Learning About History

We have had a lot of fun over the past few months learning about the Civil War and the time period scanning the 1800's.  We've touched on Lewis and Clark and the Industrial Revolution, but we have spent quite a bit of time on the Civil War, Abraham Lincoln and slavery.  These three things have captured Dakota's attention and piqued his curiosity and so we have embraced them.  I think the most impressive thing for Dakota, the thing that made the most impression, was the Magic Tree House book, Abe Lincoln at Last.  In the story we met Abe Lincoln as a boy and then again as a man who was not only a new president, but the father of two young boys whom Dakota could relate to.  He was shocked to hear that Willie died at age 11 and that just after the Civil War ended, President Lincoln was assassinated.  We talked about slavery and read about Harriet Tubman, watching a great video that seemed to be speaking right to my little boy.  He was outraged at the injustice of slavery and I was proud that he felt that way.

Recently we talked about John Brown.  We discussed how he fought to end slavery just like Harriet Tubman, but in a much different way.  He felt that it was necessary to fight to free slaves and Dakota said that was wrong.....but was it?  Didn't slavery come to an end only after the Civil War?  Was it right?  Was it wrong?  Who had the authority to decide?

We have been having beautiful weather in our region all winter long.  This past Saturday we did absolutely nothing but enjoy each other and read and watch TV.  Sunday, however, we decided to take a day trip and I suggested Harper's Ferry, a beautiful West Virginia town only an hour from us that was the sight of a raid by John Brown and his men and where he was captured by the US Marines and sentenced to death for murder. I wasn't sure how much Dakota would get out of the day, but at the very least we would have fun, take in some beautiful scenery and get some exercise.

From the start, Dakota seemed to know exactly what we were looking at when we arrived. He made me so proud, this little seven year old boy, talking about Abe Lincoln, Clara Barton, the Civil War and John Brown.  We went in the bookshop and I was pleased to see him recognize the many events in history and the people that were important to the time.  He seemed to understand all about John Brown too. Not many children are even taught US History at this young age.  Maybe he won't remember all of it, but at least he will be familiear with the events that were important in our history and, when we learn about it again in a few years, hopefully he will be just as involved, just as enthusiastic as he is about it now.