newport Historical Society; Roger Williams National Memorial