Little Bits of History Along U.S. Roadways: May 2011

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Working on New Posts

Sorry, I have not listed any new markers during May. I have been working on re-organizing my collection of markers and complete some research on markers, particularly related to the U.S. Civil War. I have also been taking additional photos of markers in West Virginia and Kentucky along with a few new ones in Virginia. My collection of markers is almost up to 2000 different historical markers.

I hope to have new posts in June, but I have not stopped, I am just refocusing and doing more research. I am learning how to do this blog as I post more markers and hopefully it will improve with each additional post.

I occasionally list some of my markers on the “Historical Markers Database.” They are attempting to catalog all the historical markers in the U.S. using volunteers. They list any history related markers where I concentrate specifically on the state metal historical markers. They have a large collection, but still are working to add more markers each day and there are a lot of markers in the U.S. to go. This is a very interesting database and you can discover the relationships that exist between markers within specific states and multiple states.

I just this week contributed photos of a new metal Virginia historical markers that was dedicated on April 30, 2011 near Quicksburg in Shenandoah County called “Action at Mill Creek.” The marker is now listed on the “Historical Markers Database.” Take the time to check out this database and my marker submission.

I will return in June with more “Little Bits of History.”

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution No Derivatives license.

Description

When I travel the U.S. roadways, I prefer driving on the two lane highways rather than the interstate highways, when time and my route permits. One reason is my interest in state and county historical road markers. I have taken photos of these markers and their related landmarks on and off for several years, since I was a teenager. In the past few years I have made the photographing these markers and studying these little bits of history into my hobby. This blog contains my personal photos of these markers taken during my travels. My blog is more than just a collection of photos, I will also share some of the things I have learned, as I read, studied and followed-up on the information common in these markers. There are often interesting stories and other connections related to these markers, which frequently lies just below the surface. I will also connect the dots and share the series of stories that are common among multiple markers.
My chief interest is in the stories of the metal state and county historical road markers, but I will include photos and information about other markers, when they relate to my main entry. To learn more about how my interest in historical road markers developed, read my introduction to this blog entered on October 8, 2009.
I invite you to share your comments about stories, facts, and other information shared in these markers. I have attempted to keep my entries brief without getting into extensive background information, (I did not want to get carried away with every historical detail) just that information that I found interesting, unusual or fascinating. Maybe you live near one of these markers, maybe you are related to the person, or have personal knowledge about the topic, event or location. I would love to learn from you more details and history. The history of our country is not only informative, but I find it also amazing, exciting and some times humorous as we learn about those people, places and events that shaped who we are as Americans. Regardless of our background, history or heritage, we share a common history as a nation and as a people.