Traveling in the Past Lane
by <
Sandra Scott
 Put excitement into
learning about American history by living it. Sail on a windjammer to
experience coming to America. Feel the tension of the impending
American Revolution at Colonial Williamsburg. Head west on the Eire
Canal and continue on the Santa Fe Trail. Enlist in the Civil War in
Pamplin, VA. Walk in the shoes of the everyday people who built America,
sleep as they did, and see America as they did.
Coming to America
 Millions of immigrants
came to America by ship, some on windjammers like the Grace Bailey. The
Grace Bailey was completely restored in 1990 and is now a National Historic
Landmark. It is just one of the tall-mast schooners where people can
experience life on board and learn the meaning of “close quarters.” After
the first full day aboard ship passengers get their bearings and settle into
a comfortable routine. With the clanging of pots and pans in the galley and
the smell of coffee the day begins. All hands help raise the sails by
following the commands, “Ready on the Throat. Ready on the Peak. Haul Away.
Two-six heave. Two steps toward me. Drop the line.” On a foggy morning take
turns blowing the conch shell – the early foghorn – until the sun breaks
through. The crew turns young “immigrants” into sailors with lessons in
seamanship. For the lucky the skies were blue and seas calm providing
a pleasant respite before carving out a new life in a new country. <
Colonial life
 Colonists living in
Williamsburg, Virginia Colony, found the sound of the fife and drum band
marching down Duke of Gloucester Street too stirring to resist and so will
those who stay in one of the authentic 18th century colonial houses that
line Colonial Williamsburg’s main street. Get into the spirit by donning
colonial clothing and head to the capitol steps to listen to the reading of
the Declaration of Independence. Join in the heated discussions about the
impending war with preachers, house servants, farmers, and artisans—both
enslaved and free. The latest colonial news was found at Christiana’s
Tavern. Christiana, like all tavern owners, is a font of knowledge.
“Washington has stayed with us 96 times. He steps a fine minuet, you know.
All the ladies want to dance with him.” She continues with, “Up Boston way
they dumped tea into the harbor so many of us are drinking coffee now.” Help
with chores at Great Hopes Farm. Dance at the Governor’s Ball or sit on the
jury at the trail of Grace Sherwood, Virginia’s Witch. Youngsters can learn
a trade in Williamsburg’s apprentice program. End the day at Chowing’s
Tavern for gambols - games and songs that were popular in 18th century
taverns.
Heading west
 Following the
Revolutionary War the United States expanded from sea to shining sea. Board
a packet boat on the Eire Canal for the trip to Buffalo. Today the canal is
a quiet, tranquil waterway making it hard to envision the 1830s when the
bustling Erie Canal was the fastest and easiest way to travel. While
the boats are no longer pulled by mules the speed limit remains five miles
an hour. “Low Bridge, Everyone down” is still an appropriate cry because
several canal communities have lift-bridges. The boat captain radios,
“Seneca calling Middleport Bridge, requesting westbound passage.” A
railroad-style gate stops road traffic and the bridge is raised. Locking
through the historic locks in Lockport is a hands-on lesson in canalling.
When the massive water gates open the captain eases the boat into the lock.
The water gate is closed, the water pumped out, and in five minutes the boat
is 25 feet higher. Several towns, including Lockport, have museums
preserving Erie Canal history.
On the trail
 From the 1821 to 1880,
the Santa Fe Trail was one of the “big three” American trails, along with
the Oregon and Chisholm Trails. Today several companies offer covered wagon
experiences on the trail. Wake to the yipping of coyote pups and the smell
of coffee brewing over an open fire. Follow the directions of the
trail master, “When you get into the wagon, step quickly. Sometimes
the horses jerk the wagon forward causing you to fall.” And, “Don’t
worry about snakes, the vibration of the wagon wheels usually scares them
away.” It doesn’t take long to feel the rhythm of the trail. The scenery is
breathtaking. Part of the trail goes through the tall grass prairie of
Kansas where there is not a bulding in sight, only wide-open grassland. <
In the evening, the womenfolk prepare dinner – stew, biscuits, and
cobbler – on the open fire while the men take care of the horses. When all
the camp chores are done, it is time for storytelling and singing “Out on
the Lone Prairie” and “Along the Santa Fe Trail.” <
A nation divided
 When America’s most
devastating war started in April 1861, men were quick to join the military.
Today people can sign up at Civil War Adventure Camp in Pamplin Historical
Park, VA. After being sworn in, uniforms and equipment are issued then the
drilling starts. “Platoon Assemble,” barks the First Sergeant. “A sorry
looking bunch of fresh fish.” First Sergeant proceeds to make the unit
presentable and then teaches the commands: “Form columns of companies!”
“Count off!” “Dress right!” “Right face!” “Right Flank!” and “March, One,
Two!” Guns are issued and the new troops learn how to “Load in Nine Times.”
After a meal that includes hardtack the day ends with a spell of guard duty.
The morning tattoo sounds at 5:45, marching rations are issued then it is
off to a mock battle. “Fire!” “Watch your left flank.” After the battle some
of the “wounded” were treated in the field. Other soldiers were
brought to the surgery where a few had their limbs “amputated.” When
soldiers are mustered out after the two-day experience there is a deeper
appreciation for all the people who have served in the military.
On the range
 Have a “real” Texas
experience at Texas Ranch Life, an 1800-acre working guest ranch, where
tenderfoots can become buckaroos. John Elick, the owner, explains the
workings of a ranch including the art of cutting with his horse, Rebel.
Rebel and John worked as one cutting longhorns from the herd. Tenderfoots
learn the basics of horsemanship from how to mount and control the horse
before heading out on a trail ride. John and Taunia Elick have period-style
accommodations along with riding, roping, hunting, fishing, plus
participation in cattle drives and roundups.
Learn about the defining historical periods in American History by living
life in the past lane – if only for a few days. The experiences are perfect
family and multi-generation trips.
For more information check:
www.mainewindjammercruises.com, 800-736-7981; www.history.org,
800-HISTORY; www.midlakesnav.com,
800-545-4318;
www.kscoveredwagon.com, (316) 283-2636,
www.pamplinpark.org, 877-PAMPLIN,
and www.texasranchlife.com.<
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