St. Louis, Missouri - The Arch

Gateway to the West

This monument was created to commemorate St. Louis' role in the westward expansion of the United States in the 1800's.  Because of the strategic location of the two longest rivers in the US (Mississippi and Missouri)  it was a successful trading center since 1764.

I'm pretty surprised that I got a halfway decent picture since I was staring right into the sun on our morning tour.

                             History Museum

                        After the museum was remodeled and updated, 

                            the Arch grounds became a National Park in 2018.

A good description of the newly formed 'society life' after being founded as a frontier town and entrance to the west.

Such interesting perspectives on the early history of slavery in our country.

After the United States boundary moved to add the Louisiana Purchase

Life changed dramatically!

"What would it be like to never leave home and be in a different country?"

                                THE ARCH

I had lived in St. Louis for a few years, but never toured "The Arch" nor realized how interesting and unique the construction was.

Building this arch was a remarkable feat - due to the height

and unique design.

5 people in the pod to get to the top.

I kept wondering how many stairs there would be to get to the top

(outside the 'elevator' we rode in)

                    The view from the top - really is great!        

The red bus to the left of the white building is our tour bus for the day.

Glad to see he is waiting for us!

Leaving the building is pretty overwhelming when you look up 

and realize you are directly under the arch. 

Yes, it IS impressive.

I had never realized it.

The views and river activities are a pleasure to see.

Is this a "Cinderella's Pumpkin Coach"?

Here is some grain from a grain mill being dumped into a barge, to be moved up or down the river to be delivered customers in the US or somewhere in the world.

This looks like only a couple of barges.

We usually see them in groups of 15, being pushed by a tug boat.

We learned that a 15 barge tow is equivalent to 225  train loads

which is equal to 870 semi trucks.

How vital those barges are to most everything we consume or use!

If you get a chance, be sure to visit.

Hannibal Missouri, home of Mark Twain and Molly Brown

 A couple of days of exploring the life and times of Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens),

and  a "live performance" by Mark Twain himself--how timeless!

It was interesting to see and tour the actual cave that Mark Twain 

(Samuel Clements) explored as a kid.

It was different than the caves we are used to seeing - no stalactites or stalagmites - just a lot of limestone (and lights to see some of the rooms.)

Yes, Jessie James hid out here.

Lots of graffiti!

There he is!

The town has about 5 museums - here are all the characters in his books.

His history is varied and rich, many dollars made and lost.

One of the museums has original Rockwell paintings.

Tom and Becky escaping Injun Joe in the cave.

The "Live Presentation" 

interesting how Mark Twain's commentary on life and politics was then, 

but seemed like now!

The lighthouse in town is basically a memorial for the 100th anniversary.

It is too far from the river to be of any use as a real lighthouse,

but it is pretty and climbing up all the stairs is good exercise.

Amana Colonies, Iowa

The Amana's were a successful German communal society, integrating to New York from Europe in the 1700's.  They 'outgrew' their land in New York and needed more land for farming to feed their community, and found the lush place in Iowa for all the people to continue their self contained community.  They grew all their own food, ate in communal kitchens, made everything they needed, no one in the community ever had a paid job.  It was a rather idyllic and simple lifestyle.

Then economic disaster struck.  Their Woolen Mill burned to the ground, they had no insurance, and found themselves needing to have a job for sources of income. In combination with the depression, it forced them to give up the communal lifestyle and adopt traditional ways.  This is called "The Great Change" - 1933

They are excellent craftsman and businessmen- (Amana refrigerators). And the shopping is great!

A wonderful quilt shop

Pretty appropriate for us RV'ers

If I were to take up quilting, I'd sure do this one!

With all the cows we have seen around here- this one is a keeper!

Just outside one of the furniture stores-

They are known for their excellence in woodworking.

These whimsical 'calico cats' doorstoppers are so special to me because my mom and dad had toured here (very long ago) and dad insisted on me opening my Christmas present early.  [He passed away shortly after that and I just stood there with a huge lump in my throat😢, but so glad that I could be reminded of that event so many years later]

Then on to lunch

They are Germans, and they are farmers - nuff said--

Food is terrific!

Oh yes, and they like their beer - in 2 foot high steins!

Fantasy RV tour "Mississippi River Run"

includes plenty of food!

The towns are so pretty and picturesque with the old buildings and all the lovely flower pots!

No boring history today - just trucks and flowers - Davenport, Iowa

The parking lot holds 900 trucks (the BIG ones!)

 

Pretty much everything is provided.

Lou couldn't believe the size of the wind turbine blade (in the parking lot)

It is 75 yards long! (3/4 of a football field)

He paced it off.

This truck has over 850,000 miles on it-

and the instrument panel looks like a cockpit of an airplane.

(note the name on the side door)

Well, almost no history!

Off to the Gardens