The University of Georgia and the War for Southern Independence

Near the 1857 Arch which marks the main entrance to the campus of the University of Georgia, at the intersection of Broad Street and College Avenue, Athens, Georgia, this historical marker gives a brief history of the university and bears silent witness to the impact of the War of 1861-1865, which is here named the War for Southern Independence. The marker reads:

Endowed with 40,000 acres of land in 1784 and chartered in 1785, the charter was the first granted by a state for a government controlled university. After Louisville and the Greensboro were first selected, the current site was chosen.

The first president, and author of the school's charter, Abraham Baldwin, resigned when the doors opened, and was succeeded by Josiah Meigs. The University first began to thrive under Moses Waddel, who became president in 1819. Alonzo Church was president in 1829-1859.

During the War for Southern Independence, most of the students entered the Confederate Army. The University closed its doors in 1864, and did not open again until January 1866. After the war many Confederate veterans became students.

Famous pre-war professors were John and Joseph LeConte and Charles F. McCay, while famous students were Robert Toombs, Alexander H Stephens, Howell Cobb, and Crawford W. Long.

Plans for a modern university were first developed by Walter B. Hill and realized under Harmon W. Caldwell. The best known of the post-war presidents (now chancellors) was David C. Barrow. The Builder of the modern plant was Chancellor Steadman V Sanford.

The Tree that Owns Itself

This beautiful White Oak tree (Quercus alba), at the Corner of Dearing and Finley Streets, Athens, Georgia, owns itself. The tree was deeded to itself by Colonel William H. Jackson circa 1832. It may be the only emancipated tree in the world.


Upon giving the tree its freedom, Jackson wrote: "For and in consideration of the great love I bear (for) this tree and the great desire I have for its protection for all time, I convey entire possession of itself and all land within eight feet of the tree on all sides."

The curent tree pictured is actually a descendent of the original tree, in the same spot occupied by its predecessor. The scion of the original tree was planted by the Ladies Garden Club in 1946. In 1975 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. Since 1988 it has been officially designated as an Athens Historical Landmark.

Geographic Center of the United States

This flag, on a private ranch in Butte County, South Dakota, is at the Geographic Center of the United States of America. The nearest town is Belle Fourche, about 20 miles to the south.

Embedded in concrete at the base of the flag is a reference mark (Center - No. 1) placed by the U. S. Coast Guard and Geodetic Survery in 1962. The flag and marker is surrounded by open prairie as far as the eye can see in all directions. The center of the United States is in the middle of nowhere.

Historic Powhatan, Arkansas

Once the seat of Lawrence County, which covered most of the northern part of the state, Powhatan today is almost a ghost town.  A series of several stair steps leads down the rocky hill upon which the Powhatan Courthouse stands to Powhatan's original town site. It sits in the river bottom where the ferry crossing and busy river traffic once kept the city a beehive of acitvity.

Only two buildings remain of the many (both commercial and residential) which comprised the town in the mid to late 19th century. Visitors may also see a few old foundations and an old well. Historical markers on the grounds and brochures, available at the Visitor Center, explain some of the points and features of Powhatan's colorful past.

Built of logs Circa. 1933, the Ficklin-Imboden House is the oldest standing building in Lawrence County. It is said to be "a fine example blending of the 'Tidwater South' and 'Midland' building syles.


Visitors may tour the house, which is complete with period furnishings. There is a detatched kitchen to the rear of the house. It offers a glimpse into an earlier time on what was once the American frontier.

Blue Iguanas in the Cayman Islands

The Blue Iguana, aka Blue Dragon, is a symbol of the Cayman Islands. It is one of earth's rarest creatures, found in the wild only on Grand Cayman Island where an estimated 30 to 40 of them survive in their natural habitat. There is a worldwide population of about 150 Blue Iguanas, including those which are kept in zoos and aquariums.

The Blue Iguana can grow to 5 feet long and eats a vegetarian menu of leaves, flowers and fruit. During the mating season, hormones turn the males electric blue while the females brighten to powder blue.

We were not fortunate enough to glimpse this rare creature in the wild, although we did see many other iguanas of different species. But if you don't spot a live Blue Iguana you can surely find one of the fanciful fiberglass models which are placed at strategic public spots around George Town. In this first photo Karen is posing with one of them.

The Legend of Big Black Dick

If you ever go to the Cayman Islands you've got to pause and pay your respects to Big Black Dick.

According to legend, Big Black Dick was born of 'Royal' African parentage before being kidnapped by French slavers who gave him the name of "Richard Le Noir". His French captors tossed Richard overboard near Grand Cayman Island.

Miraculously reaching land, Dick became a slave on a sugar cane plantation where he learned the secrets of turning the cane into the Caribbean's finest rum. His kindly Caymanian master, recognizing Dick's hard work and honesty, awarded him his freedom in the early 1700's.

A free man and a skilled seaman, Big Black Dick soon earned the rank of captain of a three-masted-square rigger named "Caymanus". She was a ship carrying 20 cannons with a crew of near 200 men that were known as the best in the Caribbean.

History tells us that Dick was a dashing and handsome figure of a man, wearing a bright purple velvet coat and four pistols in his red silk sash. Those who knew him most intimately, say that Big Black Dick was a man indeed, possessing certain physical attributes unequalled by most all other men.

After a successful career, Big Black Dick retired to a more peaceful venture of making the best original pirate rum in the Caribbean.

Outdoor Craft Market, George Town, Grand Cayman Island

After my previous anti-shopping tip, I must admit that we did make a couple of small purchases in George Town. However, it was not at one of the glitzy shops, but from an individual who was selling her own crafts at the Outdoor Craft Market.

To find the market, turn right from the harbor and go up the main shopping street for about four or five blocks. You'll see the craft market on your left. It is an area of several tables where local folks come to display and sell their island creations. We enjoyed browsing here. Karen found a black coral necklace and I bought a souvenir to remind us of our visit to the Cayman Islands.

Shopping in the Cayman Islands

Okay, I'll admit that this is a pet peeve of mine, but it really troubles and saddens me that so many people who go to Cayman Islands - especially cruise ship passengers - experience practically nothing of the culture and history of the place. All they do is shop.

If shopping is your aim, why not just stay home and go to the mall.

So you still want a duty-free souvenir from "paradise?" You'll find scores of merchants here eager to take your money, but you'll have to stand in line behind lots of other tourists who are throwing their money away like drunken sailors.

Enough of my tirade. There are LOTS of shops in George Town - all catering to tourists. You can't miss them. Just step off the boat and they'll hit you in the face.

Offshore Banking in the Cayman Islands

The Cayman Islands, and George Town in particular, is an important center for international banking. More than 700 banks, representing interests from scores of different countries, have branches here.

The off shore financial services industry pumps millions of dollars into the local economy and is one of the reasons the Cayman Islands enjoys a higher standard of living than most other islands of the Caribbean.

I have managed to avoid the headache that comes from being concerned about high finance by keeping my personal worth at little more than the minimum needed for day-to-day survival.

Heroes Square, George Town, Grand Cayman Island

Heroes Square is at the hub of the city of George Town, sitting in front of the Legislative Assembly (Parliament). Surrounding the square are several important public structures including the Peace Memorial, Clock Tower, Public Library and the Post Office.

This is a pretty square with tasteful landscaping, splashing fountains, statues and interpretative markers which tell of the heroes who have been important to the history of George Town and the Cayman Islands.

Clock Tower and Peace Memorial, Grand Cayman Island

This historic Clock Tower and Peace Memorial sits at the heart of the old section of George Town, a couple of blocks back from the waterfront and across from Heroes Square.

A plaque on the Clock Tower says that it was "Erected by the people of the Cayman Islands in memory of their beloved King George V."

The Peace Memorial was built in 1919, at the close of the First World War. Apparently, it is open only for special occasions.

Fort George, Georgetown, Grand Cayman Island

Visitors to George Town, Grand Cayman can gain a greater appreciation for and understanding of the city and the island by taking a stroll along the Maritime Heritage Trail and the site of Fort George in the downtown area. Fort George was built in 1790 for defense against the Spaniards who raided the islands, taking captives to Cuba.

Signs along the shore tell of the tempests and tragedies that have shaped the Cayman history. Interpretative markers detail points of interest along the trail.

Along the trail, is a bronze memorial, titled "Tradition." It pays tribute to the almost 500 Caymanians who have lost their lives at sea. The memorial was officially unveiled in 2003 by Prince Edward, son of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.

Church of God Full Gospel Hall, Georgetown, Grand Cayman Island

I could not help but notice the Church of God Full Gospel Hall in downtown George Town since I grew up in the same denomination in Cleveland, Tennessee. This is one several Churches of God in the island and according to a taxi driver it is one of the strongest churches on Grand Cayman.


On my second visit to George Town, in February, 2007, I happened to run into two very dear old friends from college days whom I had not seen in years - Ernest and Ann Roberts. They were on the same cruise ship with us. Our ship docked at George Town on a Sunday so Ernest and Ann took advantage of the opportunity to visit the Sunday morning services at the church. They said they went dressed like tourists (in shorts), and were made to feel very welcome. I noticed that the local folks coming in and out of the church were all dressed in their "Sunday best."

Elmslie Memorial United Church, George Town, Grand Cayman Island

The oldest Christian congregation in the Cayman Islands, Elmslie United Church was established by by accident - or was it divine providence? Rev. Hope Waddell, a Presbyterian minister from Jamaica, was a missionary en-route to Nigeria when his ship wrecked on a reef off the Cayman Islands. Discovering there was no organized church on the islands, Waddell stayed and established this congregation and others, beginning in 1846.

Today, the Elmslie United Church is an amalgam of Presbyterian, Congregational and Disciples of Christ congregations. Generally, Christians seem to be much better at splitting up than getting together, so it always does my heart good to see an exception such as this one.

The church is not a tourist attraction but an active local congregation. Sunday services are at 9:15 a.m., 11:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Visitors are always welcome.

Cayman Islands National Museum

The Cayman Islands National Museum is located in the historic Old Courts Building in George Town, one of the island's few surviving 19th century structures. This wooden frame courthouse has survived countless hurricanes and nor'westers during its 150 year history. It has been used over the years not only as a courthouse but also as the town jail, a meeting hall for Sunday worship and civic dances. The complete story of this historic building is told in one of the Museum's exhibits.


Other exhibits in the museum tell of the Natural and Cultural history of the Cayman Islands, with a collection of more than 4,000 items. These range from tiny coins to a 14 foot catboat; natural history specimens to rare documents.

The museum complex includes a Museum Shop and a small cafe, The Cool Caboose

Oho's Smallest Church - Healing Chapel

In far eastern end of Athens County, Ohio, just west of the town of Coolville, you will see a sign pointing off U.S. 50 on County Road 63, to "Ohio’s Smallest Church," The tiny 10X14 foot structure is open 24/7, and is called “Healing Chapel.”

This doesn't seem to be a regular church, where worship services are held. It only has four short pews which might seat two small people each, although there is a pulpit and room for a not-too-active preacher to stand. Instead of a place of public worship, Ohio's smallest church is a non-denominational refuge for travelers who want to stop and offer a private prayer.

One either side of the pulpit was a container - one for prayer requests and the other for answered prayers. Each of them was full of scraps of paper with words scribbled on them. Inside the doorway is a bulletin board where many prayer requests, and a few testimonies of answered prayer are also posted. There was also a wide open collection box, with a few crumpled one dollar bills in it and a few cents in change.

Swimming with Sting Rays on Grand Cayman Island

On our second visit to Grand Cayman, Karen and I decided we would take advantage of the opportunity to swim with the sting rays. Cruise ships offer this as a rather expensive shore excursion, on a boat jam packed with cruisers.

From experience we knew we could probably do better on our own. We went online and found a local tour guide to take us for the same trip, for about half the price, and with a much smaller group of people. Also, she threw in a couple of extra features which were not on the cruise ship's excursion.

Pictured below is the young lady who met us at the dock. Our ride was a van with a handful of other passengers. The van took us to a boat piloted by two very knowledgeable young men who provided us with a most excellent adventure.

Even for those who do not book their shore excursions in advance, at George Town you will find many local guides waiting for the ship and offering their services at reasonable prices. We've used such local guides many times at different ports and have been very satisfied with the services they have provided.

Cruising to the Cayman Islands

Karen and I have visited Georgetown, Grand Cayman twice by cruise ship. Once we were on the Empress of the Seas, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, and the next time we were aboard the Zenith, Celebrity Cruise Lines.

Cruise Ships, though somewhat luxurious, just happen to be the least expensive way most travelers can visit many ports in the Caribbean and around the world. Transportation, lodging and meals are all included, and a cruise will have several different ports of call within a single voyage. To Fly individually to the same destinations, pay for transfers, room and meals would cost several times more than the cruise.

I have seen a few folks here on VT be critical of travel by cruise ship - too crowded and too touristy. They have a point, but they overlook what is a major fact of life for most of us. Cost.

We choose a cruise not for the amenities of the ship, but for the ports at which it will land. Once in port, most of the crowd can be left behind for a few hours by a creative traveler who goes his own way. Actually, the time spent on the ship can be lots of fun too. Even with a couple of thousand people on board we have seldom had a problem in finding private nooks where it seemed that no one else was around but us and the deep blue sea. If you're more gregarious, you can make friends on board too.

If you haven't tried cruise travel, give it a whirl. You may be pleasantly surprised. If you still hate it, then sail your own yacht next time.

Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville, George Town, Grand Cayman Island

Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville in the Cayman Islands brought back great memories of  "chasing my lost shaker of salt," and consuming a "Cheeseburger in Paradise" at the original Margaritaville in Key West Florida. Never having been a person who liked the taste of alcohol, it was there that I forced myself to drink the margarita I've ever had - just because.

If you like Jimmy Buffet's music, as I do, you'll enjoy Margaritaville. If you have a taste for good food, whether or not you like Jimmy Buffet's music, you'll love Margaritaville.

There are many things on the menu, but to me it would be almost sacrilege to eat here and not have the famous "Cheeseburger in Paradise."

"I like mine with lettuce and tomato

Heinz 57 and french fried potatoes

Big kosher pickle and a cold draft beer

Well good god almighty which way do i steer for my

Cheeseburger in paradise...."

--Jimmy Buffet

Hard Rock Cafe, George Town, Grand Cayman Island

We did not eat at the Hard Rock Cafe in George Town, but I have been to many other Hard Rocks in different parts of the world so I took a photo of this one. Hard Rock Cafes tend to be basically the same from place to place although the menu may vary slightly. The food is good, the decor is captivating, and the atmosphere is lively. My children - and younger people in general - seem to like Hard Rock better than I do. There have been times in a Hard Rock Cafe that I was glad that I'm hard of hearing.

Favorite Dish: Pig Sandwich: Hard Rock's most popular sandwich!
Select pork, hickory smoked and hand-pulled so it's tender and juicy. "An old southern delicacy" with Hard Rock's famous vinegar-based bar-b-que sauce.

The Menu says: "IF YOU'VE BEEN TO THE HARD ROCK AND HAVEN'T HAD A "PIG SANDWICH," YOU HAVEN'T BEEN TO THE HARD ROCK!"

I love the Pig Sandwich, but after eating one at the original Hard Rock in London, England I became deathly ill with food poisoning. I can't prove what caused it, and I'm sure most people don't have the same experience - but that was my last pig-out at Hard Rock.