Joplin, MO

Today, Sandy and I returned to Springfield to get back on “Route 66”, the Mother Road.  Our first stop was Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield.  The battle of Wilson’s Creek was the second “big” battle of the civiil war.  It was one of the few battles in which the Southern forces significantly outnumbered the Union forces.  Even so, it was the Northern Army that attacked first.  In the final analysis the South won the battle but strategically the North kept Springfield enabling Missouri to remain in Union control.  The battlefield and visitor center were extremely informative.  The visitor center dedicated the majority of its space to the period immediately preceeding the war, the times known as “Bloody Kansas”.  They made a strong argument that, at least in this part of the country, the fight was not about states’ rights but whether slavery should be abolished.

Springfield is known for a dish called “Springfield Style Cashew Chicken”.  I had to try it, and I found it was not special, just a dulled down version of any other cashew chicken that I could get at any other Asian restaurant.  I also mentioned this specialty to a friend of mine who grew up in Springfield and he didn’t know anything about it.  Therefore I have concluded that this is one of those things that just the tourists eat.  I think the English do the same thing with tea.

On a trip like this we are always on the lookout for reminders of past travel along this highway. 

Gay Parita, is a restored and enhanced gas station. It was here that we spent time with George and Barbara, the owners of the property, and met fellow Mother Road travelers who we kept meeting at other sites along the road.

Spencer Station

Bridges Original road bed Signage

Lottie’s Soda Shop

Boots Motel

At Red Oak II, we serendipitously arrived at the same time that some musicians started filtering into the church for their weekly bluegrass/gospel jam session.  Five musicians playing guitars, mandolins, banjos, and harmonicas began playing.  Over the next forty-five minutes, more musicians dribbled in until there were a dozen people playing and/or singing,  not to mention those in the audience who were also singing.  It was a pleasant and surprising way to spend the evening.