Category Archives: Western Side Trips

> The Pony Express was the world’s most incredible feat of mail delivery. As the poster on the left clearly announces, the Pony Express system wanted young wiry riders with expert horsemanship skills. Due to the dangers involved orphans were … Continue reading →

> If you are driving up the Oregon coast, the mouth of the Columbia River is not only picturesque but is also the site of three historic military forts that were at one time strategic defenses for the U.S. Fort … Continue reading →

> Fort Ross is located north of the San Francisco Bay area on the Pacific Coast Highway. It is approximately 94 miles north of San Francisco and about 12 miles north of the coastal town of Jenner. The fort was … Continue reading →

> Gold was discovered in 1863 at Alder Gulch by six prospectors. Word obviously spread like wildfire. This meant a huge influx of people hoping to strike it rich. It was like the next California 49s gold strike. Shortly thereafter … Continue reading →

> Bisbee Arizona was founded in 1880 and was one of the largest copper centers in the U.S. It also produced a large supply of gold, silver and zinc. Needless to say, with these amounts of ore deposits in a … Continue reading →

> Palo Duro Canyon is very well known to the people of Texas. It’s one of those places that is as popular today for visitors as it was for the soldiers, Indians and cattlemen of the old west.The canyon is … Continue reading →

> The El Santuario de Chimayo Shrine is located north of Santa Fe, NM. As many of are aware there are many sites to see in the Santa Fe area however this particular side trip is very much worth your … Continue reading →

>The site referred to as Adobe Walls rests in the Texas Panhandle about 78 miles northeast of present day Amarillo. During the mid 1800’s this was essentially inhabited by Indians, a combination of many tribes and bands including the Comanches, … Continue reading →

> Lincoln County New Mexico is an area rich in old west history. Located not too far south of Interstate 40 in the eastern part of the state it really offers a great side trip to anyone passing through the … Continue reading →

> Many of us travel the interstates heading on trips to national parks, theme parks or maybe just to visit relatives. Being a person who enjoys reading books about U.S.history, I’ve learned about many sites in our country that were … Continue reading →