Another 50• morning in Iowa, should get up to 68 by the time we arrive in Quincy, Illinois tonight, about 87 miles further south.
We’re starting our journey at 8:45 AM I was able to fit in some serious biking and treadmill time this morning. That should help, I can fit in a BLL at dinner.
We’re on our way to Fort Madison, we’ll drive by Iowa State Pen and then stop for a tour of Old Fort Madison. Lots to do today, catch ya later.
This is Eugene an out of work college professor, posing as a 1812 soldier. He is working on his doctoral thesis and writing a book about the life of the officers and enlisted personel stationed in various garrisons. He was so interesting to listen to and he makes history fun.
Fort Madison was one of three posts established by the U.S. Army to establish control over the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase territories. Fort Madison was built in 1808 to control trade and pacify Native Americans in the Upper Mississippi River region, it was continually under attack until it finally burned down in 1813.
Our next stop was Nauvoo, Ill. It has a rich history for the Mormons.
The city of Nauvoo, Illinois.
This was the second Temple built on this site by the Mormons, the first in 1836, then this one completed in 2002.
Jim and Jude
Lunch stop at the Nauvoo Mill & Bakery where we were given a talk about the history of the town.
Then we toured the Browning Home and Gunsmith Shop which was also very interesting. Pioneer gunsmith John Browning was a firearms designer, he is the most important figure in the development of modern automatic and semi-automatic firearms.
Checking out some of the original Browning guns. Jim, Doug, Jerry and Paul, along with our tour guide.
The guys found this very interesting.
John Brownings workshop with the original tools. Born in 1855, died in 1926.
In class
Next stop, the George M. Verity Riverboat Museum in Keokuk, Iowa.
Paddleboat built in Dubuque, Iowa in 1927 bu the U.S. government. It was built to revive river transportation and move barges from St. Louis to St. Paul.
Jerry says “full steam ahead”.
Bob looks like he wants to get into this diving gear .
View from the bridge.
The pilot house.
Hey down there.
We’ll be spending the night in Quincy, Illinois. Dinner at Krieger’s Sports Grill.