Buttercups and Cannon: Day 9-Nature Journaling at the Stone Bridge

Tuesday, May 9, 2017

After a brief introduction to supplies on hand (including my favorite watercolor pencils) we dispersed a bit to find our own spot to reflect and record our impressions.  The history of this place provides an interesting background for our journaling.  Soldiers, cannon, and horses crossed this stream on July 21, 1861 on their way to what is now known as Henry Hill, where the main battle of the day was to take place.

All of the trees in this area were cut down to provide better sight lines and to use in constructing makeshift roadblocks.  The shade would have felt good on that hot, humid July day so long ago.  Today, oak and hickory trees abound.

This Stone Bridge replaced the one blown up by Union troops as they retreated.  How peaceful and verdant this spot is today.

Our journaling session yielded  many lovely sketches of the bridge, the water, and the trees.  Thank you to all of those who attended, including park rangers Kaitlyn Shermer and Courtney James who helped with set up.