My husband and I finally took a trip in February to visit family in Tennessee. And for the first time ever we took our time and stopped and enjoyed sights along the way (typically it’s an 9 hour drive straight thru).
We stopped at the Natural Bridge just outside Lexington VA since neither of us had visited since childhood. We were hoping to enjoy the entire park but unfortunately icicles hanging from the bridge were falling thus preventing us from going further.
The Natural Bridge area was first inhabited by the Monacan Indians and then later owned by Thomas Jefferson in 1774. The land was a source of inspiration and wonder to frontiersmen, including Daniel Boone and Sam Houston, who passed by on the Great Wagon Road (information from the Natural Bridge State Park brochure).
The trail to the bridge is paved and follows Cedar Creek to the bridge. Several old trees are along the path with some supported by heavy wire to keep them from falling. The Natural Bridge is a wonder to see!
We then wandered over to Lexington VA, the home of two colleges; Virginia Military Institute and Washington and Lee University. Due to current restrictions both campuses were closed to the public but we did walk the streets of the city.
The tan buildings in the background of the above image are part of the VMI campus.
Sadly the museums and historic homes were also closed due to restrictions but we did find the Stonewall Jackson Memorial Cemetery.
The cemetery is filled with those who fought for our country in wars beginning with the American Revolution along with local educators, a photographer and architect. We were honored to visit Stonewall Jackson’s gravesite and those of his family members. Regardless of your “side” in the Civil War, Stonewall Jackson was an amazing Christian man who served with pride and honor.
Orphaned at a young age he received an appointment to the US Military Academy and graduated in 1846. He served in the US-Mexican War and then resigned to teach at the Virginia Military Institute. He was called in 1861 to serve in the Army of the Confederate States of America and died two short years later in 1863 at Guinea Station, not far from where we now live in Spotsylvania VA. (information from the Historic Lexington Foundation)
“Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it” –Winston Churchill
Terrific post and photos Sharon. My wife and I took a trip there years ago and you captured that area perfectly, both in words and photos.
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