Starting near Pittsburgh, PA our journey continued westward through the southern parts of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana and Illinois, with our last “touristy” stop in St. Louis to hit our 45th National Park!
From Gateway Arch we picked up the pace and headed for home, with stops in Rock Port MO, Cheyenne WY and Mountain Home ID.
Fort Pitt Bridge, Pittsburgh, PA – Pittsburgh is known as the “City of Bridges” and has the most bridges in the world, with 446 within its city limits. The Fort Pitt Bridge was engineered in the 1950s, and traffic patterns are showing its age… it is known locally for its difficult lane changes on the lower level, often requiring people to go from the extreme left lane across two lanes to the right lane in 700ft.
Fort Pitt Block House, Pittsburgh, PA – Constructed in 1764 as a defensive military redoubt. It is the oldest authentic structure west of the Allegheny Mountains.
Ohiopyle Falls, Ohiopyle State Park, PA – While we hiked along the Youghiogheny River and saw the multiple waterfalls in the park.
Fallingwater, Mill Run, PA – Fallingwater is one of the signature homes designed by Frank Lloyd Wright. Designed for the Kauffman’s in 1935, it is built on top of an active waterfall.
Hocking Hills State Park, OH – This A-Frame bridge crosses the gorge.
Old Man’s Cave, Hocking Hills State Park, OH – Old Man’s Cave derives its name from the hermit Richard Rowe who lived in the large recess cave of the gorge.
Whispering Cave, Hocking Hills State Park, OH – The Whispering Cave is a 300 foot wide recess cave with a 100ft waterfall.
Lanier Mansion, Madison, IN – The mansion was designed in the Greek Revival style and built in 1844. Lanier himself only lived in the house for 7 years, before deeding it to his son. It remained in the Lanier family until 1917 when it was donated to the Jefferson County Historical Society.
Lanier Mansion, Madison, IN – This mansion is under ongoing work to restore it to its appearance in 1844. The upper stories are accessed by a self-supporting staircase that corkscrews up to the cupola.
Cataract Falls Recreation Area, IN – At one time this bridge was one of the more famous and photographed covered bridges in the United States. Since the road bypassed the bridge in 1988, it is only open to pedestrians.
Lower Cataract Falls, Cataract Falls Recreation Area, IN – The name Cataract comes from the Latin word “Cataracta” meaning waterfall, so it’s the waterfall falls.
Lincoln Home, Springfield, IL – For 17 years, this house was home to Abraham Lincoln and his family. Purchased shortly after the birth of their first son Robert, the home sheltered the family through the birth of their remaining three sons and the death of their son Eddie, and had been the center of Lincoln’s life as a husband and father.
Lincoln’s Desk, Lincoln Home, Springfield, IL – The actual desk purchased by and used by Abraham Lincoln for his law practice in Springfield around 1844.
Lincoln’s Tomb, Springfield, IL – No one is sure who started the practice, but rubbing the nose of the bust in front of Lincoln’s impressive tomb is rumored to bring one luck. Can’t hurt to try.
Eads Bridge, connecting St. Louis, MO to East St. Louis, IL – Conceived and built by self-taught engineer James Eads. Completed in 1874, the Eads Bridge was the world’s first steel arch bridge. We walked across it twice!
Gateway Arch, Gateway Arch National Park, St. Louis, MO – After 2 1/2 years of construction, the Arch was completed in October 1965. At 630 feet, it is the world’s tallest arch and our nation’s highest monument.
Gateway Arch, Gateway Arch National Park, St. Louis, MO – Gleaming in the afternoon sun, the Arch was conceived and built to symbolize St. Louis’ contribution to America’s westward expansion, as well as revitalize the cities dilapidated waterfront.
Top of the Arch, Gateway National Park, St, Louis, MO – The view of downtown St. Louis (including historic court house) from the top of the Arch. Only one of us was brave enough to ride the small round coffin to the top. I don’t want to name names, but it wasn’t Tor.
Fridge Magnets, Anywhere USA – Another successful haul of fridge magnets to remember our journey.
