U.S History Road Trip Project

Gregory Wheeler

Alaska Historic Site: Adak Army Base: This was made in 1942 during

World war 2 . It was a military base and this was where the Americans began their assault on the Japanese. The battle was on Aleutian Islands.

Fun Site : Tracy Arm : This is a lake named after one of the secretaries of the Navy. His name was Benjamin Franklin Tracy. This is in the Tracy arm-Ford terror wilderness.

California

From Alaska to California is 3,180 miles.

Historical site: Casa de Lopez in San Diego. It was built by Juan Francisco Lopez in 1835. He was one of Americas first Spanish settlers. Its free to go to and there’s no cost to get in.

Fun destination : San Diego zoo is in Balboa park , in san diego. IT has over 3,700 animal species. It also has over 650 species of animals and is a very fun place to go to.

Oregon From California to Oregon will be 982 miles by driving

Historical Site: Colombia River highway was made between 1913 and 1922. This was the first scenic highway in the United States. It was designed for visitors to access the most outstanding features of Oregon.

Fun Destination: Millers lane Campground because it’s not a lot of money. It’s 8 dollars per night and 8 dollars per day and only 20 dollars for a tent. It’s a family attraction and is enjoyable for all ages.

Washington From Oregon to Washington will be 650 miles

Historical Site: the Old Stone house is located in DC and was built in 1765. It is the oldest standing building in Washington. The house was built by Christopher Layman and is a highly visited attraction.

Fun Destination :The George Town Market is also a fun and family friendly attraction. It is a one story brick market and even though that may not sound fun, it’s somewhere I want to visit.

Idaho From Washington to Idaho will be 450 miles

Bear River Massacre site is a historical site in Idaho. In 1863 Bear river massacre of 250 native Americans, by colonel Patrick Connor commanded his troops there. This battle was one of the worst disasters of Native Americans back then and today.

Idaho silver wood theme park is 45 dollars for one day and parking is 5 dollars. It’s a theme park with the normal them park things like tollers coasters, games and shows. It seems lke a fun place to visit if I ever vist Idaho.

Montana

From Idaho to Montana is 460 miles.

A historic Site in Montano is Fort Benton. It was an established trading center in 1847 and the fort grew and prospered in steamboat trafficking. But over the years declined with the start of the railroad.

The Big Sky Resort in Montana is a thirty six hundred acres of very nice skiing terrain. It’s available to any ages and has some gorgeous views. It has various options of restaurants and other things.

Wyoming From Montana to Wyoming is 422 miles.

Fort D.A Russell is a historical site in Wyoming. Originally it was to protect workers for the Union Pacific Railroad. It was made in 1867. In 1871 it was a base to Pawnee scout battalion.

Devils Tower: This is an amazing place for many types of experiences. It’s pretty much a he rock that’s thousands of feet high that is surrounded by the Black Hills region. It’s protruding out of a rolling prairie.

Utah

From Wyoming to Utah is 478 miles.

Bryce Canyon Lodge is a historical site that The Union Pacific Railroad built. The national park was lodged from 1924-1927. The Railroads were used for lodges all around the west of America.

Utah’s Hogle zoo has 42 acres and is located in Salt Lake city. It’s the largest zoo in the state and is located in the Emigration canyon.

Nevada From Utah to Nevada is 471 miles.

a historical/national site in Nevada is Fort Churchill. It was Built in 1861 and is named after Sylvester Churchill. It’s was an army base to protect settlers.

the Hoover Dam is a concrete arch in the Black Canyon of the Colorado river. It was made in 1931 and 1936 during the great depression but is now a very tourist infested site.

Arizona From Nevada to Arizona is 701 miles.

Historical sites: Fort Apache and Theodore Roosevelt School is a historic site later made into a school. It’s because they wanted to take in the Indian culture. But today is now a museum.

Fun Site: Catsles N’ Oasters is a family fun attraction which is basically a theme park. It’s located in Phoenix, Arizona and even has mini golf. It was built in 1980 and is the biggest amusement park there.

New Mexico From Arizona to New Mexico is 445 miles.

Historic Site: Bario de Analco is a Historic district that has the oldest house in new Mexico. It also has the oldest catholic church in the United States.

Western Play land is a thirty acre amusement park in New Mexico. It used to be in Texas from 1960- 2006 but after some problems, the owner decided to move it down to New Mexico. The park is opened seasonally.

Texas From New Mexico to Texas is 449 miles.

Historic Site: Alamo used to be a mission and fortress compound and is now a museum. It was built by the Spanish in the 18th century. Then used as a fortress in the 19th century.

Fun Site: Cowboys stadium. Obviously this is the Dallas Cowboys stadium and I would love to go to a football game there. I’ve never been to one before so that would be fun.

Oklahoma From Texas to Oklahoma is 341miles.

Historic Site: Honey Springs Battlefield was a civil war battle. It took place in Honey springs and was known for the facto of how many non-white soldiers there were.

Fun Site: Frontier City is an amusement park and themed off of the old west. It opened in 1958 and it was at the State Fairgrounds. A few years afterwards the place became known as boom town.

Kansas From Oklahoma to Kansas is 357 miles.

Historic Site :Black Jack Battle field: was a three hour battle fought on June 2, 1856. This was the beginning of the term “bleeding Kansas” and had the rate of violence rising and rising.

Fin Site: The Sprint center: is a large indoor arena in Downtown Missouri. This is the company’s “sprint” arena where it’s used for the NBA and NHL and other events. The Sprint Center has hosted the 2008 Big Men’s Basketball tournament.

Nebraska From Kansas to Nebraska is 229 miles.

Historic Sites: Robidoux Pass: This is a pass that used to be apart of the Oregon trail from 1848-1851. But eventually another pass did occur. People did start using other ones.

Fun Site: The Fun-Plex: is a fun family friendly water park in Omaha. The water park is small but it packs a lot of different rides and activities. It’s also only twenty dollars per person.

South Dakota From Nebraska to South Dakota is 245 miles.

National Site: Bloom Site: The site has the space of 25 rectangular houses all the way back from 100 CE. The site also has several burial mounds but were destroyed by cultivation.

Fun Sites: Mount Rushmore: is a sculpture carved into granite and it’s of the four founding fathers. The construction began in 1927 and ended in 1939. But this is one of the most visited attractions in the U.S.

North Dakota From South to North Dakota it’s 330 miles.

Historic Site: Fort Union Trading Post: This was one of if not the most important trading post in Missouri until 1867. FUR is the abbreviation for the post and it was used a lot back then.

Fun Site: Theodore Roosevelt National Park: The park was named after president Roosevelt and is located in the western part of North Dakota. The park covers around eight to ten miles overall, but is a great place to go to with family.

Minnesota From North Dakota to Minnesota is 353 miles.

Historic Site: Fort Snelling: this was originally known as Fort St. Anthony. This also used to be a military base but it was located in Minnesota and Mississippi rivers in Hennepin county.

Fun Site: Mall Of America: the MoA is a shopping mall and it’s in Bloomington, Minnesota. The mall opened in 1992 and receives over 40 million visitors yearly. It’s also owned by the triple 5 group.

Iowa From Minnesota to Iowa is 404 miles.

Historic Site: George M Verity: This is one of three of the surviving steam powered towboats in The United states. This ship led a large private industry up the Mississippi river.

Fun Site: Iowa Speed way: This track is about 30 miles away from Des Moines. It was influenced by a man named Rusty Wallace and designed after Richmond International raceway. This is a fun place to go with your friends if you like NASCAR.

Missouri From Iowa to Missouri is 339 miles.

Historic Site: Fort Osage: This was a factory trading post in 1808. It was established by William Clark. It was built for protection from the Osage Indians until 1822.

Fun Site: Midland Theatre: It’s in Kansas city, Missouri. It was built in 1927 and is still a fun place to go to today. They don’t do as many plays as they did in the 20th century but is still a family friendly place to go to.

Arkansas From Missouri to Arkansas is 247 miles.

Historic Site: Fort Smith: This site has two 19th century military remains. It’s located in the western distract of Arkansas. It is now visited by hundreds of people daily.

Fun Site: Little Rock Zoo: Founded in 1926 located in Little Rock, Arkansas. Its home to more than 200 species of animals. It’s one of the main attractions in little Rock and is a great place to take family and friends.

Louisiana From Arkansas to Louisiana is 327 miles.

Historic Site: Deluge: The DELUGE was a fireboat that served in New Orleans. This is one of the many examples of large fireboats in Louisiana at the time. This was founded in the 1920’s.

Fun Site: National WWII museum: This museum is located in New Orleans. This museum mainly shows the contributions that the U.S made during WWII and is a cool place to go to if you like museums and WWII.

Mississippi From Louisiana to Mississippi is 220 miles.

Historic Site: Fort St. Pierre: The Fort of the French in 1719-1729. It gets a lot of visitors today but it’s still not the most visited. The site does have better quality and in my opinion more interesting things to see.

Fun Site: Pearl River Resort: This is a 5 star hotel and a grand casino. This may not be the most family appropriate but is very fun for adults and young adults. There are very highly rated restaurants around the area and seems like a good overall time.

Tennessee From Mississippi to Tennessee is 347 miles.

Historic Site: Fort Pillow: This was a confederate victory during the civil war. This was known as the Battle at Fort Pillow, but is now a Fort that is visited by historians and tourists.

Fun Site: Rock City: Rock city is a roadside attraction. It’s near Ruby Falls and it is well known for obviously all the rocks and it has a lot of attractions. It’s mainly a family attraction.

Alabama From Tennessee to Alabama is 259 miles.

Historic Site: USS Alabama: This site is one of the surviving battle ships from the 1940’s. It spent over 3 years serving in battle in WWII. Today it is a very interesting to see site.

Fun Site: United Sates space camp: This place is not only for yourself to enjoy, it’s a family related space program. It lets family memebers, friends, and yourself have a very enjoyable time at the camp and offers many different courses.

Kentucky From Alabama to Kentucky is 502 miles.

Historic Site: Louisville Water Company Pumping Station: This is a historic water tower near the Ohio River. Today it’s visited by many families and tourists. It’s a pleasant place to go to.

Fun Site: National Corvette Museum: This museum shows the Chevrolet Corvette and is one of the most visited places in Kentucky. Even If you my not like cars, this is a very cool place to go to visit.

Indiana From Kentucky to Indiana is 244 miles.

Historic Site: Lanier Mansion: This was the home of James F. Lanier and it was made in 1844. It was built with a Greek style but it’s now toured by many Americans a day. But this was Lanier's first house and moved to New York after a few years.

Fun Site: Indiana State Museum: This museum is in White River Stae Park and this museums shows all of where Indiana came from. It atracts a lot of families and although the kids might not love it, parents find it to be a vey fn place to learn.

Michigan From Indiana to Michigan is 323miles.

Historic Site: Fox Theater: This was a movie house that was created by Howard Crane. It was built in 1928, and at this time was the beginning of motion pictures.

Fun Site: Grand Hotel: The grand hotel is an old hotel but is a resort and located on Mackinac island. It was made around the later 1900’s but is still a fairly highly visited hotel in Michigan.

Ohio From Michigan to Ohio is 367 miles.

Historic Site: Donald B: This is another remaining towboat that was built in 1923. It still operates and victors go on it all the time. It’s not only a historical site but a fun towboat ride as well.

Fun Site: Cedar Point: Cedar Point is an amusement park in Lake Erie Ohio U.S. It opened in 1870 and is still running after hundreds of years. This is one the est places to go in Ohio because it’s the roller coaster capital there.

West Virginia From Ohio to West Virginia is 286 miles.

Historic Sites: Matewan Historic District: This is the site of 1920 miner’s. These miners decided to go on strike and it was seen by John Sayles who made a movie about it.

Fun Site: Camden Park: This is one of the fun places to go to in West Virginia with family or friends. It was made and opened in 1902, but it was no amusement park, it was a picnic spot.

Pennsylvania From West Virginia to Pennsylvania is 335 miles.

Historic Sites: Braddock Carnegie Library: This was the first Carnegie built in the United States. It’s visited by many tourists and is still in working condition today.

Fun Site: Gettysburg: This is a national Military park visited by thousands of people a day. This is where one of the most brutal battles took place and being there is extraordinary.

New York From Pennsylvania to New York is 139 miles.

Historic Site: Adirondack Forest Preserve: This was the largest protected area in the bottom half of the United states. This is also the biggest National Historic landmark. It was made in 1885.

Fun Sites: Statue of Liberty: This is one of if not the most visited tourist attraction in New York. The Statue came from France but has been here for some time. It’s obviously one of the best places to go in New York.

Vermont From Ney York to Vermont is 290 miles.

Historic Site: Mount Independence: This was an American Revolutionary war Fortification. This is also Beautiful site to visit in all of Vermont.

Fun Site: Trapp Family lodge: In 1942 is when the Trapp family arrived and decided to build this establishment. The lodge has various different activities like mountain biking and rock climbing and is aan all around fun place.

New Hampshire From Vermont to New Hampshire is 143 miles.

Historic Sites: Richard Jackson House: Oldest Surviving wooden house in the whole state. It’s not a lot but still seems rather interesting.

Fun Site: Mount Washington: This is the highest peak in all of the Eastern United States. It’s 6,288 feet high and seems exhilarating. It’s one place that I definitely want to go to.

Maine From New Hampshire to Maine is 245 miles.

Historic Site: American Eagle: This was one of the last two-masted sea vessels built in Massachusetts. It’s used for tourist cruises now a days and is still a fun place to go.

Fun Site: Bay of Fundy: It’s on the Atlantic Bay and is at the end of the gulf of Maine. There are different theories to why the bay has this name but it’s a great tourist site.

Massachusetts From Maine to Massachusetts is 254 miles.

Historic Site: Adams Academy: this building was built in 1871 and was designed by two people. William Ware and Henry Van Brunt. It was funded by John Adams.

Fun Site: New England aquarium: This aquarium located in Boston is one of the biggest attractions in Massachusetts. It icludes various features including an IMAX theater.

Rhode Island From Massachusetts to Rhode Island is 77.4 miles.

Historic Site: Crescent Park Looff Carousal: This is a well working carousal made by Charles Looff. It’s from about 1895 and has very detailed work.

Fun Site: Fort Adams: This establishmeant was made on July4, 1799 for a few reasons. This Fort was to form a coasta fortification. But today it’s great place to check out if you’re in Rhode Island.

Connecticut From Rhode island to Connecticut is 116 miles.

Historic Site: First Church of Christ: This church helped participate in Freeing the slaves. It didn't’t play a huge role but did help. All of the help at the time was need form anyone.

Fun Site: XL center: This was the Hartford Civic Center, but in 2007 changed to the XL center after the XL company bought it. This arena holds Basketball games, and is the 28th biggest arena to ever hold a basketball tournament. It holds extreme sports as well.

New Jersey From Connecticut to New Jersey is 162 miles.

Historic Site: Camp Evans: This was a formally owned military base. It’s visited by many people each day, It’s a great historic site to visit.

Fun Site: Carlo’s Bakery: Carlo’s Bake shop is one of the best bakery’s in all of New Jersey. The Bakery was founded in 1910 but in 1964 it was purchased and is still running today.

Maryland From New Jersey to Maryland is 168 miles.

Historic Site: BALTIMORE: This is the oldest steam powered tug boat that still works in the United States. It was made in 1993 and is still running. It doesn’t get many visitors though.

Fun Site: Deep Creek Lake: This is one of Maryland's best deals when it comes to having a wonderful vacation. It’s a family Lake and there’s a ;ot of relaxing and calmness there.

Delaware From Maryland to Delaware is 75 miles.

Historic Site: Corbit Sharp house: House built in 1772 and was an influence on Georgian architecture. It’s highly visited by many people a day and it’s one of the most interesting sites to see in Delaware.

Fun Site: Holts landing Park: It’s a state park in the northwestern part of Delaware and didn’t used to be a state park, but used to be a landing park. But was bought in 1957.

District of Colombia From Delaware to D.C is 90 miles.

Historic Site: City Hall: This is the old courthouse, but it was renovated and is now city hall. In 2009 it was renamed to be the D.C court of Appeals. It’s not highly visited but is still a historic monument.

Fun Site: Washington Monument: The Washington Monument is one of the most visited places in Washington. There’s always people and tourists going there because of how interesting it is and it’s a national monument.

Virginia From D.C to Virginia is 188 miles.

Historic Site: Camp Hoover: This was president Hoover’s retreat. Another name for this place was Rapidan Camp. This trail is used by incoming tourists and anyone who wants to see it. It’s an interesting place just to know that one of the president’s have used it.

Fun Site: Kigs Dominion : This is an amusement park in Doswell Virginia and is one of Virginia’s main parks. It’s one of the main atrractions in the town and is highly rated by people that have gone there before.

North Carolina

From Virginia to North Carolina is 155 miles.

Historic Site: Guilford Courthouse Battlefield : This used to be an American Revolutionary War battle. This took place at the Guilford Courthouse. This doesn’t get a lot of visitors but it still seems interesting.

Fun Site: Outer Banks : this is a 200 mile long beach. It’s right off the coast of North Carolina and it’s a great place to take your family. It’s wonderful for vacationing and is fun for everyone.

South Carolina

From North Carolina to South Carolina is 204 miles.

Historic Site: USS CLAMAGORE : This was submarine used for training in World War two. Today it’s used for tourists and sight seeing inside the ship. It’s a fun place to go if you ever go to South Carolina.

Fun Site: Disney’s Hilton Head resort island Resort : This establishment opened in 1996 and is a vacation place perfect for a vaction. It’s a great Resort and is fun For however long someone might want to stay, even one day.

Georgia

From South Carolina to Georgia is 187 miles.

Historic Site: College Hill : this was the home of George Walton. Although not many people know who he is, he was a signer of the declaration of independence.

Fun Site : Stone Mountain: Stone mountain is a touris attraction and it’s a park. At the summit it’s 1,686 feet. It’s a great place to go for tourists.

Florida From Georgia to Florida is 353 miles.

Historic Site: Cape Canaveral Air force Station : This is the East coast Space Launching Facility. It’s for defense that the U.S created to protect against enemy countries.

Fun Site: Walt Disney World : this is the happiest place on Earth. The family resort Disney world is visited by millions of people each year and is a great, wonderful place to go on vacation.

Colorado From Florida to Colorado is 1,954 miles.

Historic Site: Central City : This was a former gold mining camp in the 1800’s. This was in the front of the Rocky mountains and had many miners there at the time. It’s a great site to visit while in the area.

Fun Site : Garden of the Gods : This was created millions of years ago during the fault lines. This was around 1330 B.C but is now a great tourist site. People visit and love to see how great the place looks.

Wisconsin From Colorado to Wisconsin is 1,100 miles.

Historic Site: Little White Schoolhouse : This is where the Republican Party was created. This place does’t get many visitors these day’s but it’s still an interesting place to go to. This is one of Wisconsin’s most important historical sites.

Fun Site : EAA AirVenture Oshkosh: This is a gathering of aviatioon enthusiasts. It’s during the summer and it’s one of the biggest airshows in the country. Anyone can watch and enjoy the show.

Hawaii Historic Site: Cook Landing Site : This is where Captain James cook

landed on January 20, 1778. He was the first man From Europe to come to Hawaii and first see it. It’s a great site to see.

Fun Site: Pearl Harbor: This is where the attack on peral Harbor happened on December 7, 1941. This is the event that brought the U>S into WWII. But the Site is a great one to go see and Hawaii itself is a wonderful state to be in.

Summary The Road trip began in Alaska and ended in Hawaii. Each day I

would get in the car and drive to the next state but the total mileage was 4,433 miles. I drove from state to state so the average prices for food was about 10 dollars per mea by myself. The total amount of money spent on food was about 3,000 dollars because 3 meals a day is 30 dollars. I stayed in Each state two days so that’s sixty dollars per state for food, and 60 multiplied by the 50 states is 3,000 dollars. The average gas price is 3 dollars and 70 cents. The car that I drove was a 2010 Honda Civic hybrid and it gets 40 mpg. The 4,433 miles divided by the 40 miles per gallon and that was 110.825 mpg. Then that was 110.825 and that multiplied by the average gas price which 3.70 cents was 410. 0525 cents. So 410 dollars was the total amount of money I spent on gas. The hotel prices for each State were 80 dollars per night. I stayed in each state 1 night so all together the total price for hotels were 400 dollars as well.

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