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William H. Mortensen Riverfront Plaza

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Connecticut, Hartford County, Hartford
Welcome to William H. Mortensen Riverfront Plaza Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, the centerpiece of the Riverfront park system, spans I-91 to connect downtown Hartford with the Connecticut River. From the plaza, visitors can cross the river on the Founders Bridge promenade or walk down to the river's edge and on to Riverside Park, to the north. A riverwalk connection to Charter Oak Landing to the south is not yet completed.

I-91 was rebuilt at ground level so this elevated plaza could reunite downtown Hartford with the Connecticut River. Completed in 1999, the plaza ended a separation of more than 50 years and transformed adjacent parking lots into desirable development areas.
Riverfront Recapture, a nonprofit organization created in 1981 to restore public access to the Connecticut River and to build public spaces along its banks, considers construction of the plaza over I-91 as its greatest achievement.

This plaza-level connection to the river made it possible to build docks to bring excursion boat service back to downtown and introduce sporting events such as dragon boat races.
The plaza hosts most of the Riverfront's free public events, including festivals, concerts, and a variety of performances. The downtown docks serve sporting events such as dragon boat races and seasonal excursion boats.

Our magnificent American Heritage River provides a unique scenic backdrop for music and entertainment – making the Riverfront stage one of the region's most popular performance spaces.
Riverfront Management Plan Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, owned by the City of Hartford, is part of the Riverfront Park System. The Riverfront Parks, in Hartford and East Hartford, are managed as a single park entity under a unique management agreement signed in 1998 among Riverfront Recapture, the City of Hartford, the Town of East Hartford, and the Metropolitan District Commission.
Working on behalf of the municipalities, Riverfront Recapture coordinates all activity in the parks and continues to plan for and construct riverwalks and public spaces.

The Metropolitan District Commission, which provides water and sewer services to Hartford, East Hartford, and six surrounding towns, delivers day-today maintenance in the Riverfront parks and funds the park rangers program that is administered by Riverfront Recapture.
Visit riverfront.org for more details.
[ east side ]
Lincoln Financial Sculpture Walk at Riverfront
Starting here on William H. Mortensen Riverfront Plaza, experience one of New England's largest outdoor sculpture installations as you walk along the river – a collection that reflects the life and legacy of America's 16th president, Abraham Lincoln.
Lincoln Financial Foundation provided a major grant to the Greater Hartford Arts Council in 2005 to work in cooperation with Riverfront Recapture to design a Sculpture Walk along the Connecticut River in both Hartford and East Hartford.
After a nationwide call for entries, 16 works from award-winning artists were selected for this permanent public art exhibit.

Riverside Park
Greater Hartford Jaycees Community Boathouse
Public Boat Launch
Riverfront Adventure Challenge Coures
Athletic Fields
Hike & Bike Trails
Picnic & Playground Areas
Fishing
Riverwalk to Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
Riverfront Stage
Founders Bridge Promenade to Great River Park
Excursion Boat Dock
Riverwalk to Riverside Park
Riverwalk to Charter Oak Landing (future)
Science Center and Convention Center
Downtown Hartford
Great River Park
Public Boat Launch
Amphitheater
Picnic & Playground Areas
Fishing
Founders Bridge Promenade to Mortensen Riverfront Plaza
Walkway to Charter Oak Bridge and Charter Oak Landing
Charter Oak Landing
Public Boat Launch
Picnic & Playground Areas
Fishing
Riverwalk to Mortensen Riverfront Plaza (future)
Walkway to Charter Oak Bridge and Great River Park

The pieces reflect some of the major themes in Lincoln's life, such as equality and preserving the union, as well as illuminating some little known facts about Lincoln.
Just ahead, for example, you will find a piece called "Lincoln Meets Stowe," which depicts Hartford author Harriet Beecher Stowe's visit to Washington to lobby the President for an emancipation proclamation.
As you walk across the river on the Founders Bridge promenade, you'll find two pieces, including "Union," an abstract work that represents reunification.
All of the pieces in the Lincoln Financial Sculpture Walk are accompanied by plaques that identify the sculpture, the artist, and the sculpture's relationship to Lincoln.
As you move through the Riverfront park system, you will also find several other pieces of sculpture that are not part of the Lincoln Financial Sculpture Walk. These pieces were gifts from private donors or the Greater Hartford Arts Council, as part of its ongoing commitment to public art.
Visit riverfront.org for more details.

(Notable Places) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

William H. Mortensen

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Connecticut, Hartford County, Hartford
William H.
Mortensen
Riverfront Plaza
July 15, 1903 – October 6, 1990 This plaza is dedicated in honor of William "Bill" Mortensen – whose life is an inspiration to a new generation of Hartford residents. Born in Hartford, Bill Mortensen graduated from Hartford High School, and became one of the city's leading citizens.
He served as Managing Director of the Bushnell Memorial for 40 years. He was director of several corporations, including Heublein, Inc. and the National Fire Insurance Co. He was Hartford's mayor from 1943 to 1945 and held numerous other positions including State Senator, Chairman of the State Development Commission, a Commissioner of the Metropolitan District Commission and president of the Hartford Public Library.
We are pleased to honor his many contributions to Hartford as we welcome you to the William H. Mortensen Riverfront Plaza.

(Notable Persons) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Union

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Connecticut, Hartford County, Hartford
Union
Peter Chinni, 2005 "We shall not only have saved the Union; but we shall have so saved it, as to make and to keep it, forever worthy of the saving."
Lincoln was committed to the ideals of the country's founding fathers, especially the principles established in the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Although he wanted to see slavery contained, during the first two years of the war he maintained that saving the Union was his first and foremost concern. Lincoln believed that the United States was testimony to the idea that people could govern themselves freely long term and that slavery was the antithesis of democracy. After issuing the Emancipation Proclamation on New Year's Day 1863, he transformed the mission of the war from saving the Union to one that also extended freedom to the slaves. Ultimately, Lincoln believed the union of the states and freedom for all were indispensible to the great American Experiment.
Lincoln Financial Sculpture Walk at Riverfront

(War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

The Founders Bridge

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Connecticut, Hartford County, Hartford
The
Founders Bridge
Commemorating the men and women
who traveled here in 1636
with the Rev. Thomas Hooker
to found the City of Hartford
This plaque placed by
The Society of the Descendants Of the Founders of Hartford
in the year 2000

(Bridges & Viaducts) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Fort Fetter

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Pennsylvania, Blair County, Duncansville
This Comfort Inn stands on the site once occupied by Fort Fetter.
Michael Fetter's barn was fortified and named Fort Fetter circa 1777. It served throughout the American Revolutionary War as a fortified structure for the defense of the local settlers of this part of Bedford County against the Indian incursions between 1777 and 1782. From its garrison on the morning of 03 June 1781, a detatchment of the Bedford and Cumberland County militia headed north in response to reports of recent Indian attacks on a number of settlers. The militia were ambushed at a spot about a mile from the fort by a party of Indians led by British Lieutenant Robert Neiles. During the "Engagement of Frankstown", the militia sustained casualties of eleven killed and five wounded. Ten militia were taken prisoner. The British/Indian party suffered no casualties.

(Forts, Castles • Native Americans) Includes location, directions, 1 photo, GPS coordinates, map.

William H. Waterhouse Residence

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Florida, Orange County, Maitland
This property has been placed
on the National Register of
Historic Places by the
United States Department
of the Interior
July 15, 1983

(Notable Buildings) Includes location, directions, 6 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Carpentry Shop Museum

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Florida, Orange County, Maitland
This historic workshop, built around 1883, was the site of William H. Waterhouse's woodworking and construction business. A pioneer settler and carpenter, Mr. Waterhouse built many of the early homes in Maitland and constructed the pews for he First Presbyterian Church of Maitland, erected in 1885. William Waterhouse helped build the town of Maitland both literally and figuratively as a well-respected carpenter and town alderman for 36 years. His carpentry shop houses woodworking tools and continues to pass on the tradition of craftsmanship through tours and hands-on programs.

The Carpentry Shop Museum is operated by the Maitland Historical Society. It was restored through the generous support of the State of Florida, Division of Historical Resources, the City of Maitland, and the Maitland Historical Society.

[photo]
Tuck Russell demonstrates antique wood working techniques.


(Settlements & Settlers) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Plank Road

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North Carolina, Forsyth County, Bethania
The western terminus of the Fayetteville and Western Plank Road, 129 miles in length, longest in North Carolina, built 1849-1854, was here.

(Man-Made Features • Roads & Vehicles) Includes location, directions, 5 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Nazareth Church

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North Carolina, Forsyth County, Rural Hall
Lutheran. Begun about 1778 by German settlers. Formerly called "Old Dutch Meeting House." Present building, 1878.

(Churches, Etc. • Settlements & Settlers) Includes location, directions, 6 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Benjamin Forsyth

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North Carolina, Stokes County, Germanton
Officer in the War of 1812. Mortally wounded in Canada, 1814. Forsyth County named for him. Home stood a few feet north of this spot.

(Patriots & Patriotism • War of 1812) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

1753 Great Philadelphia Wagon Road

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North Carolina, Forsyth County, Winston-Salem
The most heavily traveled in Colonial America passed near here, linking areas from The Great Lakes to Augusta, GA. Laid out on animal and Native American Trading & Warrior Paths. Indian treaties aming NY, PA, VA and the Iroquois League of Five Nations in 1685 and 1722 opened Colonial Backcountry for peaceful settlement along this road of the Piedmont.

(Man-Made Features • Native Americans • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Melbourne & Atlantic Railroad

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Florida, Brevard County, Melbourne Beach
On this site, in February of 1889, Captain Alfred Wilcox took delivery of a shipment of steel rail that would be used in the building of the Melbourne & Atlantic Railroad. Over the coming months, railroad track would be laid to connect the Indian River with the Atlantic Ocean. Starting on the western end of the Melbourne Beach Pier and running the distance of the pier and then continuing along a straight path to the Atlantic Ocean (where Ocean Ave would later be built) the Melbourne & Atlantic Railroad greatly improved ocean access for the growing number of citizens and visitors in Brevard County.

On July 17, 1889 Major Cyrus E. Graves signed the paperwork that laid out the streets of Melbourne Beach and allowed the railroad company "to lay and operate a railroad throughout the center of Ocean Avenue forever unmolested".

Capt. Rufus Beaujean (and later sons Don and Claude) provided for a fee motorized tram rides from the pier to the ocean.

(Railroads & Streetcars) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Eau Gallie Bridge to the Beach

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Florida, Brevard, Melbourne
The first wooden bridge from Eau Gallie to "Eau Gallie Beach" was started in 1924. The bridge was formally opened in February 1926. Soon after John R. Mathers began plans to build a bridge from the barrier island to the tip of Merritt Island. That bridge, spanning the Banana River was completed in 1927.

The Eau Gallie bridge frequently caught fire. Joe Wickham, who was chief of the volunteer fire department, recalled that during one period the bridge caught fire 16 times in a two week period. The fire engine's brakes failed on one occasion as it went across the bridge. It slammed into the palmettos on the other side.

Wickham resigned as fire chief after having his sleep disturbed so frequently.

The first wooden bridge was replaced with a bridge/causeway in 1955 and dedicated to Dr. W. J. Creel, a pioneer physician. The present bridge was completed in 1988.

(Bridges & Viaducts) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

PRR Class X29L Steel Boxcar No. 2136

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Pennsylvania, Blair County, Altoona

"Freight was different. The railroad started doubling up on the trains something fierce - 160-car trains. It would take you a week to get to the other end of them."
- Vince Farabaugh, Locomotive Engineer

Yardmaster John Conlon remembers one point in PRR history when a freight train went east every 14 minutes, 24 hours a day. As a train was being made up, cars had to be weighed, shifted to the right track, coupled, inspected, and assigned an engine, cabin car and crew. The yards were congested and dangerous.

The all-purpose boxcar was sturdy, cheap, and could haul just about anything. The X29L boxcar hauled about 50 tons. Other types carried 80 or 100 tons of freight. To haul freight, you had to know the train's tonnage, what power and braking you needed, and when to use it. Otherwise, you could "rough handle" - jar the train and break a "knuckle" or damage the freight.

• The earliest boxcars were wooden. Steel began to be used by 1890.

• In 1874, 124,000 boxcars roamed North American rails. By 1910, there were 967,000.

• The X29 class was the most numerous boxcar used by the Pennsy. About 30,000 were built by and for the PRR, most in the 1920s here in Altoona.

• This X29L was 40 feet, 6 inches in inside length. It carried special equipment that allowed it to run in high-speed passenger trains as mail-carrying or express-shipment cars.

(Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features • Railroads & Streetcars) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

A Strategic Location

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Ontario, The Regional Municipality of Niagara, Niagara-on-the-Lake
A Strategic Location
You are standing at Mississauga Point where the Niagara River flows into Lake Ontario. Long ago the lakes and rivers were military supply and transportation routes and forts were built to protect them.

The large stone fort across the river is Fort Niagara. The French built a fort here in 1687, and the present one was begun in 1720. In August 1759 the British captured the fort after a lengthy seige. Prideaux and Johnston streets in Niagara-on-the-Lake are named after the two successful commanders. In 1796, Fort Niagara was turned over to the United States, by the terms of Jay's Treaty. The Niagara River now marked the boundary between the British colony and the United States, and cannons from the American fort easily commanded the mouth of the river. You are standing within range of those cannons from long ago.

As early as 1790 Mississauga Point had been identified as the location for a fort. Plans for a battery of 14 cannons to oppose Fort Niagara date from 1799. Instead, the first lighthouse on the Great Lakes was built here in 1804 and Fort George was built farther upstream.

The Battle of Fort George

Some of the fiercest fighting of the War of 1812 occurred during the Battle of Fort George in May 1813. The British and Canadians, together with Aboriginal peoples allied with them, fought to oppose an American landing on Lake Ontario.

Fearing that the lighthouse might be filled with explosives, the Americans landed near Two Mile Creek, several miles to the west.

An artillery battery manned by Canadian militia was located near this spot during the battle. It was overwhelmed by cannon fire from two US vessels, the USS Julia, and the USS Growler, at point blank range.

After the battle, the defeated British withdrew to a fortified position at Burlington Heights, and the Americans gained a base on the Niagara Peninsula. Checked at the battles of Stoney Creek, and Beaver Dams, the Americans were unable to take advantage of their victory. US forces were pinned down in Newark, which they burned and abandoned on 10 December, 1813.

(Colonial Era • Forts, Castles • War of 1812) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

First Baptist Church of Texas City

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Texas, Galveston County, Texas City
On March 16, 1905, five Texas City residents met for worship and Bible study. The Rev. D.L. Griffith assisted them in founding Texas City's First Baptist Church. The Rev. W.C. Ponder served as pastor for the first decade, during which time services were held in private homes. The growing congregation met at different sites until the early 1950s, when it built a sanctuary at this site. During its first 100 years, the congregation endured the 1915 hurricane, the Great Depression and the 1947 Texas City disaster. Through hardships and hard work the church persevered, and today it continues in service to its community through a variety of programs and missions.

(Churches, Etc.) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

The Battle of Ingalls

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Oklahoma, Payne County, Ingalls
On the morning of September 1, 1893 the area around this sign was the scene of one of the fiercest gunfights in the history of the state. Ingalls at the time was the hideout of the Bill Doolin gang. It included Arkansas Tom, Bitter Creek Yocum, and Bill Dalton, a brother of the infamous Daltons who attacked Coffeyville, Kansas. These men in a sense owned the town. Many of the townsfolk were grateful to them because they spent money generously and created much commerce to the growing town.

When lawmen from Guthrie and Stillwater found out the outlaws were in Ingalls they formed a posse to capture them. A gunfight ensued and the outlaws escaped with the exception of Arkansas Tom who was captured. Three U.S. Deputy Marshalls and one local citizen were killed. The Doolin gang more or less fell apart after the Ingalls raid.

(Notable Events) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Historic Shipwreck Trail

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Australia, Victoria, Peterborough

The Newfield
Three masted iron barque 1306 tons gross
Built Dundee Scotland 1889
Wrecked Newfield Bay 29 August 1892
The Newfield", with a crew of 26, left Sharpness, Scotland, on 28 May 1889, with a cargo of fine salt for Brisbane.
Near midnight on 29 August, in squally weather, the Captain mistook the Cape Otway light for that of King Island, and headed the ship straight towards the coast.
The vessel struck rocks about 100 metres from shore. Nine men drowned when boats capsized in the heavy surf, but the remaining crew rowed safely to Peterborough.
The remains of the Newfield lie 100 metres offshore, scattered across the reef in five metres of water. Five of the drowned sailors are buried in Port Campbell.

The Schomberg
Three-masted wooden clipper 2284 Tons
Built Aberdeen Scotland 1855
Wrecked Schomberg Reef Peterborough 26 December 1855
Acclaimed as the fastest and most perfect vessel ever built, the magnificent Schomberg was on its initial voyage from England to Australia when it ran aground in clear, calm conditions. There were no casualties.
The Captain James 'Bully' Forbes had boasted 'Hell or Melbourne' in sixty days. He was below deck before the wreck, said to be playing cards with 18 year-old passenger Miss Hart.
He was later charged with gross negilence, and his career was ruined.
The wreck lies in seven metres of water, east of Schomberg Rock. Its main feature is ironwork intended for the Melbourne-Geelong railway.

The Young Australian
Three-masted wooden schooner 130 tons
Built Jervis Bay NSW 1864
Wrecked Peterborough 28 May 1877
The Young Australian left Maryborough, Queensland on 2 may 1877 bound for Adelaide.
A severe storm in eastern Bass Strait damaged the ship's rigging, making it difficult to steer.
On the morning of 28 May, the wind drove the vessel towards the coast. Unable to correct its course, the Captain decided to run the vessel ashore.
Helmsman George Eltham took the battered ship through the breakers and beached it fifty metres from Curdie's inlet. A line was swum ashore, and all the crew except the helsman reached safety.
A small anchor is all that remains of the wreck today.

Illustration
TheYoung Austrailian aground at Curdies Inlet.

The Historic Shipwreck Trail links the site of the many wrecks along the stormy coast of western Victoria.
Look for Trail signs as you tour the coast. Each site reveals more about our fascinating maritime history. Further information is available from tourist and information centres.

(Natural Disasters • Waterways & Vessels) Includes location, directions, 1 photo, GPS coordinates, map.

Original Site of Third Baptist Church

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California, San Francisco City and County, San Francisco
In August 1852, Abraham Brown, Thomas Bundy, Thomas Davenport, Willie Denton, Harry Fields, George Lewis, Fielding Spotts, and Eliza and William Davis organized the church in the Davis home. The congregation purchased the old First Baptist Church and moved it to this location in 1854. The present church is now located at 1399 McAllister Street.

California Registered Historical Landmark No. 1010

Plaque placed by the State Department of Parks and Recreation in cooperation with Third Baptist Church, April 9, 1995.

Cora Mary Jackson, Church Historian • Dr. Amos C. Brown, Pastor

(African Americans • Churches, Etc.) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

Eastham Windmill

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Massachusetts, Barnstable County, Eastham

Built in Plymouth 1680
by Thomas Paine of Eastham.
Moved to Truro, 1770.
Moved to Eastham, 1793.
Moved to this location, 1808.

(Agriculture • Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce • Man-Made Features) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
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