America’s history is not old, by all calculations of “old” in other places in the world. But it’s a wonderful testimony of adventure, discovery, trials and overcoming, and showing a “can do” kind of spirit. After our forefathers created a country to be free and self-governing, the expansion across the continent began in earnest after a bitter civil war that nearly destroyed us as a nation before we even had our feet on the ground, so to speak. Farms were built across the land, destroyed by tornados, locusts, drought, and built again. The Great Migration of wagon trains bringing settlers west changed the face of the country. Other peoples learned a new way of living as well. Not all things were equal, but change came. We just celebrated our Independence Day. Every 4th of July since those very early days we, as a people, commemorate this special time. It calls to my mind brass bands in striped jackets with their musical instruments playing marches in the gazebo in the middle of town. Flags are flying everywhere, and fried chicken picnics are laid out on tables and blankets on the ground. Pies line tables for contests, and everyone anticipates who can eat the most pie by sticking faces in those pies. Another corner of the town square might have three legged races and kids and adults alike tie their legs together to run the expanse of lawn for a piece of watermelon. Ladies in big hats to shade them from sun, sit in chairs drinking iced tea to keep cool. The day is ended by a blast of colorful fireworks in the evening. Nostalgic. Worth preserving. A free people.
Across the western US, towns and ghost towns dot the landscape. The past visited by the present.
Some towns, like Philipsburg Montana, make a living by preserving the past. If you ever go there, be sure to stop in at the candy shop. It’s one of my grandson’s favorite places. What a fun day in touring this town. I would much rather travel by car than wagon. I love to visit the old towns and imagine what life may have been like as Americans built a country. What kind of lives did they lead? 
It’s rather amazing that so much has survived. Most of our buildings are wooden as opposed to stone in Europe’s great castles and cottages.
Then there are the ghost towns. This one is high in the Rocky Mountains in Montana. It was a bustling city fueled by copper mining. Now just crumbling foundations are seen. What happened to the fortunes made here? What happened to all the families?
And what about the stories of the riverboats that plied their trades up and down the major American rivers? This is the Queen West on the mighty Columbia River. Reminiscent of a by-gone era.
I wonder what is coming for this great nation?
It seems we are looking at change again in our country. May the spirit of the 4th of July stay bright.
“Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord” Psalm 33:12.
Great post Sis! So much is being lost; we must teach our children and grandchildren!