History On Foot

So many historical sites exist in the immediate area it’s difficult to count. Actually that’s not exactly true as the local historical society has recorded about 65 of them. Better stated that so many exist it’d be difficult to chase down all of them.  Instead I’ve decided to let them come to me–which they seem to do on a fairly regular basis.  Actually they often pop up right in front of me, completely unexpected. Some of them are simply markers next to sites that have been razed and rebuilt several times over, some turned into parks/green spaces, some have the shell of an original building shored up by layers of new framing built up all around them.
GW Parkway: Typical Crash
I’m not partial to any particular type—parks are nice because it generally allows for a little more time lingering around without looking like a bum–as I often do. Of the 65 I’d suspect I’ve unintentionally run into/onto/under/etc 20-25 or so, a couple new ones in the last few weeks. In fact, people have run into more than they realize. Landed at National Airport? That’s one. Driven down to Mt. Vernon? That’ll get ya two (not even counting Mt. Vernon itself).  Run the Marine Corps Marathon? Yup, two more–the finish and the bridge crossing over to Georgetown. Almost gets you three but I suppose one must actually go inside the Pentagon to get credit. 
MCM Running on Key Bridge

In addition to sites specifically designated on the National Historical Register (NHR)—untold numbers of other notable meaningful markers exist. I’m routinely and randomly running (or riding) into those as well. What distinguishes all these historic-type markers from sites actually on the NHR? A cumbersome  form mandated by the federal government of course.

Give an English major and a non-governmental (private industry) grant-applicant one day to attack that form and they’d likely cut it in half and double the efficiency of that department. Found: another tax-payer savings. 

Hume School-Oldest (1891) in County
Right in My ‘hood
Reevesland: Last RegionalDairy Farm

It’d be nice to make time to talk about each of the places I’ve run into so far; over time I may but they need to find their place in the prioritization hierarchy. As if I really have one of those. A couple days ago I started the first of a few days of hill running (jogging) with Samantha. With trees finally nearly clear of most leaves some of the views from neighborhood hills are breathtaking–unfortunately high-rises have blocked much of the area but changing your angle just a little bit can open up fantastic views of the Potomac River valley. The neighborhood is a bizarre mix of ’50’s era single family homes, duplexes, 6000 sq foot homes, and the requisite high-rise apartment buildings. Much of the time the size of the homes corresponds to the size/height of the hills. Samantha and I ran out of the acre size park down from my hair-cut lady (I’d say barber but well, she’s a gal and stylist presumes I actually get a hair-style) heading west and started the long slog up the incline. Twisting and turning we were thick in the midst of every type of house possible. 

Never Used Civil War Fort

Turning another corner I could see the sky–not more homes which meant we’d reached the top–right away I saw it: another site marker. This one denotes one of the many local Civil War fortification sites. No battle took place here and it was later demoted to an interior site once a larger site was built in Alexandria. We took a lap around the park and hit a couple of the trails just beyond its boundary. Given the chill in the air we were the only occupants so took a couple minutes to enjoy the endless views off to the southwest/south. It’s easy for me to fall into a bit of an imaginative state—thinking for a few minutes about the work that went into building and staffing the site. The lives led just a few blocks away that helped shape the outcome of the battles 150 years ago. 

Sweat starting to get chilly we trotted out of the park, looked both ways before deciding to go left and see what was around the next turn.

South To Alexandria From Ft. Scott