Council Bluffs Free Public Library

April 14, 2016, 7:39 pm

Council Bluffs, Iowa.

has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior

(Education • Man-Made Features • Charity & Public Work) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Building 1372

April 14, 2016, 8:14 pm

≫ Next: Hon. Derek Alton Walcott

≪ Previous: Council Bluffs Free Public Library

Fort Bliss, Texas.

This Wagon Scales Building was built in 1918 with a weighing platform on its south side. The building was part of Forage Yard No. 1, which provisioned cavalry horses from 1919 until 1943. Two granaries, a small stone latrine and eleven open haysheds were also part of the initial Forage Yard 1. Three of the open haysheds were combined and survive as Building 1208 as well as one of the granaries, Building 1361. Forage Yard No. 1 did not only serve Fort Bliss, but also the Army units stationed from Douglas, Arizona to the Texas Big Bend.

Disturbances along the U.S.-Mexican border stemming from the Mexican Revolution (1910 - 1921) led to a string of outposts on the border with Fort bliss, as the nation's premier Army post along the border, the logistic and supply center for the Army's Mexican Border Zone. Fort Bliss' 1st Cavalry Division patrolled the border to deter bandits from crossing into the U.S. Since the horse was the best way of traversing the border's rough terrain, the the 1st Cavalry Division continued to patrol the border through the 1930s. Fort Bliss became the largest cavalry post in the U.S. and eventually the last active cavalry post in the U.S. Army.

This Wagon Scales Building was used to weight wagons carrying forage for the horses and mules supplied by Forage Yard No. 1. A Fairbanks weighting scale designed to weigh items up to 60,000 pounds is located in the building. Trucks replaced wagons in 1941. At that time the Army's El Paso District had 8,000 horses consuming 40 tons of oats daily. In 1943 the 1st Cavalry Division was dismounted ending the need for Building 1372. Building 1372 was renovated in 2007 as part of the construction of the nearby commissary.

(War, Mexican-American • Wars, US Indian) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Hon. Derek Alton Walcott

April 14, 2016, 8:51 pm

≫ Next: Historical Building 241 - The Guardhouse, 1893

≪ Previous: Building 1372

, Saint Lucia.

Born in St Lucia January 23, 1930
Nobel Prize
for Literature 1992
"Moi c'est gens Ste. Lucie: C'est la
moi sorti: is there that I born"
Excerpt from the poem
"Sainte Lucie"

(Arts, Letters, Music) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Historical Building 241 - The Guardhouse, 1893

April 14, 2016, 8:59 pm

≫ Next: Site of W.T. Fluker Gun Smith

≪ Previous: Hon. Derek Alton Walcott

Fort Bliss, Texas.

Captain George Ruhlen designed a series of buildings along a central parade field for the newly appointed Fort Bliss at Lanoria Mesa. Building 241 originally served as the guardhouse for Fort Bliss and is a contributing element of the Fort Bliss Historic District. Constructed on the west side of the Parade Field in 1893, Building 241 received all incoming and outgoing traffic. Building 241 is one of the first buildings constructed at Fort Bliss and is significant for its association with the Initial Construction Period, 1891-1899.

Building 241 is a one story structure with a basement built in the Neoclassical Style. Constructed of handmade yellow brick with a stone foundation and hipped roof with a central shed dormer, building 241 featured a louvered monitor. The wooden front porch and transom windows provide an exterior view of the Parade Field.

The original main floor of the Guardhouse included a square floor plan which was divided into a guard room and jail. The guardroom faced east towards the parade field. Offices and bathrooms flanked the large main room. The jail contained two iron cells and was located on the west side of the building. One cell was dedicated to sentenced prisoners and the second was designated for individuals awaiting sentence. Iron lattice work composed the walls and ceiling of the cell cages.

Over the years, Building 241 was adaptively reused to serve as an administrative building, a post office and a military police building. In addition to new uses, several new technologies replaced traditional methods in the early 20th century. Electricity replaced the kerosene and coal oil lamps and a natural gas boiler and radiators were installed in 1928. In 1953, composition shingles replaced the original metal shingles. Despite the replacement of a few original elements, the historic spacial configuration of the guardroom and jail remain today and provides insight to the daily activities of the guardhouse occupants.

In 2010, the original exterior architectural features of Building 241 were restored. The louvered monitor was reconstructed and installed on the peak of the hipped roof. In addition, the transom windows and wood steps of the front porch were restored. Building 241 remains a historically significant resource through its context and architecture in the understanding of Fort Bliss' initial development at Lanoria Mesa.

(War, Mexican-American • Wars, US Indian) Includes location, directions, 5 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Site of W.T. Fluker Gun Smith

April 14, 2016, 9:28 pm

≫ Next: Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery

≪ Previous: Historical Building 241 - The Guardhouse, 1893

Washington, Georgia.

Site of W.T. Fluker Gun
Smith (1867-1877) and
Fluker & Brother Cotton
Gin Manufactory
1875-1895).
Also the location of
W.T. Johnson's first store.
A hardware store has
been located here
since 1884.

(Notable Buildings) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery

April 15, 2016, 7:37 am

≫ Next: Lafreniere Plantation

≪ Previous: Site of W.T. Fluker Gun Smith

Reno, Nevada.

In 1890 General O.M. Mitchel Post #69, Grand Army of the Republic, bought 17 lots in the original Hillside Cemetery for the last resting place for comrades-in-arms during the Civil War, 1861-1865.

While friends and relatives of the soldiers maintained the cemetery well, years of neglect and vandalism followed in the twentieth century. Restoration began in 1963 by the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War and other interested citizens of the Reno Area.

Among those buried here are members of the Nevada volunteers who served in their own state and neighboring areas of the West from 1861-1866.

(War, US Civil • Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Lafreniere Plantation

April 15, 2016, 7:40 am

≫ Next: Industrial Icons

≪ Previous: Grand Army of the Republic Cemetery

Metairie, Louisiana.

Part of the concession in 1720 by Governor Bienville to father of Nicholas Chauvin LaFreniere, Attorney-General of Louisiana for the years 1763 until 1769. Leader of the revolt against Spanish rulers of Louisiana, and executed October 25, 1769.

(Colonial Era • Politics) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Industrial Icons

April 15, 2016, 12:30 pm

≫ Next: Ship Canal Commons

≪ Previous: Lafreniere Plantation

Buffalo, New York.

This ladle, a vessel traditionally used to transport and pour molten iron, was acquired from the Senator John Heinz History Center in Pittsburgh. Positioned here at the eastern end of Ship Canal Commons, it is located near where the Hanna Furnace Company once had one of its operating ladles. A rail wrench and iron ingots were discovered and salvaged during construction and have been installed near the base of the ladle.

Together, these historic objects stand testiment to the thousands of steel and iron workers employed in Western New York during the 20th century. They commemmorate the men and women who dedicated their lives to this difficult and dangerous work that drove the American economy for decades.

Founded in 1899 by William Rogers and Frank & Charles Goodyear, the Buffalo and Susquehanna Iron Company was an industrial pig iron foundry intended to be a source of iron ingots for neighboring Bethlehem Steel and steel production throughout the northeast.

The founders sold the mill to the H.A. Hanna Company of Cleveland, Ohio, a large iron ore broker and shipper. Renamed the Hanna Furnace Company shortly after, the facility began to produce up tp 3,1000 tons of iron ignots daily and at its peak employed over 800 workers.

Pig iron is the intermediate product of steel; the result of smelting iron ore with coke and limestone. The materials combine with intense heat inside a blast furnace to purify the iron ore. The liquid is drained out through the bottom of the furnace and is diverted into a long, runner with many shorter channels or ignots, where the iron cools and hardens. The name "pig iron" comes from the resemblance of the runner to a mother pig, and the ignots to suckling piglets.

(Industry & Commerce) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Ship Canal Commons

April 15, 2016, 4:56 pm

≫ Next: Father Baker's Gas Well

≪ Previous: Industrial Icons

Buffalo, New York.

Actual photograph of Buffalo Ship Canal site circa 1950s

While creating a new public park was the goal of developing Ship Canal Commons, this site is also crucial to telling the story of steel production and heavy industry in South Buffalo. The Union Ship Canal is one of the few physical reminders left of steel production, an industry historically significant to the economic growth of the region.

This site's former occupant, The Hanna Furnace Corporation, employed hundreds in the production of pig iron. The canal was essential in transporting the materials needed for the creation and shipment of this product. Specifically, iron ore and limestone were carried on freighters from throughout the Great Lakes and once docked, bridge cranes lining the canal worked to offload material from the ships into piles for storage.

Various park features have been included in the design to help tell the story: Match the number below to the corresponding number in the images:

1) Tree rows/bands of stone or "shadow lines" placed to mimic the cranes.
2) Promenade paving pattern loosely mimics the rail line once used by the bridge cranes.
3) Land forms were created to simulate the enormous piles of limestone and ore that once lined the canal's edge.
4) Pedestrian bridge crossing the canal mimics the structural framing of the former bridge cranes.
5) Densely planted "blocs" of trees reflect the tightly packed, imposing structures that once stood here.
6) Over two miles of multi-use pathways reflect the railroad tracks that once crossed the site. 7) The northeast corner boardwalk aligns with the historical edge of the canal wall that collapsed.

When developing park design, simplistic layout, utilitarian details, minimalistic plantings, and a minimum of special park frills all contributed to the park's representation of this important industrial site.

Several artifacts were discovered and salvaged during construction and are on display:

Explore the site and see if you can find:
• Pile of Ingots
• Railroad Rail
• Iron Pellets
• Iron Tank
• Water Intake Vault
• Anchor

Promedade paving patter at 2 replicates the rai lline at canal's edge. Photo Credit: Former employees of Hanna Furnace.

The landforms at 3 simulate piles of limestone and ore.

The pathways at 6 reflect the railroad tracks that once crossed the site.

(Industry & Commerce • Environment) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Father Baker's Gas Well

April 15, 2016, 5:26 pm

≫ Next: "The Royal Road"

≪ Previous: Ship Canal Commons

Lackawanna, New York.

Father Baker's Gas Well
——•——
At this site on August 22, 1891 natural gas was found at a depth of 1137 feet. This well and its twin continued to produce sufficient gas for many of the energy needs of Our Lady of Victory Institutions, Basilica, Hospital and Schools. Father Baker's faith caused him to thank Our Lady of Victory for her intercession with God for the gift of the gas from these wells.

(Natural Resources) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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"The Royal Road"

April 15, 2016, 5:35 pm

≫ Next: "Unidentified" Colonial Structure No 11

≪ Previous: Father Baker's Gas Well

, Nicaragua.

Debe su nombre a la Casa Real de Fundición y está orientada de Norte a Sur. Tiene una extensión de 300 metros lineales por 14.50 metros de ancho.

Testigo de múltiples enjuiciamientos aprobados por el Cabildo Real, era común que el pregonero recorriera esta calle a caballa leyendo la sentencia.

Durante los 86 años de actividad en la ciudad, muchos procesados fueron arrastrados por esta calle, hasta la Plaza Mayor, donde se ejecutaba la sentencia final.

Caption: Plano de conjunto

English:
"The Royal Road"
It was named after the Royal Foundry House and is oriented north to south. It has a length of 300 linear meters and a width of 14.50 metros.
It was the scenario of multiple prosecutions approved by the Royal Council. It was common to see the bellman down the street, on horseback, while reading the sentence.
During the 86 years the city was active, many defendants were dragged down this street to the Main Square, where the final sentence enforcement took place.

Caption: Site map

(Man-Made Features • Hispanic Americans) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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"Unidentified" Colonial Structure No 11

April 15, 2016, 5:48 pm

≫ Next: "The Fortress"

≪ Previous: "The Royal Road"

, Nicaragua.

Edificada en el periodo 1531-1534, con paredes de tapial y aplanado de tierra talpuja. Tiene un área de 319 m².

Caption: Plano de conjunto
Plano Arquitectónica

English:
Colonial Structure No 11
"Unidentified"
Built during the period 1531-1534, of rammed-earth walls and talpuja (white volcanic ash) coating. It has a area of 319 m².

Captions: Site map
Floor plan

(Colonial Era • Man-Made Features • Anthropology • Hispanic Americans) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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"The Fortress"

April 15, 2016, 6:08 pm

≫ Next: "The House of Martín"

≪ Previous: "Unidentified" Colonial Structure No 11

, Nicaragua.

Edificada en el periodo de 1524-1530. Sistema constructivo: muro perimetal de piedra bola y edificación construida con tapial.
Erigida por órdenes de Francisco Hernández de Córdoba, para vigilar y proteger la ciudad de posibles rebeliones de los nativos.
Su torre principal fue dibujada por Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo, en el año 1532.
En 1998 se descubre parte de la muralla de la Fortaleza, debido a deslaves producidos por las lluvias de huracán Mitch.
Esta estructura será sometida a futuras excavaciones arqueológicas.

Caption: Plano de conjunto

English:
Colonial Structure No 19
"The Fortress"
Built during the period 1524-1530. Construction system: cobblestone perimeter wall and rammed-earth construction.
It was built at the request of Francisco Hernández de Córdoba to guard and protect the city from possible rebellions of the indigenous people.
Its main tower was drawn by Gonzalo Fernández de Oviedo in 1532.
In 1998, part of the wall of the fortress is discovered, due to landslides caused by the rains from Hurricane Mitch.
This structure will be subjected to future archaeological excavations.

Caption: Site map

(Colonial Era • Forts, Castles • Man-Made Features • Anthropology) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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"The House of Martín"

April 15, 2016, 6:26 pm

≫ Next: "The House of Hernando de Soto and Hernán Ponce de León"

≪ Previous: "The Fortress"

, Nicaragua.

Edificada en el periodo de 1531-1534. Sistema constructivo de paredes de tapial y aplanado de tierra talpuja. Área actual 200 m².
Martín Estete acompañó la expedición de Francisco Hernández de Córdoba en 1524. Durante los primeros años de la ciudad fue Guardián de la Fortaleza. En 1526 capturó en Granada el Capitán fundador Francisco Hernández de Córdoba, por órdenes del Gobernador Pedrarias Dávila.

Pie de dibujos: Plano de conjunto
Planta Arquitectónica

English:
Colonial Structure No 18
"The House of Martín"
Built during the period 1531-1534. Construction system: rammed-earth walls and talpuja (white volcanic ash) coating. Current area: 200 m².
Martín Estete joined the expedition of Francisco Hernández de Córdoba in 1524.
During the first years of the city he served as Guardian of the Fortress. In 1526 he arrested founding Captain Francisco Hernández de Córdoba in Granada, at the request of Governor Pedrarias Dávila.

Captions: Site map
Floor plan

(Colonial Era • Man-Made Features • Anthropology • Hispanic Americans) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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"The House of Hernando de Soto and Hernán Ponce de León"

April 15, 2016, 6:42 pm

≫ Next: Structure 4D1

≪ Previous: "The House of Martín"

, Nicaragua.

Edificada en el period 1531-1534. Sistema constructivo: paredes de tapial y aplanado de tierra talpuja.
Estos personajes acompañaron la expedición de Francisco Hernández de Córdoba, en 1531 fungieron como Corregidores de la ciudad. En los años posteriores formaron parte de otras expediciones de gran importancia, en las Islas del Caribe (Puerto Rico), Norte y Sur de América.

Pie de dibujos: Plano de conjunto
Planta Arquitectónica

English:
Colonial Structure No 16
"The House of Hernando de Soto and Hernán Ponce de León"
Built during the period 1531-1534. Construction system: rammed-earth walls and talpuja (white volcanic ash) coating.
The above mentioned personages joined the expedition of Francisco Hernández de Córdoba. In 1531, they served as magistrates of the city. In the subsequent years they were part of other expeditions of great importance in the Caribbean Islands (Puerto Rico), as well as in North and South America.

Captions: Site map
Floor plan

(Colonial Era • Man-Made Features • Exploration) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Structure 4D1

April 15, 2016, 8:23 pm

≫ Next: Structure 3D2

≪ Previous: "The House of Hernando de Soto and Hernán Ponce de León"

, El Salvador.

Esta estructura fue de las últimas investigadas y restauradas en el sitio en el año 2011. Debido a los materiales arqueológicos encontrados, como escoria de hierro, carbón, clavos y tachuelas, esta estructura posiblemente fue un lugar para comercio como una tienda; además, se encontró en una de sus esquinas un cimiento de adobe donde posiblemente estaba colocado un poste de madera. Los cimientos de la estructura, como todas las demás del sitio, estaban compuestos de piedras y tierra compactada.

La estructura 4D1 posee dos gradas hechas de toba y un empedrado, lo cual indica un lugar de acceso, tanto a la posible tienda como a la Plaza Mayor.

Caption:
Escavación y restauración del empedrado y escalinata de la estructura 4D1, donde posiblemente se encontaba la zona de comercio.

English:
This structure was the last investigated and restored in 2011. Because of the archaeological materials found, such as iron slags, coal, nails and tacks, this structure was probably a place to trade like a store. An adobe block was found, possibly to hold a post. The foundation of the structure as all others at the site consisted of stones and rammed earth.

Structure 4D1 has two steps made of tuff blocks and a pavement which indicates a place of possible access to both the store and the Plaza Mayor.

Caption:
Excavation and restoration of the paving and stairs of structure 4D1, where possibly a commercial zone was found.

(Colonial Era • Man-Made Features • Anthropology) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Structure 3D2

April 15, 2016, 9:04 pm

≫ Next: Emerson Freedom Rock Veterans Memorial

≪ Previous: Structure 4D1

, El Salvador.

Ocupaba un lugar muy destacado ya que forma la esquina suroeste de la Plaza Mayor. Según las evidencias arqueológicas encontradas durante las excavaciones, como por ejemplo, una canaleta en el piso, desechos de hierro, tierra quemada, ceniza y carbón, se ha sugerido que se trataba de un taller de herrería para la manufactura de armas usadas en la Conquista. Posiblemente esta estructura es una de las más tempranas del sitio cuando fue fundada la Villa de San Salvador debido su ubicación y a la ausencia de tejas y baldosas.

Esta estructura fue excavada en el año de 2003 y restaurada en el año 2011. Dicha estructura posee cinco habitaciones (actualmente solo tres pueden ser observadas).

Pie de dibujos:
Dichos trabajos estaban enfocados a recrear cómo eran antiguamente las edificaciones españolas en el sitio, utilizando los mismos materiales constructivos.

Trabajos de restauración y consolidación de las habitaciones de la estructura 3D2.

English:
Occupied a prominent location since it formed the Southwest corner of the Plaza Mayor. According to archaeological evidence, such as a rectangular opening on the floor, scrap iron, scorched earth, ash and charcoal, it has been suggested that this was a blacksmith shop, probably for the manufacture of weapons used in the Conquest. Because of its location and absence of roof tiles, this structure is one of the earliest on the site and possibly was built soon after the foundation of the city.

This structure was excavated in the year 2003 and restored in 2011. It has five rooms (currently, only three can be seen).

Captions:
These works were focused on recreating the original Spanish buildings in this site, using the same type of construction materials.

Works of restoration and consolidation of the rooms in the structure 3D2.

(Churches, Etc. • Colonial Era • Man-Made Features) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Emerson Freedom Rock Veterans Memorial

April 16, 2016, 9:34 am

≫ Next: Dr. John Green

≪ Previous: Structure 3D2

Emerson, Iowa.

You Have Done Your Duty.
To Honor You Is Ours.
—————————————
[Soldiers]
—————————————
[Eagle and Flag]

(War, US Civil • Patriots & Patriotism • War, 2nd Iraq • War, Afghanistan) Includes location, directions, 6 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Dr. John Green

April 16, 2016, 10:08 am

≫ Next: Mayo and Savage

≪ Previous: Emerson Freedom Rock Veterans Memorial

near Elk Garden, West Virginia.

One fourth of a mile south is the grave of Dr. John Green, first resident doctor in Mineral County, 1832–73. Born in Bolton, England, November 13, 1798; came to Virginia in May, 1827, after serving as medic in Battle of Waterloo. Died Dec. 21, 1873.

(Science & Medicine) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Mayo and Savage

April 16, 2016, 10:34 am

≫ Next: Funeral Home

≪ Previous: Dr. John Green

Piedmont, West Virginia.

Near here, William Mayo, Thomas Savage, and party spent the winter of 1736 on their expedition for the British King to determine the head waters of the Potomac River and fix the boundary between Maryland and the lands of Lord Fairfax.

(Colonial Era • Exploration) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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