November 2010

Charles Chiswell obtained 9,976 acres on what was then the western part of New Kent County in 1717. He named his country home Scotchtown and imported a colony of Scots to build the house and outbuildings, including a mill. However, an outbreak of yellow fever killed many of the Scots and caused the remainder to flee, leaving behind only traces of the Scottish castle Chiswell had hoped to construct.

Hanover native Patrick Henry brought Scotchtown and 960 acres at auction in 1771. Already a leader in the pre-Revolutionary Virginia politics of the time, Henry moved there with his wife, Sarah, and six children. It is believed that he saw clients in the main house, which has changed little over the centuries. Scotchtown today contains three pieces of furniture - a map table, tea caddy and baby cradle - that belonged to Henry.

In this six-acre living history village, visitors can glimpse daily life from 1840 to 1920 while browsing through the historic buildings, including a log cabin, one-room schoolhouse, and much more.

The restored Wesley Chapel Church is one of the oldest churches in the county and was originally built in 1828. It was moved from its original location to Cloverhill Village in 1991. The restored church has the originial pews, podium, communion rail, and oil burning chandeliers. Many weddings are held in this historic little church. The Martin Grady Log Cabin was built around 1830. The cabin contains a wealth of period furniture, some original to the cabin. It is furnished to give the feeling of life back in the early 1800s.

Visitors are invited to tour the 6 acre rural village where the history and heritage of Appomattox County come to life. Guests to the site like to browse through the general store, an extensive collection of farm equipment, a blacksmith shop, and other exciting period places.

The Fort Bend Museum showcases local history using a variety of exhibit galleries, historic home museums, and walking tours of historic Richmond. The Museum has opened a preview of its upcoming major military exhibit.

Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant, effectively ending the Civil War on April 9, 1865.

The majority of the buildings, including the McLean House where the surrender took place, are original to the site.

Visitors can enjoy the vast history of this site and experience the monumental impact of this important event.

This museum covers the history of Appomattox County, but is not concerned with the Civil War surrender.

A former county jail built in 1895 building now houses exhibits pertaining to regional history, including a one-room school, a doctor's office, and jail cell. While the Civil War connection dominates this small town, the museum is proof that Appomattox was much more than a surrender.

This modern museum has three major exhibit areas. First is the National Road, early America's busiest land artery to the West. The National Road stretched from Cumberland, MD. to Vandalia, IL. Begun in 1806, the "Main Street of America" was the only significant land link between east coast and western frontier in the early 19th century. A 136 foot diorama of the National Road plus many objects illustrate this theme.

Second is Zane Grey, the "Father of the Adult Western." The Zanesville author wrote more than 80 books. His study is recreated plus many manuscripts and other memorabilia are displayed.

Journey to a place and time where cattle and cotton are king and Texas is a country all its own. Visit the George Ranch Historical Park and discover a treasury of Texas traditions.

Originally settled in 1824 as part of Stephen F. Austin's Colony by Nancy and Henry Jones, this 23,000-acre working ranch stands as a testament to the independent spirit of Texas. Explore the lives and share the experiences that molded this farming and ranching empire and shaped the history of Texas. Authentic locations, historic homes, costumed presenters and a remarkable story of determination and courage set the stage for trekking through Texas history.

Visitors can browse the outdoor exhibit walkway that details events that led to American colonies to declare independence from Britain. Indoor exhibition galleries recount the war’s effect on 10 ordinary men and women who witnessed the Revolutionary War, highlight the roles of different nationalities in the Siege of Yorktown and explore the story of the Betsy and other British ships lost in the York River during the war. Exhibits also describe experiences of ordinary soldiers, Yorktown’s importance as an 18th-century port and the development of a new government with the Constitution and Bill of Rights.

Outdoors, visitors can explore a re-created Continental Army encampment, where historical interpreters describe and depict daily life of American soldiers at the end of the war. A re-created 1780s farm, complete with a house, kitchen, tobacco barn, crop fields, and herb and vegetable garden, shows visitors how many Americans lived in the decade following the Revolutionary War.

Some of the many exhibits at the Museum include the Fresnel Lens from the 1852 Matagorda Island Lighthouse, an 8-foot diorama of the town of Indianola, a collection of items from the Belle in an exhibit entitled, "The La Salle Odyssey," and many more items dealing with the life and times of Calhoun County.

At this site in 1781, the British army under Lord Cornwallis surrendered to General Washington, a victory that secured independence for the United States. A visit begins at the National Park Service Visitor Center with a short film and a walk through the museum, which includes artifacts from the battle, such as George Washington's field tent. Visitors can also consider the audio guide for a do-it-yourself driving tour of the battlefield.