by Suzanne Marsh

Created on: November 10, 2008   Last Updated: November 28, 2009

Travel should be used as an education tool for children and grandchildren. The United States is a wonderful place to travel, there are so many things to enjoy with children young and old. For example Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, one of the most famous battles ever fought in American history. Journey back into a crossroads village where Jenny Wade a young woman in Gettysburg was killed as she was staying with her sister and helping to bake bread when a mine ball cut short her life. Walk up little Round Top on a hot summer day, it is invaluable in teaching children what took place during those three days in July. Can they envision Colonel Joshua Chamberlain holding off Colonel William Oates of Alabama? Take them to watch a reenactment in Gettysburg, what better way to teach history than to see it.

Travel next to Virginia, not only is Kings Dominion a great place to visit and relax but it is not far from Richmond which was the capital of the Confederacy. Virginia has the majority of battlefields connected with the civil war, there are trails you can follow with children most of those can be found on Route 17 including Fredericksburg. Moving further south is Williamsburg where the great American Patrick Henry made his famous speech: "Give me liberty or give me death." Imagine walking through Williamsburg and seeing reenactors recreating life in the early 18th century. See the look on a child's face as the child watches a cooper builds a barrel or taking a horse drawn carriage ride around town. What a fantastic memory to have later in life.

The next area to see is the plantation areas around New Orleans, Louisiana. The Laura Plantation in particular is a phenomenal place to take children. It is a Creole Plantation that was run by women, and also where the legend of Bre'rabbit began. It would be helpful to tell the children the story before going to see this plantation. The Laura Plantation is a historical sight and there a great many family heirlooms on display also. Children learn so much more when they see things than when they read about them or have to memorize the facts.

Last but not least the state of Texas is a must for a swing through the old south. There are many things to see there including the Alamo. The Alamo every child in the United States has had to learn the yell: "REMEMBER THE ALAMO", when they see the real thing it will mean a great deal more. Imagine walking through the long barracks where there is a uniform from the Mexican Army, or the Chapel where James Bowie died or the south wall where legend Davy Crockett was killed. They will see Davy Crockett's his deerskin vest, and long rifle "Ol Betsy" however no coon skin caps. There are several movies that can be seen by children including John Wayne's "The Alamo" which is perhaps the most historically correct, Disney's "The Adventures of Davy Crockett" the newest "Alamo" begins historically correct and becomes rather far fetched. Using a movie first then visiting the Alamo is a great way to share history and a wonderful vacation.

Children learn more by seeing and doing than just sitting in a classroom wondering about the events they are learning. A vacation and learning will be a great adventure for both parents and children. Happy motoring!

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