Writers are important but so are readers. Readers and writers need each other. Writers provide their audiences with news, valuable information as well as entertainment.
The Civil War was finally over on April 9, 1865. The slaves were set free, but there were few jobs or opportunities for anyone, especially an African American woman.
Cathay Williams was one of those young African American women. She had been born the daughter of a slave and a free man in Jackson County, Missouri. In her teen years, she worked as a house slave in Jefferson, Missouri. When the Union took possession of the state of Missouri, the Union army often employed freed slaves. They were used in positions such as cooks or for doing other domestic work. At just the age of seventeen, she worked for the army as a cook and did laundry for the army. This enabled her to travel all over the country under General Philip Sheridan.
Cathay Williams in the United States Army
After the war ended, Cathay made the decision to join the army. Since women were not allowed to enlist, she disguised herself as a young man. She was described as being tall with dark skin and short dark hair. So it wasn’t all that hard for her to be mistaken for a man. What was hard was passing the physical exam. But somehow, the army doctor did just a very quick exam and passed her. She enlisted using the name William Cathay. She served with the 38th U.S. Infantry Regiment. Cathay served for about two years until repeated illness sent her to the hospital several times, where eventually, a doctor discovered her gender. She was given an honorable discharge on Oct 14, 1868.
Cathy Willaims also known as William Cathay Army discharge papers
After her discharge from the army, Cathay joined what came to be known as “the Buffalo Soldiers.” She was the first official female African American to serve in the United States Army. Years later, the St. Louis Times wrote about the story of Cathay Williams. She was the first African American woman to serve in the military. When asked what motivated her decision to enlist in the army, she replied. She said it was her desire to be independent.
Cathay Williams left the Buffalo Soldiers when she became disabled and was no longer able to carry out her duties. Although she had some severe disabilities linked to her service in the military she was denied disability from the U.S. Army. The reason given was that she had enlisted under the wrong name and gender. Cathay died in 1893 in Trinidad, Colorado.
Philadelphia is certainly one great city full of America’s exciting history and historic buildings. Nevertheless, we can add some other interesting places in Pennsylvania. These are marvelous places for families to visit. Gettysburg is a historic battlefield and full of history about the Civil War. Lancaster is a charming city where many Amish live and many great places to explore.
Gettysburg, Pa
Gettysburg has been called the turning point of the Civil War. The south had been winning the war up to the point of Gettysburg. It was at Gettysburg that the Union Army stopped the southern army’s march to the north. It was at Gettysburg that President Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address Speech. Gettysburg is dedicated to all the great men who died there.
Gettysburg National Military Park
Your first stop at Gettysburg might be at the Museum and visitor center where there are plenty of parking spots. Inside the 2200 square foot museum there are cold drinks, snacks and bathrooms. The museum offers exhibits, a gift shop and a ranger to answer questions. There plenty of historic exhibits from the Civil War including guns, uniforms and even a large cannon.
Tour The Battle Field
There are various ways of touring the Gettysburg Battlefield and learning about Gettysburg and the famous battlefield.
By Car. Using your car, you are free to go at your own pace. You can view what you are most interested in seeing.
Guided car tour: An experienced tour guide accompanies you. They are there to answer questions. They know the best places to show you. These tours have varying fees.
On horseback: Tour the battlefield on horseback like the soldiers who fought at Gettysburg. Horse rental fees are generally charged.
Walking the trails if you are a hiker.
Car and Walking: This is a great option as the park has 6000 acres. Driving on your own allows you to stop and view whatever you what to see.
Significant Spots To Visit At Gettysburg
Confederate General E Lee Memorial at Gettysburg Battlefield
Little Round Top was a significant area where fierce fighting took place with Union soldiers eventually winning the hill.
Cemetery Ridge which was the headquarters for General Meade and the Union soldiers made camp.
Big Round Top which is the highest point of the Gettysburg Battlefield. There are five monuments at the top of the ridge.
Sachs covered bridge which some say is haunted by confederate soldiers who were hung from the bridge.
There are multiple museums throughout Gettysburg that are worth checking out.
Jennie Wade house. Jennie Wade, a civilian was killed by a confederate bullet while she was making bread to feed the Union Army.
Little Round Top Gettysburg Battlefield Sachs Covered Bridge Gettysburg Pa
Lancaster, Pa
Amish children on the way to school
Lancaster is famous for it Amish population. It’s the largest Amish community in America. The Amish are famous for still living without electricity, cars, and modern technology. Most Amish still dress in traditional clothing and use horse and buggies. They are well known for their country cooking, quilting, religion and furniture building. Let’s check out some interesting things you can find in Amish country.
Amish farms which can offer tours and buggy rides.
Kitchen Kettle is an outdoor type of market but with about forty indoor shops. These include shops that sell canned goods, jams & relishes, and leather goods. There is a yarn shop that also offers free classes and workshops. You can also find sweet shops and cheese shops. There’s also a restaurant and homemade ice cream. I was here once and would love to go back.
Green Dragon Flea Market is 60 acres of a local farm market and flea market combination. It has indoor and outdoor shopping. It boasts seven large buildings with some one hundred vendors showing their crafts and wares.
Amish quilt shops: There are many quilting shops throughout Lancaster. No trip to Lancaster would be complete without shopping for a quilt. Make sure you have plenty of money or a credit card. These beautiful handmade quilts can be quite expensive.
Amish restaurants are the place you will want to eat at in Lancaster. The Amish are famous for their home cooking. Two well know restaurants are “Bird in Hand Restaurant and Smorgasbord” and “Shady Maple Smorgasbord.
An Amish family traveling by horse and buggy
Entertainment in Lancaster Pa
Sight and Sound Theater: This theater is for young and old. It does plays based on Bible stories using live animals. I have seen Joseph, David, and Samson at this theater and enjoyed every one of them. Currently the story of Noah is playing.
Dutch Apple Dinner Theater offers a great dinner and a musical. It also has a children’s theater for the little ones.
Dutch Wonderland is a smaller version of Disney Land. It features over thirty rides and a show. Duke’s Lagoon is a small water pad to keep the kids cool on a hot summer afternoon. There’s also fifteen acres of campgrounds for family camping.
These are two cities in Pennsylvania which offer a lot to families. They offer history lessons for the children as well as a fun time. Warm weather and summer vacations are just around the corner. You might want to consider visiting the great state of Pennsylvania and having the time of your life.
History Lovers Corner 