I've tried to schedule stops every 2 to 2-1/2 hours so our first stop today was Capitol Street in Charleston, WV. We only had a short time there so we walked around a little and had lunch. Another hot day.
This is the most photographed image of Capitol Street. Also the prettiest spot.
There are a few putts along the street sponsored by local businesses. You can pick up a ball and putter at the book store for free. Really cute idea for marketing
Lunch at the Sweetwater Cafe. Cute place with good food and great service.
From there we were on to Kentucky.
We stopped in Old Washington, near Maysville, KY for a private tour of the area that inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe to write Uncle Tom's Cabin. They were extremely kind to arrange a tour for us since they close on Tuesdays. (This was arranged a couple of months ago - not as a walk up.) We toured the Paxton House and Inn, which were used as a stop on the Underground Railroad. The quilt would have been hung on the porch with the red star signifying safe harbor.
Servant staircase
The house is located on the site of the courthouse which burned down in 1909. This was where the slave auctions were held and prisoners hung. Harriet Beecher Stowe was visiting nearby when she witnessed the auction.
Harriet Beecher Stowe Museum is closed, awaiting renovations. These homes have been through multiple ownerships and many have fallen in to disrepair. Different organizations take on different projects. This home was where Harriet Beecher (not married yet) was staying when she was inspired to write her book.
This brick building likely had a dual purpose as a smokehouse and as a barricade for Indian attacks.
Albert Sydney Johnson house was built by the town in 1797 for the doctor. It was one of the buildings renovated by a local group. A ‘before’ photo is below.
Some of the doctor’s tools including forceps and a saw blade. And yes those forceps were huge!
The doctor also ran a general store. This is part of his ledger.
The “Golden Gate Bridge” of Kentucky between Maysville and Ohio.
Tessa's favorite part of the trip so far - we saw cows swimming in a pond to escape the heat😃
