Mission San Diego de Alcala – the First Mission in Alta California

Mission San Diego de Alcala Mission San Diego de Alcala stands on one of the oldest sites of Spanish occupation in California.  During the majority of the Spanish occupation of Mexico (1521-1821), there wasn’t much effort made by the Spanish

Gold in Virginia- It’s Not Just a California Thing

Eureka! Gold in Virginia Until recently, I always believed that California was the end all be all in gold production for the United States.  I never imagined that there would be gold in Virginia.  In school, history class was ripe

James Monroe Museum

James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library I recently stumbled across the James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library quite by accident.  I stopped to visit the Masonic cemetery next door and notice a large Entrance sign sitting adjacent the cemetery.  The