What is a cure for cabin fever? How about a trip to the nearby Cabin Creek Battleground? We have lived here six years and planning to find this historic site. Yesterday as the cabin fever hit us both, I grabbed the camera and off we went. The battleground was not an easy place to find. This was not a day for a reenactment of the battle, but we did see where that reenactment takes place and we were able to quietly walk in the area of the last two Civil War battles in Indian Territory (Oklahoma), on Cabin Creek in July, 1863 and September, 1864. Click
this link to read about this historic battleground involving both "colored" and "indian" troops.
These are not beautiful, scenic photographs but the highly wooded areas give you an idea of what the entire area must have looked like a the time of the engagements. The cleared area in the last photo are where the reenactments take place and the field is marked with flags of the different regiments. Picture four is a shot of the creek. You actually get a sense of walking on hallowed ground as you imagine those who fought and died in the very spot you are standing.
That would be eerie. That is neat that you took time to find the story behind it.
ReplyDeleteLooks like a very interesting trip out. It must feel very strange to walk where others fought and died years before.
ReplyDeleteI love visiting historic spots. I'm glad you did that.
ReplyDeleteI have become a big history buff, only since I grew old enough to have some history of my own. It's amazing to realize that real people lived back then and actually went through these experiences; it's not just some fairy tale that happened Once upon a time.
ReplyDeleteGreat place to visit and a good cure for cabin fever.
ReplyDeleteThis reminded me of a trip I took to the Alamo, especially when you talked about the "hallowed" ground. Isn't that a teary feeling? And you wonder this is how you lost your life and here I am...what's next...
ReplyDeleteThis is becoming a small world. I'll email you.
ReplyDeleteIt makes you feel like there are spirits still lingering about warning others to not make the same mistakes.
ReplyDeleteRiot Kitty -- There was a time in my life when this kind of trip would have bored me to tears. Ron is such a history buff it has affected me and I look at so many things differently. It was a bit eerie for sure. This could actually tie in with your post today. No, I would not go to this battleground in the dark. How crazy would that be. We ALL know what would happen then.
ReplyDeleteLL Cool Joe -- Yes it was interesting. Someday we might go back when they actually have a reenactment taking place but somehow I don't think that would be as moving as it was to have the whole place to ourselves. So glad your girls get crazy with each other when they are away from home and their peers. One of the best things about family vacations when I was a kid was getting along with my sister and brother. Somehow we had to form a united front to deal with the enemy ...the parents.
Lynn -- Oklahoma is surrounded by historic places and it is a shame that I am just now taking an interest. I can remember my parents dragging us to different monuments and I just rolled my eyes with boredom. Guess the history of it all becomes significant with age. FYI...when we visit you (oh don't I wish) and you fix stew for us, don't use the rosemary. Ron is allergic to it:)
Sparkling Red -- You sure said that right. "...since I grew old enough to have some history of my own". I guess that is how we all are. Sounds like you are getting a good start on the driving lessons. A standard shift still mystifies me so it's a good thing all our vehicles are automatic transmissions. Well, not the tractors but it is rare that I have to drive one of those.
Charlotte -- It was definitely a cure for cabin fever. Our weather has been unseasonably warm for winter and it feels strange to be able to get out in light jackets in February. We are able to get out more as Ron's health improves. By the way, congratulations on your MLK award. Your sister ratted you out. You should be very proud. I loved reading your account of the event. We have avoided these celebrations because the one we attended had us leaving early (after 1 1/2 hours it was still going strong -- and loud!)
Debbie -- I so regret being a teenager when I visited the Alamo. History was the last thing on my mind at that time. (Teenage boys were much more interesting). Guess I was walking in their shoes...LOL. I'm at Cabin Creek and you're in Bakersfield.
Cliff -- Okay. Wonder if you guys have been there too. That would really make it a small world because it seems not many people visit this battleground. Has your oldest granddaughter found you interesting on Skype yet?
Kay -- And yet we continue to make those same mistakes don't we Kay? If not the same ones, then we do manage to come up with a whole new batch. Can you move yet after your big marathon run? Admire you so much for taking that on.
I always get verklempt when I visit where folks died-
ReplyDeleteThere's a little park where the Theatre burnt down killing 40 many years ago- I always feel them. There's fleamarkets there in summertime.
My wife and I went to the Cabin Creek Battle Site yesterday on Memorial Day and it was amazing. There were fresh flags and the site was obviously well taken care of, which really warmed my heart. I am extremely grateful that The Daughters of The Confederacy put so much effort into preserving this highly important part of our Oklahoma history.
ReplyDeleteAs a child, i went to Pea Ridge and a couple other sites with my family (since I had direct relatives on both sides of that specific battle.) But I didn't really appreciate the depth of what I was seeing. Knowing now the history of the area and events help me understand where I personally came from and visiting the Cabin Creek site strengthened my understanding of this little known part of one of the most important times in our history as Americans.