At the end of last year, I wrote about how I was looking into online teaching as a way to get back to doing what I love.
Thankfully, over this year I found Outschool. I love being able to teach again and, even better, to teach what I love. I teach pet and travel photography, History, Geography and have some life skills classes.
Most recently I added a virtual field trip class to my repertoire. Each week when we’re somewhere new with NHJR, I teach about something of historical, geographical or cultural significance. My first virtual field trip as The Traveling Teach was to Belle Grove Plantation and the Battle of Cedar Creek Battlefield.
To tour the inside of the plantation house you need to purchase a ticket, but if you just want to visit the grounds and participate in the National Park Ranger “in a box” program, it’s completely free! I arrived a bit early for the program so I walked around the grounds.
First I found myself at the enslaved persons graveyard. I took a few moments to read about it and then created a video for the students in class so they could feel like they were there with me.
Then I worked my way over to the Belle Grove Plantation Forge to tell the story of the blacksmiths that were enslaved persons.
The outside of the property is beautiful and the house is made from local limestone that was quarried nearby. The property was built by Issac Hite, Jr. It was a wheat plantation and was in an area known as the “Bread Basket of the Confederacy.”
The Shenandoah Valley played a part in the Civil War. The Battle of Cedar Creek took place on October 19, 1864. Early from the South and Sheridan from the North met on the property of the plantation in various skirmishes on the day of the battle. It was also the site of Sheridan’s Ride (where he rallied his Northern troops to victory) and The Burning.
Ranger Rick, who presented our “In A Box” program, did a great job of recreating the map of the area and making you feel like you were a part of the experience. He was friendly and knowledgeable.
After finishing at the Battlefield and Plantation, I drove across the street and stopped in at the Cedar Creek Battlefield Foundation Visitor Center. It has a museum and research library.
The best part, in my opinion, is that it’s also a shop for renting and buying period clothing for re-enactments. They hold re-enactments each year, this year’s being on October 19th, the 155th Anniversary of the Battle of Cedar Creek. If we weren’t already going to be at Bridge Day in West Virginia I’d want to be here. I’ve never been to a re-enactment so I’m very curious, especially after trying on some of the fun period hats.
I love learning, so to be able to bring our adventures to young people in an accessible and educational way is just another reason I’m so glad we’re on this trip.
I highly recommend a visit to the Belle Grove Plantation and the Cedar Creek Battlefield. Either using the free option, or paying to tour the house, I doubt you’ll be disappointed. The area was beautiful, historic and a part of the Civil War that we don’t hear much about, but was integral in ending the war in 1865.
Address
Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park, 336 Belle Grove Rd, Middletown, VA 22645
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