I thought it was fitting that I finish the book “1776” on Presidents day. I guess it would have been more fitting, had I finished it on Independence Day, but whatev. Presidents day is cool enough. I also hadn’t realized before reading this book, that I was born on the 200th anniversay of the battle of Pell’s Point. I would never have guessed that the book would be such a page turner. Most of the second part of the book takes place steps from where I live, as well as from where I work. So, as nerdy as I am, I couldn’t help but to try to imagine what it must have been like during the winter of 1776. Especially when I was running through Fort Tryon park last week. I tried to imagine what the battle at Ft. Washington must have been like. I wondered if there were the remains of any fallen Patriots, Hessians or British buried somewhere in the park. I suppose that my locale was part of the reason that my dad recommended (and sent a copy of ) the book to me. So, thanks again, dad.
I appreciated “1776” so much, in fact, that I started McCullough’s “John Adams” on the train this morning. I’m sure that it will prove to be equally entertaining.
Comments
4 responses to “Presidents Day, etc..”
First of all, beautiful, beautiful pictures of your family from the past couple of posts. I’m so excited that Piper is learning to put weight on her feet. I also love the shots of her with her monkey (cute bracelet!).
Now, as relates to this post, I frequently imagine what it must have been like to be a soldier up in our neighborhood. I always feel sorry for the troops during winter time when I imagine them in the clothes and tents they had at the time. During the summer I think about the mosquitoes they must have had to deal with and the humidity with no fans or air conditioning. I also wonder what it must have been like to fight, trying to hide behind trees, trying to reach teh safety of the fort, etc… Glad I’m not the only one who thinks about those things.
@Marci: No kidding! The clothing and shoes part made me shiver. I also learned that your street is named after the guy who was commanding Ft. Washington, when it was overtaken. So much history up here, in WaHi.
Great pics Jake! and…I was just looking for a new book to read. As I hail from up north I am in need of some good American history lessons. My next read will now be 1776! Thanks!
@Kara: Thanks, Kara! I’m sure that you will love that book. It is a good one. It actually briefly mentions some of the action that took place in Eastern Canada too.