Day 1: Sunday, August 12, 2012
We were up by 6:15 A.M.
The first stop, Handy Bank for $300 cash, next to Quick Stop to fill up with gas costs $64, for 17.394 gallons costs 3.679 per gallon at pump 8, in Killen, AL.
We took two eight-packs of sodas and a couple snack cakes. We ate breakfast before we left home.
Our traveling directions:
We travel 72 west onto Cox Creek Parkway turning onto highway AL20 crossing into Tennessee. In Tennessee, AL20 becomes TN69 through Savannah, TN. Merging left onto TN64.
Near Falcon Tennessee TN64 runs into TN45 NORTH and we travel along Highway 45 traveling through several small towns Humboldt, Trenton, Dyer, Rutherford, Kenton, and Union City.
In Union City, we take US45E/215N and U51 north crossing into Fulton, KY.
We follow 51 north up to Clinton, KY we crossed the B. Allie Hall Memorial Bridge into Ballard County.
We stopped to take pictures of the Ballard County Courthouse, the historic marker (County Named 1842) in front of the courthouse, and the library nearby.
We stopped at Fort Jefferson Memorial Overlook at the confluence of the Mississippi/Ohio Rivers.
There were four historic markers
- Union Supply Base,
- Lewis and Clark in Kentucky Fort Jefferson/Fort Jefferson,
- Fort Jefferson Site/Indian Massacre
- Lewis and Clark at the Old Fort Jefferson
 |
| donors for Fort Jackson |
 |
| Overlook at Fort Jackson |
 |
| Overlook at Fort Jackson |
 |
| Overlook at Fort Jackson |
 |
| Historic Markers at Fort Jackson |
Welcome to Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site was our next stop. The cost to tour the two museums was $5 and 35 cents for a postcard. No picture-taking was allowed in the museum but we could take all the pictures we wanted outside.
Historic Markers at Wickliffe:
 |
| Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site |
 |
| Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site |
1. King Mounds "Ancient buried City” site of an ancient religious and commercial center of the mound builder. Approximately one thousand years old, situated on the only high ground at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, tombs, temples, altars, jewels, dwellings, tools, etcetera, were uncovered. Excavations started on October 2, 1832, for education and posterity.
 |
| King Mounds "Ancient buried City” |
2. Ceremonial Mounds Excavations have shown that the building stood on several earlier levels of this mound. We do not know how big those buildings were. This structure is approximately the size of the posthole pattern in the architectural building (mound b).
3. Burial Mound (Mound C) Native American Indians of the Mississippian culture were buried in this cemetery mound sometime in the AD 1200s. First excavated in 1932 by owner Col. Fain King, the mound was referred to as "Mound C.” A building was constructed over the exposed burials and placed on display for many decades. In 1991, the remains were taken from public view out of respect for Native American Indians, and to be in compliance with federal laws that protect Indian burial mounds. Plastic replicas of the burial were then put on exhibit in the cemetery building. In 2011, after many years of consultations with Native American tribes and research collaborations with archaeologists, Kentucky State Parks reburied the remains in this mound in partnership with Murray State archaeologist, Dr. Kit Wesler and with the Chickasaw Nation overseeing the process. The building was dismantled and the mound was restored.
4. The history of a mound In 1984, Wickliffe Mounds conducted an excavation into the side of this mound. The cost of the excavation was to connect information on the structure of the mound. Radiocarbon dating revealed two major mound-building phases and several periods of smaller mound growth. Wickliffe Mounds bird’s eye view- Although Wickliffe Mounds is smaller than many other Mississippian sites, most of these Indian Villages are laid out in a similar pattern. Usually located near a river or creek, these villages might include any number of platform mounds grouped around an open plaza which was used for open public gatherings.
We crossed The Cairo Ohio River Bridge which is a cantilever bridge carrying US 51, US 60, and US 62 across the Ohio River between Wickliffe, Kentucky, and Cairo, Illinois. Of all the Ohio River crossings, it is the furthest downstream; the Mississippi River can be seen while crossing the bridge and looking westward.
After crossing the Ohio River, we turned right onto US 51 north heading to Cairo, IL.
In Cairo US 51 N becomes IL-3N and we follow Il-3N for about 30 miles turning left Il-46 W for about 3 miles, IL-46W becomes MO-30W. We cross the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge over the Mississippi River into Cape Girardeau.
We stopped at Long John’s Silvers at 12:40 PM, store Number 023346 telephone no 573-837-4973.
Hubby ordered one L. J-three for $7.79, which includes two fish, one chicken, four shrimp, slaw, fried okra, and a drink.
I ordered one pando shrimp combo, which includes 5 pieces of shrimp, green beans, fried okra, and iced tea for a total of $15.56.
 |
| Historic Cape Giradeau |
 |
| Murals along the Mississippi River in Cape Girardeau |
 |
| Barge on the Mississippi River |
 |
| Murals along the Mississippi River in Cape Girardeau |
 |
| Standing on the bank of the Mississippi River in Cape Girardeau |
After lunch, we head to the historic area of Cape Girardeau.
At the edge of the city of Cape Girardeau, a wall was built to protect the city from the flooding of the Mississippi. Along that wall were murals paintings and historic markers dating 900 AD to the present.
Some of the murals feature famous people such as Mark Twain, President Taft, TS Elliot, Laura Ingles Wilder, Dale Carnegie, and many others.
We drove to Southeast River Campus Missouri University to visit the Crisp Museum and to walk in the park behind the campus.
 |
| Inside the Crisp Museum |
 |
| Inside the Crisp Museum |
 |
| Dixie Bell Riverboat Inside the Crisp Museum |
 |
| Southeast River Campus Missouri University |
 |
| Southeast River Campus Missouri University |
There were several markers in the park:
1. River Commerce
2. Cape Girardeau and the Railroad
3. St Vincent’s Seminary and Southeast Missouri State University
4. Manowock Shipbuilding Company
5. Cape Girardeau River Crossing Cape Girardeau
6. Champion Beech Tree
7. The Old Cape Girardeau Bridge
 |
| The Old Cape Girardeau Bridge |
 |
| The Old Cape Girardeau Bridge |
We took several pictures as we walked in the park, which overlooked the Mississippi River and the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge.
After leaving Cape Girardeau, we headed up I-55 N toward St. Genevieve Mo. They were having a Jour De Fete Festival, which is held the second full weekend in August. We arrived at the tail end of the festival and several of the booths were shutting down. We walked around the town looking at the old homes and historic sites.
 |
| Jour De Fete Festival |
 |
| Jour De Fete Festival |
 |
| French Quarters |
1. The Old Brick House located on 90 S. Third St
2. Catholic Church of St Genevieve
3. Ste. Genevieve County Courthouse 51 South Third St
4. Joseph Bogy House 163 Merchant St
5. Felix Valle Historic Site Department of Resources/Phillipson Valley House Corner of Second and Merchant St
6. Dufour Rozier Building 201 Merchant St
7. Jean Baptiste Bossier Warehouse 200 Merchant St
8. Theiphilus Dufour House 220 Merchant St
9. St. Genevieve Winery 245 Merchant St
10. Bakery 260 Merchant St
11. Sirros 261 Merchant St where they call sandwiches (samiches) because they are that good.
12. Orris 265 Merchant St (a full bar with music)
13. French Quarters St Genevieve mural depicting a traditional New Year's Eve festival in St Genevieve
14. Genevieve County Jail 65 Third St
15. Courthouse 51 South Third St
We checked into the Hampton Inn 850 Valley Creek Drive Farmington, Mo 63640 at 5:42PM room 116 on the first floor.
We unloaded our luggage and then went in search of a place to eat supper.
We found an Applebee’s at 748 West Karsch Boulevard Farmington, MO 63640.
We ordered the Appetizer sampler, which included hot wings, steak wraps, and tacos. Cost around $25.00.
We went back to the room for a quick dip in the hot tub.
We sat and talked to a woman from Wisconsin she was there to train some people on the X-ray machine.
Some kids got in the pool they made so much noise that we could not hear each other talk so we got out.
We went back to our room hubby went to sleep and I stayed up until about 12 A.M. uploading pictures to Flickr.
Day 2: Monday, August 13, 2012
7:59 A.M. checked out of the Hampton Inn in Farming and headed to Cuba, MO.
The hotel served a continental breakfast we had scrambled eggs, bacon, fruit, and Danish and we both drank orange Juice.
(The fruit was bad like it had been left out too long.)
We check out of the Hampton Inn Farmington, MO., at 7:59 A.M.
We are on our way to Cuba, MO., located on the old Route 66 road in Missouri.
We took I-44 down to M185 East it was the wrong turn but we kept going.
 |
| Historic Missouri US 66 Byway |
We drove through the town of Potosi, stopping to take a picture of the Presbyterian Church and cemetery dated 1832, the new Presbyterian Church, Masonic Lodge founded 1851, which was the old Temperance and Opera House 1948.
We drove through the Qzark country of Steelville where we saw Missouri Hick South Bar-B-Q building (The Ozark’s finest smoked meat) there were half canoe’s all over the place.
 |
| Steelville Missouri |
They were promoting the River Bass Resort where the Ozark country can go canoeing, rafting, and kayaking on the Courtois and Huzzah Streams.
We arrived in Cuba and were amazed by all the murals although the town below is a list of the murals.
Peoples Bank Celebrating 100 Years Mural No. 1
A J. Barnett, the first cashier and President of Peoples Bank from 1920-1959, was mayor of Cuba, for ten years. The first city lighting system was installed during his first term in 1922. The mural shows him cranking the first Model T. Ford in Cuba. In the car, left to right were Katie Hunter, Billy Jackson, and
AJ's children, James and Mildred Barnett, The building at the SW corner of Smith and Washington was the site of the bank in the early 1900s. April 2001 Artist Michelle Loughery of Vernon, British Columbia, and Shelby Smith Steiger of Cuba, Mo
 |
| Peoples Bank Celebrating 100 Years Mural No. 1 |
Apples and Barrels Mural No. 2
Via Cuba's second mural, depicts one of the town's most fascinating eras, 1895-1920. During that brief period, the apple was king. By 1900, Cuba was the largest producer, processor, and distributor of applies in the state of Missouri. Closely related to this was the barrel industry, quality apples were shipped by train in barrels. The early apple orchards that surrounded Cuba are long gone, but barrel-making remains one of our most stable enterprises. The people portrayed in the mural represent Cuban families known to have been a part of the apple industry. September 2001 Artist Shelby Smith Steiger of Cuba, Mo
 |
| Apples and Barrels Mural No. 2 |
Cuba's Gold Star boy aboard the Blue Bonnet Frisco Train Mural No. 3
During World War II, the Blue Bonnet, a Frisco train named after the Texas State flower, was a familiar sight with its distinctive blue and white cars. The train was a major form of transportation from 1927 to 1967, and during World War II this #7 train whisked away many of Cuba's servicemen as they left their homes to protect our way of life.
"Gold Star Boys" designated those who were killed in combat while on active duty in the armed forces.
Small pins worn by family members had a gold star on a purple background, bordered by a gold laurel wreath. The gold star was a symbol of the supreme sacrifice made by that person while serving his country. Shown from left to right: Dale K. Hudson, Preston A. (Bud) Gibson, Jr., Rex Hillard Powell, Lawrence E. Grant, Floyd Cecil Vaughn, and Ralph Burrnell Fishwick. November 2001 Artist Michelle Loughery of Vernon, with assistant, Sara Lindsay of British Columbia and Shelby Smith Steiger of Cuba, Mo
 |
| Cuba's Gold Star boy aboard the Blue Bonnet Frisco Train Mural No. 3 |
 |
| Cuba's Gold Star boy aboard the Blue Bonnet Frisco Train Mural No. 3 |
County Fair Mural No. 4
When Sen. Harry S. Truman campaigned for re-election in a close 1940 primary, two democratic committee members were his only listeners on the steps of the adjacent Wallace house, as people kept hurrying past. He learned they were going to the homecoming Fair, picking up the Coca-Cola Box on which he stood. Truman followed them to the fair. Less than five years later, this native Missourian became the 33rd US President. June 2004
Crawford Co. fair, under various names, and 4-H, are both century-old traditions of our community. The artist is Jay Ferger of St. Louis, MO.
 |
| County Fair Mural No. 4 |
Amelia Earhart Mural No. 5
This mural chronicles a Sept 4, 1928 account in the Muskogee Times-Democrat. Amelia Earhart left Scott Field in Belleville, Illinois in her Avro plane, with a destination of Muskogee, en route to Los Angeles. She was later forced down outside of Cuba. No damage was reported, and she continued her journey. Thus, the destiny of the first woman to fly across the Atlantic and the small town of Cuba, Missouri crossed. August 2002 Artist Shelby Smith Steiger with Julie Balough Brand of Cuba, Mo
 |
| Amelia Earhart Mural No. 5 |
Al West Tractor Sales Mural No. 6
Mayor Al West: Al West Sr was Cuba's mayor from 1946 to 1958. During his tenure, the city purchased the light and power system. Resulting revenues allowed Cuba to finance improvements such as paved, named, and lit streets and to extend water and sewer systems, which helped modernize the city and attract factories and jobs in the postwar economy.
June 2003 Artist is Bob Whitesill Group of St. Louis, MO.
 |
| Al West Tractor Sales Mural No. 6 |
Hayes Shoe Store ~ Prosperity Corner Mural No. 7
In the 1900s, Prosperity Corner drew citizens to meet, do business, and pass the time of day. H. H. Tieman's General Merchandise Store was the hub of this activity. Hayes Shoe Store stands on the original site of Prosperity Corner. July 2003 Artist is Kelly Poling of Chillicothe, Mo.
 |
| Hayes Shoe Store ~ Prosperity Corner Mural No. 7 |
The Mill Works Mural No. 8
The Millworks This mural recreates the look of the 1948 Robert-Judson Lumber Company Millworks Building. The measure twice, cut once, -was very much the rule when employee of 54 years Francis Nixon worked here. The building was the site of custom woodworking and sheet metal production that created quality products for the community. Roberts-Judson remains one of the oldest continuing businesses in Cuba.
September 2004: Shelby Smith Steiger with Julie Balough Brand of Cuba, Mo
Francis Nixon's image was painted by his daughter, Julie Nixon Krovicka of St. Louis, Mo
 |
| The Mill Works Mural No. 8 |
The River Mural No. 9
Viva Cuba's vintage river mural, The River depicts the use of the river as a source of recreation, beauty, and transportation. Since Missouri is a form of the Indian word Missou-ly meaning canoe. It is an appropriate subject for the ninth mural. During the 20s-40s, many river resorts flourished along the rivers. The rivers were also used to transport logs to market. The mural sponsored by the Bass family of Steelville, reflects their heritage as members of Meramec, Courtois, and Huzzah River families who made their living along the rivers and enjoyed the river's recreation. October 2004 Shelby Smith Steiger with Julie Balough Brand of Cuba, Mo
Civil War Mural No. 10
Viva Cuba's series of Civil War murals depict conflicts between troops of Confederate General Sterling Price and Union General Thomas Ewing in September 1864. The battles started at Fort Davidson near Pilot Knob, Missouri, and ended with the rescue of the Union troops in Leasburg, Missouri. Summer 2005 Artist Don Gray of Murrieta, CA.
 |
| The River Mural No. 9 |
We drove around the town of Cuba, taking pictures and stopping at the
ROUTE 66 FUDGE SHOP 705 West Washington (Old Route 66) Cuba, MO 65453
“Where The Sweets Hit The Streets On Route 66!" (573) 885-1121
I had the most delicious Waffle Ice Cream cone it was dipped in chocolate and filled with large scoops of peanut butter ice cream.
Hubby had a root beer float.
We sat in this quaint ice cream parlor and Fudge shop while enjoying our treats and talking.
The cost was around $8.00.
Four miles ahead on the Old Route 66 was the World’s Largest Rocking Chair.
Rocking Chair here we come!
I bought a book “The Images of America Route 66 in the Missouri Ozarks” for $21.99 and a postcard of the Rocking Chair for $1.00.
 |
| World’s Largest Rocking Chair |
 |
| Store with the World’s Largest Rocking Chair. |
Back on I-44 headed for Springfield, MO to tour Fantastic Caverns but first we made a quick stop at the Route 66 Rest area in Washington, MO., there was a man made out of orange road markers in front of the rest area.
 |
| man made out of orange road markers |
We arrive at Fantastic Caverns at 4872 North Farm Road 125 Springfield, MO 65803 cost of tickets is $23.70 each.
Bought three postcards for $3.00 and a picture of our tour group riding in the cart down into the Cavern for $20.00.
Our guide said: she had spotted my Nikon camera and we could ride up front with her, so I could get better shots of the cavern.
 |
| Fantastic Caverns |
 |
| Fantastic Caverns |
 |
| Riding through Fantastic Caverns |
We were now on a quest to find the world’s largest Fork!
We found it! It was located at West Butterfield Street Springfield, MO.
 |
| world’s largest Fork! |
As we were riding through Springfield, we spied the US Medical Center for Federal Prisoners also known as MCFP Springfield.
It has housed mafia figures such as Joseph Bonanno, Vito Genovese, Vincent Gigante, and John Gotti.
The terrorists are Jose Padilla and Omar Abdel Rahman.
Spies: Jonathan Pollard, John Anthony Walker.
High inmates are Larry Flynt, Manuel Noriega, Leonard Peltier, and Jared Lee Loughner.
We stopped at The Mansion of Elfindal (now a B&B) located at 1701 South Fort Avenue Springfield, Mo., 65807.
The women were getting ready to close but let us walk through.
I took pictures of all the bedrooms that were not occupied.
 |
| The Mansion of Elfindal (now a B&B) |
We thanked the female workers and were on our way to the “Granddaddy” Bass Pro Shop 1935 South Campbell Avenue Springfield MO 65807.
Bass Pro Shops has everything you could want in the hunting and fishing line. They will soon have a Wonders of Wildlife Museum opening.
There was a White River Conference and banquet center adjacent to the Bass Pro Shop.
When we walked through the Museum we felt as though we were submerged under water with the murals of sea creatures above our heads.
We saw a live alligator and many different river fish inside the museum.
 |
| “Granddaddy” Bass Pro Shop |
 |
| “Granddaddy” Bass Pro Shop |
 |
| “Granddaddy” Bass Pro Shop Springfield, MO |
It was getting late so rode to Branson Missouri where we got a room at Comfort Inn at Thousand Hills S 203 Wildwood Dr Branson, MO 65615 417-335-4727.
Room 327 on the second floor, cost $90.47 checked at 8:23P.M.
Our checkout time is 8:45 A.M.
Room Charge $79.99
State Tax $6.08
Community development funds $1.20
Occupancy Tax $3.20
We rode to Taco Bell where hubby ordered three tacos and I ordered a Nacho Bell grande with tea.
After eating dinner, we rode back to the hotel where we retired for the night.
