Monday, November 12, 2012
Field Trip
On November 2, I joined Andrew's fifth grade class for a field trip to the Carnton Plantation and the Carter House, both famous Civil War sites in our area. The Carnton Plantation was used as a military hospital and was the subject of a popular novel called The Widow of the South. The Carter House was used as the federal headquarters during the Battle of Franklin (while the family hid from the flying bullets in the basement). It was a very interesting day!
We started the morning at the Carnton Plantation. Our nice guide welcomed us at the front door. Too bad she also didn't mention that no photographs were allowed in the home because I was reprimanded quite loudly by an employee before taking a picture. There's nothing a fifth grade boy likes better than for his mom to get in trouble on the field trip! :)
After seeing the home, we toured the grounds. Because they are having special events in November to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Franklin, they had actors and storytellers helping the students better understand the time period. One notable presentation was done by Mr. Lincoln himself. He recited the Gettysburg address for us and discussed how much he hated the war. Very well done.
We enjoyed an early lunch on the grounds of Carnton. For fifth grade boys, lunch is one of the best parts of the day!
Before heading to the Carter House, Andrew and I stopped for a picture. This is his last elementary field trip, so I was feeling a bit nostalgic!
We headed to the Carter House after lunch. When we were at Carnton, one of the kids' favorite aspects of the tour was the fact that there are blood stains on the floor from the wounded soldiers. Not to be outdone, the Carter House boasts actual bullet holes from the Battle of Franklin. This picture shows one of the outbuildings, but there are holes in the brick house as well.
Todd Carter grew up in the Carter House. He fought for the South for several years before being mortally wounded in the Battle of Franklin. His family heard that he was near their home (practically in the backyard), and they went out and found him among all the wounded and dead. He died in his own home surrounded by family several days later. The kids were mesmerized as "Todd" told his story.
It was a great day! We all learned a lot and enjoyed seeing and hearing the history that surrounds us every day!
We started the morning at the Carnton Plantation. Our nice guide welcomed us at the front door. Too bad she also didn't mention that no photographs were allowed in the home because I was reprimanded quite loudly by an employee before taking a picture. There's nothing a fifth grade boy likes better than for his mom to get in trouble on the field trip! :)
After seeing the home, we toured the grounds. Because they are having special events in November to commemorate the anniversary of the Battle of Franklin, they had actors and storytellers helping the students better understand the time period. One notable presentation was done by Mr. Lincoln himself. He recited the Gettysburg address for us and discussed how much he hated the war. Very well done.
Before heading to the Carter House, Andrew and I stopped for a picture. This is his last elementary field trip, so I was feeling a bit nostalgic!
Todd Carter grew up in the Carter House. He fought for the South for several years before being mortally wounded in the Battle of Franklin. His family heard that he was near their home (practically in the backyard), and they went out and found him among all the wounded and dead. He died in his own home surrounded by family several days later. The kids were mesmerized as "Todd" told his story.
It was a great day! We all learned a lot and enjoyed seeing and hearing the history that surrounds us every day!
Labels: Fun, My Favorite Boy
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home