On June 14, 1777, though the American Revolution yet raged, the Continental Congress adopted a resolution that “the flag of the United States be thirteen alternate stripes red and white” and that “the Union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new Constellation.” Since that first flag day, we’ve added another 37 stars to our Union’s spangled constellation.
In high school after studying U.S. history and geography, I determined to visit all 50 states. My favorite book at the time, Steinbeck’s Travels with Charlie, sparked my imagination to drive across country with a loyal dog by my side. Of course, the travel bug had been implanted far earlier. Every week of my childhood I’d heard the lovely Dinah Shore urging me to get on the road with her exuberant rendition of “See the U.S.A. in Your Chevrolet”!
https://www.youtube.com › watch
The task I set myself was not an easy one. Geographically, we’re the third largest country in the world with 3,531,837 square miles of land mass. By population, we’re third as well, home to over 329 million souls.
The vast North American continent spans 2,680 miles across at its widest point. Oceans define the borders east and west, with the great parallel Rocky and Appalachian Mountain Ranges lifting the ceiling. Five Great Lakes, one Great Salt Lake, and a wealth of mighty rivers — the Mississippi, Ohio, Missouri, Arkansas, Rio Grande, Hudson, Colorado and all of their tributaries — create a vast network of watersheds. Humans followed the flow of water as they settled the land, first Amerindians and later Europeans. Every major city rests upon the shores of a great waterway. With the expansion of the Union to a 49th and 50th star, the far-flung states of Alaska and Hawaii added immeasurably to the nation’s cultural and geological story.
My route across the star-studded canvas of these United States proved a circuitous one. Born in the nation’s heartland, I explored both coasts before I settled in the East. Blessed with a career that kept me traveling, I spent time in a huge swath of states. Yet when I retired, my U.S. map remained incomplete. Somehow I’d missed almost all of the northern states west of the Mississippi and, inexplicably, West Virginia.
Mauna Kea, Hawaii Mount Rushmore, ND
To me the solution seemed obvious. The time had arrived to take my long-dreamed-of road trip. I even had a dog! Despite Dinah’s best efforts, though, I wouldn’t be making my trip in a Chevy (nothing against Chevrolet, just not what I own). With a dog and a reluctant spouse in tow, I set out on my first cross-country trip. Now home once again, my United States map is complete. I’ve experienced (and slept in) every starry state in our Union.
Niagara Falls, NY The Alamo, San Antonio, TX
More than coloring in spaces on a paper map, I’ve been privileged to see the grand vistas bestowed upon this nation that make it extraordinarily beautiful and unique. I’ve experienced the places where our history was made and the glorious monuments that commemorate that history. I’ve met people from every walk of life, religion, culture, and shade of the political spectrum. I’ve witnessed the values that unite us as a nation and the opinions that divide us. I truly believe the former outweigh the latter.
Over time, I’ll be chronicling my adventures on “This Thursday’s Child.” Stay tuned…
There are 51 stars. The 51st being you. Thanks for sharing, it’s always inspiring., beautiful and thought provoking. Happy New Year.
I can’t wait to read all about your adventures. I was just thinking that when I buy a new car (not for a few more years, this one only has 225,000 miles ) I need to travel to the states I have yet to visit. It seems that I have been concentrating my time in South America, Central America and Europe. But the USA is definitely on my list for the future.
I hope you and Carolyn have a lovely Holiday Season and a very happy and healthy New Year.