Travel is my favorite means of education. I want to go to Gettysburg, so I can learn a little U.S. history.
I told Martin (New York Metro) and Caulin (Pittsburgh), two talented photographers, about meeting up at one of the most iconic battlegrounds in America’s socio-political narrative.
There are two things I’d like you to pull from this story (calling all skimmers):
- Gettysburg has more to offer than U.S. History… surprise surprise. There is always more to something than we expect to see.
- However, while historical significance isn’t the only value Gettysburg offers, a war on race is still incredibly relevant 150 years later. It is our responsibility to learn and share this knowledge.
Photo of me at Steele Pole Hike, by @CaulinGrant
Learning #TeamAmerica
As a frequent ove-seas traveler, this year has marked my immersion into national U.S. travel. How better to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War than by exploring the landmarks myself?
I was sponsored by Country Inn & Suites to pick destinations in the U.S. to gallivant in, and stayed with them at their cozy hotel. Feeling patriotic, I opted for horseback riding, cider tasting, and sunsets over the 1863 battlefield of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
Check out my photo diary at the end of this post :)
If you’re a bit behind on your U.S. history, the 1860s American Civil War rooted to the legislative debate on slavery.
Yes, people bought and sold people as a commodity.
Four years and 600,000 casualties later, slavery was (legislatively) abolished in the United States.
It’s easy to forget the true significance of our current freedom while playing flip cup at Lake Tahoe and drinking Fourth of July cocktails under fireworks in Newport Beach.
With all of my international travel, I’ve grown a soft spot for appreciating my own country…
I was so excited to proudly share photos celebrating how far we’ve come.
A visual reminder to cheer, “hey, look us, we’ve revolutionized America!”
Slavery is no longer legal.
Women can vote.
We can drink out of the same water fountain, irrespective of race.
Caitlyn Jenner is on the cover of Vanity Fair.
We’re taking on equality, one issue at a time.
However, just a week after my Pennsylvania hikes and “God Bless America” hurrays, a hate crime took place in Charleston, South Carolina.
In a tragic act of domestic terrorism, a young white American murdered nine black Americans at a church significant to U.S. Civil Rights history.
It’s devastating. Rest in Peace Cynthia Marie Graham Hurd, Susie Jackson, Ethel Lee Lance, Depayne Middleton-Doctor, Pastor and South Carolina State Senator Clementa C. Pinckney, Tywanza Sanders, Pastor Daniel Simmons, Pastor Sharonda Coleman-Singleton, and Myra Thompson.
Look how far we’ve come, but how far we have to go.
My celebration came up short. I love Gettysburg, I loved my recent trip to the South roadtripping through Atlanta, Cookeville, and Nashville.
However, nationally, we have long strides to take on the path towards equality.
I know what you’re thinking, “But Steph, I’m not racist. There is no prejudice in my household.”
“I’m not the one killing people, and that’s something we cannot control.”
You’re right.
I’ve said it once, but I’ll say it again:
It’s the individuals, not entire societies of a destination, nationality, or group that infiltrate hate.
However, it’s our responsibility to share kindness and teach inclusivity beyond government infrastructure.
Education, cross-culture experiences, and travel in itself are crucial to cultivating our society and our world.
So try to hang out with someone different. Check out somewhere that is outside of your typical vacation destination. Try something new.
You’d be surprised, there is so much more to every person, every group of people, and every place than you’d expect.
Like Greater Gettysburg! Check out these photos that go beyond the battle.
Learning about the Battle of Gettysburg via Cornerstone Farm horse tours, photo by Caulin Grant @CaulinGrant
Photo of me by Caulin Grant @CaulinGrant
Devil’s Den, Gettysburg National Park. Photo of me by Caulin Grant @CaulinGrant
Photo of me by Caulin Grant @CaulinGrant
Big Round Top, Gettysburg National Park. Photo of me by @MartinTadashi
Learning to make hard cider and checking out the wine tour vineyards at Hauser Estate Winery, Gettysburg.
Hauser Estate Winery, Gettysburg. Photo collaboration with Martin Tadashi.
Hauser Estate Winery, Gettysburg. Photo collaboration with Martin Tadashi.
Sunrise at the Long Pine Run Reservoir
All photos by me @StephBeTravel
Hiking Pole Steeple Trail
Thank you to Country Inn & Suites, Gettysburg for hosting us.
Per usual, opinions are my own. The people of Pennsylvania are very kind. Gettysburg is a great base to some nearby hikes and lakes, and the epicenter for historical immersion.
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