Did you know that the Citie of Henricus was the second English Settlement in the New World way back in 1611? I’m embarrassed to say it took me eight years of living in Richmond to visit Henricus, but the Family Mac finally made it there this weekend. Ah, it was well worth the trip down 288, stepping back in time and entering their world as they lived it on a day-to-day basis. I grew up near Plymouth Plantation in Massachusetts, so after countless school field trips there, this was a familiar world to me.
Just being there sure makes you appreciate our creature comforts galore. The tedious and dangerous process necessary to fire a musket one time was enough to wear me out, plus keeping a fire burning around the clock since matches are a thing of the future. Oh, and their constant worry over when the Indian and/or Spaniards were going to attack next sure made me grateful for 911.
Needless to say I’m determined to not let another eight years go by before I visit again. I’m already aiming for their upcoming Publick Days on September 20/21 which are a big annual celebration of the founding of the Citie of Henricus. Plus there is free admission, and free often is my favorite flavor, especially when chocolate is not an option!
Henricus is in essence the recreation of the old village, populated by knowledgeable re-enactors dressed in period garb who provide demonstrations on life back in the day. There are hand-made homes with thatched roofs scattered about as well as gardens and tobacco crops. The community is situated on a bluff with a magnificent view of the James River below.
Sam had a big ole time watching John the re-enactor do his thing and fire off his musket. I was really impressed by the gung-ho kid-friendliness of the place. The next morning when he woke up , the first words out of his mouth were,'”Can we go back to Henricus again today? Please?” Well, even if he was trying to get out of going to church, at least he said please.
LibbY