Wednesday, October 12, 2011

History All Around Us




Can anyone identify this clouds? I know they look like jet contrails, but I quite sure they aren't.







The Johnstown Flood of May 31, 1889

The actual count is uncertain, but over 2,200 children, women, and men lost their lives when a dam built in haste for super rich "sportsmen" collapsed after heavy rains. The Civil War, Lincoln's assassination, and the Johnstown Flood are considered the biggest news stories for years 1800 to 1900. The tales of individuals and families are heartbreaking and horrifying. The National Memorial to the flood is well worth a visit if you're near Johnstown, PA.



Our annual pilgrimage to Horseshoe Curve, Altoona, PA. There was a Nazi plot to destroy this key location bringing coal and supplies all around the country during WWII.



Three dams step down from this unique site. The purpose of the wide sweeping horseshoe shape is to allow trains to climb up and over the Alleghanies with their sometimes precious cargo. A four percent grade is pretty much the maximum for standard freight trains ... and that's pushing it.



At the Shanksville, PA, Flight 93 Memorial. My estimation is that there were several thousand people there on this beautiful autumn. Several locals told us that it was very much like the day on which the passengers on board attacked back. Thousands of people and nearly total silence. Very emotional.



The passengers and crew of 93. Remember them, please.



This rock marks the middle of the crater created by the impact at around 560 mph. The plane was inverted when they hit.


One the way to the wall with the names of the passengers and crew.

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