In this newsletter: and much more!! |
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Latest from our world |
We're back in New Mexico for what has become an annual visit to Legends of America's roots, the Moreno Valley. I thought we might have to cancel this year's journey due to the extraordinary record-breaking wildfires, but Eagle Nest and Angel Fire were spared all but the smoke. We didn't journey into the affected areas of the Calf Canyon-Hermits Peak Fires, which burned 318,000 acres in the Santa Fe National Forest. Our hearts and prayers go to all who lost their homes and livelihoods. A lot of history in this region went up in smoke.
Besides working on Kathy's Foster Family cabin in Idlewild, we did take a day trip down to Taos and south along the Rio Grande River. On the way down State Highway 68, we came across a marker for Embudo Stream Gauging Station, which is the site of the first United States Geological Survey training center for Hydrographers. Sounds a bit boring, but actually very important in American History. Those trained there made some of the earliest Hydrological studies in the nation, leading to stream-gauging of many streams throughout the country, and thus providing important evaluations of the nation's surface water resources.
We also visited the Los Luceros Historic Site, the centerpiece of which is a magnificent Territorial-style Hacienda that houses centuries of history within its walls. Expect stories and photos in the coming months.
We're on our way back to Missouri now, but it was hard leaving the 80-F weather of the San de Cristo mountains. We landed at Concha Lake State Park near Tucumcari, our first day back in 100+ heat. I have a feeling it's going to be a hellish trip home.
Stay Cool and Keep Rotating, wouldn't want anyone to come out half-baked.
Dave |
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We love to photograph ghost towns, and we’ve been to plenty. See our entire collection of Ghost Town Photo Prints, And Save 20% off your purchase. Use coupon code 2022 at checkout. |
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Here are some of the recent additions since our last newsletter |
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Smallpox and America’s First Medical Mandate – General Washington issued the first medical mandate in America, a military order to inoculate all soldiers against smallpox in 1777.
Fort Leavenworth-Fort Riley Military Road – The military road from Fort Leavenworth to Fort Riley, Kansas, was blazed shortly after Fort Riley was created in 1853.
Vieux Crossing, Kansas – On the Oregon Trail – The crossing was utilized by travelers as early as 1819, when Thomas Say, a member of Stephen H. Long’s expedition, camped near the crossing. By the 1840s, it was regularly used. Kit Carson and John C. Fremont crossed here in 1842 and the Donner Party in 1846.
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Willow Springs – (Legends of Kansas) Willow Springs, Kansas in Douglas County, was once a popular campsite on the Santa Fe Trail. It is extinct today.
Leavenworth County – (Legends of Kansas) The first whites to visit Leavenworth County were the French traders and explorers who came up the Missouri River early in the 18th century. The first European settlement in the area was Fort de Cavagnial, built in 1744.
Osage County – (Legends of Kansas) The only white men living in the county before 1854 were General Whistler, an ex-army officer and Indian trader, and John Goodell, both of whom had married Indian wives and were living where the Santa Fe Trail crossed 110 Mile Creek, and a man by the name of Case, who kept a trading post at the Indian agency at Quenemo.
There's a lot more! We've added 18 new articles since our last newsletter.
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Herbal Teas, from Nuwati Herbals in Missouri, work with the body in an all-natural way to promote balance and good health. And you can save 10% Automatically when you purchase 3 or more at Legends' General Store! |
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On August 20, 1871, one of the largest gunfights to ever take place in the American West was fought in Newton, Kansas. Known as the Hyde Park Gunfight or the Newton Massacre, the shootout claimed more lives than many more famous gunfights such as Dalton Gang Gunfight at Coffeeville, Kansas, or the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral in Tombstone, Arizona.
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Time Magazine once called George Washington Carver a “Black Leonardo”, a title worthy of this great scientist, educator, botanist, and inventor. In fact, in July of 1943, President Franklin D. Roosevelt dedicated funds for the George Washington Carver National Monument near Diamond, Missouri. This was the first national monument dedicated to an African American and the first to honor someone other than a President. |
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This is the ultimate guide for finding and exploring the Route driving from the WEST or the EAST. Its maps and directions are comprehensive yet easy to follow. The spiral-bound guide stays open to the pages you are reading while you are driving or riding. Also includes attractions, tips, other sources, and games. Convenient 5 1/2" x 8 1/2", 216 page, paperback format.
Free Shipping in the U.S. (Media Mail), or choose between First Class and Priority Mail. |
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This monument was built as a public sculpture, and visitors are encouraged to participate in it. So, it’s ok if you take your can of Krylon with you, leaving your name or an inspiring message, which will, no doubt, be erased by another message soon. |
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Just outside of Niland, California is a colorful artificial mountain made of adobe, straw, lots of junk, and thousands of gallons of paint. It was created by folk-artist and religious man, Leonard Knight to convey his message that “God Loves Everyone.”
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Popular Stories on Facebook |
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In case you missed it, here are some of the articles that have been popular on our Facebook Fan Pages recently. |
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Jay Em, Wyoming began along a watering hole on the old Texas Trail that ran north-south through Goshen County. The land around the townsite was originally claimed by James Moore, a former Pony Express rider and rancher in the 1860s.
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They remain one of the largest tribes in the United States, and many Americans of all backgrounds claim Cherokee ancestry.
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A small man, Charlie made up for it in his dandified appearance. He was known to have worn hand-tailored fringed buckskins, fine linen shirts, and a pair of revolvers mounted in gold, silver, and pearl.
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Our Blessed Life with Furry Friends |
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We had to say goodbye to our 12-year companion, Miss Kaydee Dog. After struggling with health for a year the ol' gal was tired and hurting. We were fortunate that she could pass peacefully at home, which is how it should be. It was also the end of what I considered to be the Legends Pack.
For the past decade, we have been in a select group of pet owners who have had the privilege of living and adventuring with their furry companions 24/7. Kaydee came into our lives when she was only 4 months old. She was Kathy's first pet ever and quickly changed our lives. She went with us on every adventure, even back in the day when we were "hoteling" it instead of pulling a travel trailer.
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Then, 2 years after Kaydee came into our lives, we rescued our other companion, Mr. Riley, at age 4. It was the beginning of our special pack. We had many adventures and daily routines, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. I can count on one hand the number of times they weren't with us.
When Mr. Riley passed in March of 2021, we knew life would change for us all. She was never the same without him. In the meantime, we rescued Joey in May of 2021, and Kaydee became the 'motherly' figure to our new companion. It was a completely different relationship than with Riley, but good for the situation, and what Joey needed.
It's been a month since Kaydee's passing. Joey is starting to get back to normal, but it is a slow process as she was pretty attached to Kaydee. For Kathy and I, there may never be what we considered "normal" again. Kaydee and Riley blessed our lives in so many ways as constant companions I don't know if we will ever experience that magic again. They were the perfect pair, and we had the perfect pack.
We will forever hold the past 12 years of our lives as some of the best and most fulfilling thanks to the Legends' Pack. So long Miss Kaydee. I'm sure Mr. Riley met you on the rainbow bridge and y'all are once again protecting humanity from the evil turtles and squirrels.
Dave & Kathy |
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Our website and newsletter are supported by some mighty fine readers. Yeah, we're talking about YOU Friend! We just can't thank you enough! Be sure to check out our General Store and Photo Print Shop, helping keep our content free of charge since 2003. And as a loyal reader, you can always save 10% at either. Just use coupon code NEWS10 in 'cart view' at our General Store, or during checkout on our Photo Print Shop. |
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Have a comment about something in this newsletter or any of our stories? Reply to this email or send them to newsletter@legendsofamerica.com. |
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