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The True Story Of Black Cowboys in America Do you want to know the true story of Black Cowboys in America? Well, let’s start with a single star. That’s what you’ll find on the Texas state quarter, one lone star, standing over the shape of a state so vast it became its own legend. Simple. Solitary. Unyielding. But here’s what that coin doesn’t show you,  and what most of American history has chosen not to show you either. Behind that lone star were thousands of men who rode before dawn and slept under open sky. Men who crossed rivers that didn’t want to be crossed, drove cattle through storms that didn’t care who they were, and built an entire industry with their hands, their horsemanship, and a courage that asked for nothing in return, and got very little. One in four of them were Black. They were formerly enslaved men who carried skills learned under bondage into freedom, and rode that freedom straight into the American West. They were the first cowboys in Texas. They were the backbone of the great cattle drives. And for more than a century, their names were left off the poster, cut out of the film, and written out of the story. Not today. Welcome to Quarter Miles,  where every coin opens a door, and behind this one is a story that is long overdue. Today we are riding with the Black cowboys,  the men who built the trail that everyone else got the credit for. We are sharing the true story of Black Cowboys in America. Stay with us. You are going to want to hear every mile of this. Dr. Ronald W. Davis, II a historian, scholar, professor and curator takes us on a ride along with Black Cowboys – from their time enslaved until today. Are you interested in reading Nat Love’s book?  The Life and Adventures of Nat Love  (Affiliate link)

Declaration of Independence – The Promise and the Price There is a document. Fifty-six men signed it. Some did so knowing it was an act of treason. Some signed it knowing they might hang for it. Some signed it in the trembling hope that the words they were putting their names to — words about equality, about liberty, about the God-given rights of every human being — might actually become true someday. It is 1,320 words long. It took Thomas Jefferson seventeen days to write the first draft. It took the Continental Congress three days to argue over it, cut it, revise it, and finally accept it. It took the British Crown no time at all to declare it an act of rebellion. And it took America nearly a hundred years — and a Civil War — to begin to reckon with the distance between what it promised and what it delivered. The Declaration of Independence is not a law. It has no enforcement mechanism. It cannot send anyone to jail, levy a tax, or raise an army. And yet it may be the most consequential piece of writing in the history of the modern world — because it did something no government document had ever quite done before. It told a story about what human beings deserve simply by virtue of being human. We hold these truths to be self-evident. Self-evident. Not argued. Not proved. Simply true, in the way that the sky is blue and the earth turns. The men who wrote those words knew they were not describing the world as it was. They were describing the world as it ought to be — and daring anyone to argue otherwise. Now picture the room where those words were born. Philadelphia. July 1776. The city is sweltering. The streets smell of horses and printer’s ink and unwashed men who have been arguing for weeks inside a building with the windows nailed shut — nailed shut because they are afraid the wrong ears will hear what they are saying inside. What they are saying inside is treason. Fifty-six delegates from thirteen colonies are gathered in that room. Outside, a British fleet is massing off the coast of New York. The Continental Army is outgunned, outmanned, and underfunded. The revolution, if you want to be honest about it, is not going particularly well. And yet inside that room, a 33-year-old Virginia lawyer named Thomas Jefferson — red-haired, almost pathologically shy in person, but electric on paper — has written something that is about to change the course of human history. Not because it commands an army. Not because it raises a navy. But because it says something that once it is said out loud, in public, in ink, cannot be unsaid. These are the fifty-six men who said it anyway. Who picked up a pen in that sweltering room, in that sweltering summer, and signed their names to an idea so dangerous, so radical, so stubbornly human — that a king across an ocean called it rebellion, and a nation two and a half centuries later still calls it home. This is their story. This is Quarter Miles Travel. And today, we’re going back to 1776. I’ve had listeners ask me, more than once, and I mean that with real warmth and no judgment at all, whether the Revolutionary War and the Civil War were the same event. One listener asked if the Declaration of Independence was signed to end slavery. Another asked if George Washington fought against the Confederacy. There is absolutely nothing embarrassing about these questions. First: the Declaration of Independence. Adopted July 4, 1776. This is the moment the American colonies formally declared they were no longer subjects of the British Crown, a political and philosophical announcement, made in writing, asserting that they intended to become a free and independent nation. Second: the Revolutionary War. Now here’s the first surprise for a lot of folks, the war actually started before the Declaration, back in April 1775, at Lexington and Concord. The fighting had already been going on for over a year by the time Congress formally declared independence. The war then continued for eight more years, finally ending with the Treaty of Paris in 1783. Third: the Civil War, and this one happened a full 78 years after the Declaration, and 80 years after the Revolution began. It started in 1861 and ended in 1865. This was Americans fighting Americans, over whether the union would survive and whether slavery would continue to exist in this country. Now, why does the order and the spacing here matter so much? Because each of these events answers a completely different question. The Declaration answers the question: can a people declare themselves free, and define what they believe a government owes its citizens? The Revolutionary War answers the question: will that declared freedom actually be won and defended? And the Civil War answers a question the founding generation left unresolved, does “all men are created equal” actually mean what it says, for everyone, or just for some? That’s the heart of it. The Declaration made a promise. The Revolution fought to secure the right to make good on that promise. And the Civil War, eight decades later, was the price the nation paid for not having kept that promise the first time around. Why July 4, 1776 and Why That Date Is More Layered Than It Looks Not the start of the war. Not the end of the war. The moment America declared, in writing, what it intended to become. But here’s something worth knowing, because it surprises almost everyone the first time they hear it: July 4th isn’t actually the date the colonies voted for independence, and it isn’t the date most signers actually signed the document either. Congress voted to approve independence on July 2, 1776. Two days later, on July 4th, Congress formally adopted the final edited text of the Declaration, that’s the date that’s printed on the document, and that’s the date we celebrate. But the actual signing of the parchment copy by most delegates didn’t happen until August 2, 1776, nearly a full month later,  and a few signatures weren’t added until early the following year. Celebrating the moment the *idea itself* became official, independent of the political vote that came before it, and independent of the individual men who later put their names to it one by one over the following months. And here’s one more date worth knowing: John Adams himself believed history would remember July 2nd, the day of the actual vote, as America’s true day of independence, not July 4th. He even refused for years to attend July 4th celebrations on principle. There’s a strange and rather wonderful postscript to that stubbornness: Adams died on July 4, 1826, exactly fifty years after the Declaration’s adoption, and so, in a twist of fate, did Thomas Jefferson, on the very same day. Two of the document’s most important architects, gone on the fiftieth anniversary of the day their words became official. Why This Matters for All of Us? Here’s why I think this anniversary matters. Both of those things are true at the same time. And I think honoring this means holding both of them, the pride and the honest reckoning, together, without flinching from either one. Let’s dig into the document itself, the Declaration of Independence. Where it came from, why the colonists felt they needed it, and some details about the people and the room where it happened that I think you’ll find genuinely fascinating. To understand why colonists wanted independence, you have to understand what it actually felt like to live as an American colonist in the years leading up to 1776, because this wasn’t abstract politics for ordinary people. It touched daily life directly. After Britain’s expensive victory in the French and Indian War, Parliament looked to the colonies to help pay down the war debt. Starting with the Stamp Act of 1765, Britain began directly taxing colonists for the first time, and I mean directly touching everyday transactions. Newspapers needed a stamp. Legal documents needed a stamp. Even playing cards needed a stamp. Imagine every receipt, every deed, every contract suddenly costing more because of a tax imposed by a government three thousand miles away, in which colonists had no elected representation whatsoever. That’s where “no taxation without representation” comes from, and it wasn’t an abstract slogan, it was colonists experiencing, in their pocketbooks, day after day, a government making decisions about their lives without their consent. Then came the Townshend Acts, taxing glass, paper, paint, and tea. British troops were sent to enforce order in cities like Boston, and having armed soldiers stationed in your town, watching your streets, created constant friction. That friction exploded into violence in March 1770, when British soldiers killed five colonists in what became known as the Boston Massacre, including a man named Crispus Attucks, who was of African and Native American descent, and who became the first person to die for the cause of American independence. Then in December 1773, colonists boarded British ships in Boston Harbor and dumped 342 chests of tea into the water, the Boston Tea Party, protesting a tea monopoly that was undercutting local merchants. Britain’s response was the turning point: rather than treating this as an isolated incident, Parliament passed the Coercive Acts, closing Boston Harbor entirely and stripping Massachusetts of its self-governance. And here’s the key thing, this terrified colonists everywhere, not just in Massachusetts, because it proved that Parliament could punish an entire colony’s self-government over a single act of protest. If it could happen to Massachusetts, it could happen to anyone. That fear is what finally pulled the colonies together. Drafting the Document – By 1776, the Second Continental Congress had been meeting in Philadelphia for over a year, managing a war that had already begun at Lexington and Concord. In June 1776, Congress appointed a C

Expert Cruise Excursions Tips Photos from the many excursions Nichole and I enjoyed during our Alaska cruise. We choose great experiences that are wonderful memories for years to come.

The Little Known Stories of The Alamo The Little Known Stories of The Alamo are filled with fascinating people who did more than fought, they lived in the details. Deep in the heart of Texas stands a mission that became a symbol far greater than stone walls and cannon fire. The Alamo is a story of sacrifice, courage, and a fight that helped shape the spirit of Texas and the American West. We step inside one of America’s most legendary battlegrounds. History often remembers the heroes whose names were carved into legend. But at the Alamo, there were also cooks, mothers, children, laborers, soldiers, Tejano families, and everyday people caught inside a moment that would change history forever. Today on Travel With Annita, we go beyond the battle itself to uncover the human stories of the people who lived, worked, sacrificed, and endured at the Alamo. Here is a link to The Complete Guide to San Antonio’s Five Missions filled with information and tips to plan a trip to San Antonio visit The Alamo and the five UNESO World Heritage Site missions. Plus, there is so much more to see and do. Read the story of The Woman Who Saved the Alamo – The Life and Legacy of Adina De Zavala Photos

The Liberty Tree America’s Beginning Story “Reach into your pocket… pull out a coin… and let it take you back… to a time when freedom wasn’t guaranteed… it was imagined.” Before there were monuments… before there were battlefields marked in history books… there was a tree.Not grand. Not famous—at least not at first. Just a 120-year-old elm… standing at the corner of Essex and Washington Streets in Boston. But in 1765… that tree became something more. It became the Liberty Tree. This was a time when tensions between the American colonies and Great Britain were reaching a boiling point. The Stamp Act had just been passed… taxing everything from newspapers to playing cards. And for many colonists… it wasn’t just about money. It was about control. About voice. About freedom. So a small group of patriots—known as the Loyal Nine, the forerunners to the Sons of Liberty—decided to make a statement. On August 14, 1765… they hung an effigy of British tax collector Andrew Oliver from the branches of that elm tree. As crowds gathered… anger grew. The effigy was cut down, beheaded, burned—and the protest moved through the streets of Boston. But it always came back… to the tree. Soon after, a copper sign appeared on its trunk. It read simply: “Tree of Liberty.” And from that moment on… the tree became a gathering place. A meeting ground. A symbol. The Sons of Liberty met beneath its branches. Plans were made. Protests were organized. Ideas of resistance… turned into action. They called the area “Liberty Hall.” And what happened there helped spark a revolution. The idea didn’t stay in Boston. It spread. Across the colonies—Rhode Island… Maryland… New York… Communities named their own Liberty Trees. And when there was no tree? They built Liberty Poles—tall wooden masts used to post messages, rally crowds, and declare defiance. Because this wasn’t just about a place. It was about what that place represented. A living symbol of resistance. Of unity. Of people standing together and saying— We will decide our future. And the British knew it. In 1775… they cut the original Liberty Tree down. Not because it was just a tree…But because it had become too powerful. But even then…the movement didn’t end. Colonists renamed the site the Liberty Stump…raised a pole in its place…and kept gathering. Because once an idea takes root…you can’t cut it down. Now here’s the part of the story that doesn’t always get told. When we talk about the Sons of Liberty… we often picture a narrow group. But the truth? The crowds gathered around the Liberty Tree were far more diverse. Black… white… and Native American laborers, sailors, and free men stood together beneath those branches. Listening. Watching. Participating. One of the most powerful figures connected to this movement is Crispus Attucks. A dockworker of African and Native American descent… Attucks became the first person killed in the Boston Massacre in 1770. He stood at the front of a protest—fueled by the same spirit that lived beneath the Liberty Tree. His death would become a turning point. A spark. And a reminder that the fight for liberty came at a cost… paid by many. And then there’s …..Phillis Wheatley. A young Black poet living in Boston at the time…She used her voice—her words—to support the movement. When a young boy named Christopher Seider was killed during the unrest, thousands gathered… and marched past the Liberty Tree. Wheatley wrote a poem honoring him. Her work gave voice to the emotion of the moment…and helped shape the narrative of liberty itself. We also see figures like Prince Hall, who wasn’t a member of the Sons of Liberty… but understood the power of the word liberty. He took that language—and pushed it further. Asking a deeper question: If liberty is worth fighting for…who gets to have it? And in New York…Joseph Allicocke—a merchant believed by some historians to be of African ancestry—was part of the leadership shaping resistance there. For Black Americans—enslaved and free—the Liberty Tree represented something profound. Not just political freedom…but the hope of personal freedom. A promise… not yet fulfilled. Even after the Revolution… the symbol lived on. When the Marquis de Lafayette returned to America in 1824…he made a special stop in Boston. Not for a building. Not for a monument. But for the place where the Liberty Tree once stood. By then… the tree was gone. Only a stump remained. But it didn’t matter. Because the meaning was still there. Liberty Trees even spread beyond America—to France, Italy, and Germany—as symbols of revolution and the power of the people. “So the next time you think about the American Revolution… don’t just think about battles… or documents… or famous names. Think about a tree.   Photos of Liberty Trees as they seek to remind us of what our country was built on. First up is the first U.S. Mint medal, sculpted by Ralph Menconi, depicted George Washington on the obverse in 1972. The reverse displayed the Liberty Tree with a two-shilling six-pence British Royal colonial stamp and a colonial “JOIN OR DIE” flag along with the words “SONS OF LIBERTY” across the top.   1972 medal coin made by the U.S. Mint representing the Liberty Tree along with on the reverse or tails side stating J”OIN OR DIE” (stamped on a depiction of Benjamin Franklin’s iconic colonial flag)”II SHILLING VI PENCE” (written on a reproduction of a British colonial Stamp Act stamp.   On the obverse (heads) side of the metal is the image of George Washington   A young Liberty Tree was planted outside of George Washington’s Headquarters in downtown Cumberland, Maryland, and is among the 15 trees that comprise Allegany County’s Liberty Tree Trail. Photo courtesy of Champ Zumbrun   Davey Tree Expert Company brings in a bucket truck to help Champ Zumbrun harvest seedlings at St. John’s College each fall. Photo courtesy of Champ Zumbrun     The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown Liberty Tree Exhibit Above two photos are courtesy of The American Revolution Museum in Yorktown. The perfect place to learn more about all aspects of the American Revolution, America’s 250th history and those who help create a nation. The Liberty Tree at the American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is an interactive 17-foot sculptural elm tree rooted in the museum’s main galleries. Visitors can use a touchscreen station to type what liberty means to them, and their message will appear on an electronic lantern hanging from the branches. The museum’s tree represent both history and symbolism The Original “Liberty Tree”: During the 1760s, colonists in Boston used a stately elm tree on the Boston Common as a gathering place to protest British rule and the Stamp Act. It quickly became a powerful symbol of objection to British policies across the colonies. The Lanterns: The tradition of hanging lanterns in the branches dates back to March 1766, when Bostonians lit up their Liberty Tree to celebrate the repeal of the Stamp Act. Global Messages: The interactive tree in Yorktown bridges the historic tradition with the present day, featuring 20 illuminated lanterns that share liberty messages from both historical figures and modern visitors from all over the world. Plan a trip to visit the museum. Location: The American Revolution Museum at Yorktown is located at 200 Water Street, Yorktown, VA 23690. Admission: Access to the Liberty Tree and indoor immersive exhibits is included with regular museum admission. Hours & Tickets: For up-to-date hours, ticket pricing, and special event schedules, visit the Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation website.  History of The Liberty Tree Articles St. John’s College in Annapolis, Maryland The Liberty Tree Trail For a visit to learn more, experience more and reflect on the symbols of the Libert Tree, take a walk on the Liberty Tree Trail. [“The Liberty Tree Trail links 15 living Liberty Tree descendants that were planted on public lands across Allegany County. Each tree was grown from seeds collected from a scion of the old Liberty Tree in Annapolis, Maryland, which was the last surviving Liberty Tree of the original 13 colonies. That towering tulip poplar, which stood on the campus of St. John’s College in Annapolis, fell in 1999, but its legacy lives on through descendant trees that have been intentionally planted elsewhere. It’s believed that Allegany County has the largest known concentration of living Liberty Tree descendants in the United States, and all are accessible to the public. Visitors can follow this living story at public sites along the C&O Canal Towpath, in Green Ridge State Forest, in community parks, outside libraries and historic sites, and nestled within historic landscapes. All 15 trees are located in places where heritage and outdoor recreation naturally intersect, which is the hallmark of Allegany County’s travel experience. The Liberty Tree Trail offers a flexible, self-guided experience that invites visitors to explore at their own pace while discovering stories tied to America’s founding. Interactive maps, interpretive content and trip-planning resources are available online. Visitors can plan their trip here. The Liberty Tree Trail exists today thanks to the vision, dedication and long-term stewardship of Champ Zumbrun, a forester and Allegany County resident whose leadership helped guide the Liberty Tree Project and ensure this important piece of American history could be preserved and shared with the public.”]-  Courtesy of – Mindy Blanca PR. Special thanks- Champ Zumbrun Mindy Blanca American Revolution Museum Yorktown The Liberty Trail – Maryland Mountain Side History Channel American Battlefield Museum

Destination: Yellowstone National Park Magnificent Bisons Yellowstone National Park – recorded discussion with Corey Anco Willis McDonald, IV Curator of Natural Science Draper National History Museum Transcript: As America approaches its 250th anniversary… we find ourselves doing something we don’t always make time for— Looking back. Not just at the headlines of history… but at the places that helped shape who we are. Because long before travel was about bucket lists and Instagram photos… it was about something much deeper. It was about discovery. Connection. And a sense of wonder about the land beneath our feet. And if there is one place in America that captures all of that— one place that reminds us who we are at our core— It is Yellowstone. This week on Travel With Annita, as part of our journey toward America’s 250th, we’re exploring the places that define this country…Not just as destinations— but as enduring symbols of who we’ve always been. And Yellowstone National Park…is where that story truly begins. Now, here’s something to think about. There was a time— when the idea of setting aside land… not for profit… not for development… but simply to protect it— Was unheard of. In the mid-1800s, America was expanding fast. Railroads were pushing west. Industry was growing. Land was something to be used. But then came the stories. Explorers returned from the Yellowstone region with accounts that sounded… almost unbelievable. They spoke of towering geysers that erupted like clockwork. Boiling hot springs in colors you couldn’t imagine. Vast valleys filled with roaming wildlife. Many people didn’t believe them. Until they saw the photographs. Photographer William Henry Jackson and artist Thomas Moran brought Yellowstone to life in a way words never could. Their images made it real. And those images made their way to Washington. In 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant did something extraordinary. He signed the Yellowstone National Park Protection Act, making Yellowstone the first national park in the United States And the first in the world. Think about that. At a time when the country was still rebuilding after the Civil War… America made a decision not just about land. But about legacy. This land would be preserved. Protected. Left untouched for future generations. Not owned by individuals… but shared by everyone. And that decision? It changed everything. Because Yellowstone wasn’t just about scenery. It was about a new way of thinking. That nature had value beyond resources. That wilderness had meaning beyond expansion. That beauty… was worth protecting. And then there’s the wildlife. And, here’s where the story really comes alive for me…. I love visiting wildlife in their natural habitat.  Yellowstone is one of the last places in America where ecosystems still function…much like they did centuries ago. Bison roam freely, a living link to the past. Wolves, once removed from the park, have been reintroduced— restoring balance to the land. Elk, bears, eagles ….All part of a delicate system that depends on protection. Because when we protect wildlife…we’re not just saving animals. We’re preserving the story of the land itself. And that’s something we don’t always think about as travelers. When we visit places like Yellowstone… we’re not just seeing something beautiful— We’re stepping into something preserved. Something protected on purpose. And here’s where it connects to something you may have right in your pocket. As part of the United States Mint America the Beautiful Quarters Program— Yellowstone was selected to be featured on a U.S. quarter. The Yellowstone National Park Quarter, released in 2010, captures two of the park’s most powerful symbols in a single design. In the background – Old Faithful… rising into the sky. And in the foreground……an American bison. Strong. Grounded. Enduring. Together, they tell a deeper story….. one of geothermal wonder and iconic wildlife… existing side by side in one image. And that’s what Yellowstone represents. A place where the earth is still shaping itself… and where life continues to move across it, just as it has for generations. As we approach America’s 250th anniversary… Yellowstone reminds us of something important. That progress and preservation can exist together. That growth doesn’t have to come at the cost of everything. And that sometimes… the most forward-thinking thing a nation can do— Is protect what matters most. Yellowstone isn’t just America’s first national park. It’s a promise. A promise that some places… some stories…and some pieces of history…..Are meant to endure. Coming up next… we’ll continue our journey through America’s story— exploring how yellowstone is home to two of America’s most fascinating, interesting an intriguing animals – the bison and grey wolf.  Yes there are other animals which define yellowstone, but, I’ve pull out these two – they’re my favorites  And they are wildlife that helped shape the very idea of conservation in America. And later in the show… we’re going to step deeper into that story. Conversation with Cody Anco – Willis McDonald IV Curator of Natural Science at the Draper Natural History Museum Now it’s time to plan your trip to Yellowstone with a stay in Cody Wyoming. Here’s your guide to planning and preparing for a stay in Cody Tourism website for Cody codyyellowstone.org To hear my full interview with Corey and much, much more about bison and wolves, visit my website travel with annita dot com to hear my podcast – quarter. Miles travel and U.S. Mint’s Yellowstone quarter . More info. .  Photos courtesy of Julia Cook  – Wildlife photographer Photographs courtesy of Corey Anco

Destination: History of Augusta National Golf Club The History of Augusta National Golf Club From Indigo Fields to Magnolia Lane and the Untold Story of the Men Who Knew Every Blade of Grass “I shall never forget my first visit to the property which is now Augusta National. It seemed that this land had been lying here for years just waiting for someone to lay a golf course upon it.” — Bobby Jones Before the Green Jackets – The Land’s First Stories The history of Augusta National Golf Club has many twists and turns. Every April, the eyes of the golf world turn to a gentle, flower-draped stretch of Augusta, Georgia, where azaleas bloom in shades of pink and coral and the world’s best golfers walk beneath ancient oaks toward a destination that has become the most famous address in the sport. Augusta National Golf Club. Amen Corner. The Masters. Green jackets and birdie roars and Magnolia Lane. But the 365 acres that hold these legends carry stories far older and far more layered than the game of golf — stories of indigo, of peaches, of a Belgian family’s botanical ambitions, and of the Black men who, before anyone chased a trophy here, helped transform this land into what it became. To understand Augusta National fully, you have to begin not in 1934 with the first Masters Tournament, and not even in 1932 when Bobby Jones first walked the property. You have to begin in 1854, when an Irish-born indigo farmer named Dennis Redmond purchased the land and gave it a name that would echo through American horticultural history. Dennis Redmond and the Birth of Fruitland Dennis Redmond was not, by most accounts, a man of great historical fame. He was a practical farmer with an eye for what land could produce, and the 365-acre parcel he purchased from Augusta Judge Benjamin Warren was, in his vision, an opportunity. Redmond grew indigo on the land — the deep blue dye crop that had been essential to the colonial economy of the South for a century before the Civil War made its economic foundations untenable — but he also had grander ambitions. He named the property “Fruitland” and began filling it with life. Peaches, apples, grapes, strawberries, fruit trees of every variety he could obtain. He began construction of a large manor house on the property he called Fruitland Manor — a structure that would eventually become one of the most recognizable buildings in American sports. Believed to be the first concrete house built in the American South, its walls were 18 inches thick, its construction of lime, gravel, and sand. The house had seven rooms downstairs and seven up, and from its grounds one looked out over what Redmond had planted with such care. The property under Redmond was already beginning its transformation from plantation to nursery, from commodity agriculture toward something that would prove far more lasting — a legacy of botanical cultivation that would shape the appearance of an entire region and, eventually, one of the world’s most beautiful golf courses. The Berckmans: Horticulturists, Visionaries, and the Georgia Peach In 1857, a father and son arrived in Augusta from Belgium with dreams of building a world-class nursery. Louis Mathieu Eduard Berckmans and his son Prosper Julius Alphonse had traveled through Europe and America in search of the ideal climate and location for their botanical ambitions. Augusta, with its rich soil, mild winters, strong rail and water transportation links, and proximity to the markets of the Atlantic seaboard, was exactly what they were looking for. The Berckmans initially acquired a fifty percent ownership stake in Redmond’s Fruitland, and within a year, Prosper had assumed full ownership. He completed the construction of the manor house that Redmond had begun, transforming it into the Berckmans family mansion, and he planted along the long approach from Washington Road a double avenue of magnolia trees grown from seed — sixty-one trees that would one day become Magnolia Lane, the most famous driveway in golf. Those magnolia trees, planted in the 1850s, still stand today. Under Prosper Berckmans, Fruitland Nurseries became the most significant horticultural enterprise in the American South. The nursery imported plants from around the world — more than forty varieties of azalea were brought in, popularizing their use throughout the South and creating the flowering landscape that would one day become Augusta’s visual signature. Prosper also developed and improved hundreds of varieties of trees, shrubs, and fruits, and in 1858 he shipped the first commercial consignment of Georgia peaches to the New York market, an act that would launch one of the most important agricultural industries in the state’s history. Prosper Berckmans became known throughout the South as the “Father of Peach Culture.” Under his guidance, Fruitland developed and improved the Chinese Cling variety of peach, which eventually produced the primary commercial varieties that would make Georgia synonymous with the fruit — the Elberta, the Belle, and the Thurber. By 1861, Fruitland was producing over 300 kinds of peaches and countless other fruits and trees. When the first commercial Georgia peaches made their way north to New York City, they were being sold by a man whose family name would one day grace a hole at Augusta National: the fourth hole, named Flowering Peach. HORTICULTURAL LEGACY: The hole names at Augusta National are a direct homage to the Berckmans’ nursery. Each of the 18 holes is named after the flowering plant or shrub associated with it — Tea Olive, Pink Dogwood, Flowering Peach, Magnolia, Azalea, and more. Hole 13, Azalea, is home to over 1,600 azaleas of more than 30 different varieties. The plants that make Augusta National bloom every April in such extraordinary beauty are the living descendants of Prosper Berckmans’ botanical vision. Prosper Berckmans died in 1910, and the family business that bore his vision began to unravel. His will, which divided interests among his children from multiple marriages, created complications that the business could not survive. By 1918, less than a decade after his death, the Fruitland trade name was sold and the nursery formally closed. The land, with its magnolias and azaleas and flowering peaches, fell idle — a beautiful ruin waiting for its next chapter. In 1925, a Miami hotel developer named J. Perry Commodore Stoltz arrived with visions of a fifteen-story winter resort hotel. He poured some concrete foundations and then the Florida hurricane of that autumn swept away both his finances and his ambitions. The property sat idle again through the rest of the 1920s, its magnolias growing taller, its azaleas spreading wild, its manor house standing empty and magnificent — until a retired golfer came looking for a dream. Bobby Jones and the Creation of Augusta National Robert Tyre Jones Jr. was, by any measure, the greatest amateur golfer who ever lived. By the time he retired from competitive golf in 1930 at the age of twenty-eight, he had won thirteen major championships in just eight years, including in 1930 the Grand Slam — the British Amateur, the British Open, the U.S. Amateur, and the U.S. Open in a single calendar year — a feat that had never been accomplished before and has never been equaled since. He had nothing left to prove on the golf course. What he wanted, now, was to build one. Jones had always dreamed of a golf course of his own — a winter club in his native Georgia where friends and fellow golfers could gather in the mild months and play on a course of genuine championship quality. His vision was specific: rolling natural terrain that would challenge the best players in the world while remaining pleasurable for the average golfer. No excessive artificial hazards. Beauty and intelligence in every hole. A course that played the way great courses should — using the land rather than fighting it. His friend Clifford Roberts, a New York investment banker who would become the club’s inaugural chairman and the most powerful figure in its history, suggested Augusta as the location. A mutual friend introduced Jones to the abandoned Fruitland property. When Jones first walked through the magnolia avenue and out onto the rolling grounds, his response was immediate and famous. “I shall never forget my first visit to the property,” he wrote years later in Golf Is My Game. “The long lane of magnolias through which we approached was beautiful. The old manor house with its cupola and walls of masonry two feet thick was charming. The rare trees and shrubs of the old nursery were enchanting. But when I walked out on the grass terrace under the big trees behind the house and looked down over the property, the experience was unforgettable. It seemed that this land had been lying here for years just waiting for someone to lay a golf course upon it.” For $70,000, the property was his. The Fruitland Manor Corporation — whose officers were not initially identified — completed the purchase in June 1931. Weeks later, the Augusta Chronicle announced that Bobby Jones would build his ideal golf course on the Berckmans’ place. Designing the Course — Jones and MacKenzie Jones enlisted Dr. Alister MacKenzie, a Scottish-born golf course architect whose work at Cypress Point in California had already demonstrated a genius for creating courses of extraordinary natural beauty. The two men shared a philosophy: a great golf course should use the land as it finds it, enhancing rather than overriding the natural contours and vegetation. At Augusta, with its rolling hills, ancient trees, and botanical richness, they had the perfect canvas. The course was designed with a particular vision of the ideal golf hole — wide fairways that encouraged aggressive play, undulating greens that rewarded precision and punished carelessness, and a routing that created a sequence

Destination: US Virgin Islands Tourism, Leadership and Legacy There are places that feel far away… and then there are places that feel like an escape—but are closer than you think. Today, we’re heading to the Caribbean—but no passport required. It’s where the U.S. Virgin Islands Tourism, Leadership and Legacy come together. We’re talking about the United States Virgin Islands – a collection of sun-soaked islands where turquoise waters meet rich history, vibrant culture, and a rhythm that invites you to slow down and stay awhile. Now here’s the beauty of it. if you’re a U.S. citizen, traveling to the U.S. Virgin Islands is as easy as flying to another state. No passport. No customs line coming home. Just pack your bags, grab your ID, and you’re on your way to the Caribbean.mThat’s one of those old-school travel perks that still feels like a well-kept secret. The U.S. Virgin Islands are made up of three main islands: St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix, each with its own personality. St. Thomas is lively, known for its harbor views and shopping. St. John is quieter, with much of the island protected as national park land. And St. Croix… well, that’s where history and culture run deep, with a laid-back pace that feels grounded and real. Together, they offer a little something for every kind of traveler. These islands weren’t always American. They were originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples, including the Taino and Carib. Then came European colonization. For over 200 years, these islands were known as the Danish West Indies. In 1917, during World War I, the United States purchased the islands from Denmark for $25 million in gold. That’s when they officially became the U.S. Virgin Islands. And while the flags have changed over time, the culture has remained beautifully layered – African, European, and Caribbean influences all woven together. What truly defines the islands… are the people. The culture of the Virgin Islands is deeply rooted in the heritage of the Gullah-Geechee and Afro-Caribbean traditions – expressed through music, storytelling, food, and festivals. You’ll hear it in the rhythms of calypso and reggae…taste it in dishes like Callaloo, Johnnycakes, and fresh seafood…and feel it in the warmth of the people who call these islands home. There’s a pride that flows through the islands – a connection to land and legacy that you can’t miss. No passport. No stress. Just island time. Coming up next… we’ll dive deeper into what makes each island unique—and where you’ll want to spend your time once you arrive. In the U.S. Virgin Islands, women’s leadership isn’t new… it’s rooted in history. It reaches back to 1878 to the island of St. Croix, and the courage of the legendary Three Queens: Mary, Agnes, and Mathilda. Women who stood up, spoke out, and led the Fireburn uprising, forever shaping a legacy of strength, advocacy, and progress across the islands. And today… that same spirit is alive and well. Leading one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic tourism destinations is an all-women executive team guided by Commissioner Jennifer Matarangas-King, a proud St. Croix native whose leadership continues to elevate the U.S. Virgin Islands on the global stage. Alongside her, Assistant Commissioners Alani Henneman of St. Thomas and Elizabeth Hansen Watley of St. Croix bring deep experience in marketing, communications, and public service. And at the heart of this leadership team, bringing a unique regional perspective is Deputy Commissioner RoseAnne Farrington, originally from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and a woman who has called the Virgin Islands home for more than 25 years. Together, these women are shaping a tourism vision grounded in authenticity, sustainability, and opportunity while honoring the culture and community that make these islands so special. I had the pleasure of sitting down with Rosie Farrington to talk about leadership, legacy, and what it means to carry that spirit forward in the U.S. Virgin Islands. Take a listen.

Destination: Honoring Women’s History Month Ready to go and visit sites where you’ll learn more about each dynamic woman? Here’s your travel guide: QUARTER MILES TRAVEL GUIDE Following the Footsteps of Trailblazing Women Eleanor Roosevelt • Althea Gibson • Jovita Idar • The 6888 ELEANOR ROOSEVELT Leadership, Human Rights & Global Influence  Hyde Park, New York (Primary Hub) Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site (Val-Kill) Address: 54 Valkill Park Rd, Hyde Park, NY 12538 Website: https://www.nps.gov/elro Hours: Grounds open daily (check seasonal hours) Why Go: Her personal home — not ceremonial, but where she lived and worked  Walking trails + exhibits on her activism Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum Address: 4079 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, NY Website: https://www.fdrlibrary.org Why Go: 👉 Deep look into Eleanor’s political and humanitarian role  New York City  United Nations Headquarters Address: 405 E 42nd St, New York, NY Website: https://visit.un.org Why Go: Where she helped shape the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Eleanor Roosevelt Memorial (Riverside Park) Location: W 72nd St & Riverside Drive Why Go:  First monument to an American First Lady Quiet reflection space along the Hudson ALTHEA GIBSON Breaking Barriers in Sports New York City (Harlem Roots) Harlem Neighborhood Courts (Historic Context) Why Go:  Where her talent was first discovered Cultural heartbeat of her early years  Newark, New Jersey Althea Gibson Tennis Complex Address: Branch Brook Park, Newark, NJ Why Go: Active courts named in her honor  Living legacy — not just history East Orange, New Jersey Althea Gibson Statue Location: Elmwood Park Why Go: Tribute to her achievements and impact Newport, Rhode Island  International Tennis Hall of Fame Website: https://www.tennisfame.com Why Go: Honors her global legacy in tennis  Florida (Golf Legacy) LPGA tour sites (various locations) Why Go: Her second act — breaking barriers in golf JOVITA IDAR Mexican American Civil Rights Institute Address:  2123 Buena Vista St.  San Antonio, TX Website:  https://www.somosmacri.org Why Go:  Exhibits of Mexican American history – places and people Journalism, Justice & Courage Laredo, Texas Webb County Heritage Foundation Address: 810 Zaragoza St, Laredo, TX Website: https://www.webbheritage.org Why Go: Context for Mexican American history and activism Historic Downtown Laredo Experience: Self-guided walking tour Why Go:  Site of her family newspaper La Crónica Where she stood in the doorway against injustice Texas A&M International University Archives + regional history collections This stop is about feeling her courage where it happened. San Antonio Tourism Visit San Antonio  THE 6888 (SIX TRIPLE EIGHT) Service, Sacrifice & Delivering Hope  Fort Leavenworth, Kansas Training Grounds Why Go:  Where the unit prepared for deployment New Orleans, Louisiana  National WWII Museum Address: 945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA Website: https://www.nationalww2museum.org Hours: Typically 9 AM – 5 PM Why Go:  Exhibits on African American military service  Arlington, Virginia  Women in Military Service Memorial Address: Arlington National Cemetery Website: https://womensmemorial.org Why Go:  Honors the legacy of women like the 6888 International Stop (Optional Extension)  Birmingham, England Why Go:  Where they cleared millions of pieces of mail during WWII 🧭 TRAVEL THEMES Eleanor Roosevelt → Leadership & global impact Althea Gibson → Breaking barriers in sports Jovita Idar → Standing up for justice 6888 → Service and unseen sacrifice  Different paths… same truth: They moved history forward.  SUGGESTED TRAVEL ROUTE EAST COAST JOURNEY NYC → Hyde Park → Newark/East Orange → Newport SOUTHERN ROUTE Laredo, TX → New Orleans, LA NATIONAL LOOP Add Kansas (Fort Leavenworth) + Washington, DC Extended City Visits  ELEANOR ROOSEVELT – HYDE PARK, NY & NEW YORK CITY  Primary City: Hyde Park, New York Theme: Leadership, Reflection, Global Impact  Must-Visit Stops Eleanor Roosevelt National Historic Site (Val-Kill)  54 Valkill Park Rd, Hyde Park, NY  https://www.nps.gov/elro  Check seasonal hours Her personal home — intimate, authentic, and powerful Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum  4079 Albany Post Rd, Hyde Park, NY  https://www.fdrlibrary.org Deep dive into her global influence Add-On: New York City (1.5–2 hrs away) United Nations Headquarters  405 E 42nd St, NYC  https://visit.un.org  Where she helped shape human rights Eleanor Roosevelt Memorial – Riverside Park W 72nd St & Riverside Drive Quiet, reflective stop Suggested 1–2 Day  Morning: Val-Kill + trails Afternoon: FDR Library Next Day: NYC → UN + Memorial  ALTHEA GIBSON – NEW YORK & NEW JERSEY  Primary City: New York City (Harlem) Theme: Grit, Talent, Breaking Barriers Must-Visit Stops Harlem Neighborhood (Historic Roots)  Where her talent was discovered Walk the neighborhood, soak in culture Add-On: Newark & East Orange, NJ Althea Gibson Tennis Complex  Branch Brook Park, Newark, NJ  Active courts — living legacy Althea Gibson Statue – Elmwood Park  East Orange, NJ Tribute to her achievements  Suggested 1–2 Day  Day 1: Harlem exploration Day 2: Newark + East Orange stops Optional Extension International Tennis Hall of Fame – Newport, RI  https://www.tennisfame.com JOVITA IDAR – LAREDO, TEXAS  Primary City: Laredo, Texas Theme: Courage, Journalism, Community Voice Must-Visit Stops Mexican American Civil Rights Institute 2123 Buena Vista St.  San Antonio, TX https://www.somosmacri.org Webb County Heritage Foundation  810 Zaragoza St, Laredo, TX https://www.webbheritage.org  Local history + cultural context Historic Downtown Laredo (Walking Experience)  Site of La Crónica newspaper  Where she stood against injustice  This is a walk-it-yourself history lesson Texas A&M International University (Archives) Regional history + research Suggested 1-Day Flow Morning: Heritage Foundation Midday: Downtown walking tour Afternoon: University archives or cultural stops THE 6888 – MULTI-CITY EXPERIENCE  Primary City: Washington, DC / Arlington, VA Theme: Service, Sacrifice, Recognition Must-Visit Stops Women in Military Service for America Memorial  Arlington National Cemetery  https://womensmemorial.org Honors women like the 6888  Add-On Cities Fort Leavenworth, Kansas  Training site National WWII Museum – New Orleans 945 Magazine St, New Orleans, LA  https://www.nationalww2museum.org ~9 AM – 5 PM  Deep WWII context Optional International Stop Birmingham, England  Where they completed their mission Suggested 2–3 Day  Day 1: DC + Arlington Day 2: Add museum (New Orleans or Kansas) Optional: International extension

Travel Guide: Lady Liberty and Her Little Sisters Across America A Quarter Miles Travel Companion Guide For travelers inspired by Lady Liberty’s story, there’s more to explore than just New York Harbor. From the towering original to the smaller replicas placed across America by the Boy Scouts of America, these monuments offer a fascinating journey through American history, civic pride, and community spirit. Think of this guide as a “Liberty Trail” — where each stop reveals a different chapter of the story. Stop 1: The Original – Statue of Liberty, New York  Statue of Liberty – Liberty Island, New York No Liberty journey begins anywhere else. Dedicated in 1886, the statue titled Liberty Enlightening the World was a gift from France celebrating American independence, the abolition of slavery, and the friendship between the two nations. What to Experience Pedestal Museum – tells the story of the statue’s construction and symbolism Original Torch Exhibit – the original torch replaced during the 1986 restoration Crown Climb – 354 steps to the crown’s 25 windows overlooking the harbor Fort Wood – the star-shaped military fort beneath the pedestal built before the War of 1812 Traveler Tip Ferries depart from Battery Park in Manhattan and Liberty State Park in New Jersey. Crown access tickets sell out weeks ahead. Stop 2: Ellis Island – The Immigration Story  Ellis Island Just a short ferry ride away lies the gateway through which more than 12 million immigrants entered the United States between 1892 and 1954. For many of them, Lady Liberty was the first sight of America. What to See Ellis Island National Immigration Museum Registry Room (“Great Hall”) where immigrants were processed Family history research center Don’t Miss Look out the harbor windows — you’ll see the Statue of Liberty standing watch. Stop 3: Atlanta – Georgia’s Little Sister of Liberty  Georgia State Capitol Standing near Liberty Plaza is one of the Boy Scouts’ 1951 Liberty replicas. At about 8½ feet tall, it’s part of the nationwide “Strengthen the Arm of Liberty” project that placed more than 200 statues across America. Why It’s Special This statue reminds visitors that patriotism and civic pride were central themes during the early Cold War era when the project launched. Stop 4: Overland Park, Kansas – A Schoolyard Liberty  Shawnee Mission North High School Kansas once had 26 of the Little Sister statues. One still stands at this high school campus, greeting students each day — a daily reminder of civic ideals. Interesting Note Many of these statues were donated by local Scout troops and installed during community dedication ceremonies in the early 1950s. Stop 5: Lincoln, Nebraska – Liberty in a Veterans Garden Antelope Park – Veterans Memorial Garden Dedicated in 1951, Lincoln’s Little Sister of Liberty has moved several times but now stands in a peaceful memorial garden honoring American service members. Unique Detail A time capsule placed at the statue’s original dedication was moved along with the monument through the years. Stop 6: Mackinac Island, Michigan – Liberty in a Historic Resort Town  Downtown Mackinac Island This Little Sister statue sits in one of America’s most charming historic destinations — a place where cars are banned and horse-drawn carriages still roam the streets. Travel Bonus Combine your visit with: Mackinac Island State Park Fort Mackinac The island’s famous fudge shops Stop 7: Paragould, Arkansas – Liberty as a War Memorial Greene County Courthouse Square This statue became one of the first replicas used as a memorial to fallen soldiers, honoring local service members who died in World War I. It shows how communities adapted Liberty’s meaning to their own history. Stop 8: Washington, D.C. – The Newest Sister from France  French Ambassador’s Residence In 2021, France sent a 10-foot replica of the Statue of Liberty to the United States on loan. The statue sailed across the Atlantic, passed her “big sister” in New York Harbor, visited Ellis Island, and now stands in Washington until 2031. It was created using the same 1878 plaster model sculptor Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi used to design the original statue. Fun Liberty Travel Facts Here are a few things to watch for when visiting Lady Liberty or her replicas: • The original statue’s copper skin is only about two pennies thick • She can sway up to three inches in strong winds • Lightning strikes the statue hundreds of times each year • Her crown’s seven rays represent the seven seas and continents • She is stepping forward — symbolizing progress toward liberty Plan Your Own Liberty Trail If you want to turn this into a travel adventure, here’s a simple Liberty Road Trip idea: New York City – Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island ↓ Washington, D.C. – French replica ↓ Atlanta – Georgia State Capitol replica ↓ Arkansas / Kansas / Nebraska – Little Sisters across the Midwest ↓ Michigan – Mackinac Island Liberty Each stop tells a different part of the story. Why This Journey Matters The Statue of Liberty is more than a monument. She is an idea. And through the Boy Scouts’ “Little Sisters of Liberty,” that idea spread far beyond New York Harbor — into neighborhoods, parks, schools, and town squares across the nation. Different sizes. Same message. Liberty belongs everywhere. Atlanta, Georgia – State Capitol Overland Park, Kansas – Shawnee Mission North High School Lincoln, Nebraska – Antelope Park Paragould, Arkansas – Courthouse Square Pine Bluff & Fayetteville, Arkansas Cheyenne, Wyoming New Castle, Pennsylvania Mackinac Island, Michigan Washington, D.C. – 2021 French replica Kansas roadside replica area  Liberty isn’t just in New York Harbor, she’s scattered across the American landscape. Ready for a scavenger hunt to find other Little Sisters? Find a “Little Sister of Liberty” A Quarter Miles Travel Scavenger Hunt Guide Travel With Annita Listener Adventure Across America, more than 200 smaller replicas of the Statue of Liberty were placed in communities by the Boy Scouts of America between 1949 and 1952 as part of their patriotic campaign “Strengthen the Arm of Liberty.” Today, more than a hundred of these statues still exist — quietly standing in parks, courthouse lawns, schoolyards, and town squares. This scavenger hunt turns your travels into a fun discovery mission: find the Little Sisters of Liberty scattered across the country. How the Liberty Scavenger Hunt Works When you visit a Little Sister statue, see if you can check off the following: ✅ Take a photo with the statue ✅ Find the dedication plaque ✅ Look for the crown spikes and torch ✅ Measure or estimate the statue height ✅ Learn the story of why your town installed it ✅ Share your photo using #LittleSistersOfLiberty Bonus points if you discover when the statue was dedicated — many were installed between 1949 and 1952. Liberty Trail Starter Locations Here are some great places to begin your scavenger hunt. Atlanta, Georgia 📍 Georgia State Capitol An 8½-foot copper Liberty statue stands near Liberty Plaza. Dedicated in 1951, it’s one of the best preserved replicas from the Boy Scouts project. Scavenger clue: Look for the plaque referencing “Strengthen the Arm of Liberty.” Overland Park, Kansas 📍 Shawnee Mission North High School Kansas once had 26 Liberty replicas scattered across the state. This statue still greets students every day on campus. Scavenger clue: Count the seven spikes on the crown — just like the original statue. Lincoln, Nebraska 📍 Antelope Park – Veterans Memorial Garden Originally dedicated in 1951, this statue has moved several times but now stands in a peaceful memorial garden honoring military service. Scavenger clue: Find the Veterans Memorial Garden marker near the statue. Mackinac Island, Michigan 📍 Downtown Mackinac Island This Little Sister stands in one of America’s most charming historic destinations — an island where cars are banned and horse-drawn carriages rule the streets. Scavenger clue: Capture a photo with both the statue and a horse carriage in the background. Paragould, Arkansas 📍 Greene County Courthouse Square One of the earliest Liberty replicas used as a memorial to fallen soldiers. Scavenger clue: Look for plaques honoring local veterans. Cheyenne, Wyoming 📍 Historic downtown area In 1998, Boy Scout Troop 101 launched a nationwide search to locate the remaining statues and document their history. Scavenger clue: Find out how Troop 101 helped rediscover these statues. New Castle, Pennsylvania 📍 City Square Another surviving Little Sister statue that stands as a community landmark. Scavenger clue: Look for surrounding historic buildings and monuments nearby. Ultimate Liberty Challenge If you’re a true Liberty explorer, see how many of these you can visit: Georgia Arkansas Kansas Nebraska Michigan Pennsylvania Wyoming Texas California Puerto Rico Hawaii Some travelers have discovered more than 20 statues during their journeys. Liberty Photo Challenge Try recreating the pose of the statue when you visit. 🗽 Raise one arm like the torch 📸 Take a photo beside the statue 🌎 Tag your location It’s a fun way to bring Lady Liberty’s spirit into your travels. Why These Statues Matter The Boy Scouts created the Little Sisters of Liberty to remind Americans that freedom isn’t just a national symbol. It’s a local responsibility. In big cities and small towns… In parks and schoolyards… Across courthouses and community squares. Each statue quietly carries t

Buffalo Soldiers Travel Guide: Places to Visit, Learn & Experience This show features the U.S. Mint Texas State Quarter. "The Texas quarter is the third of 2004 and the 28th in the 50 State Quarters Program. The quarters are issued in the order the states were admitted into the Union. On December 29, 1845, Texas became the 28th state to be admitted into the Union. The Texas quarter incorporates the distinctive outline of the State with a superimposed star and the inscription, "The Lone Star State." The lariat encircling the design is symbolic of the cattle and cowboy history of Texas and the frontier spirit." - U.S. Mint  Let's hit the road with the Buffalo Soldiers travel guide filled with places to visit, learn and reflect. It's all below. Here's a Buffalo Soldiers travel guide with places to visit, learn and experience more about their legacy. They served for over 80 years across the American frontier, protecting roads, building infrastructure, and even serving as the first national park rangers. TEXAS Essential Core Buffalo Soldiers Sites 1. Fort Davis National Historic Site Official Website Location: Fort Davis, TexasWhy visit: One of the best-preserved Buffalo Soldiers forts in America. What you’ll experience: Original barracks and officer quarters Living history demonstrations Exhibits on the 9th and 10th Cavalry Buffalo Soldiers stationed here protected travelers, escorted mail, and built telegraph lines across West Texas. 2. Buffalo Soldiers National Museum Location: Houston, TexasWebsite: https://buffalosoldiersmuseum.org What you’ll experience: Uniforms, weapons, and artifacts Interactive exhibits Full Buffalo Soldiers historical timeline This is the only museum in the U.S. dedicated primarily to Buffalo Soldiers. 3. Fort Concho National Historic Landmark Location: San Angelo, TexasWebsite: https://fortconcho.com What you’ll experience: Original cavalry barracks Parade grounds Living history programs Buffalo Soldiers from the 10th Cavalry served here. 4. Fort Bliss & Buffalo Soldiers Memorial Location: El Paso, TexasWebsite: https://home.army.mil/bliss What you’ll experience: Buffalo Soldiers memorial statue Military heritage exhibits CALIFORNIA Buffalo Soldiers as National Park Rangers Buffalo Soldiers were among the first park rangers, protecting Yosemite and Sequoia National Parks. 5. Yosemite National Park Website: https://www.nps.gov/yose What you’ll experience: Interpretive exhibits on Buffalo Soldiers Historic ranger patrol routes 6. Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks Website: https://www.nps.gov/seki Buffalo Soldiers built roads and protected giant sequoia groves. ARIZONA & NEW MEXICO Frontier Military Sites 7. Fort Huachuca Buffalo Soldiers Museum Location: Sierra Vista, ArizonaWebsite: https://home.army.mil/huachuca Home of the legendary 10th Cavalry. 8. Fort Bayard Historic District Location: Fort Bayard, New MexicoWebsite: https://fortbayard.org Buffalo Soldiers protected settlers and patrolled frontier territory here. KANSAS Where Buffalo Soldiers Were Formed 9. Fort Leavenworth Location: Leavenworth, KansasWebsite: https://home.army.mil/leavenworth Buffalo Soldiers regiments were formed and trained here after the Civil War. MONTANA & WYOMING 10. Yellowstone National Park Website: https://www.nps.gov/yell Buffalo Soldiers served as park rangers before the National Park Service existed. OKLAHOMA 11. Fort Sill National Historic Landmark & Museum Location: Lawton, OklahomaWebsite: https://sill-www.army.mil Buffalo Soldiers played key roles in frontier patrols. NEBRASKA 12. Fort Robinson State Park Location: Crawford, NebraskaWebsite: https://outdoornebraska.gov Home of the famous 9th Cavalry. NATIONAL & MAJOR MUSEUMS 13. National Museum of African American History and Culture Location: Washington, DCWebsite: https://nmaahc.si.edu Buffalo Soldiers exhibits, artifacts, and uniforms. 14. Smithsonian National Museum of American History Location: Washington, DCWebsite: https://americanhistory.si.edu Military history collections include Buffalo Soldiers. COLORADO 15. Fort Garland Museum Location: Fort Garland, ColoradoWebsite: https://fortgarlandmuseum.org Buffalo Soldiers protected settlers and mail routes here. OTHER KEY HISTORIC ROUTES & EXPERIENCES Buffalo Soldiers Heritage Trail In Multiple states Website: https://www.nps.gov/subjects/buffalosoldiers/index.htm Includes historic routes across: -Texas -New Mexico -Arizona -California BEST SINGLE DESTINATION FOR EXPERIENCING THE BUFFALO SOLDIERS If choosing one place: Fort Davis National Historic Site (Texas)This is one of the most complete and authentic Buffalo Soldiers experiences in America. BEST OVERALL BUFFALO SOLDIERS TRAVEL ITINERARY ROUTE Texas → New Mexico → Arizona → California This follows the actual frontier path Buffalo Soldiers rode. Places with Living Buffalo Soldiers Programs Fort Davis, TX Fort Huachuca, AZ Yosemite National Park Buffalo Soldiers National Museum, Houston

Destination: President's Day Little Known Presidential Stories For President's Day, it's the perfect time to share a few " President's Day Little Known Presidential stories - some funny and some will have you saying, "I didn't know that." Take a listen to the show filled with stories. And, start planning a journey to see the many Presidential sites, monuments, libraries and childhood homes around the country. Presidential U.S. Mint Coin and Medals U.S. Mint creates commemorative coins and medals for each of our Presidents. The Franklin Delano Roosevelt medal features a side profile of the president.       2015 Presidential Dollar Coin Lyndon B. Johnson Some coins are not circulated while others are. This commemorative coin features the 36th president and his term from 1963-1969. 2015 Presidential Dollar Coin features Harry S. Truman our 33rd president from 1945-1953. Listen to the recording to hear a very funny story about him and his library. President Woodrow Wilson is featured on a U.S. Mint Commemorative Coin. The story of his youth and Georgia boyhood home are featured on the show. Take a listen. Presidential Libraries & Museums These are the official archival libraries and museums that preserve each president’s papers, artifacts, and exhibits on their life and presidency.  Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum Location: West Branch, Iowa -Description: Museum & archives dedicated to President Hoover’s life and public service. -Website: /https://hoover.archives.gov -Hours: Vary seasonally; check website. Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum Location: Hyde Park, New York -Description: America’s first presidential library, housing FDR’s papers and exhibits. -Website: https://www.fdrlibrary.org -Hours: Typically 10 am–5 pm (check site).  Harry S. Truman Presidential Library & Museum -Location: Independence, Missouri -Website: https://www.trumanlibrary.gov Dwight D. Eisenhower Presidential Library, Museum & Boyhood Home -Location: Abilene, Kansas -Website: https://www.eisenhower.archives.gov John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum Location: Boston, Massachusetts Website: https://www.jfklibrary.org Lyndon B. Johnson Presidential Library & Museum -Location: Austin, Texas -Website: https://www.lbjlibrary.org Richard Nixon Presidential Library & Museum -Location: Yorba Linda, California (plus materials at College Park, MD) -Website: https://www.nixonlibrary.gov Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum- Locations: Ann Arbor, MI (Library) & Grand Rapids, MI (Museum) -Website: https://www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum -Location: Atlanta, Georgia -Website: https://www.jimmycarterlibrary.gov Ronald Reagan Presidential Library & Museum -Location: Simi Valley, California -Website: https://www.reaganlibrary.gov George Bush Presidential Library & Museum -Location: College Station, Texas -Website: https://www.bush41.org William J. Clinton Presidential Library & Museum -Location: Little Rock, Arkansas -Website: https://www.clintonlibrary.gov George W. Bush Presidential Library & Museum -Location: Dallas, Texas -Website: https://www.bushcenter.org Barack Obama Presidential Library -Location: Chicago, Illinois (Library in development) -Website: https://www.obama.org/presidential-center Presidential Homes, Birthplaces & Historic Sites These are historic homes, childhood homes, parks, and national historic sites where presidents were born, raised, lived, studied, or shaped their early years. Many have guided tours, interpretive exhibits, and historical programs.  Adams National Historical Park Location: Quincy, Massachusetts Description: Preserves the homes of Presidents John Adams and John Quincy Adams, plus family buildings. Website: https://www.nps.gov/adam.   Hours: Seasonal; check NPS site.  James K. Polk Home & Museum Location: Columbia, Tennessee Description: Home & museum of the 11th president; guided tours available. Website: https://www.jameskpolk.com.    Hours: Vary by season.  Jimmy Carter National Historical Park Location: Plains, Georgia Description: Comprehensive site including Carter’s residences, boyhood farm, school, and railroad depot. Website: https://www.nps.gov/jica.    Hours: Typically daily; check online.  James A. Garfield National Historic Site Location: Mentor, Ohio Description: Garfield’s estate and early presidential library. Website: https://www.nps.gov/gafo     Hours: Seasonal; check NPS.  The White House (Washington, D.C.) Description: The People’s House and primary presidential residence. Public tours require advance reservations. Website: https://www.whitehouse.gov/about-the-white-house/tours-events Smithsonian National Museum of American History (Washington, D.C.) Description: Exhibits on U.S. presidents, including Lincoln memorabilia and artifacts. Website: https://americanhistory.si.edu Roosevelt’s Little White House Historic Site (FDR’s Retreat) Location: Warm Springs, Georgia What you’ll experience: FDR’s personal retreat, museum exhibits, and the setting tied to his final days. Hours: 9:00 a.m.–4:45 p.m. daily (last entry typically near closing); closed major holidays. Website:  Visit Roosevelt’s Little White House Official Site Boyhood Home of President Woodrow Wilson Location: Augusta, Georgia What you’ll experience: Guided tours interpreting Wilson’s early life in the post–Civil War South. Hours: Wednesday–Saturday 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (tours on the hour; lunch closure typically 12–1). Website:  Visit Woodrow Wilson Boyhood Home Official Site Woodrow Wilson Presidential Library & Museum Location: Staunton, Virginia What you’ll experience: Museum, archives, and campus exploring Wilson’s life and presidency. Hours: Typically 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (check site for weather closures or seasonal changes). Website: https://www.woodrowwilson.org George Washington’s Mount Vernon Location: Mount Vernon, Virginia What you’ll experience: Mansion, grounds, museum, and extensive interpretation including the enslaved community. Hours:  Apr–Oct: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.  and  Nov–Mar: 9 a.m.–4 p.m. Website: https://www.mountvernon.org Monticello (Thomas Jefferson) Location: Near Charlottesville, Virginia What you’ll experience: Jefferson’s home, exhibitions, and major interpretation of slavery and plantation life. Hours: Seasonal / variable — daily calendar posted online. Website: https://www.monticello.org Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage Location: Nashville, Tennessee What you’ll experience: Mansion tours, grounds, and museum interpretation of Jackson’s life and era. Hours: Typically 9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (last ticket ~3:00 p.m.). Website: https://thehermitage.com Lincoln Home National Historic Site Location: Springfield, Illinois What you’ll experience: Lincoln’s preserved neighborhood and ranger-guided home tours. Hours: Visitor Center usually 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Website: https://www.nps.gov/liho Harry S. Truman National Historic Site Location: Independence, Missouri What you’ll experience: Truman home tours plus related family and political sites. Hours: Typically open Wednesday–Sunday (verify seasonal schedule). Website: Visit Truman National Historic Site (NPS) Eisenhower National Historic Site Location: Gettysburg, Pennsylvania What you’ll experience: Eisenhower’s farm and interpretation of Cold War-era leadership and personal life. Hours: Grounds generally sunrise–sunset (home tours seasonal). Website: https://www.nps.gov/eise Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site Location: Manhattan, New York City What you’ll experience: Recreated childhood home with guided tours and exhibits. Hours: Visitor Center typically Wednesday–Sunday, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Website: Visit Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace (NPS) Sagamore Hill National Historic Site (TR Home) Location: Oyster Bay, New York What you’ll experience: Roosevelt’s “Summer White House,” museum exhibits, and grounds. Hours: Grounds sunrise to sunset; museum and home tours scheduled (often reservation-based). Website: https://www.nps.gov/sahi/index.htm Presidential Homes & Residences (National Parks) Lincoln Home National Historic Site President: Abraham Lincoln What you’ll experience: Lincoln’s only owned home; ranger-led tours of the house and neighborhood Hours: Typically 9 a.m.–5 p.m. (free tickets required) Website: https://www.nps.gov/liho Harry S. Truman National Historic Site President: Harry S. Truman What you’ll experience: Truman’s longtime home and related buildings Hours: Wed–Sun; seasonal variations Website: https://www.nps.gov/hstr Eisenhower National Historic Site President: Dwight D. Eisenhower What you’ll experience: Eisenhower’s farm, his “weekend White House” Hours: Grounds open daily; house tours ticketed Website: https://www.nps.gov/eise Theodore Roosevelt Birthplace National Historic Site President: Theodore Roosevelt What you’ll experience: Reconstructed boyhood home with guided tours Hours: Wed–Sun, 10 a.m.–4 p.m. Website: https://www.nps.gov/thrb Sagamore Hill National Historic Site President: Theodore Roosevelt What you’ll experience: Roosevelt’s Long Island home and grounds Hours: Grounds daily; house tours seasonal Website: https://www.nps.gov/sahi Presidential Memorials (National Parks) Lincoln Memorial President: Abraham Lincoln Hours: Open 24 hours Website: https://www.nps.gov/linc Thomas Jefferson Memorial President: Thomas Jefferson Hours: Open 24 hours Website: https://www.nps.gov/thje Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial President: FDR Hours: Open 24 hours Website: https://www.nps.gov/frde Dwight D. Eisenhower Memorial President: Dwight D. Eisenhower Hours: Open 24 hours Website: https://www.nps.gov/ddem ...

Destination:  Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Life and Legacy Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. -  legacy and leadership can be visited and experienced around the U.S. During our country's semiquincentennial (America's 250th birthday) it's the perfect time to explore and visit our historic sites. America's stories are told in the places listed below. A Traveler’s Guide to His Life & Legacy Museums • Homes • Churches • Memorials • Historic Trails 1. Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park Address: 450 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 Website: https://www.nps.gov/malu Phone: (404) 331‑5190 Historic Tenet: Preserves the heart of Dr. King’s early life and ministry — birthplace, church, and neighborhood that shaped the philosophy of nonviolence and justice. Suggested Visit Length: 2–3 hours U.S. Mint Coin Connection: 2018 Martin Luther King Jr. $1 Coin — issued to honor his leadership and legacy in the Civil Rights Movement. 2. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birth Home Address: 501 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 Website: https://www.nps.gov/malu/planyourvisit/birthhome.htm Phone: (404) 331‑5190 Historic Tenet: The home where Dr. King was born in 1929 and spent his childhood, shaped by faith, discipline, and a deep sense of social responsibility. Suggested Visit Length: 45 minutes – 1 hour U.S. Mint Coin Connection: 2018 Martin Luther King Jr. $1 Coin 3. The King Center (Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change) Address: 449 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 Website: https://thekingcenter.org Phone: (404) 526‑8900 Historic Tenet: Houses Dr. King’s tomb and archives and promotes his philosophy of nonviolent social change worldwide. Suggested Visit Length: 1–2 hours U.S. Mint Coin Connection: 2018 Martin Luther King Jr. $1 Coin; 1994 Civil Rights Act Commemorative Silver Dollar — honoring legislative triumphs born from King’s movement. 4. Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church Address: 407 Auburn Ave NE, Atlanta, GA 30312 Website: https://www.nps.gov/malu/planyourvisit/ebenezer.htm Phone: (404) 688‑7300 Historic Tenet: Spiritual home of the King family and pulpit where Dr. King preached equality, dignity, and moral courage. Suggested Visit Length: 30–45 minutes U.S. Mint Coin Connection: 2018 Martin Luther King Jr. $1 Coin ***5. National Civil Rights Museum (Lorraine Motel) - Highlighted on our show Address: 450 Mulberry St, Memphis, TN 38103 Website: https://www.civilrightsmuseum.org Phone: (901) 521‑9699 Historic Tenet: Built around the Lorraine Motel, site of Dr. King’s assassination. Chronicles slavery, segregation, resistance, and the final chapter of King’s life. Suggested Visit Length: 2–3 hours U.S. Mint Coin Connection: 2018 Martin Luther King Jr. $1 Coin; 1994 Civil Rights Act Silver Dollar 6. Mason Temple (Church of God in Christ) Address: 938 Mason St, Memphis, TN 38126 Website: https://cogic.org Phone: (901) 946‑5013 Historic Tenet: Site of Dr. King’s final speech, “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop,” delivered the night before his assassination. Suggested Visit Length: 30–45 minutes U.S. Mint Coin Connection: 2018 Martin Luther King Jr. $1 Coin 7. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Address: 1964 Independence Ave SW, Washington, DC 20024 Website: https://www.nps.gov/mlkm Phone: (202) 426‑6841 Historic Tenet: The monumental “Stone of Hope” honors King’s leadership between the Lincoln and Jefferson memorials — a symbolic bridge of American freedom. Suggested Visit Length: 30 minutes – 1 hour U.S. Mint Coin Connection: 2018 Martin Luther King Jr. $1 Coin 8. Lincoln Memorial Address: 2 Lincoln Memorial Cir NW, Washington, DC 20037 Website: https://www.nps.gov/linc Phone: (202) 426‑6841 Historic Tenet: Site of the 1963 March on Washington and the “I Have a Dream” speech — one of the defining moments in American history. Suggested Visit Length: 30–45 minutes U.S. Mint Coin Connection: 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial Cents — honoring the legacy King invoked in his speech. 9. Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church Address: 410 Martin Luther King St, Selma, AL 36701 Website: https://brownchapelame.org Phone: (334) 874‑2650 Historic Tenet: Headquarters of the Selma Voting Rights Movement and launch point of the marches that changed American democracy. Suggested Visit Length: 30–45 minutes U.S. Mint Coin Connection: 1994 Civil Rights Act Silver Dollar 10. Edmund Pettus Bridge Address: U.S. Highway 80, Selma, AL 36701 Website: https://www.nps.gov/semo Phone: (334) 877‑1989 Historic Tenet: Site of “Bloody Sunday,” whose violence shocked the nation and led directly to the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Suggested Visit Length: 20–30 minutes U.S. Mint Coin Connection: 1994 Civil Rights Act Silver Dollar 11. Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church Address: 454 Dexter Ave, Montgomery, AL 36104 Website: https://www.dexterkingmemorial.org Phone: (334) 263‑3970 Historic Tenet: Dr. King’s first pastorate and command center of the Montgomery Bus Boycott — where a young minister became a national leader. Suggested Visit Length: 30–45 minutes U.S. Mint Coin Connection: 1994 Civil Rights Act Silver Dollar 12. Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail Address (Trail Start): Brown Chapel A.M.E., Selma, AL Website: https://www.nps.gov/semo Phone: (334) 877‑1989 Historic Tenet: The 54‑mile pilgrimage route of the 1965 voting rights marches — a living monument to courage and citizenship. Suggested Visit Length: Half‑day to full‑day (select segments) U.S. Mint Coin Connection: 1994 Civil Rights Act Silver Dollar 13. Morehouse College – Martin Luther King Jr. International Chapel & Campus Address: 830 Westview Dr SW, Atlanta, GA 30314 Website: https://www.morehouse.eduMLK Chapel Info: https://morehouse.edu/about/chapel/ Phone: (404) 681-2800 Historic Tenet:Morehouse College is where Dr. King’s intellect, theology, and leadership were forged. As a student here in the 1940s, King studied under legendary educators and sharpened the moral philosophy that would guide the Civil Rights Movement. The MLK International Chapel stands as a spiritual and academic monument to his legacy and the global struggle for justice. Suggested Visit Length: 45 minutes – 1 hour 14. Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Birthplace & Museum Address: 1635 Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Dr, Greenwood, SC 29646 Website: https://www.benjaminemayshistoricpreservation.org Phone: (864) 223-5397 Historic Tenet:Dr. Benjamin E. Mays was the towering intellectual and spiritual mentor to Dr. King — often called “the schoolmaster of the movement.” As president of Morehouse College, Mays shaped King’s theology, discipline, and philosophy of nonviolence. This modest birthplace museum tells the story of the man who taught King how to think, lead, and stand morally unshaken. Without Mays, there is no King. Suggested Visit Length: 30–45 minutes One‑Page MLK Travel Map – Classic Civil Rights Pilgrimage ATLANTA, GEORGIA Birth Home → Ebenezer Baptist Church → The King Center → National Historical Park Time Needed: 1–2 days MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE Mason Temple → Lorraine Motel / National Civil Rights Museum Time Needed: 1 full day ALABAMA CORRIDOR Montgomery (Dexter Avenue Church) → Selma (Brown Chapel & Edmund Pettus Bridge) → Selma‑to‑Montgomery Trail Time Needed: 1–2 days WASHINGTON, D.C. Lincoln Memorial → Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial → National Mall Time Needed: Half day Featured U.S. Mint Coins for the Journey 2018 Martin Luther King Jr. $1 Coin – Primary commemorative honoring Dr. King 1994 Civil Rights Act Commemorative Silver Dollar – Celebrates the movement King helped lead 2009 Lincoln Bicentennial Cents – Connects King’s dream to Lincoln’s promise My favorite medal with Dr. King and Coretta Scott King Minted by the U.S. Mint is: U.S. Mint Bronze Medal — Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. & Coretta Scott King It is all about - Love, Leadership, and the Legacy of a Movement Official Name - Martin Luther King Jr. & Coretta Scott King Bronze Medal The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Bronze Medal is a bronze duplicate of the Congressional Gold Medal awarded posthumously to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King in recognition of their many contributions to the Nation on behalf of the civil rights movement. This rare U.S. Mint bronze medal honors not only the leadership of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., but the partnership that sustained a movement. Coretta Scott King was far more than a supportive spouse — she was a strategist, organizer, activist, and international ambassador for justice. After Dr. King’s assassination, she became the chief guardian of his legacy, founding The King Center and expanding the global reach of nonviolent change. The medal’s dual portrait captures something no monument ever quite does:  a marriage that helped move a nation. Together, Martin and Coretta King represent faith and courage, intellect and compassion, protest and perseverance — the human partnership behind the Civil Rights Movement. Here's a bit about the metal design: Obverse:Facing portraits of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, rendered in dignified profile — a rare joint tribute honoring both leadership and legacy. Reverse:Inscriptions honoring peace, justice, and civil rights, often featuring symbolic laurel wreaths and commemorative wording celebrating their shared contribution to American history. I think this medal matters during our semiquincentennial because most U.S. Mint tributes honor individuals. This one honors a movement marriage.It recognizes: The power of partnership in leadership The indispensable role of women in civil rights The transition of the movement from protest to preservation after 1968 In Quarter Miles Travel terms — this is not just a coin....

Destination: History of American Coinage The History of American coinage will start as the United States begins preparing for a major milestone: the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding in 2026. One of the first federal institutions to mark that moment is the United States Mint—through a new series of commemorative and circulating coins.To help introduce these designs, Kristie McNally, Acting Director of the United States Mint, at the official unveiling held in Philadelphia on December 10th shared history and what to expect in 2026. The U.S. Mint was established in 1792, just a few years after independence, with a purpose that went beyond producing currency. It was designed to express national identity—through symbols, inscriptions, and the very act of issuing a standardized national coinage. As Acting Director McNally explained, commemorative coin programs allow the Mint to do what it has done for more than two centuries: connect history to the present in tangible form. For the nation’s semiquincentennial, the Mint is releasing a series of coins in 2026 that honor the founding principles of the United States, the people who shaped its early history, and the values that continue to define it. These issues include both circulating coins—designed to reach everyday Americans—and special commemorative coins produced in limited quantities for collectors. What makes this program distinctive is its national scope. Rather than focusing on a single event or individual, the 250th anniversary series reflects the broader story of the country: liberty, representation, innovation, and civic life. The Mint has confirmed that many of the 2026 designs will enter general circulation, meaning Americans will encounter them in daily transactions. Other pieces—such as proof editions, silver, and gold commemoratives—will be available directly through the U.S. Mint’s official website and select authorized distributors. As Director McNally emphasized, these coins are intended not only for collectors, but for the public—designed to be seen, used, and shared as part of the national anniversary. Throughout American history, coins have marked defining moments—from the first commemoratives of the 1893 World’s Fair to the bicentennial designs of 1976. The 1892 Columbian Exposition Half Dollar is recognized as the first official commemorative coin produced by the U.S. Mint. Authorized by Congress to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus's voyage and to help fund the World's Columbian Exposition (The World's Fair in Chicago.) The obverse design on the coin features Christopher Columbus in profile. The reverse features the Columbus' flagship, the Santa Maria, and two globes. The 2026 program continues that tradition. It invites Americans to reflect on 250 years of self-government through objects that circulate in everyday life—connecting past, present, and future through something as simple as change in a pocket. From its founding in the eighteenth century to its role today, the U.S. Mint remains one of the most enduring storytellers of the American experience. And in 2026, that story will be told—once again—in metal. The unveiling of the 250th anniversary coins took place in a location that carries deep historical meaning: cross from the Philadelphia Mint . At the National Constitution Center, in the F.M. Kirby Auditorium. The perfect setting - This is where American coinage began. Established in 1792, the Philadelphia Mint was the first mint of the United States and one of the earliest federal institutions created under the Constitution. In the nation’s earliest years, money was inconsistent—foreign coins circulated alongside state issues, and trust in currency varied. The Mint brought order to that system. It produced standardized coinage, established national designs, and ensured that American money would be uniform, reliable, and distinctly American. For much of the nineteenth century, Philadelphia was the only U.S. Mint. Every coin—from copper cents to gold eagles—originated here. This building did more than manufacture currency. It helped define what American money looked like, what symbols it carried, and how the nation presented itself to the world. From early Liberty designs to later portraits of national leaders, Philadelphia set the visual language of U.S. coinage. That history is why the Mint chose Philadelphia for the December 10th unveiling of the 2026 commemorative coins. In many ways, the moment represented a full circle: a national anniversary announced in the very city where American coinage began. The location underscored the continuity between the founding of the nation, the creation of its currency, and the role that money still plays in expressing national values. The commemorative coins for the 250th anniversary are designed not simply as collector pieces, but as historical markers. They acknowledge the founding ideals of the United States, the evolution of democratic institutions, and the people whose labor, service, and participation shaped the nation over two and a half centuries. In the same way that earlier commemoratives captured defining moments—such as the 1893 World’s Fair or the 1976 Bicentennial—the 2026 coins become artifacts of how this generation understands its place in American history. For travelers, the Philadelphia Mint remains open to the public. Visitors can tour the facility, observe modern coin production, and explore exhibits that trace more than two centuries of American monetary history. It is one of the few places in the country where the nation’s economic, political, and artistic histories intersect in a single institution. As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, the Philadelphia Mint stands as a reminder of how national identity is built—not only through documents and monuments, but through the everyday objects that move through our hands. Coins may be small. But the stories they carry are anything but. Coins are not just found in our pockets or sofa cushions, beyond their monetary value, they also hold stories about who we are as a nation.   Courtesy - U.S. Mint In 2026, the United States will mark a milestone—two hundred and fifty years since the Declaration of Independence. To commemorate that moment, the U.S. Mint has launched a special coin program designed not simply to celebrate the anniversary, but to tell the nation’s story through everyday currency. These are known as the Semiquincentennial coins, and they invite Americans to hold their history in their hands and for Travel With Annita and Quarter Miles Travel, it’s an opportunity to share American stories of people, places, events and things that have shaped our history.  The coins that will be brought into circulation for 2026 help us tell American stories. Every participating coin in the 2026 program will carry the dual date “1776–2026,” a visual reminder that the country’s founding ideals remain part of the present. The designs focus on liberty, democratic participation, and defining moments in the nation’s development. According to U.S. Mint Acting Director Kristie McNally, the goal is to connect Americans with the ideas that shaped the country—through coins that circulate in daily life. The program is structured in three thematic “acts,” each highlighting a chapter in the American experiment. At the heart of the program is a series of five quarter designs, each reflecting a pivotal moment in the nation’s journey toward what Abraham Lincoln would later call “a more perfect Union.” The first design honors the Mayflower Compact—a foundational moment of self-governance in colonial America. The reverse shows a Pilgrim couple embracing, with the Mayflower in the background, symbolizing the earliest expressions of collective decision-making that would later influence the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. The second design focuses on the Revolutionary War, depicting George Washington and a soldier at Valley Forge. It reflects the trials of war and the pursuit of independence—an era defined by sacrifice in the name of liberty. The third quarter commemorates the Declaration of Independence, portraying Thomas Jefferson with the Liberty Bell tolling on the reverse. This design emphasizes the nation’s founding values and the aspirations articulated in 1776. The fourth design marks the U.S. Constitution, featuring James Madison with Independence Hall on the reverse, its clock set to 2:50—symbolizing the nation at its 250th year. This coin reflects the principles of governance and balance of power that continue to shape American democracy. The fifth quarter honors the Gettysburg Address, depicting Abraham Lincoln with hands clasped and a quote from the address. It represents the moment when the nation redefined itself as “one nation, indivisible,” and recommitted to the ideals of freedom and equality. THE DIME, NICKEL, AND HALF DOLLAR U.S. Mint U.S. Mint The dime is the first coin released in the Semiquincentennial series. For the first time since 1945, Lady Liberty returns to the obverse, echoing the nation’s earliest coin designs. The reverse features an eagle holding arrows and an olive branch—symbols of strength and peace—restoring imagery first seen on the nation’s earliest dimes in 1796. The nickel retains the familiar Jefferson and Monticello design, but adds the dual date “1776–2026,” linking America’s founding era directly to the present. The half dollar takes on a broader civic message, emphasizing the role of citizens in a participatory democracy and looking ahead to the responsibility of sustaining the nation for the next 250 years. Several of the Mint’s most iconic coins will also carry the anniversary mark, including the American Eagle, American Buffalo, and Morgan and Peace dollars. These pieces will feature the dual

Goodbye 2025 - Hello 2026 Travel 2025 has been an amazing ride but it's time to say Goodbye 2025 - Hello 2026. From Curacao to Alexandria Egypt, the time circling the world inspired interest in more travel. It's time to show gratitude for 2025 and introduce what's coming up next in 2026. Here we go! Good morning, friends — today we’re heading off the beaten path into the heart of Kentucky, to a place that proudly calls itself the Bourbon Capital of the World… Bardstown, Kentucky. If you love history, heritage, and a good stiff pour, buckle up. Bardstown sits about 40 miles south of Louisville, nestled in rolling bluegrass country. Most folks fly into Louisville International Airport (SDF) and pick up a rental car — it’s a straight, scenic drive down I-65 that sets the tone for a real road trip. Once you hit Court Square, you’ll know you’re somewhere special — nearly 200 historic buildings in the downtown alone. It’s been called one of the most beautiful small towns in America, and that’s not just marketing. If bourbon had a Mount Rushmore, Bardstown would be carved right at the top. Here’s the deal: the Kentucky Bourbon Trail is a network of storied distilleries across the state — from Louisville to Lexington and beyond — but Bardstown is the heart of it. Roughly 11 distilleries within 16 miles of downtown make this a must-visit for aficionados and curious travelers alike. Kentucky Bourbon Trail Top stops you can’t miss: Bardstown Bourbon Company – A modern marvel with tours and tastings that blend tradition and innovation. Bardstown Bourbon Co. Heaven Hill Distilleries – Big-name bourbon history with classic tours. Willett Distillery – A craft favorite with personality and rich flavor. Barton 1792 Distillery – Tradition meets approachable tours and tastings. Lux Row Distillers – A newer distillery putting Bardstown on the modern bourbon map. Add to that Preservation Distillery, a charming micro operation that’s more like visiting a family farm than a factory. Preservation_2023 Whether you’re into deep history or just want to sip something smooth while a guide tells you how it happens, there’s a flavor for every palate. The New Bourbon Hotel Experience You asked about the new bourbon hotel — and you’re in luck. Bardstown just opened The Trail Hotel — arguably the world’s first bourbon-centric hotel — and it’s a game-changer. The Trail Hotel+1 This place doesn’t just give you a bed — it immerses you in bourbon culture from the moment you check in. Bourbon-butlers can arrange tastings and VIP distillery tours, there are multiple bourbon bars onsite, a speakeasy, seasonal pool bar, fire pits, and even a wellness lounge to recover the morning after. It’s luxury with a Kentucky twist — think sophisticated comfort, southern charm, and barrels of good taste. Best Places to Eat & Drink Okay, you can’t just drink bourbon all day — you’ve got to eat. Bardstown has a delightful lineup of local favorites that fit any budget. Classic Kentucky eats: The Old Talbott Tavern – Historic, charming, great comfort food and drinks. Mammy's Kitchen & Bar – Local comfort classics and big southern portions. My Old Kentucky Dinner Train – Not just a meal — a moving bourbon experience with a gourmet lunch or dinner ride. My Old Kentucky Dinner Train The Rickhouse – Steakhouse with Kentucky flair. Marcella's and the After Hours Cafe – Cozy local spot with great reviews. Bardstown Burger – Juicy local favorite for a laid-back bite. Toogie’s Table and The Bar at Willett – For New American and elevated Kentucky dishes. Hadorn's Bakery – Sweet pastries to start your day right. And for a pint or a nightcap? The Volstead Bourbon Lounge and Scout & Scholar Brewing Co. are locals’ picks for lively conversation and great drinks.  What Else to Do Around Town Bardstown isn’t just bourbon — though that’s reason enough. Stroll historic downtown — nearly 200 buildings and a real sense of Americana. Kentucky Bourbon Trail Take a food or walking tour — there are guided bourbon & beer walking experiences blending history and taste. Visit local attractions like classic shops, galleries, or even take to the skies with Classic Biplane Tours for a bird’s-eye view of bluegrass country. Pro tip: If you’ve got the time, day trips to neighboring distilleries like James B. Beam Distilling or further along the Bourbon Trail make for unforgettable stories. So here’s the bottom line — Bardstown isn’t just another dot on the map. It’s a living, breathing piece of bourbon history with great food, great people, and enough character to fill an old oak barrel. Plan your ride, pick your distilleries, bring your appetite, and remember — this isn’t just a trip, it’s a toast to tradition. Well friends, 2026 is around the corner… and that little number means something big.Two hundred and fifty years as the United States of America. A quarter of a millennium.That’s not just history… that’s a milestone worth celebrating with purpose, pride, and maybe a few goosebumps along the way. So next year, right here on Travel With Annita, we’re taking a road trip unlike any other. We’re traveling America… one quarter at a time. Literally. That’s right — we’re using the U.S. Mint’s quarters and commemorative coins as our travel compass. Every coin has a story. A place. A person. A piece of American spirit stamped right into it. And we’re going to follow those clues… and uncover the stories behind them — the little-known tales of courage, creativity, community, culture, and wild beauty that make this country what it is. Because let’s face it — you can only talk about “the Grand Canyon and New York City” so many times. America isn’t just its postcards. It’s the quiet corners, the hidden heroes, the untold chapters, and yes, sometimes the places so remote you lose cell signal and suddenly rediscover peace and quiet. All year long in 2026, we’re celebrating America’s 250th birthday with stories that connect directly to important moments throughout the year. When January rolls around and we honor Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we won’t just say, “he made speeches.” We’ll travel to the places where change took root, talk with people still carrying forward his legacy, and uncover communities where courage didn’t make headlines — but it made a difference. When Black History Month arrives, we’ll lift up voices, places, and contributions that shaped this country far beyond the history books. During Women’s History Month, we’ll spotlight the remarkable women who’ve appeared on U.S. Mint quarters — innovators, leaders, and trailblazers whose stories deserve center stage. And I’ll tell you right now — these women didn’t just “participate” in history. They pushed it forward. We’ll mark Environmental & Wildlife celebrations, by heading to places where nature still stands strong and wild — places like Yellowstone, where wolves returned and changed not only the ecosystem, but the way we think about balance and preservation… and Alaska, where the brown bears remind us that nature is mighty, unapologetic, and magnificent. And yes, we’re leaving the mainland too. We’re heading to Hawai‘i — not just for beaches and ukuleles — but for deeply rooted cultural stories. We’ll share the life of a woman who dedicated herself to preserving Hawaiian heritage and language… because heritage only lives when people protect it. Every quarter we feature will lead us to people who built something lasting. To communities that said, “This matters, and we’re going to keep it alive.” To landscapes that remind us that beauty didn’t begin when we arrived — and it won’t end when we leave. And since we value the past around here — we’re also going back to revisit some of our award-winning Travel With Annita episodes, because those stories weren’t just “nice travel features.” They were American stories. Stories about grit. Stories about faith in something larger. Stories about unity, even when the road wasn’t smooth. And in true American style — the road never is smooth… but we drive it anyway. We’ll weave those earlier journeys back into this celebration — to remind us that the love for this country isn’t loud, shallow patriotism. It’s layered. It’s thoughtful. It’s proud of our progress, honest about our struggles, and deeply grateful for the freedoms and opportunities we continue to build together. Now don’t worry — this isn’t a history lecture. Nobody’s grading you.This is storytelling. Travel. Adventure. Discovery. And occasionally… snacks.Because let’s be honest — every great American story comes with something delicious nearby. Each episode will not only tell the story — we’ll also help you go experience it yourself. We’re creating travel guide booklets and itineraries so you can walk in these places, stand in these landscapes, step into these museums, meet the folks keeping these legacies alive, and taste the flavors that give each region its identity. Want to follow a “Women of America Quarter Trail”? You’ll have one.Curious about America’s wildlife and natural treasures? We’ll map it.Want to explore indigenous heritage, immigrant stories, cultural preservation, artistic movements, unsung heroes, or the hometowns that helped shape national icons? We’ll give you the routes, the stops, the context, and yes — the best places to grab pie along the way. I’ve got priorities. And here’s the heart of it…This series is about pride.Not perfect-polished, brochure pride.Real pride. The kind that says: “We’ve come a long way.” “We’re still striving.” “And this country is worth caring for.” It’s about reminding ourselves — and th