Got this new motorcycle (Triumph Speedmaster) last Friday and finally got some miles in on it after the rains of Saturday and Sunday from the hurricane. Rains were not much thankfully - have had thunderstorms worse this year - but enough. Still, got to Fredericksburg where I visited the battlefield again. This house was in the battle and was one of the few remaining after. Part of the stone wall which made such a formidable defense can also be seen. This was my second visit to the battlefield.
Made time to wander some in Fredericksburg's old town section. Very interesting with a lot of things to see. Fredericksburg has a very good Visitor Center which can give you a map to some of the sights.
There is a lot to see there, and a lot of history in that town. Not just Civil War either, being Virginia it also has a Revolutionary War history as well. Plus to be honest some good places to eat and shop if you are so inclined to do either.
I went on the grounds of the Old Plantation named "Chatham". Owned by a hard core successionist and slave owner, the estate was seized during the battle. Was a headquarters for the Union Army and also due to its commanding position was used as a point to shell the town. Later it was a hospital and even as stables (in the rooms) for horses. The owner was ruined but sold the house and the next owners restored it to its former glory.
I also mentioned in my Racing with the Wind post on this same topic finding The Confederate Cemetery. They are not buried on the battlefield (those are all union troops) but are in this cemetery called "The Confederate Cemetery" in town. Long and tragic war but to me a very necessary one to end slavery and in some respects to bring us together as a nation.
The ride was a lot of fun and was a good cap to what I consider one of the best Labor Day weekends ever in my case. Had a great time here in Virginia over the holiday.
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