Military museums, tours and parks

William Allred and I (Uncle Earl, here) were talking a week or so ago about military museums. There are some excellent ones near the reunion, so I want to discuss them briefly.

The National Museum of the Marine Corps http://www.usmcmuseum.com/index.asp
When I was attending computer science school at Quantico, Va., they were just beginning to accumulate display items for this museum. It was kind of pitiful at that time. Several years ago I was in DC and Nancy and I drove out to Quantico to see it. The displays were much better, but it was still crammed into an old, musty-smelling quonset hut on the base. It was still a work in progress. But in November, 2006 they opened a new, first class exhibit building for the museum, which will be the center point of a large park, located in the town of Triangle, VA just off I-95, 36 miles south of Washington, D.C. It is no longer deep in the base, which makes access much easier and less hassle. The admission is free and it is open from 9-5 every day. I am always interesting in all things marine, and William is fascinated with all things military, so we want to organize a pilgrimage and all are welcome to join us.

United States Naval Academy http://www.usna.edu/visit.htm
Located in Annapolis, Md, 33 miles east of Washington, DC, this is an operating military school for navy and Marine Corps cadets. There are organized tours every day from 9-5, which costs: ADULTS - $9.00, SENIORS (62+) - $8.00, CHILDREN (1st-12th grades) - $7.00, PRE-SCHOOL - free. You have to stay in a tour group and there are security restrictions. For those like William who are interested in attending this school, there are briefings at designated times to answer questions about the admissions process.

Manassas National Battlefield Park http://www.nps.gov/mana/
The first major battle between armies in the Civil War, and then another major battle a year later were fought here. For that first battle, innocent spectators from both sides brought picnics to watch their boys "take it to 'em!" Imagine their chagrine when the opposition didn't melt away in disgrace. Reality set in for the remainder of a long war. This park is not far from DC and even less far from Nancy's house. "The park offers a wide array of activities, scenic vistas, historic sites and walking trails to interest the casual visitor or true Civil War history buff."
Admission is $3.00 per person (16 years or older) - good for 3 Days, Children under 16 free - Park accepts cash, check or credit cards. The movie, Manassas: End of Innocence costs $3.00 per person; children under 16 are free, Cash or check only.

Gettysburg http://www.nps.gov/gett
About 100 miles (2 hours) North of DC, this is the location of the turning point of the Civil War. After this battle, the South never again held the upper hand. The battlefield is large, making car tours the most effective way to see it. However, as always, you miss a lot if you stay in the car.
The park is open daily from 6:00 A.M. to 10:00 P.M. The Museum and Visitor Center is open daily 8:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M., and the David Wills house, used by both sides (not at the same time) to get an overview of the locale is open 10:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.
Entry to the park is free of charge, but Admission to the exhibits, film and cyclorama is $7.50 per Adult, $6.50 for Seniors and Active Military (with proper ID), $6.50 for Adult groups (groups with 16+ members), $5.50 for Youth (ages 6-18), Children under 6 years old admitted free.
You can hire excellent private tour guides to go with you in your car and explain the park. It takes about 2 hours and costs: 1-6 people= $55.00, 7-15 people= $70.00, 16+ people= $125.00 Reservations for guides are required at least 3 days prior to going.

For other Civil War sites, see http://www.civilwartraveler.com/