Sunday, September 13, 2009

MYSTIC












The following photos were taken at the Mystic Seaport in Connecticut. A portion of the movie Amistad was filmed at this location. The film was based on true events which took place back in 1839. A ship named Amistad was caring a cargo of 53 slaves on route to Cuba when the human cargo revolted against their captors and took control of the ship. The boat made its way into the Long Island Sound and was eventually escorted into New Haven, CT by the US Navy where the slaves were taken into custody. The slave’s freedom was then fought for in the court room. In the Supreme Court Case, United States VS. The Amistad Africans, an aging John Quincy Adams successfully argued that all human beings were naturally free people and were entitled to their freedom under American Law. The Amistad Africans were then set free. John Quincy Adams served as President of the United States during the years 1825-1829 and lost his re-election bid to Andrew Jackson. President John Quincy Adams often took an early morning nude swim in the Potomac. A young writer who unsuccessfully requested an interview with the President caught wind of his naked baths. One early morning the insistent journalist collected the President’s clothing while he swam and refused to give him his garments until the exposed President conceded to an interview. Reporter Anne Royall was the first female correspondent to interview an American President. John Quincy Adams is the only person to be elected to the House of Representatives after serving as President. What most impressed me with John Quincy Adams was his extraordinary service after his tenure as President.


8 comments:

  1. Ahh Mystic Seaport. I did the ride about 4 or 5 years ago. One of my fondest memories was being pulled over by a state trooper for driving between cars in 'bumper' to 'bumper' traffic. I'm also confused about your Aug 10th posting...?

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  2. Enjoyed your photos and post. I noticed the photo of CR, IA. Was this after the flood or just a random derailment you came across on your travels?

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  3. Beautiful photo's! I have to ride east some day!

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  4. Nice pics Rob. I'll have to say ditto to MeanStreak's comment. Looks like a nice ride. Hopefully, this doesn't mean your quest is over. I think the Holy Grail is still out there.

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  5. Scribe- Playing bumper cars with a motorcycle is not a good way to reach your golden years.

    IowaHarley- I had the opportunity to help out in Cedar Rapids for a month after the flood and saw this derailed train and snapped a photo. The folks in Cedar Rapids are awesome and have my deepest respect. When others are torn apart by tough events the Mid West seems to come together.

    MeanStreak- Head East mi Amigo. I will tell you what my favorite spot out east is Bar Harbor, Maine. I loved that place. I took a trip there in June and it was the best.

    Ace- The Holy Grail is out there, maybe I can find it in the Grand Canyon or Baja.

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  6. Wow that is really interesting, good stuff. I wonder what happened to the Africans after that? Were they able to go back to Africa? Did they stay here? Now I am curious. Nice photos.

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  7. Sugarmag- Thanks for visiting the site. I can tell you that 36 Amistad Survivors returned to Africa in 1842. Missionaries followed the survivors to Africa and eventually set up a Mission in Mendiland.

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  8. Beautiful photos. I really need to get out and adventure more on the bike. I may ride a couple thousand miles a year, but I don't really see much other then the back road twisties of north Jersey.

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