Maps

While conversing with my sister, about where we are and where we've been, I realized that I myself really didn't have a clue where Maryland was until about the time we left Missouri on our cross-country trek. I am very sad to admit that my state geography is very shaky east of Colorado. For anyone who, like me, didn't hang on to those bits from grade school, I've put a few maps together.

For more detail, click on each map to make it bigger. This is the great State of Maryland, bordered by Virginia, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. The arrow shows you DC.



The District of Columbia was originally a 10 mile by 10 mile square of land selected and surveyed by George Washington himself. Maryland and Virginia gave up some acreage to make this district separate from any state so that no one state would have more influence than the others. Later, Virginia annexed back their side. Maryland can't really annex back since the capitol and the white house are in that chunk.

Here you can see our house. Also, Mount Vernon, George Washington's Estate, which is about 14 miles south of the City. We visited Mount Vernon yesterday and I liked it very much. It is a beautiful place. I appreciate how George Washington was not ostentatious; his estate is beautiful and orderly and grand; but not lavish or excessive. I have toured some of the palaces in Russia that are closer to the European pattern and I love Washington all the more for his modesty.

The pin labeled "Washington DC" is on the Washington Monument.



And for a closer look at the National Mall, I've got yet another map. We have meandered past the White house. Clinton has had business at the capitol and also had lunch there. We visited the National Archive to see the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, and the Magna Carta. We have strolled down to see the Jefferson Memorial. In these ramblings, we have, of course, seen the Washington Monument and walked by the buildings of the Smithsonian that stand on both sides of the east half of the Mall.



Next week I hope to see Lincoln and the Vietnam memorial. Then, I think, I would like to start in on the Smithsonians. Taking one bit each weekend is very enjoyable. I am amazed that people can come and spend 3 days running from site to site. That must be a very tiring but fascinating whirlwind tour.