Category: Trips

Andersonville National Historic Site

Andersonville GA

This was the most notorious Confederate prison of war camp, from February 1864 to April 1865. Officially named Camp Sumter, it was built to handle 10,000 prisoners, but within months it was holding 45,000 Union soldiers. Nearly 13,000 prisoners died from disease, poor sanitation, malnutrition, overcrowding, or exposure while in custody here, the most deaths at any single site of the entire Civil War. The prison’s commander Captain Henry Wirz was later convicted and executed for war crimes.
This lane between the wood railing and the fort wall, 19 feet wide, was deemed “deadline.” Prison guards were allowed to shoot anyone who crossed into the “deadline.”
The posts on the left in this picture mark out more of “deadline.” The border marked out the entire post perimeter.
Guard tower, called “pigeon roost”. These were placed 30 feet apart around the prison perimeter.
This creek supplied water for the prisoners. The latrines were upstream from the drinking area, so it became a cesspool for filth and disease.
Area near Providence Spring.
Marker at one corner of the prison, with the “deadline” marked by posts.
Star Fort area, site of the commander’s quarters.
Site of the prison hospital.
Another corner of the prison perimeter.

Previous Georgia Capital

Milledgeville GA

Milledgeville was the capital of Georgia from 1804 to 1868. This was the capitol building. It is now on the campus of Georgia Military College.
This was the Governor’s (Executive) Mansion in Milledgeville from 1839-1868. In November 1864 this building was captured by General William T. Sherman during his March to the Sea. It served as his headquarters at that time. It is now open for tours, and it located on the campus of Georgia College.
Stereotypical Antebellum Mansion across the street from the old Executive Mansion.

Alyeska Pipeline

Alaska vacation day 13

The Alyeska pipeline transports oil from the North Slope (Prudhoe Bay, ANWR) south to Valdez to load on to ships. As of 2023, it has moved over 18 billion barrels of oil since it opened in 1977,
Pipeline heading south.
The other side looking south.
Pipeline heading north, going into the ground.
This is an example of how the oil is moved, called “pigs”.

North Pole Alaska

Alaska vacation day 13

This is the Santa Claus House, basically a tourist trap with lots of Christmas items for sale.
The giant Santa and sled.
A reindeer, obviously not Rudolph.
Two more reindeer.
Inside the Santa Claus House.
The town has a population of about 2,200. It keeps the Christmas spirit year round.
The light poles are candy canes!
Even McDonald’s gets in on the act.