History Tourism is Blowin' Up in Las Vegas - Episode 102

For more information visit www.travelthruhistory.tv
Las Vegas is an internationally famous resort city for entertainment. But aside from gambling, Las Vegas has many other reasons to visit - not the least of which is its rich history.  What started as a stop over town by early travelers quickly became a popular railroad town in early 20th century. With the completion of Hoover Dam in 1935, Las Vegas sprung from the desert.
TOURISM BLOWS UP
Major development began in 1940 mainly due to the inflow of scientists and staff from the Manhattan Project, an atomic bomb research project of World War II. Today it's immortalized at The Atomic testing museum located in a southern suburb of Las Vegas. The museum has exhibits from the first test on January 27, 1951 to the present. Other exhibits also include radio badges, radiation testing devices, and a full nuclear test simulator.
National Atomic Testing Museum

AN UNLIKELY BEGINNING
Long before it was known as Sin City, Las Vegas was settled by the most unlikeliest of sinners. The first European settlers were Mormon missionaries that arrived here in 1855 and selected the site.  They built a fort which served as a mid point on the trail Salt Lake City and Los Angeles.  Built with natural building materials like sand, clay, and water, the Old Las Vegas Mormon fort was surrounded by 14 foot wall. Although known as a fort it was never a home for any military troops. It was actually a protection for local settlers from native Indian attacks.  
Around 1860, a small detachment of US Army troops was assigned to protect the settlers at the fort.  Ownership of the fort and the land around it changed many times and it had several close calls with destruction. In 1989 the city of Las Vegas acquired it.

Old Las Vegas Mormon Fort

LAS VEGAS HISTORY IN LIGHTS
One of the most fascinating attractions in Las Vegas takes you to the final resting place of the city’s most famous icon - its neon signs.  The Neon museum, sometimes called the Neon boneyard, was founded in 1996, and it maintains restored neon signs from old landmarks of the city.  These neon signs are works of art in which the past is reflected.  Important historical pieces include the signage from the Moulin Rouge Hotel, the Stardust, Dessert Inn, Caesars Palace and many others. The museum also includes a fiberglass sculpture of a giant skull from Treasure Island as well.
Neon Museum Las Vegas
For more information on visiting Las Vegas for its historical attractions, check out www.lasvegas.com



St. Paul, MN - Burgers, Mobsters, and Bikes. Oh My! - Episode 111

 For more information visit www.travelthruhistory.tv


Minnesota’s capital city has an exciting collection of museums, parks and historic sites, but you’ll also want to mix in a local craft brew, the classic “Juicy Lucy” burger and the Nice Ride bike-sharing program during your visit.

Museums, Parks and Historic Sites
Downtown Saint Paul is centered around historic Rice Park which is older than Central Park in New York City. Nearby, the iconic Landmark Center takes visitors back to the early 1930s when it served as the United States Courthouse, where John Dillinger’s girlfriend was put on trial. It now offers a number of guided and self-guided tours of the building and the downtown area.

Wabasha Street Caves
Visit the Wabashaw Street Caves. The caves have been home to mobsters, speakeasies, and in more recent years have begun hosting a "Swing Night" on Thursday nights with live big-band music. The Wabasha Street Caves also provide historical tours of the sandstone caves in Saint Paul and Stillwater, Minnesota.

Six blocks away is the historic Lowertown District, filled with restaurants, art studios, coffee shops and nightlife all centered around Mears Park. Just outside of downtown is Summit Avenue, which is the longest stretch of preserved Victorian architecture in the United States and ends at the feet of the Cathedral of Saint Paul and the Minnesota State Capitol. Free tours are available at these beautiful stone structures. In between tours of our historic masterpieces, take time to enjoy a local craft brew and the renowned “Juicy Lucy” burger, then pedal your way to another tour with the Nice Ride bike-sharing program.

The “Juicy Lucy”
A “Juicy Lucy” should be on your bucket list. Created in Minneapolis but perfected in Saint Paul, this hand-pattied burger has molten cheese (and other ingredients) inside. Several Saint Paul burger joints serve them, including The Nook, Shamrock’s, Bennett’s and Groveland Tap, but no one makes them quite as crazy as the Blue Door Pub, where 10 “Juicy Blucy’s” are available, including the “Bangkok Blucy” and the “Breakfast Blucy.” Enjoy this tasty creation on your next visit, but we suggest you eat the fries first.

Juicy Lucy


Grab a Bright Green Bike
For visitors looking to explore the city on two wheels, the Nice Ride bike sharing program will connect you to everything in Saint Paul for only $6 a day. Look for the bright green bikes at docking stations in high traffic locations around the city, check out a bike and let your two-wheeled
adventure begin. Pedal along the Mississippi River, through the heart of downtown or both. You’ll see why we are one of the most bike friendly cities in the United States.

For more information visit www.visitsaintpaul.com

3 Day Southern Getaway, Savannah, GA - Episode 104


For more information on the show visit www.travelthruhistory.tv

Day One

Learn the Basics: Get to know Savannah by experiencing a city tour. The Savannah Visitor Information Center is a good place to join a tour. This will help you get better acquainted with our genteel Southern beauty and give you a sample of the attractions you will want to explore on your own.

Lunch in the Market: Savannah’s City Market has several dining establishments to tempt your taste buds. Dine outdoors at a European style café or eat in one of the Market’s restored buildings, all special with their own quirky charm. 

Hit the Bricks: You’ve taken the city tour and sampled some great Lowcountry cuisine, so now it’s time to walk off that lunch and get a closer look at some of Savannah’s magnificent architecture and her 21 splendid squares. Get out your map and plan your route! The Bull and Abercorn Street corridors are a good start. These routes take you past some of Savannah’s famous landmarks and nine of our 21 squares. Make sure you visit beautiful Forsyth Park, one of Savannah’s iconic landmarks.

Riverstreet Rendezvous: You’ve covered a lot of ground on day-one and you might want to have a causal bite to eat before retiring for the evening. Savannah’s Historic River Street has all types of casual and upscale dining. Seafood, steaks and family favorites can be found in these restored cotton warehouses that are home to some of Savannah’s favorite restaurants and pubs. Look for live music at several of these establishments for a toe-tapping good time.

Day Two

Explore Your Interest: Savannah’s 250 year old history creates many opportunities to explore various eras of history. Take an antique, architectural, Black heritage, Civil War, cemetery, ghost, Savannah gardens, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil, Savannah in film or Southern writers tours; more than 40 tour companies are ready to serve as your guide.

Old Fort Jackson
Georgia State Railroad Museum


Cultural Attractions and Museums: Savannah has more than 45 historical and cultural attractions. Spend a day discovering the treasures and history that lie within our many house museums, forts and historic sites. Check out Old Fort Jackson to see what life was like at a Confederate fort during the Civil War.  The Georgia State Railroad Museum offers a look at real life steam and diesel engines plus a fully functional roundtable.

Comfort Food: Savannah loves food, and much of her hospitality and charm seasons the dishes popular to this region. For lunch on day two, dine at a restaurant that specializes in Southern cuisine to get a sample of some Savannah good ‘ole home cooking. 

Antiques and Galleries Galore: Savannah is always alive with the arts. Influences like the Savannah College of Art and Design and the City Market artist colony makes our Historic District the perfect artist’s muse. Antique shops, galleries and quirky hand-crafted gift shops pepper every corner of the district and River Street, so explore and shop’ till your heart’s content. 

Day Three

Beach Bum for a Day: Just 20 minutes from Savannah’s Historic District is Tybee Island, Savannah’s beach. Spend day three enjoying the sea breezes and seeking eco-adventures. Take a dolphin tour, kayak tour or deep-sea fishing excursion. Climb to the top of Georgia’s oldest and tallest lighthouse or track war time battles at two of Tybee’s forts. 

Tybee Island Lighthouse
Seaside Eats: Watch as the shrimp boats come ashore to bring in their catch, and know you are in for some of the freshest seafood around. Dine at one of Tybee’s funky seaside bungalows or try one of their up-scale restaurants specializing in taste and presentation. Hit the Tybee strip for night-life and entertainment or take a moon-lit walk down the Tybee pier.


For more information about Savannah and it's attractions visit www.visitsavannah.com


Key West, End Of The Road - Episode 103

For more information about Travel Thru History visit www.travelthruhistory.tv

Located closer to Cuba than to Miami, Key West is Florida’s independent and irreverent southernmost subtropical paradise. A unique confluence of history, climate, natural beauty, cultural diversity, architecture and unabashed romantic appeal make the island a destination far removed from the everyday world. 

Key West’s balmy climate, historic structures and anything-goes ambiance have long provided a refuge for writers, artists and free spirits seeking a place to soothe and satisfy the mind, body and soul. 

Ernest Hemingway, Tennessee Williams, Elizabeth Bishop, Robert Frost and Jimmy Buffett are just a few of the famous who discovered solace and inspiration in the island city. So too did Bahamian wreckers, commercial fishermen, spongers and Cuban cigar makers.  

Residents and visitors to the island actively participate in sightseeing, outdoor and maritime activities, and shopping by day, and then become part of the sunset celebration held each evening at Mallory Square, when tightrope walkers, jugglers and animal acts strive to top a more captivating performer — the fiery sun settling into the Gulf of Mexico. 

Key West also can be reached by flying into Miami International Airport and driving from the mainland down the Overseas Highway — designated an All-American Road under the National Scenic Byways program — or by ferry from points on Florida’s west coast. 

THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN KEY WEST 

Audubon House & Tropical Gardens, 205 Whitehead St.; 305-294-2116, www.audubonhouse.com. This restored historic home contains original Audubon engravings commemorating the artist and ornithologist’s 1832 visit to Key West, when he sketched 18 new species for his “Birds of America” folio.

Fort East Martello Museum, 3501 S. Roosevelt Blvd.; 305-296-3913, www.kwahs.com. This historic military fort is filled with unique artifacts and memorabilia including Robert the Haunted Doll, along with the works of renowned local artists Mario Sanchez and Stanley Papio. 

Ernest Hemingway Home & Museum, 907 Whitehead St.; 305-294-1136, www.hemingwayhome.com. The late author’s home and second-story writing studio offer a glimpse into American literary history. While living here, Hemingway wrote some of his most notable works including “To Have and Have Not,” which is set in Key West.

Fort Jefferson, Dry Tortugas National Park; www.nps.gov/drto/historyculture/fort-jefferson.htm.  This Civil War–era fort is the largest masonry structure in the Western Hemisphere. Its most famous prisoner was Dr. Samuel Mudd, incarcerated for providing medical assistance to President Abraham Lincoln’s assassin. Fort Jefferson is accessible via the Dry Tortugas National Park Ferry and by seaplane.

Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park, accessed through Truman Annex on Southard Street; 305-292-6713, www.floridastateparks.org/forttaylor. Constructed between 1845 and 1866, the fort remained in Union hands throughout the Civil War and was later used during the Spanish-American War. The fort’s collection of Civil War–era seacoast cannons is the largest in America. The state park features a popular beach, picnic tables, snorkeling and fishing.

Harry S. Truman Little White House, 111 Front St.; 305-294-9911, www.trumanlittlewhitehouse.com. The late United States president’s former tropical retreat, now Florida’s only presidential museum, includes family quarters, a poker porch, living and dining rooms open to the public. As well as being Truman’s working headquarters, the house also has hosted former presidents Dwight Eisenhower, John Kennedy, Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton. 

Key West Cemetery. Look for creative headstones that read, "I Told You I Was Sick" and “Devoted Fan of Singer Julio Iglesias.” The cemetery also contains the resting place of Hemingway’s friend and fishing captain, “Sloppy Joe” Russell, and sparring partner Kermit “Shine” Forbes. Another plot pays homage to sailors killed in the explosion of the U.S.S. Maine.

Key West Lighthouse Museum, 938 Whitehead St.; 305-294-0012, www.kwahs.com. Erected in 1847, the lighthouse guided mariners until it was decommissioned in 1969. Both the keeper’s quarters and the lighthouse have been restored. Visitors can walk 88 steps to the top for a wonderful view of the city. 

Mallory Square, Mallory Pier. Street performers take center stage here each evening as visitors flock to Key West’s internationally renowned sunset celebration.

Mel Fisher Maritime Museum, 200 Greene St.; 305-294-2633, www.melfisher.org. This museum showcases the richest single collection of 17th-century maritime and shipwreck antiquities in the Western Hemisphere, including the treasure of the Nuestra Señora de Atocha.

Southernmost Point, Whitehead and South streets. A larger-than-life buoy marks the southernmost spot in the continental United States — only 90 miles from Cuba. It’s the setting for a Kodak moment for virtually every visitor to Key West. 

For additional Florida Keys & Key West travel information, including electronic brochures and videos, visit the Keys website at www.fla-keys.com

Wilmington, North Carolina Is A Small Town With Some Big Time History - Episode 110

From its 31 miles of pristine shoreline to the golden waters of the Cape Fear River, Wilmington, N.C.’s historic river district and the island beaches of Carolina, Kure and Wrightsville welcome guests with luminous sandy beaches and a historic riverfront town.  More than 45 attractions include lovely gardens, historic sites and homes, museums and movie studios. Art galleries, unique architecture, a lively arts scene, annual festivals, year-round golf, and pier, surf and deep-sea charter fishing are among the limitless activities that await those who visit.

Nestled midway between New York and Florida along the southeastern coast of North Carolina, Wilmington and its nearby island beaches provide a respite of uncommon beauty and a nautical legacy that spans centuries. The area’s rich heritage dates back to early explorers who named the Cape Fear River for its rugged shoals and foreboding waters. Also of significance is the area’s ties to the Revolutionary War, Civil War and World War II, as well as its present day status as a busy port and filmmaking mecca.  

Wilmington, N.C.’s historic river district and island beaches encompass the city of Wilmington and the island communities of Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach. Beautiful, uncrowded beaches and nearby estuarine reserves provide a true haven for sun-seekers, beachcombers and nature lovers, and a sportsman’s paradise for anglers, mariners and watersport enthusiasts.  


Fort Fisher

Home to Carolina Beach and Kure Beach, Pleasure Island embodies coastal Americana. Carolina Beach’s gazebo, Boardwalk amusement park, piers and marinas add to its nostalgic appeal. There are also party cruises, deep sea fishing excursions, shopping and attractions galore, including a state park where guests wind their way along nature trails in search of the rare indigenous Venus Flytrap. In Kure Beach, visitors can step back in time at a Civil War battlefield and museum, or while away hours at the North Carolina Aquarium at Fort Fisher’s state-of-the-art ocean habitat. There is also a fishing pier and four miles of uninhabited beach, as well as an oceanfront park and a state ferry that travels across the Cape Fear River to nearby Southport, N.C.


A short distance from its beaches, Wilmington’s picturesque riverfront emerges from the Cape Fear River. Gracing its banks is one of the state’s largest historic districts, numbering approximately 230 blocks. Downtown Wilmington is a place where revitalization has proceeded with honor, dignity and respect, preserving the social and artistic heritage of days gone by. The historic district’s mansions and landmark buildings can be enjoyed via horse-drawn trolley or carriage tour, narrated riverboat or catamaran cruise, restored trolley car, or walking tours given by some of the port city’s most intriguing residents. Downtown Wilmington’s tour offerings also include ghost walks, movie location tours, culinary tours, and Segway tours. The riverfront Wilmington Convention Center is located along Downtown Wilmington’s scenic Riverwalk within easy walking distance of more than 200 shops, restaurants, attractions and tours.  


USS North Carolina

Across the river on Eagles Island rests the majestic Battleship NORTH CAROLINA, a restored World War II memorial. There are also museums for children, fine art lovers and railroad and history buffs, including North Carolina’s oldest history museum.

Visitors feast upon the Atlantic Ocean’s bounty of fresh seafood, or enjoy a variety of ethnic cuisine and regional specialties, all served with Southern flair and hospitality. It is easy to lose track of time while browsing distinctive specialty and antique shops, clothing boutiques, shopping complexes, pottery outlets, and year-round holiday shops. 

Guests are welcome at oceanfront, riverside and inland accommodations that offer varied overnight options.  Accommodations include cozy beach cottages, seaside resorts, modern condos, luxury hotels, riverfront inns, or quaint bed-and-breakfasts in historic homes. 

At day’s end, relax outdoors and behold nature’s beauty as the sun sinks into the river. Saunter along historic Wilmington’s river walk or taste the salty ocean spray as you stroll along the beach. Enjoy an evening at the theatre, a symphony concert, or other exciting nightlife options.

Wilmington, N.C.’s historic river district and island beaches comprise an attractive vacation location for the discriminating traveler. It is easy to discover why Wilmington, Carolina Beach, Kure Beach and Wrightsville Beach are desirable vacation destinations.


Wilmington

The city of Wilmington, nestled between North Carolina’s storied Cape Fear River on the west and the powerful Atlantic Ocean on the east, has long been known as the “Port City of Progress and Pleasure.” Founded in 1732, Wilmington prospered during its early years as a major port and shipbuilding center. Today the city continues to flourish as one of the fastest-growing in the country. 

Boasting one of the largest districts listed in the National Register of Historic Places, Wilmington takes pride in its reputation as a leader in preservation efforts. Along the river, a number of Victorian, Georgian, Italianate and antebellum-style homes, buildings and churches have been carefully restored to their original grandeur. Many of these beautiful structures are now used as museums, shopping venues and bed-and-breakfasts. 

Downtown Wilmington offers eclectic shopping, vibrant nightlife, theatrical productions, coffeehouses and outstanding restaurants that feature fresh local seafood and regional specialties. Inland, visitors find excellent golf courses, department stores, parks, entertainment complexes, amusements, plantations, the University of North Carolina at Wilmington campus and restaurants galore.  

Local attractions and annual events are as diverse as the city itself. Visitors can enjoy more than 50 attractions: day or evening riverboat cruises, museums showcasing North Carolina artists and history, and tours of the historic district, nature preserves, or movie studios. Traditional festivals such as the N.C. Azalea Festival and RiverFest, among others, celebrate the area’s arts and culture. Overnight options range from riverfront inns to extended stay accommodations and from chain hotels to quaint B&Bs. Discover historic Wilmington and experience Southern hospitality at its finest. 

Kure Beach

Situated at the southern tip of Pleasure Island is the small, family-oriented community of Kure Beach. A true “getaway destination,” it offers scenic views of the Cape Fear River, the Atlantic Ocean, and Zeke’s Island estuarine complex. Uncrowded beaches, casual restaurants and comfortable accommodations combine to make Kure Beach a favorite for many vacationers.     

Kure Beach offers a quiet and relaxed atmosphere with a variety of coastal activities. The 711-foot long Kure Beach Fishing Pier is a great place to cast a line and test one’s fishing technique. History buffs will enjoy touring the remains of Fort Fisher, the last major stronghold of the Confederacy and the largest earthen fortress of its kind in the South. The adjacent North Carolina Aquarium features a 235,000-gallon saltwater tank and a 20,000 square foot atrium, as well as live exhibits of sharks, sea turtles, alligators (including a rare albino alligator) and other native marine life. There’s also the Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, a state park with a four-mile stretch of undeveloped beach and several amenities. The nearby Fort Fisher/Southport Ferry provides breathtaking views of the Cape Fear River during its shore-to-shore journey.

Accommodations range from charming motels and luxurious bed-and-breakfasts to cottages, efficiencies and condominiums. A variety of island-style eating establishments feature fresh seafood specialties. A carefree and relaxing vacation is in store for those who visit Kure Beach. 

For more background information, contact Connie Nelson, Communications/PR Director, Wilmington and Beaches CVB:  cvbpr@wilmingtonandbeaches.com
http://www.wilmingtonandbeaches.com


Travel to Places on the Show

Our blog has been a great way to see some behind the scenes shots from the making of the show, but we're going to be featuring a ton of new travel related content on the blog soon.

Coming soon, we'll spotlight the locations we've been to on the show, and give any travel tips we've might have come across.

Stay Tuned....


TTH Season Two Air Dates on MeTV

Travel Thru History's second season is upon us.  You'll find 9 new episodes along with all of the first season's episodes airing on the MeTV network at 10am on Saturday mornings.  The new episodes are below in orange.



1. 201 - Miami (Air date 10-5-13)
Bienvenido a Miami!  We take a look at the history behind Florida's modern metropolis. We visit the Ancient Spanish Monastery, see the opulence of the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, and head into the swamp to learn about the Miccosukee indians.

2. 101 - Space Coast (Air date 10-12-13)
In this episode we visit the Kennedy Space Center located on Florida’s famous “Space Coast.”  We’ll speak to NASA engineers about the past, present and future of American space travel, as well as take a look at the attractions KSC has to offer.

3. 202 - Belize (Air date 10-19-13)
Un-Belizable! We're off on a Central American Mayan excursion.  We head up the steps of the ancient high temple at Lamanai. Then we take a city tour of the main tourist destination, Belize City. We learn about Belize's colonial roots at the Belize City History Museum and dive the amazing Blue Hole.

4. 102 - Las Vegas (Air date 10-26-13)
In this episode we explore Las Vegas’ lesser known past.  We visit the National Atomic Testing museum to learn about how the desert outside of Vegas was used for testing America’s secret nuclear weapons.  We also visit the Mormon Fort, the first permanent non-native settlement in the area, as well as the Neon Museum.

5. 203 - Louisville (Air date 11-2-13)
And we're off! We learn the history of the world famous Kentucky Derby. Then, call your shot as we learn about one of America's most famous brands, Louisville Slugger. Also, we zip line in the world's only underground zip line attraction and visit the Ali Center. 

6. 103 - Key West (Air Date 11-9-13)
It’s island living in the Keys on this episode of TTH.  We learn about the islands treasure hunting history at the Mel Fisher Museum.  Then we’ll explore Fort Jefferson, an isolated fort in the Gulf of Mexico that defended the islands.  American literature enthusiasts will enjoy a look at Ernest Hemmingway’s Key West home, where some of his most famous works were penned.

7. 204 - New Orleans (Air date 11-16-13)
The Saints come marching in as we tour the iconic St. Louis Cathedral and the mysterious Ursuline Convent in New Orleans. We delve into Mardi Gras history at Mardi Gras World and visit the National WWII Museum's world class collection. 

8. 104 - Savannah (Original Air Date 11-23-13)
We visit the old south and enjoy some sweet tea in Savannah.  On this episode, we’ll stroll the city’s beautiful squares, as well as visit it’s civil war past at Old Fort Jackson.  Then, we head up the stairs of the famous Tybee Island lighthouse and visit the Savannah Railroad museum.

9. 205 - Salt Lake City (Air date 11-30-13)
Westward ho! We settle in Salt Lake City, where we learn about Bringham Young's settlement of the Utah territory and his monument at This is the Place Park. Then we dig in the dirt to find hundreds of perfectly preserved dinosaurs at the Utah Natural History museum. We'll take a look at some US aviation history at the Hill Air force Base museum, and see how life was like for the Utah pioneers at Frontier Homestead State Park.

10. 105 - St. Augustine (Air Date 12-7-13)
There’s a lot to cover in the oldest city in America.  Take a sip from the distinctively tasting Fountain of Youth.  Then we’ll cross the draw bridge of the undefeated Spanish Fort, the Castillo San Marcos.  Then we’ll learn the true history of pirates at the Pirate Museum.

11. 206 - Toronto (Air date 12-14-13)
TTH heads to the great white North…kind of.  We visit the world class city of Toronto. There we'll head straight up the Western Hemisphere's tallest structure, the CN Tower. Next we score a look at the Hockey Hall of Fame and see a North American castle at Casa Loma. Finally we see how the British defended their capital against the newly formed United States at Fort York.

12. 106 - Denver (Air Date 12-21-13)
We head underground and visit the Hidee Gold Mine to see how this most precious material is obtained.  Then we get a tour of the brand new History Colorado Center where we’ll explore Colorado’s past through first hand stories and interactive attractions.

13. 207 - Los Angeles (Air date 12-28-13)
Go for launch! We visit Space Shuttle Endeavor at the California Science Center. Then, we check out the glitch and glamour at the Hollywood Museum. We'll learn about the Holocaust at the Holocaust Museum and Japanese Internment during WWII at the Japanese/American National Museum. After that, we dig for bones at the famous La Brea Tar Pits.

14. 107 - Hoover Dam (Air Date 1-4-14)
Marvel at the site of America’s most famous water dam.   We’ll learn about how the Hoover Dam was built, why it’s necessary, and take a behind the scenes look at its inner workings.

15. 208 - St. Pete (Air date 1-11-14)
Up, up and away! We discover St. Petersburg Florida's aviation roots at the St.Pete History Museum. Then, comb your mustache, we visit the Dali Museum to look at Salvador Dali's amazing masterworks. We'll dredge the deep looking for sponges, and defend the bay at Fort Desoto.

16. 108 - Philadelphia (Air Date 1-18-14).
The city of brotherly love does not disappoint history lovers. We visit Independence hall, the liberty bell, Elfreth's alley, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and get creeped out at America's first penitentiary, Eastern State.

17. 209 - Odds and Ends (Air Date 1-25-14)
Some segments didn't fit in their episodes.  We play around at the Pinball Museum in Las Vegas. Then, we salute the Commander in Chief at the Presidential Hall of Fame in Clermont, FL.  Also, we'll swim with real mermaids at Weeki Wachee Springs in Central Florida.

18. 109 - Nashville (Air Date 2-1-14)
This country music Mecca has a plethora of American history to explore.  We’ll stand on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry, visit the home of the 7th US President Andrew Jackson, and visit the largest recreation of the Parthenon outside of Greece.

19.   110 - Wilmington (Air Date 2-8-14)
America’s military history is on display on the decks of the USS North Carolina.  Then we visit the historic Confederate Fort Fisher civil war museum and learn about the Carolina’s role in the civil war.

20.   111 - Austin (Air Date 2-15-14)
The live music capital of the US has an interesting past.  Take an in depth look at one of Austin’s oldest hotels, The Driskill.   Then we’ll learn about Texan independence in the Bob Bullock History museum.  Finally, we’ll end up at one of Austin’s most historic buildings, the Texas state capitol.

21.   112 - Minneapolis (Air Date 2-22-14)
We’ll find out why they called Minneapolis the “Mill City” when we visit the Mill City Museum.  Then we march over to the Union’s Fort Snelling, the first permanent structure in Minnesota, and then head underground and learn about St. Paul’s organized crime hide outs.

22.   113 - San Antonio (Air Date 3-1-14)
San Antonio is rich with Texas, Mexican, and Spanish history.  We make our last stand at the Alamo, and visit Missions National Historical Park.  Lastly, we spelunk the Natural Bridge Caverns underground.