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Nestled in the Hudson Valley is a historic home and nature preserve called Locust Grove. Once the home of Samuel F. B. Morse, "the Father of the Telegraph" , this mansion is a hidden gem on the Hudson River, that speaks of a bygone era. In these times, homes were often the center of social life and entertainment. It is evident that the people who lived here had an appreciation for animals and natural beauty. The sweeping views are impressive and the mansion's unique architecture is almost enveloped in a warm embrace by the the nature around it.
The West Point Museum is the oldest military museum in the country. The museum includes over 60,000 army historical artifacts that chronicle our nation's founding and history, including some that are on the grounds and buildings at USMA (David Reel, museum director 2016). According to David Reel, "the mission of the West Point Museum is to collect, preserve, exhibit and interpret historically significant artifacts and stimulate interest in the United States Military Academy at West Point, the United States Army and the Profession of Arms."(West Point Museum official website, 2016).
A road trip to see the covered bridges of Washington county, NY.
Many of Twain's important works were written in this house, such as The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Tom Sawyer, The Prince and the Pauper, among others. The house was under both private and public ownership for several years, until it was saved by preservationists in 1929. His daughter, Clara, donated furniture and artifacts(Mark Twain Museum and House, tour guide, February 2016). His belongings were dispersed according to historians due to the family's worldwide travels and some sold at auction by his daughter Clara (LeMaster & Wilson, The Mark Twain Encyclopedia, 1993). Conservation efforts began and it was declared a Historic Landmark in 1963(Mark Twain Museum).