In Which MrsMama Plays Hooky

The weather was so beautiful today that I put Master Munchkin’s seatwork on hold and we hit the road for a Field Trip.  We’ve been studying local Kansas History and had recently learned about John Brown and his role in the anti-slavery movement.

One of his historical battles, the Battle of Black Jack, was fought just minutes from our house.  We set out to explore the site.

The Master gazing at a grove of Sugar Maples, thinking about syrup.

Some historians consider the Battle of Black Jack to be the first true battle of the American Civil War.

The men on both sides of the fight took refuge in the creek beds that run along the property.  The Master was hoping to find a bullet or even a gun that somebody dropped during the five hour fight.  Hey, a boy can hope!

We didn’t find anything metal but we did find ruts from wagon wheels near the creek (I’ve marked them in red on the photo).

We found a neat stone bridge.

While not related to John Brown, this silo also demanded exploration.  Look closely - can you see the Master?  Wait!  Don’t go in there!  I think there’s something in the Homeschool Handbook about safety…

Past the silo we explored some native prairie and ambled down a nature trail.  We saw some deer tracks and a few very large dog-like prints.

After tromping around for a few hours, we were ready for a break so we headed into the little town for some Wheat State pizza.  Wheat is one of Kansas’s main crops.  So eating pizza on wheat crust is definitely educational.  That’s in the handbook too. :)

  

I love field trips!