Starting the year off with a cemetery trip
Richmond, VA
Who knows why I chose this particular destination today. For whatever reason it popped in my head as the perfect spot to start this year of photo trips. A trip back has been on my mind of over a year now, since my weekend visit in October 2007. There’s so much to it and so much to be found. I could probably stay for hours, or make multiple trips and not to come close to exploring the whole thing.
The rural garden cemetery, established in the late 1840′s, has a little of everything. It authors, statesmen, veterans from various wars and successful business are mixed up with the everyday Virginian. The cemetery even holds one of the country’s founding fathers, John Randolph.
At the entrance is a simple map etched into a piece of granite pointing the way to numerous notable residents, and I tried to make a sketch, but it didn’t really help. Oh well, I found enough interesting pieces within the ground for one trip.
United States Presidents
John Tyler and James Monroe
Monroe and family
Two United States Presidents rest in the cemetery, Virginians John Tyler and James Monroe. Tyler, the country’s 10th President, was the first for a couple of things. One, he was the first Vice-President to succeed to the Presidency after William Harrison died a month after his inauguration. He actually set the precedent for such situations, leading to the Twenty-fifth Amendment. Two, he was also the first to have impeachment charges brought against him by Congress for use of his veto power too often for the likes of his party. On a more positive note, to some extent, during his term, Texas, amidst controversy, and Florida were added to the Union.
Our fifth President, Monroe, whose grave is marked by an impressive 12-foot iron ‘bird-cage,’ was much more well liked. His term is actually considered the “Era of Good Feelings.” His most notable contributions were the Monroe Doctrine and Missouri Compromise. The doctrine, an important piece of early foreign policy and one that has remained relatively unchanged, simply put, declared any attempt of Eastern countries to meddle with the colonies and/or territory in the Western Hemisphere would be considered an attack on the US and dealt with as such. The Missouri Compromise brought the former Louisiana Territory into the Union, under the compromise that it would be non-slave states, except for Missouri.
Confederates
As one might expect in the middle of the Confederate Capital, the Civil War and particularly the Confederacy are well represented within the cemetery walls. Over 18,000 Rebels, including the ordinary enlisted men, middle-ranking officers, and well-known generals, are resting here.
Confederate Memorial Pyramid
A huge granite pyramid, built of slabs dredged from the nearby James River, sits among most of the Confederate soldiers, honoring those now resting nearby, both known and unknown. The monument was built by the Hollywood Memorial Association, a branch of the Daughters of the Confederacy.
Confederate Soldiers
J.N. Wheat
Around 18,000 enlisted men are buried in the northwest corner of the cemetery. They were gathered from nearby battlefields, including those of Seven Pines, Malvin Hill, Gaines Mill and Cold Harbor. The cemetery’s Register of Confederate Soldiers buried in the cemetery, after some were lost in a fire, now includes over 10,000 individuals, including J. Wheat, a Civil War vet who fought with the 6th Virginia Cavalry Regiment.
~Gettysburg Casualties~
Pvt. Jefferson Jessee
In addition to local veterans and casualties, about 2,000 Confederate soldiers were exhumed from the Gettysburg Battlefield and interred into what is called “Gettysburg Hill” among their brethren. As many of the exact location of the burial sites for the known interments are unknown, so their gravestones are arranged together near the top of the hill side. Among those brought home from Pennsylvania was the 37th Virginia Infantry, Company E Color Bearer, Jefferson Jessee, who was killed carrying his flag in a charge on Culp’s Hill. A marker also sits amid the white government issued headstones denoting the area as the ‘probable resting place’ for BG Richard Garnett, killed leading his Virginia Brigade during Pickett’s Charge on the final day of the battle.
Confederate Leaders
Confederate MG J.E.B. Stuart and his wife
Confederate Lt. Edwin and BG William Starke, Virginia officers
Confederate President Jefferson Davis and his daughter, Winnie
There are a significant number of Confederate officers, including around 25 generals of various notoriety, scattered throughout the entire cemetery. J.E.B. Stuart, the famous Confederate cavalry general who circled John McCellan’s Union Army of the Potomac during the Peninsula Campaign and considered Robert E. Lee’s ‘eyes and ears’ throughout the war, is buried with his wife near the middle of the grounds. The West Point grad was killed near the end of the war during the Battle of Yellow Tavern. William Starke and his son, Edwin, both war casualties are buried relatively near the Confederate enlisted. After marching his Louisiana Brigade north from Harpers Ferry with Stonewall Jackson, the eldest Starke was killed during the Battle of Antietam while leading a division, which he inherited during the fighting, in the West Woods. He was one of six generals, three being Confederate, killed during the battle. The younger Stake, a Confederate officer, was killed in action during the Battle of Seven Pines.
The one and only President of the Confederacy is also buried in the Southeast portion of the cemetery. Jefferson Davis, a West Point grad, Mex-American War vet, former US Senator and House Representative from Mississippi, and President Franklin Pierce’s Secretary of War, served as head of the Confederate Government throughout the war. He’s buried with his wife, with his young son, two daughters, and son-in-law nearby.
Misc
Richmond skyline, view from cemetery
James River, view from cemetery
The cemetery is quite amazing. It’s definitely worth a visit. The green rolling hills winding along the James River are covered with exquisite tombstones. Some of the tombs have masterful works of stainglass and there are beautiful pieces of iron works of art spread throughout the grounds as well. It’s full of history and intrigue. There are a couple of urban legends attached to the cemetery as well, including that of the Richmond Werewolf. I’m sure I’ll head back for another trip at some point, as I still have yet to meander around the entire place.
Today’s Flickr set: cemetery photos
Another afternoon spent in DC and Arlington
I had a softball tournament this weekend, however my team did not do so well this morning in the playoff portion. We were one-and-done, unexpectedly leaving another afternoon free. Boo. So, with my extra time, I decided to tackle one of my unfinished trips – visiting the Marine Corps Memorial in Arlington. I wanted to see the memorial during my last trip to the cemetery, however I ran out of steam before reaching it. That means I’ve been obsessing over ever since. Now, I have the time and I was on a mission!
Washington, DC
Despite my end goal, I still started in DC and walked down. What can I say, I had a lot of time to kill and energy to walk off.
War Memorials
WWII Memorial & Rainbow Pool
Korean War Memorial
I started at the Navy Memorial again, and stopped along the way at the various military memorials between the Washington and Lincoln Memorials, including the local World War I Memorial. I didn’t even know that one was there, I just happened to stumble across it as I wandered down the sideway. The National World War II Memorial is one of my favorites. It’s gorgeous and very fitting. Although, it’s hard to really compare them, since I like all three major national war memorials. All three are highly symbolic and humbling.
The Korean War Veterans’ Memorial, my favorite to photograph, includes nineteen larger than life statues of soldiers on patrol, which combine with the 19 reflected in the mural wall to create a 38 member platoon, representing the 38th Parallel. The individuals represent members of all four US Military branches, as well as various races. The mural, called the ‘wall of faces,’ is a collage of sketched military personnel, ends at the reflection pool. Also included in the memorial is a list of the 22 nations that joined us in the fight. It’s a masterpiece.
Presidential Memorials
FDR Memorial, “Room Three”
Jefferson Memorial
The Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial is huge, but what else would be expected considering the man served as President for twelve years. There’s a lot to cover. The memorial is separated into four “rooms” representing each of his four Presidential terms, with various statues and/or bronze plaques depicting significant events during those years, such as the New Deal and WWII. Several of his quotes are inscribed throughout the memorial. Each room has some type of water fountain or pool. Eleanor is also honored near the back of the memorial.
The Thomas Jefferson Memorial is a little out of the way and I’m not sure of a convenient route to reach it except by hopping on a tour bus. It’s a hike otherwise, as it’s not really close to a Metro Station. But, the walk is worth it, if you’re up to it. From the Lincoln Memorial it’s just around the Tidal Basin, with the FDR and George Mason Memorials scattered the way. Of course, in the spring the walk is lined by the area’s Cherry Blossoms, which could also help.
Arlington, VA
So, over Memorial Bridge and into Virginia.
Arlington National Cemetery
Women in Military Service for America Memorial
Curtis Walk
I didn’t linger around the cemetery too long this trip because I was determined to reach the USMC Memorial, which is on a hill just outside of the cemetery’s northern gate, before I ran out of steam. I really just bee-lined it through part of the cemetery.
Memorials
Iwo Jima Statue
Netherlands Carillon
The United States Marine Corps War Memorial is a large sculpture of Joe Rosenthal’s 1945 Pulitzer Prize winning photo, Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima. Each figure stands about ten-feet tall. The flag is one of the few official locations authorized to fly the flag 24 hours a day. The base of the memorial is inscribed with two inscriptions, including “Uncommon Valor is a Common Virtue,” as well as all military engagements involving the Marines. It was all I had hoped and definitely worth the extra effort!
The Netherlands Carillon is between the cemetery and the USMC Memorial. It was a gift from the Dutch in appreciation for aid during WWII. The bells at the top of the 40-foot tower play Westminster Chimes on the hour and American patriotic music twice a day.
Today’s Flickr set: area photos
A trip to GW’s Mount Vernon
Mount Vernon, VA
and
George Washington Memorial Parkway
Virginia
I had a softball tournament penciled in for the day, but a few teams backed out and it was cancelled. Bummer, but it gave me a chance to take another weekend photo trip. Wow, and it was a great day for it.
Mount Vernon
The estate was George and Martha Washington’s former home, which has since been turned into a living memorial to the first President.
Upper Garden Greenhouse
Mansion
I chose to skip the mansion tour because I did not want to fuss with the crowd. The line to get in stretched down along the large green in front of it with a predicted wait time of over an hour. Yeah, that’s not for me. Maybe another time.
View from behind the Mansion overlooking the Potomac River
George Washington’s Sarcophagus in the “New Tomb”
Washington was originally buried with about 20 family members in the estate’s original (Old) tomb on the property. Remnants of the old tomb are still there, but it was very humble and run down. In his will, Washington left instructions to have a new tomb built, and the entire family was re-interred after its completion. Martha is resting right beside him.
16-Sided Barn in the George Washington: Pioneer Farmer Site
At the back of the property, down by the river, there’s an area created to show off Washington’s innovative farming techniques. There were a couple individuals in period dress doing demonstrations and answering questions. The center point is the reconstructed 16-sided treading barn, which Washington designed for wheat processing.
The site is full of flower gardens and orchards. I’m sure they are beautiful in early spring, but were rather bland during my trip. It’s a relatively large property and great walk. It seemed the two most popular spots were the Mansion and the New Tomb, which you have to squeeze your way in to see. Other than that, it wasn’t too bad in terms of crowds.
There’s a large museum near the gate dedicated to the first President’s life. It covers his childhood, his Continental Army service, Presidency and so on. It was very well down. Educational, and not overwhelming.
My final verdict: it was a nice trip, but I see no need to go back more than once.
George Washington Parkway
My route to and from Mount Vernon was the GW Parkway, so I stopped at a few places along the way has I headed home.
View across the Potomac to DC
Navy-Marine Memorial in the Lady Bird Johnson Park
The Pentagon
The parkway has numerous pull-offs and small parks along the route and on a nice day, it’s a very busy place. A lot of people use the paved path winding along the river for recreational purposes. There are a lot of joggers, cyclists, and walkers. It’s nice to see.
I had a little difficulty parking at the Lady Bird Johnson Park. There were only a few spaces, all of which were filled. I had to wait in my car for a short period until something opened up. If it were more convenient for me to get to the area, I wouldn’t mind using it more often. The path would be a great place to just walk off the stress from the day. The scenery is gorgeous. It’s quiet, even with all of people using it. Some of the parks are very peaceful and look perfect to sit around and relax in. Of course, there are a few great views across the river to Washington.
At one point I ended up mixed up and had to turn around. Well, my attempt to do so landed me in a back parking lot near the Pentagon. Not really my idea of relaxing. The parking was meant for the Lyndon B. Johnson Park across a small bridge. I considered walking over to it, but it was getting a little dark so I skipped it.
Today’s Flickr set: site pictures
Starting things off in the US Capital
I’ve been stressed at school and decided to take the day off from any and all work. However, with that said, I didn’t waste an entire day, so, I needed an activity. Stress + needed activity = My solution: grab my camera, hop on the Metro and go sightseeing.
A couple of years ago I bought a ‘nice’ point-and-shot camera in hopes to picking up photography as a hobby. Granted it’s not a the best camera, but for my budget, it was on the higher end at the time. Anyway, I took a few trips to Gettysburg and Antietam Battlefields, as well as vacations to Bar Harbor, ME and London, before it faded out of my life. I didn’t necessarily get tired of the activity. I simply didn’t have (or didn’t make) time for it, so my camera has been collecting dust in my closet ever since. Now, I’ve found the time and energy to give it another go.
I’m hoping to make these short day trips a weekly event, but to start I stayed close to home with a walk through DC. Well, I actually started in Arlington Cemetery. I’ve wanted to visit for a while, so I just went. Then, to follow up, I stopped at some popular attractions in DC.
Arlington National Cemetery
Section 6
While at the cemetery, I stopped at a few of the most visited spots within its walls, including the Kennedy bothers’ graves, USS Maine Memorial, and the space shuttle memorials. I also made a small detour to visit the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial, which is surrounded by some of the tragedy’s victims.
Tomb Sentinel at the Tomb of the Unknowns
Finally, I parked myself on the steps of the Memorial Amphitheater to watch the Changing of the Guard Ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I watched it twice, as well as the added bonus of an Army Wreath Laying Ceremony.
I highly recommend a visit to the cemetery. It’s a very moving place. You’re encouraged to walk through the grounds and pay respects to the nation’s heroes. While I was there they had a wonderful exhibit within the Women in Military Service for American Memorial called Faces of the Fallen. It was made up of artistic portraits of those in the service killed over the past few years created by various artists in a variety of styles.
This morning’s Flickr set: cemetery pics
Washington, DC
The Lone Sailor
A bronze lion within the Law Enforcement Memorial
In DC, I stopped at a couple off the beaten path memorials, including the United States Navy and National Law Enforcement Memorials. Each is near a Metro station, but I walked between the two, which wasn’t too bad. Both memorials are made up of open plazas with symbolic pieces scattered around. Both are ideal to plop down and read, reflect, rest and/or journal, although the Navy Memorial is in a more convenient location (in my opinion).
White House
Lincoln Memorial
The view from the Lincoln Memorial steps
To finish off the day’s walk, I made a quick pass by some of the city’s most recognizable structures. Really, what would a sightseeing trip to DC be without stops at the Washington Monument, White House, Abraham Lincoln Memorial and everything in between?
This afternoon’s Flickr set: city photos
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