Must-See U.S. Historical Sites

Above, the gondola to the Goodyear Blimp "Pilgrim" at the Smithsonian. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those seasoned in RV travel or those new to it, there are plenty of things to see across the United States.

RV Life has posted a list of must-see historical sites across America.

They begin with:

The United States has a long history, with both triumphs and losses. We should take pride in our past while acknowledging mistakes. Historical sites teach us about the past and guide us towards a better future.

There are monuments, statues, memorials, museums, and parks scattered all over the United States. Even the smallest towns tend to have some little piece of history to share. But if you’re taking a road trip to see some of the most interesting and significant landmarks across the nation, you’re in luck! Today we’re going to cover some of the most amazing historical sites you can visit while traveling in an RV.

Of course, there are far too many locations to put in a single list. For instance, most former U.S. presidents have dedicated museums or estates that are available to tour. There are also memorials for various wars all across the country. Art, culture, and history are intertwined, so there are countless destinations you could visit that will align with your interests. The list below merely covers some of the most popular/significant sites. They’re all worthy of your RV bucket list!

To read more, go here. 

Survey Being Conducted On Public Interest of Fort Wingate

Above, Fort Wingate base buildings. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Nearly three years ago, before the coronavirus pandemic started, plans for the Fort Wingate Army Depot and base buildings were proceeding. 

Planning ideas including making part of Fort Wingate a national historic site or monument and some portions would be turned over to the local tribes (Navajo and Zuni) after clean-up of munitions storage areas and bunkers. Author/historian Martin Link was active in the planning discussions.

Above, the entrance to the Army Depot munitions storage section. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When the pandemic hit, things ground to a halt. Some of it was due to disinterest on the part of the governor of New Mexico after the pandemic eased.  

Now, it appears that things may be starting up again, but the powers-that-be want to see how much public interest there is for the reactivation of the FWDA Restoration Advisory Board first. They are conducting a survey to determine interest.

USACE-Albuquerque District - US Army has posted the following:

Albuquerque, New Mexico - The U.S. Army Fort Wingate Depot Activity is conducting a survey to determine if there is enough public interest to re-activate the FWDA Restoration Advisory Board. The RAB provides a public venue for citizens to provide input on the decisions that are made by the Army to clean up the installation and meet the permit requirements.

The New Mexico Environmental Department issued a permit to the Army in December 2005, defining the requirements necessary for the cleanup of environmental contamination, munitions, and explosives at Fort Wingate Depot Activity before property can be transferred to the Department of the Interior. The permit requires extensive consultation with the Pueblo of Zuni and the Navajo Nation, as the two tribes will ultimately receive any land the Army transfers to the Department of the Interior. However, federal law also requires the Army to involve other stakeholders from the surrounding communities in the cleanup process.

If re-activated, the RAB will include community members who reflect the diverse interests of the local community. RAB members will be asked to review and comment on plans and activities relating to the ongoing environmental studies and restoration activities at FWDA. Members will be expected to serve as a voluntary liaison between the community and the RAB and be available to meet with community members and/or groups. RAB meetings will be open to the public.

Fort Wingate is roughly ten miles from my home (as the crow flies). 

If you would like to see Fort Wingate become a national historic site or monument, please let your views known. Remember, this is where the famous Navajo Code Takers of World War II were trained.

To read more and participate in the survey, go here. 

Gallup Coffee Shop Ceiling

Today (for the most part) was spent in Gallup taking care of business after dropping off a friend at his physical therapist.

While in Gallup, I got a new watch battery, a claw hammer, grocery shopped and other things. I took a break at the Gallup Coffee Company, which is a Starbucks type of coffee shop.

I have been there before, but today I took notice of the shop's ceiling. It was something I've seen in ghost towns, Columbia (California), Calico Ghost Town and in other historic old towns that have been restored.

I made mention of the ceiling and the server said it is an original ceiling of the store.

Here's a photo of the ceiling:

Above, inside the Gallup Coffee Company. Photo by Armand Vaquer.