Shenandoah Valley, Staunton, VA

We are camped about the half way mark between Lexington and Staunton. So on the second day, we visited Staunton, President Woodrow Wilson’s birthplace, and took a tour of the Presbyterian Manse where he was born, (again, no interior pictures allowed, except of car!). He only lived here a year after he was born.



and museum housing his 1919 Pierce-Arrow limousine, and documenting his life.

To me, President Wilson was not one of the better known presidents, so it was an eye-opener to see decisions he was faced with, going into World War I. Times have not changed much in the political realm, where he had a supportive congress the first term, the winds changed during the second; and the blame statements made by him, representatives, and the press sound so familiar, just like today!! Some of the arguments are the same! It was during his presidency income tax was implemented (1% on $4000, which very few people made, and 3% over $100,000) and the unions were allowed to form. Borders were open but the movement to close them was beginning.

After a free trolley ride around the city and lunch, we took off into the countryside to visit the Natural Chimney Regional Park, with the natural rock chimney formations. Annual jousting tournaments have been held here the third Saturday in August (missed it by a week!) since the early 1800's!

and even saw a manmade chimney!


At the visitor center in Staunton, the docent there asked where we were from. She then told me everyone who had come in earlier had been evacuated from areas expecting the hurricane!

As always, there is always “still more to see”.