March 15-May 14, 2012
We couldn't have selected a better area of the U.S. for a history-seeking journey.  Since our agenda included all 13 of the original American colonies, our paths constantly took us to places significant in the early history of our country.  Moreover, almost three-fourths of Civil War battles were fought in the states we visited.  We were consistently impressed with the work that preservationists at all government levels, as well as philanthropists and volunteers in the private sector, have done to ensure that generations to come will have the opportunity to find these hallowed grounds much the way they were when they were at history's center stage.  (No, Williamsburg, that does not include you!) 

    
Since we've been home, we've put together some final trip statistics and a few "bests and worsts" of our History Highway trip.   After chasing it for 60 days, we have concluded that 

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Trip Stats

• Days: 61
• Miles traveled: 6,800
• States visited: 18 + DC
• Letterboxes: 224 found, 12 planted
• Walked: 114.43 miles
• Family members visited: 17
• State Parks:  34
• Forts:  24
• Museums: 57
• National Parks:  1
• National Historic Parks/Sites: 15
• National Battlefields:  7
• Presidential Birthplaces:  4
• Presidential Graves:  6
• Cannons:  4,916
• Bugs on our windshield/grill:  92,163
• Woodchucks:  12
• Ticks:  6
• Snakes:  4
• Road kill:  83
• Pollen spores:  235,109,471,347,382
• Kids on spring break:  193,522
• Highest gas price:  $4.30, Arlington, VA
• Lowest gas price:  $3.54, Blacksburg, SC 

Williamsburg, VA, the authentic colonial town with asphalt streets

Plymouth Rock:  Did Pilgrims see this stone and sail their ship toward it?

Certain historical figures crossed our path repeatedly.

We spent 2 weeks in Washington, DC, and could have stayed longer.

Army caisson procession in Arlington National Cemetery

Independence Hall, Philadelphia

Best Historic Sites and Museums

•  Virginia Capitol Square Park  
•  National 9/11 Pentagon Memorial
•  Gettysburg National Military Park  
•  Smithsonian American Art Museum  
•  Independence NHP  
•  National Portrait Gallery 
•  Thomas Edison NHP  
•  National Marine Corps Museum 
•  Smithsonian Museum of American History 
• Appomattox Court House NHP 
• Harpers Ferry NHP 
• National Mall and Memorials 

Max Patch Mountain, NC:  site of the first US letterbox