My Epic Road Trip

Nick Ramos
US History, Period 3
Mr. Buescher
November 19, 2014

Sacramento, California
My first stop on my epic road trip across America starts in
Sacramento where I will visit Sutter's Fort. Sutters Fort is the oldest
restored fort in the United States. Sutters Fort was developed by a
Swiss immigrant to harvest real wealth-crops and herds. Workers
abandoned the fort when gold was discovered. I chose this because it
is so close to home.
My next stop is the California State capitol, a short distance from
Sutters Fort. I will tour a lawmakers session.

Virginia City, Nevada

From Sacramento I took Interstate 80 to U.S. Highway 395 to Virginia
City, NV a total of 157 miles. This is where I visited the most
important 19th century industrial city between Denver and San
Francisco. The gold and silver from this city helped to finance the civil
war.
My interest in mines took me to the Chollar Mine Tour. This mine
produced 17 million dollars in gold and silver.

Idaho
From Virginia City I headed to Twin Falls, Idaho. Twin Falls became the
one of the bases of the Oregon Trail. In 1812 and 1813 explorer
Robert Stuart led an expedition through Twin Falls.
Because I really like Native American history I visited Wilson Butte
Cave. The oldest Native American artifacts were found here in the
1950s.
The drive from Virginia City to Twin Falls was 460 miles on I-80 east to
U.S. Highway 93, which took 6 hours and 45 minutes. My first day is
done and I spent the night in Twin Falls at the Best Western Plus, Twin
Falls.

Oregon
From Idaho I traveled ten hours, 590 miles on I-84 to Columbia City,
Oregon to see the historical railroads. These railroads linked the
towns and industries of the Northwest to the rest of the world.
My second stop was to the Tillamook Cheese factory, which was
another hour and 40 minutes. This is the home to the world famous
cheese and ice cream. The tour is complementary and the tastings
are free too.
As this was a long driving day, it is here in Tillamook I spent the night.
I stayed at the Shilo Inn with a $99 room rate that included breakfast.

Washington
Washington is the next stop on my road trip. From Oregon I traveled
five hours and 290 miles on Interstate 5 to Port Townsend,
Washington. In 1851 Port Townsend was thought to become the
largest harbor on the West Coast. Early dreams failed to materialize.
This port was host to many industries throughout the industrial
period of US History.
My point of interest in Port Townsend was Fort Worden. Fort Worden
is now a state park but was a 19th century army installation built to
protect Puget Sound. I really like military history.

Montana
From Port Townsend I traveled fourteen hours and 971 miles to Crow
Agency, Montana. I first went to my room at the Hardin Motel. This
$54 room was a good place to rest before I went to the Little Bighorn
Battlefield. This area memorializes the U.S. Army's 7th Cavalry and
the Sioux and Cheyenne in one of the Indians last armed efforts to
preserve their way of life. Here on June 25 and 26 of 1876, 263
soldiers, including Lt. Col. George A. Custer and attached personnel of
the U.S. Army, died fighting several thousand Lakota, and Cheyenne
warriors.
I then went to the Custer National Cemetery which honors veterans
from all wars. My dad is also buried at a veterans cemetery and I
thought this was very interesting.

North Dakota
After my visit to Montana I drove six and one half hours to
Jamestown, North Dakota. I drove 592 miles on Interstate 94 East. In
Jamestown I visited the wild west. Jamestown was actually home to
Fort Seward and because of its location on the James River was a
section of the transcontinental railroad.
I then went to the National Buffalo Museum as Jamestown is known
as the Buffalo City and has a huge buffalo statue!

South Dakota
Leaving Jamestown I headed to Rapid City, South Dakota, 6 hours and
439 miles on I-94 west. Before touring my historical landmark, Mount
Rushmore I spent the night at the Best Western, Ramkota. This $84
room also included breakfast. Mount Rushmore has the faces of
Washington, Jefferson, Lincoln and Roosevelt carved in granite to
memorialize the founding, expansion and preservation of the United
States.
I then followed this by a hike on the Presidential Trail where the views
were awesome.

Wyoming
The hike on the Presidential trail gave me the energy to drive to
Cheyenne, Wyoming. The drive took me 4 and hours and 294 miles
on US Highway 18 south. My room at the Frontier Inn was a welcome
site even if it was $110, breakfast included. The next morning I
headed to the Union Pacific Railroad Depot. I love the railroad
history. This depot was the most grand and the railroad in Cheyenne
was the last of the 19th century railroads built on the transcontinental
railroad. This line stitched together the United States.
Because of my love of trains I went to the Wyoming transportation
museum where model trains were on display.

Nebraska
After the transportation museum I headed north for two and one half
hours and 175 miles on U.S. Highway 85 to Crawford Nebraska. In
Crawford I visited the Fort Robinson and Red Cloud Agency. In 1873,
the U.S. Government moved Chief Red Cloud and his large band of
Cheyenne, Arapaho, and Sioux to the White River area; nearby Fort
Robinson was established in 1874 to protect government employees
and property. The fort served as a base for Army campaigns against
several groups of Native Americans, including the 1876 campaign
against the Powder River Sioux.
This was interesting so I decided to go to the adjacent Fort Robinson
State Park and take a tour on a horse drawn carriage. The park was
gorgeous.

Iowa
I left Crawford via US Highway 20 east for an eleven hour, 696 mile
drive to Dubuque, Iowa where I stayed in the Best Western Plus
Dubuque for $85 and of course breakfast was included. I woke early
on day 6 of this epic journey and went to the Julien Dubuque mine.
Dubuque was the first European to settle in Iowa. In 1788 this lead
mine was operated by Dubuque and the mines were known as the
Mines of Spain as Dubuque had to give his claim to Spain.
While here, I went to the Eagle Point Park to take advantage of the
spectacular tri state view of Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin.

Minnesota
From Iowa I headed to St. Paul Minnesota on U.S. Highway 52 north.
The jaunt was four and one half hours and 247 miles. I made a visit to
Fort Snelling. Fort Snelling was built in the 1820s and historic for its
military installation, fur trade and slavery. Most interesting was the
fact that the officers of Fort Snelling continued to use slave labor
despite the Missouri Compromise of 1820.
I could not resist going over to the Minnesota Valley State trail. I
hiked the trail that parallels the Minnesota River and found it to be
very relaxing.

Wisconsin
After the great hike I left St. Paul and headed east on Interstate 94 for 4
hours and 252 miles to Ripon, Wisconsin. Here in Ripon I spent the night at
the Comfort Suites, Royal Ridges. This $90/night room, you guessed it,
included breakfast. After a great nights sleep I went to the little White
School House, birthplace of the Republican party. In March of 1854,
reformist town leaders who were angry with the thought that Congress
was extending slavery to territories to the west, (Kansas-Nebraska Act) met
in the schoolhouse to create a new national political party that would be
dedicated to the principles of the Republic, the same principles that the
schoolhouse itself and the public school movement was created to
preserve.
I could not resist-I then went to visit the all too famous Anheuser-Busch
Clydesdales. These beautiful horses are well cared for and very fun to
watch.

Michigan
From Wisconsin I headed East on I-94 for 455 miles. Seven hours
later I arrived in Detroit, Michigan. In Detroit I made a visit to Fort
Wayne, originally built in a five point star shape. Only one mile from
Canada this fort situated on the Detroit River and was the vicinity of
the first fired shot of the war of 1812.
The nearby Charles H. Wright museum of African American history
proved very interesting. The museum celebrates the culture and
diversity of the African American people.

Illinois
After spending the night and enjoying the free breakfast at the Best
Western, Greenfield Inn (Detroit, $92) I headed to Springfield, Illinois.
I drove on I-94 west and then I-55 south for 7 hours. Another long
drive (456 miles). I went to see Abraham Lincolns Tomb. Lincoln was
our 16th President and was assassinated on April 4, 1865. Springfield
was his hometown and was buried here. Lincoln is thought to be one
of the most selfless Presidents dedicated to the preservation of the
United States.
I followed this with an interesting visit to the Illinois State Military
Museum. The building looks like a castle and preserves and honors
Illinois men and women who were part of the military. Displays date
back to the revolutionary war.

Indiana
Having spent the night and $92 for a room at the Holiday Inn Express
in Springfield, Illinois I was ready to head to Indiana. The relatively
short 3 hour drive to Indianapolis was 209 miles via Interstates 72
east and 74. Here I visited the Soldiers and Sailors Monument. The
monument honors all of the brave men and women of Indiana who
served in all wars prior to World War I. More than 24,000 Hoosiers
gave their lives to preserve the Union.
I need another walk so I visited the Virginia B. Fairbanks Art and
Nature Park. The Virginia B. Fairbanks Art & Nature Park is 100 acres
of woodlands, wetlands, meadows, and a 35-acre lake. It is one of the
largest museum art parks in the country.

Ohio
Leaving Indiana I headed for Ohio. This 108 mile drive took 2 hours. I
went to the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. The
center is a monument to freedom-past, present and future. Its
historical significance is relative to slavery. Slaves escaped to freedom
by crossing the Ohio river into Cincinnati.
Americas favorite past time-Baseball! I took a tour of the Great
American Ballpark, home to the Cincinnati Reds. Giants still rule.

Pennsylvania
On the road again, from Ohio to Pennsylvania to visit the site of the Battle of Gettysburg.
But first I must rest, I spent the night in Adams, Pennsylvania. Road weary from 7 hours
and 40 minutes on the road travelling 451 miles on I-70 east I checked into the
Gettysburg Hotel which was $109 per night and well worth it. Yes, breakfast included.
Early the next morning I went to the site of the Battle of Gettysburg. The Battle of
Gettysburg was fought July 1-3, 1863 and had the greatest number of deaths of the
entire Civil War.
I then headed over to the Eisenhower National Historic Site. This is the home and farm of
General and President Dwight D. Eisenhower. Located next to the Gettysburg Battlefield,
the farm served the President as a weekend retreat and a meeting place for world
leaders. With its peaceful setting and view of South Mountain, it was a much needed
respite from Washington and a backdrop for efforts to reduce Cold War tensions.

New York
After a great day in Adams County I headed east on I-78 to Liberty Island,
New York. This 209 mile drive took me 3 hours and 25min. I was ready for
my room at the Comfort Inn, Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. The $99 room rate
included breakfast. I woke early to head over to the infamous Statute of
Liberty. The Statue of Liberty Enlightening the World was a gift of
friendship from the people of France to the United States and is recognized
as a universal symbol of freedom and democracy. The Statue of Liberty was
dedicated on October 28, 1886. As Europeans immigrated to this country
many passed through Ellis Island near the Statute of Liberty.
My interest in a Coney Island hot dog took me there. I have read about and
heard so much about this dog I had to get one too. It was delicious.

Vermont
From Liberty Island I headed to Bennington Vermont via I-87 north
to the site of the Battle of Bennington. This 192 mile drive took
three and one half hours. The Battle of Bennington victory gave
colonial support for the independence movement, and played a
role in bringing France into the war on the American side.
My interest trip was to Wilson Castle. Built in 1867 this castle cost
$1.3 million. Herbert Wilson, a radio operator, built a station here
and it is still owned by his family.

New Hampshire
My next stop was Hillsborough, New Hampshire. Only 86 miles via
Vermont Highway 9 and New Hampshire Highway 9, I made this drive in
one hour and fifty minutes. I chose the Franklin Pierce homestead
because of this quoteI shall never cease to remember my birthplace
with pride as well as affection, and with still more pride shall I recollect the
steady, unqualified and generous confidence which has been reposed in
me by its inhabitants. Franklin Pierce our 14th president of the United
States. Pierce is most known for his signing of the Kansas-Nebraska Act.
He went in to office having not offended anyone and came out highly
criticized for this act.
I had heard about Ava Marie Handmade chocolates so I took a tour of the
company. They ship chocolates throughout the United States. The tour
and samples of chocolate were free.

Maine
I spent the night in Hillsborough before heading to Maine. The Lane
Hotel was $119/night and a very good breakfast was available. I left
Hillsborough on I-95 north to Prospect, Maine. This took me 4 hours
and was 244 miles. My first stop was Fort Knox. Fort Knox was built
in 1844 to protect the Penobscot River valley from the British Navy.
Fort Knox is unique in that it was made from granite and has an
observatory.
I was fascinated by my next visit to the Prospect Harbor lighthouse.
Prospect Harbor Lighthouse, on the east side of the entrance to
Prospect Harbor, was originally established in 1850 to serve as a guide
to the harbor of refuge to the Penobscot River Valley.

Massachusetts
I headed south on I-95 for 226 miles and 4 hours to Lexington
Massachusetts. I visited the site of the 1775 shot heard around the
world. The Battle of Lexington Green was the start of the American
Revolution.
My second stop was to see the Hancock-Clarke house. This is the
childhood home to John Hancock. Additionally it is where both John
Hancock and Samuel Adams stayed right before the Battle of
Lexington. I chose this as Hancock was the first signer of the
Declaration of Independence.

Rhode Island
After a restful night at the Quality Inn and Suites in Lexington, ME
($89/night with breakfast) I headed to Newport, Rhode Island. I
drove south on I-95 for 291 miles in 5 hours. My destination- Fort
Adams. Fort Adams was established on July 4, 1799 as a First System
coastal fortification. Its first commander was Captain John Henry who
was later instrumental in starting the War of 1812.
I was very interested in all of the mansions of Newport. I was able to
take a tour of several of them. Newport was and still is a summer
playground for the rich.

Connecticut
From Newport, I headed south on I-95 to Ridgefield, Connecticut. I
drove 141 miles and 2 and hours to reach the historic Town of
Ridgefield, site of the Battle of Ridgefield. Here Benedict Arnold
commanded a small army to hold off the British soldiers in 1777.
I found an interesting Art museum, The Aldrich Contemporary Art
Museum. The Aldrich museum is for innovative artists whose ideas
and interpretations of the world around us serve as a way to
encourage creative thinking. It was fun.

New Jersey
After the museum I checked into the Days Inn in Ridgefield, Ct. This
$76/night room included breakfast. I woke up early and headed
south on I-95 for 151 miles to Gloucester, New Jersey which took 2
hours and 45 minutes. In Gloucester I went to the Red Bank
Battlefield. On Oct. 22, 1777 the Red Bank Battle was fought. The
soldiers at Fort Mercer defended this part of the Delaware River and
prevented the British from using it for transportation.
I thought it would be then interesting to visit the Grand Sprute
Plantation. This plantation was originally built as a trading post for
both native peoples and European settlers.

Delaware
After I left the Plantation in Gloucester I drove to Wilmington, Delaware.
This short 33 mile drive took me 40 minutes on I-295 south. I went to the
site of the Battle of Brandywine. The Battle of Brandywine, also known as
the Battle of Brandywine Creek, was fought between the American army of
General George Washington and the British army of General Sir William
Howe on September 11, 1777. The British defeated the Americans and
forced them to withdraw toward the American capital of Philadelphia.
My point of interest was the DuPont company. Their global headquarters is
here in Wilmington. E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company, commonly
referred to as DuPont, is an American chemical company that was founded
in July 1802 as a gunpowder mill by leuthre Irne du Pont.

Maryland
From Wilmington, DE I headed south on I-95 for 70 miles to Baltimore
Maryland. This one hour fifteen minute drive took me to the site of
the Battle of Baltimore. The events at the Battle of Baltimore led to
the Americans killing the British Armed Forces Commander. The landsea battle in the War of 1812 was also Frances Scott Keys inspiration
for the lyrics to the Star Spangled Banner.
When in Baltimore you must see the home of the Baltimore Ravens.
This is particularly interesting as Niner coach Jim Harbaughs brother
John coaches the Ravens. I attended a game and the Ravens won.

Virginia
Another short drive, 46 miles and 1 hour took me to Arlington, Virginia. I drove
via I-295 south. In Arlington I visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. The Tomb
of the Unknown Soldier refers to a monument dedicated to the services of an
unknown soldier and to the memories of all soldiers killed in any war. The head
stone reads: Here rests in honored glory an American soldier known but to God.
Next, I went to the Arlington House which is also called the Robert E. Lee
Memorial. Built by George Washington Parke Custis and his slaves between 1802
and 1818, the house and grounds have served many purposes over the last two
hundred years: a family home for the Lees and Custises, a plantation estate and
home to 63 slaves, a monument honoring George Washington, a military
headquarters, a community for emancipated slaves and a national cemetery.

West Virginia
I found a great deal at the Hyatt Arlington, VA at $76/night. After
another free breakfast I headed to Moundsville, West Virginia. I
traveled on I-70 west for 284 miles which took 4 hour and 45
minutes. I went to the West Virginia Penitentiary. Built in 1863 after
West Virginia seceded from Virginia during the Civil War, the prison
built by inmates became the prison for those who violated the
Espionage Act of 1917.
I then went to the Grave Creek Mound Archeological Complex. The 62
foot high and 240 foot round, the Grave Creek Mound is one of the
largest conical-type burial mounds in the U.S. The builders of the site,
members of the Native America Adena, moved more than 60,000
tons of dirt to create it about 250-150 BC.

Kentucky
I left Moundsville en route to Louisville, Kentucky. This 340 mile drive
via I-70 west took 5 hours and 15 minutes. I found my hotel,
Hampton Inn, and went straight to bed. The room rate of $116 was
one of the more expensive nights on my road trip. The next morning I
headed to the Waverly Hills Sanitarium. The white plague, better
known as tuberculosis, was epidemic in the Louisville region. It
opened in 1910 as a two-story hospital to accommodate 40 to 50
tuberculosis patients. Tuberculosis caused to many Americans during
this era in the U.S.
Following the sanitarium I went to the Riverfront Plaza-Belvedere and
enjoyed the ice skating rink. The plaza overlooks Ohio river, a nice
view. I splurged and spent the night here at the Galt House Hotel
($124/night, breakfast included).

Tennessee
After a restful night on the Riverfront Plaza I left Louisville and headed
to Nashville, Tennessee. I drove south on I-65 for 174 miles which
took 2 hours and 40 minutes. My historical stop was to Fort
Nashborough. On January 1, 1780, Nashville was founded when
James Robertson led his group of pioneers across the frozen
Cumberland River to a place called the Cedar Bluffs. Fort
Nashborough was built and would be shelter for the first families until
Indian attacks ended in 1792.
Nashville is also steeped in country music history and as such I went
to the Country Music Hall of Fame and museum. I took the audio
tour and heard music from many famous artists.

North Carolina
I popped an Elvis CD in my stereo and headed east on I-40. The 740
mile drive to Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina would take 11 and
hours. I arrived and checked into the Comfort Inn. My $62/night
room included breakfast. The next morning I headed to the Wright
Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center. The story of the Wright
Brothers shows the American ideal of hard work overcoming all
obstacles. Wilbur and Orville Wright were not just lucky bicycle
mechanics but succeeded because of study and scientific
experimentation.
My point of interest is Nags Head Woods Preserve. This beautiful
preserve offers miles and miles of hiking and lots of birds. I needed a
good hike and the trails were great.

South Carolina
After the hike I was ready to head to Gaffney, South Carolina. A long
drive, 417 miles south on I-85 took 6 hours and 25 miles. I checked in
to my $93 room at the Hampton Inn, Gaffney. Again, breakfast
included. I slept well and set out to visit the site of the Battle of
Cowpens. The Continental Army was victorious here and the Battle of
Cowpens is considered the turning point of the war of the South.
One of a chain of events leading to the Patriot victory at Yorktown.
After this I went over to the Cherokee County History and Arts
Museum. This interesting museum had over 3000 artifacts ranging
from Native American culture to moonshine running history.

Georgia
I headed south on both I-85 and I-75 for a 414 mile, 6 and hour
drive to Thomasville, Georgia. Here I stayed in the Comfort Inn for
$59 and the breakfast was included. I woke early to visit the Civil War
Prison Camp. Prison camps were numerous in Georgia during the
Civil War. The prison in Thomasville was only occupied for 2 weeks.
An outbreak of small pox forced the abandonment of this confederate
prison.
An interesting side trip to the Thomasville Big Oak was next. The Big
Oak, located in Thomasville, Georgia is a 329 year old Live Oak, and is
one of the largest of its kind East of the Mississippi River.

Alabama
Next stop, Montgomery Alabama. I left Thomasville via US Highway
84 west for 198 miles and 3 and hours. I went to Fort Montgomery.
A fierce revolutionary war battle for control of the Hudson River
occurred at this location.
After visiting Fort Montgomery I went to the Civil Rights Memorial.
The Civil Rights Memorial honors the achievements and memory of
those who died during the Civil Rights Movement, a period of time
between 1954 and ML Kings assassination in1968. The memorial
serves as a way to educate and reflect about the struggle for equality.

Florida
From Montgomery I headed to Pensacola, Florida. This drive was
only 163 miles and took 2 and hours on I-65 south. Pensacola is the
home of Fort Barrancas. During the War of 1812 between the United
States and Great Britain, the fort was the site of the American victory
at the Battle of Pensacola. This was fought between American and
British forces. The American forces were led by Andrew Jackson.
I headed to Pensacola Beach. The longest boardwalk in Florida can be
found here. White sand and many places to eat, this was a relaxing
point of interest on my epic road trip.

Mississippi
From Pensacola, Fl., I headed north via US Highway 45 to Tupelo, Mississippi. This
drive was 333 miles and took 5 hours. I drove straight to my hotel. The Hampton
Inn Tupelo was $80 for the night and included breakfast. Right after breakfast I
visited the site of the Battle of Tupelo. Fought in July of 1864 the Battle of Tupelo
which is also known as the Battle of Harrisburg, was a Union victory over
Confederate forces. The victory protected General Shermans supply lines and
kept the Confederates away from Union railroads.
I could not pass up the opportunity to visit the Tupelo Veterans Museum. The
museum is a local tribute to the brave men and women who defended our
country in the Civil War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War,
and the modern Desert Storm and Iraqi Wars.

Louisiana
Another long drive takes me from Tupelo, MS to New Orleans,
Louisiana. I drove 341 miles south on I-59. The drive was 5 hours and
I again went to the hotel. A tad more expensive, the Courtyard was
$135/night and included breakfast. In the morning I went to Fort De
La Boulaye. Fort de la Boulaye was the first French outpost in the
present State of Louisiana. It was built in February 1700 to counter
Spanish and English attacks in the area
Next I went to the National World War II Museum. The museum is
home to letters, recruitment posters, weapons and models honoring
the men and women who took part in World War II. My grandfather
was a Chief Petty Officer in the US Navy in World War II.

Arkansas
My epic road trip continues to Washington, Arkansas. I left New
Orleans via I-49 north, driving 6 hours and 45 minutes travelling 429
miles. Naturally my first stop was my hotel. The Best Western Hope
was only $67/night and provided breakfast. In the morning I toured
the Confederate State Capital. This was the Confederate capital from
1863-1865 after Little Rock lost its battle with Union forces. During
the Civil War the Arkansas Governor order the capital to be built in
Washington. It remained there until the end of the Civil War in 1865.
After visiting the Confederate capital I took a cave tour. The Arkansas
Caves were formed over 350 years ago. Blanchard Springs Caverns
dripped with water and had huge formations.

Missouri
I headed east on I-30 for 326 miles to Springfield, Missouri the center
of the country. This 5 and hour drive took me to the Trail of Tears.
In 1838, the Cherokee were forcibly removed by the U.S. government
from their homelands in Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina and
Georgia, then moved to the Indian Territory. The move became
known as the Trail of Tears due to the thousands of Cherokee deaths
on the journey and those who died as a result of the relocation. The
Trail of Tears traveled through the Springfield area via what is known
today as the Old Wire Road.
My point of interest was Route 66. Springfield is the birthplace of the
famous route 66. I ate at the Route 66 Caf and enjoyed all of the
memorabilia.

Kansas
Leaving Springfield, MO I headed north on Missouri Highway 13 for
260 miles. This 4 hour drive took me to Cottonwood Falls, Kansas.
My first stop was the Millstream Motel. The room was $62/night and
very comfy. My historical visit was to the Chase County Courthouse.
The courthouse was built in 1873 and is the oldest operating
courthouse in Kansas. It is considered one of the 8 wonders of Kansas
because of its French Renaissance style.
Nearby, I went to the Chase County Historical Society Museum. The
building itself was built in 1882 and housed the Chase County
National Bank until it closed in 1928. Many interesting artifacts from
the pioneer days are on display and you can actually hold the display
books.

Oklahoma
I left Cottonwood Falls, KS via US highway 169 south for another 4 and hour
drive. The 272 mile drive took me to Tahlequah, Oklahoma. Again, I went to my
hotel first. The Comfort Inn and Suites in Tahlequah offered an $84/night rate
which included breakfast. The next morning I toured the Cherokee National
Capital. The Cherokee National Capitol houses the judicial branch of the Cherokee
Nation. After the Civil War, the tribal council made a new building to honor the
achievements of the Cherokees in overcoming the hardships of removal, merging
their tribal factions into a unified nation.
Next, I needed a hike so I visited the Tahlequah History Trail. A slow walk where I
learned more about the history of the Cherokee and the towns history.

Texas
From Tahlequah, OK I was on my way to San Antonio, Texas and the
Alamo. The drive was one of my longest, 8 hours and 45 minutes and
537 miles south on US Highway 69 to I-35 south. Needless to say my
first stop was the Comfort Inn, River Walk. The room was $99/night
and breakfast was included. My visit the next morning was a tour of
the Alamo. This is the site of the Battle of Alamo in 1836. Originally
known as Mission San Antonio de Valero. The Texas Revolution left us
with Remember the Alamo.
I went to the touristy San Antonio River Walk. Located in heart of San
Antonio and right next to the Alamo I enjoyed Mexican food and a
short boat ride on the river.

New Mexico
I left San Antonio, TX and drove to Santa Fe, New Mexico. A very, very
long 10 hours and 40 minutes north on US Highway 285. The 704
miles were plain and flat. I checked into my $99/night room at the
Hotel Santa Fe. After my free breakfast, I made my visit to the Palace
of the Governors. This adobe structure was originally a seat of
government for the Spanish. It was built in 1610.
After visiting the palace I went to the Museum of Indian Arts and
Culture. The Native American art is on display and represents their
culture in New Mexico.

Colorado
On the road again. Heading to Pueblo, Colorado I took I-25 north for 279 miles
and it was a 4 hour drive. Pueblo was originally called Fort Pueblo and home to
ore mining. My first stop was to the Pueblo Union Depot. This depot served five
railroads; the Denver and Rio Grande, Texas and Fort Worth, Chicago, Rock Island
and Pacific, Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe. Very interesting historical
transportation depot.
I was interested in the history of Pueblo so I went to the El Pueblo History
Museum. El Pueblo History Museum honors the city's history and the region's
cultural and ethnic groups. The museum includes a re-created 1840s adobe
trading post and plaza, and the archaeological excavation site of the original 1842
El Pueblo trading post.

Utah
From Pueblo I drove to Salt Lake City, Utah. The route took me 632 miles and 9
hours and 40 minutes. I initially drove north on I-25 until I came to I-80 west.
After the long drive I checked into the Holiday Inn Express. The $104 room rate
does include breakfast. I got up the next morning to visit Fort Douglas. Originally
called Camp Douglas, Fort Douglas is a small military garrison built for the
purpose of protecting the overland mail route and telegraph lines along the
Central Overland route. In 1901, Fort Douglas was upgraded to Regimental
Headquarters where troops were trained for service elsewhere.
Curious about the Mormon religion and their temples I visited Temple Square.
The free guided tour explained the history of the temple, a little about the
Mormon religion and some exploration of the peaceful ten acres upon which the
temple sits.

Arizona
Almost home, I leave Salt Lake City and travel to Sierra Vista, Arizona.
This is an extremely long drive, 847 miles and 13 hours was on I-15
south to US Highway 89 south. I was excited to visit Fort Huachuca.
But first I needed to check in to my room at the Comfort Inn. Yes, the
$94 room rate included breakfast. I woke early to go to Fort
Huachuca. Currently, Fort Huachuca is home to the United States
Army Intelligence Center and School. Fort Huachuca honors the
history of the Apache Wars and there were many artifacts relative to
the military and the Native Americans.
Being so close to Mexico I went to the Border town of Nogales.
Nogales still has old west culture and I enjoyed a nice Mexican food
meal.

Hawaii
From Sierra Vista, Arizona I drove back to Sacramento and boarded a flight to
Honolulu. Again a very long 943 mile drive, 14 and hours via Interstates 10
west and 5 north I found myself at the Sacramento International Airport. I
planned on sleeping on the plane. The flight was a non stop flight to Honolulu
and included 2 nights at the Hilton Waikiki. The package was $971.
Upon arrival I went to the Pearl Harbor Memorial. The Date of Infamy that
launched an epic conflict with Japan took place here in the early morning hours
of December 7, 1941. The calm waters of Pearl Harbor were forever disrupted by
the tides of war. The USS Arizona and 1,177 of her crew were among the first
casualties of the Pacific War; the USS Arizona Memorial stands serving as a
reminder of their sacrifice and commitment.
I spent the next day and a half enjoying the beaches of Waikiki, very interesting.
My epic road trip has come to an end.

Final Price Tag for Epic Road Trip

$5792.80
Total Miles
16,254
Gasoline Cost
I drove my 2006 Toyota Corolla that gets 30 miles to a gallon of gas.
The car holds 15 gallons. So, one tank of gas would get me 450 miles. (30 x 15=450).
As such, I needed 36 tanks of gas. (16,254450=36.12)
The national average gas price is $2.92/gallon. (fuelgaugereport.com)
To fill one tank is $43.80. (15x2.92=43.80)
Final cost of gas $1576.80. ($43.80x36=$1576.80)
Hotel Costs
$2540.00 not including Hawaii
Hawaii Costs
$971.00
Food Costs
Breakfast no cost, included in hotel room rates
Lunch-budgeted $5 per day. $5x30 days = $150.00
Dinner-budgeted $10 per day. $10x30 days =$300

Admission Fees
Not all attractions charged an admission fee. Total admission fees $255.00

Timeline The road trip took 30 days

Day 1-California, Nevada and Idaho
Day 2-Oregon
Day 3-Washington, Montana
Day 4-North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming
Day 5-Nebraska
Day 6-Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin
Day 7-Michigan
Day 8-Illinois
Day 9-Indiana, Ohio

Day 10-Pennyslvannia, New York

Day 11-Vermont, New Hampshire

30 day road trip timeline continued

Day 12-Maine, Massachusetts

Day 13-Rhode Island, Connecticut
Day 14-New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia
Day 15-West Virginia, Kentucky
Day 16-Tennessee, North Carolina
Day 17-South Carolina, Georgia
Day 18-Alabama, Florida
Day 19-Mississippi, Louisiana
Day 20-Arkansas
Day 21-Missouri, Kansas

30 day road trip time line continued

Day 22-Oklahoma
Day 23-Texas
Day 24-New Mexico
Day 25-New Mexico, Colorado
Day 26-Colorado, Utah
Day 27-Arizona
Day 28-California
Days 29 and 30-Hawaii