Fourth of July: East Coast Style!

After taking AP United States History this past year, it was so exciting to be on the East Coast during the fourth of July where our independence was first declared. I noticed a lot more spirit in the East Coast residents than I had in Californians in past fourth of July celebrations but I guess it makes sense. The importance of the day really seems alive here so I was so glad to have the opportunity to be a part of it. And what better way to celebrate a historical day than by visiting an important site in American history. Brown II joined us on our trip to Plymouth where we toured the Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II.

First we visited a recreated Wampanaog site with historians stationed throughout to educate the visitors.

The inside of a traditional Wampanoag house.
Each house had a fire pit in the middle. Beds lined
with animal fur were around the edges of the structure. Each
housed about 10 people.

Then we followed the trail to the English settlement. This site too was made up of recreated houses and barns with historians all around, only these people were actors. So when asked a question, they replied the way a pilgrim would have in the seventeenth century.

A young woman dressed in traditional clothing
told us about the role women played
in Wampanoag culture.

Here's an actor in traditional clothing.

After finishing the tour through Plimoth Plantation, we got back into the car and headed for Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II.

Plymouth Rock

The Mayflower II, a reproduction of the original Mayflower
which was broken down for scrap wood
after a few years of service.

We got back from our tour of the seventeenth century with enough time to rest before we ventured out again to see some, as the kids behind us exclaimed repeatedly, "AWESOME!!!!" fireworks to finish a fun filled fourth of July.