Historic mansions were usually family homes, built for large families; but the Victoria Mansion was only built for a husband and wife – Ruggles and Olive Morse. Built over the span of two years, this summer home was finished in in 1860. Both Ruggles and Olive hailed from Maine; however, the Morse’s riches came from …
us destinations
Fort Davis Military Post – Fort Davis, Texas
Historical military posts can be a neat place to visit. Not only are the surroundings usually beautiful, but there are always stories. Fort Davis was a major player in the Southwest’s history. From the mid-1800s to nearly the end of the century, this was an active military base, and soldiers who were stationed here to …
The Berkeley City Club in Berkeley, California
When you visit the Berkeley City Club, you’ll appreciate the members-only feel. While it is now a premiere event venue, the social club is still for members only – but, that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy a stay at this historic hotel, have an elegant evening in their upscale dining area, or even apply for …
Bothwell Lodge – Sedalia, Missouri
If you have ever complained about the costs of cooling your home on those warm and muggy summer days, it might behoove you to take note of the architectural design of the Bothwell House in Sedalia that was built above a natural cave system that provided energy-free cooling. The endeavor of John Homer Bothwell, a …
Replica of the Cardiff Giant – Fort Dodge, Iowa
One of the 19th century’s greatest pranks was the “discovery” of the Cardiff Giant, a supposed fossilized man that had been unearthed in northern New York state. It turned out that it actually was nothing more than a statue that had been carved into the shape of a man and then buried, and subsequently “found” …
Pocahontas Tribute – Pocahontas, Iowa
Albert Shaw, a senator from Iowa, was vacationing in Minnesota during the summer of 1950. While there, he learned of a taxidermist who was creating “monuments” at his home. Shaw was so entirely impressed that he decided that his hometown – Pocahontas, Iowa – deserved to have a monument of its own, and for obvious …