Harrisburg and Gettysburg

On our way from Hershey to Washington, D.C., we stopped at a couple of places that have a great deal of historical significance, particularly with relation to the Civil War.  Not so much fun for Rianna, but very interesting for me, the one with the history degree.  

In addition to being the site of Lincoln's famous Gettysburg address, there were many battles fought in this area which you can learn about during a tour of the battlefield.  There is a brand new, very impressive visitor centre and museum in Gettysburg as well.

The Harrisburg National Civil War Museum discusses both sides of the Civil War in a very comprehensive manner, using video and artifacts.    The collar shown here is a slave collar, used on "particularly difficult" slaves.  The rods that go out and up would catch on things should they
try to escape, but they also make it impossible to sleep as the wearer would be unable to lay their head down. 

 I find it incredibly amazing, the time and money spent on developing machines of war and violence.  Think how much the human race could accomplish if all this effort was put into more positive endeavours.  (Sorry, that's my soap box speech...)