Traveling Back In Time

In the quiet of the morning I could almost imagine that I was back in the 1800's. The time when our nation was at war with itself...the Civil War. The battlefield lay before me; the homestead behind me. It was quiet this day. There was no gunfire, no cannon blast, no screams or shouts; only silence. I find that when I'm in such areas as battlefields and cemeteries that there is a different quiet, I would call it a reverent quiet.

 

 

 

 

Trees had to be felled when the land was cleared for the park. Tree trunks were split into logs and used for fences.

 

 

 

 

The place is Reed's Bridge, Jacksonville, Arkansas. Another town that is very nearby and another town that has new places for me to explore. I had errands in Jacksonville so I searched the Internet for interesting places and discovered this Civil War park and homestead. I grabbed some lunch at the drive through and had a picnic at the park. It was delightful sitting in this rocking chair on the back porch of  a log cabin and eating my lunch.

 

In about 2008 the park was developed and these period home were built. In my mind, I could see a mother churning butter on the front porch of the main house, a young child playing nearby, and a baby sleeping in the loft. I could see a new bride as she swept the floor of her starter cabin.  There certainly wasn't much floor to sweep. This cabin was very tiny! I could smell the greens that were cooking in the kitchen and the fire of the blacksmith's forge. Looking out across the field I could see the farmer laboring. I think they lived a simpler life than we do, but I know it was a hard life.

 

 

 

One thing that really surprised me was that most of the buildings were open. I guess I live too near a big city because I kept wondering how these things weren't being stolen or vandalized.

 

Near the kitchen, of course, was the garden which had been sown with seeds authentic to the era. I love this little stool where one could rest in the shade after tending the garden. 

Beside the barn sat an old wagon. I looked at those rusty metal rims and thought what a rough ride it must have been sitting on a hard wagon seat bouncing over rocks and ruts. I think we're a little spoiled with our smooth riding vehicles and paved roads.

 

 

There was a nice walking trail into the woods behind the house that lead to the battlefield. Even though it was a hot, sunny day the thick trees made the trail cool and shady. Look at all those leaves on the trail. Fall is certainly on it's way!

I reached the back of the property and walked along a fence row to the battleground. It was a beautiful area, fields stretching out to the distance tree line and flowers growing along the fence.

 

 

The trail led to the Bayou Meto, a stream that runs along one side. This is what the battle of Reed's Brides was all about.  On August 27, 1863,  Confederate troops sought to hinder the advance of the Union army toward Little Rock. They withdrew behind the natural barrier of the bayou and set fire to the only crossing of the stream, Reed's bridge. Troops took positions on both sides of Bayou Meto and the fighting began. Union guns on the high ground above the bayou and confederate cannons south of the stream.  At the end of the day Confederate troops withdrew toward Little Rock.  The capitol, Little Rock, was captured on September 10, 1863.

 

 

 

It was an enjoyable day, walking the historical battleground and woods and getting a little glimpse of what life was like in the 1800's.

 

Linking with Helen's Weekend Walk.
Won't you come join us?

I guarantee you'll see some beautiful places.