While the United States is a young country, it has a fascinating history that has been documented in various locations around the East Coast. These top ten destinations will give you an unparalleled snapshot of the events, people, and places that shaped the country and let you step back in time. You’ll get a better understanding of what makes the American national identity unique and a greater appreciation for the country as a whole.   1. Castillo de San Marcos, St Augustine, Florida Aerial view over the Matanzas Bay of Castillo de San Marcos St. Augustine, Florida. Source: Wikimedia Commons   The Sunshine State of Florida has one of the most important historical landmarks in the nation: Castillo de San Marcos in historic Saint Augustine. Designed as a fort to protect the city, Castillo de San Marcos dominates the city’s waterfront and is a 450-year-old relic that you can explore on foot. The fort regularly hosts re-enactments and events and has been under Spanish, American, and British rule at various times during its active operation. It was also a stronghold for the rebel Confederate Army during the United States Civil War.   Many visitors prefer to include the Castillo de San Marcos in a larger Saint Augustine itinerary, as there are plenty of additional places of historical relevance within the city. The famous Fountain of Youth is another large draw.   2. The Freedom Trail, Boston, Massachusetts Freedom Trail Marker, Boston, MA. Source: Wikimedia Commons   It would be difficult to find too many places with more historical relevance than Boston, Massachusetts. From the myriad of amazing artifacts to the fantastic Freedom Trail, where you can literally walk in the footsteps of the Founding Fathers, Boston truly has everything a history lover could want or need.   The Freedom Trail is a relatively easy trek that spans two and a half miles and gives you a fantastic snapshot of Boston’s most important historical landmarks. You’ll find a total of sixteen on the Freedom Trail, and each tells the story of Boston’s epic place in American history. From the site of Paul Revere’s famous ride to the Old North Church, where the beginnings of the American democratic experiment were first dreamt up, it’s a must-visit destination.   3. Liberty Bell, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Liberty Bell, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Few symbols in American history hold as much literal and figurative weight as the Liberty Bell. This enormous brass bell with its iconic crack has come to symbolize what so many of us hold dear about the United States. Although it now rests in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, the Liberty Bell was once hung in pride of place in Independence Hall and, according to legend, cracked the first time it was struck.   The inscription on the Liberty Bell is also iconic, saying, “proclaim liberty throughout all the land unto all the inhabitants thereof,” which was seized upon by abolitionists as a justification for ending chattel slavery.   4. Salem, Massachusetts Salem Witch Museum, Salem, Massachusetts. Source: Wikimedia Commons   The Salem Witch Trials were a notorious American panic that terrorized the East Coast town of Salem and subjected many of its residents to horrific violence in the name of eliminating witchcraft from the land. Anyone interested in the macabre and grim history of the United States should certainly make a pilgrimage to Salem. There are multiple guided tours available, and the Salem Witch Museum has plenty of artifacts and first-hand testimonies of what happened during those dark days.   The story of Salem is the tale of the perils of widespread delusion and panic, with essential history lessons to guide people today. Additionally, Salem is a charming city with a lovely harbor, plenty of great places to grab a bite to eat, and lovely little bed and breakfasts where you can make the most of your weekend.   5. Williamsburg, Virginia Horse drawn carriage, Williamsburg, Virginia. Source: Flickr   Colonial Williamsburg in Virginia is an utterly wholesome place and one of the most important East Coast sites regarding early colonial history. A massive early economic engine for the colonies, Williamsburg was a hot spot for the early days of the United States, and much of it is preserved and ready to be explored today.   Step back into the 1700s with real-life re-enactments, culinary demonstrations, and events running all year round. As a living history museum, visitors are able to fully immerse themselves in all of the joys that Williamsburg has to offer and truly get an authentic feel for how our forefathers and foremothers lived. Williamsburg is great any time of year, but it especially shines during the Thanksgiving holidays, when it comes alive with mouthwatering food and plenty of exhibits and events.   6. Plimoth Plantation, Plymouth, Massachusetts Pilgrim House from Plimoth Plantation in Plymouth, Massachusetts. Source: Wikimedia Commons   When one thinks of early American culture, Plymouth and the Pilgrims might leap directly to mind. These first settlers first landed at Plymouth Rock in 1620 and are embedded in American lore in the form of guests to the first Thanksgiving.   Since Plymouth Rock is the most enduring American story, it’s no surprise that this noble attraction is a must-see on the East Coast, but you shouldn’t miss the Plimoth Plantation either. Like Williamsburg, the Plimoth Plantation is a living museum that allows visitors to get a peek at what life would have looked like for the early American colonists. With actors, demonstrations, and plenty of artifacts and relics, this spot is certainly the real deal.   7. The Battery, Charleston, South Carolina South Battery, Charleston, South Carolina. Source: Wikimedia Commons   With haunting and beautiful scenery, lush gardens, and plenty of historical relevance, The Battery is easily one of South Carolina’s most iconic spots. This defensive institution kept the area safe and was a pivotal point during the American Civil War. What makes this area so intriguing is its combination of classic gardens and strategic structures, like cannons dotting the promenade.   You’ll also enjoy amazing views of the Charleston Harbor and be close to another fantastic historical destination, Fort Sumter, where you can explore Civil War history. The Battery is also free to visit, so it’s an economical and fascinating option for history lovers.   8. Washington D.C. Mall Aerial view of the National Mall, Washington DC. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Washington, D.C., is perhaps most famously known as the home to many U.S. presidents and easily the epicenter for all American politics. The famous Washington D.C. Mall is the best spot for you to see and experience it all, with fantastic monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, Martin Luther King Jr. Monument, Washington Monument, Vietnam Memorial, and more.   Plan to spend at least the whole day at the Mall, especially since there are multiple museums and different monuments that you can check out for free. Visitors interested in a White House tour will want to make their reservations in advance, as this is one of the most popular things to do in Washington, D.C.    9. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania Stoneham’s Armory & Gifts and other buildings in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Source: Flickr   The legacy of the Battle of Gettysburg is one of the most fascinating stories of the Civil War, with Union and Confederate forces congregating for the single bloodiest battle. As such, Gettysburg is a hotbed of hauntings, a deeply important historical destination, and a must-visit spot for anyone interested in military and American history.   In addition to the famous battle, it’s also the spot where Abraham Lincoln gave his famous Gettysburg Address, which cemented his resolve to keep the Union intact. Anyone interested in the Civil War and its legacy should make it a point to visit Gettysburg.   10. Statue of Liberty, New York The Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island at the New York Harbor. Source: Pexels   The Statue of Liberty is steeped in deep meaning and stands for some of the most enduring American values like liberty and freedom. This iconic symbol sits in the New York Harbor and greeted immigrants as they first sailed into the United States. Every American, history buff or not, should make a journey to the Statue of Liberty to see this ultimate symbol for themselves and also to marvel at the views over the harbor.   This statue was a gift from the French and crafted by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi and Gustave Eiffel, who also created one of France’s most memorable icons, the Eiffel Tower.   These ten iconic historical landmarks will enhance your understanding of American history and provide deep context into the people, places, and situations that built the country. From the sunny shores of Florida to the chilly harbor of New York City, they are all worth seeing. Plus, many of these landmarks are surrounded by other interesting historical and cultural things to do, so you can maximize your time while learning vital facts about history.

  Ivar hinn Beinlausi, better known as Ivar the Boneless, is one of the most popular characters on the History Channel’s Vikings TV show. He is the brutal but crippled son of Ragnar Lodbrok who ruthlessly defies all expectations to become the ruler of Kattegat, but later burns all bridges with his family and finds himself in exile. But how closely does the Ivar portrayed on screen resemble the historical figure, and was he really a famous, crippled Viking warrior?   Who Was Ivar the Boneless? Ivar the Boneless in a bloody battle scene from Vikings, History Channel, 2013-2020. Source: Internet Movie Database   The Ivar the Boneless that we meet in the History Channel’s Vikings is the youngest son of Ragnar Lodbrok. Born and raised a cripple, this results in a brutal and ruthless personality. He is in constant conflict with his brothers as he seeks to prove himself through power. While Ivar was a son of Ragnar, the producers took significant liberties in their portrayal of this real historical figure.   Was Ivar the Boneless a Real Person?   Ivar the Boneless was a real person. He is mentioned in the Saga of Ragnar Lodbrok as one of the sons of Ragnar Lodbrok, a Danish king, who was also a real historical figure, though there is no doubt that his exploits have been significantly exaggerated in the sagas.   Ivar’s existence also seems to be confirmed by the Irish Annals, which records a Viking named Imar, which scholars argue is a variation of Ivar, active in Britain and Ireland between 853 and 873 CE. These dates make sense if Ivar arrived in Britain with the Great Heathen Army to avenge his father’s death.   Was Ivar the Boneless a Son of Ragnar Lodbrok? Ragnar with his sons Ivar and Ubbe worshipping idols, Harley MS 2278, fol. 39r., c. 15th century. Source: British Library   Ivar is recorded as one of the nine known sons of Ragnar Lodbrok. It is quite possible that Ragnar had more sons, and a few daughters, who aren’t preserved in the sources.   Ragnar first had a relationship with the legendary shieldmaiden Lagertha and has a son Fridleif and two daughters. When the pair divorced, the children seem to have stayed with their mother. Ragnar then had two sons with Thora, the daughter of a Jarl of Gotland, called Eirik and Agnar.   When Ragnar and Thora divorced, he met a beautiful but poor woman named Kraka. Despite her humble background, he fell in love with her and married her. But it was then revealed that her true identity was Aslaug, the daughter of the hero Sigurd and the Valkyrie Brynhild. This seems like a convenient discovery for the wife of a king, but regardless, the couple went on to have five sons.   The oldest of those sons was Ivar, reportedly born at Uppsala in 787, followed by Bjorn Ironside, Halfdan Hvitserk, Rognvald, and Sigurd Snake in the Eye. So, unlike in the TV series, Ivar is the oldest of the sons and a full-blood brother of Bjorn Ironside. Ragnar also had another son Ubbe with an unknown woman.   Was Ivar Really Boneless? Ivar on the battlefield in Vikings, History Channel, 2013-2020. Source: Internet Movie Database   The Vikings often had nicknames that described something about them, such as Ragnar Lodbrok (hairy pants) and Harald Fairhair. So, one of the big questions is, why was Ivar called “the boneless”? In the TV show, he is represented as being born a cripple, but this is unlikely.   Babies born with obvious problems were usually exposed rather than raised. This was considered a mercy because it would have been hard for them to survive, and it also meant more resources were available for the stronger children who were more likely to grow up. While an exception could have been made for the son of Ragnar Lodbrok, that he would also go on to become a mighty warrior is highly unlikely.   According to the legend, Aslaug had a vision that if she and Ragnar did not wait three days to consummate their marriage, any child to be conceived during those three days would be born boneless. It seems the couple could not control themselves, and their oldest son Ivar was born boneless.   Much ink has been spilled over what is meant by boneless. Supporting the suggestion that he was crippled are accounts of him being carried on a shield by other warriors. But it is never said that this was done because he was a cripple and successful Viking leaders were often honored by being carried on the shields of their defeated foes.   Ragnar meets Aslaug, Source: mythus.fandom.com   There are several alternative suggestions for what boneless could mean. It has been suggested that he was impotent, as he is sometimes described as having no interest in women. The sources suggest that he never married and sired no known heirs. It has also been suggested that he had hyper-flexibility, making him appear to be a boneless contortionist.   It is also possible that he was not born crippled but developed some kind of disability that resulted in weakness in the lower limbs. However, he is described as large and strong, particularly in the upper body, and excellent with a bow and arrow.   While it is frustrating, we will probably never know why Ivar was called boneless by his contemporaries. Whatever the reason, it doesn’t seem to have held him back from living a thoroughly Viking lifestyle.   What Is the History of Ivar the Boneless?   Ivar’s historical actions can be divided into two distinct periods, his time leading his band of brothers in Viking territory and his time in Britain with the Great Heathen Army. While some sources suggest that he died at home in Denmark, there is also good evidence to suggest that he chose to stay in Britain and make his name there.   A Band of Brothers Viking ship discovered at Oseberg, Norway, c. 820 CE. Source: Wikimedia Commons   Ivar is generally considered the most cunning and intelligent of Ragnar’s sons. His father seems to have recognized this, entrusting him with the administration of Jutland at some point. Apparently, during this time, Ivar’s half-brother Ubbe approached Ivar with a plan to overthrow his father. Unwilling to betray either his father or brother, Ivar apparently went into exile. Rather than being angry, Ragnar reportedly respected the decision.   But according to the sagas, Ragnar expelled his sons with Aslaug from his realm. This was a Viking custom, sending off younger sons to protect the interests of older sons, in this case, Eirik and Agnar, and giving them an opportunity to make their own names. Ragnar also gave them ships and resources. As the oldest and wisest, Ivar was the leader of the band of brothers who set themselves up on Zealand from where they raided nearby Viking territories including Jutland, Gotland, Oland, and other minor islands.   Taking advantage of the pressure that these raids put on the Swedish King Eystein, Eirik and Agnar went to Eystein and demanded that he cede some of his territory. Unimpressed, Eystein killed Ragnar’s two elder sons. The band of younger brothers then decided to seek vengeance.   The story of the ensuing battle is strange. It suggests that Eystein brought a magical cow called Sibilja with him to wreak havoc on the battlefield. Ivar shot the cow in the eye with his bow, which sent the cow berserk. So, Ivar had himself thrown at the cow, perhaps thrown because he was a cripple but perhaps not, and then crushed the cow with his immense upper-body strength.   The Great Heathen Army The Great Heathen Army sets out to avenge Ragnar Lodbrok, Harley MS 2278, fol. 47v., c. 15th century. Source: British Library   Reportedly, Ragnar left Ivar in control of his Danish territories when he went off to conquer England, which would make sense if Ivar was his oldest surviving son. Apparently, Ragnar had become extremely arrogant at this point and believed that he could conquer England with just two ships. Instead, he was captured and killed by King Aella of Northumbria, reportedly thrown into a snake pit.   According to the sagas, to avenge their father, Ivar and his brothers, including Ubbe, put together 400 ships and sailed to England in 865. This troop became known as the Great Heathen Army.   The sources suggest that despite having so many ships, the Vikings were still outnumbered when they arrived. Therefore, while many of his brothers rushed into battle at the head of individual bands and suffered humiliating defeats, the strategic Ivar refused to fight. Instead, Ivar approached King Aella as a potential ally if he would pay the accustomed fee for the death of his father.   Map of the Great Heathen Army’s progress around England. Source: Wikimedia Commons   The story of what happened next is fantastical but probably contains a grain of truth. Aella reportedly offered Ivar as much land as he could cover with the biggest hide he could find, which would clearly have been meant as an insult. But Ivar took the opportunity. He cut a hide into ribbons and spread it out so far that he carved out a significant kingdom for himself in England with York as his capital. In reality, what he probably did was make alliances and gather resources to carve out a foothold in England. He then invited his brothers to join him in seeking vengeance.   With Ivar as their leader, in 867, the Vikings defeated Aella’s army and captured and killed the king, reportedly using a torturous technique called the blood eagle. This involved carving an eagle on a man’s back and salting the wound, then extracting their ribs in a way that they pulled out the still-breathing lungs, letting the man die slowly and in pain.   War Lord in Britain Ivar and Ubbe ravage the English countryside, Harley MS 2278, fol. 48r., c. 15th century. Source: British Library   For most of Ivar’s brothers, the death of Aella meant that their vengeance was complete. But no doubt seeing opportunity, Ivar stayed in England, and he reportedly ruled over his kingdom with a brutal fist. Christian sources suggest that Ivar had a particular hatred of Christians and demanded that Edmund, king of East Anglia, renounce his religion after a failed uprising. When Edmund refused, Ivar tortured and killed him, and left his body exposed, denying him a proper burial. He also reportedly sacked monasteries, slaughtered monks, and stole their wealth.   It is possible that he was also active in Ireland, as another Ivar is mentioned there. He reportedly set himself up as a king in Dublin from where he raided coastal settlements on both sides of the Irish Sea. This Ivar reportedly died of disease in 873, but it can’t be verified that this was Ivar the Boneless. If it is, he was an impressive 86 years old when he died.   Who Plays Ivar the Boneless in TV Shows and Movies? Alex Høgh Anderson as Ivar the Boneless in Vikings, History Channel, 2013-2020. Source: Internet Movie Database   The Ivar who appears in the History Channels Vikings is played by Danish actor Alex Høgh Anderson, opposite Travis Fimmel as Ragnar, Katheryn Winnick as Lagertha, and Alexander Ludwig as Bjorn Ironside. Since then, the young actor has also appeared in the Danish war film The Bombardment, the mini-series The Viking: Downfall of a Drug Lord, and the Danish crime thriller Those Who Kill.   His character is the youngest son of Ragnar who grows up resenting his disability and the contempt of his older brothers. This causes him to develop a brutal personality that pushes him to prove himself at all costs, even if it means hurting his beloved brothers.   While this is probably the most famous portrayal of Ivar on film, he also appeared as an agile warrior in the 1969 film Alfred the Great, about the Anglo-Saxon king who fought off the Viking invasion, and as a reclusive homosexual in Hammer of the Gods in 2013. Interestingly, in this film, Ivar was played by Ivan Kaye, who played Aella in Vikings.   Interestingly, despite the period setting, Ivar does not appear in Netflix’s The Last Kingdom (2015-2022), despite Ubbe appearing as a leader of the Great Heathen Army. This is perhaps because it was challenging to fill the role after the powerful representation of the character on Vikings.   How Is Ivar the Boneless Portrayed in the TV Show Vikings? Ivar with Prince Oleg in Vikings, History Channel, 2013-2020. Source: Internet Movie Database   We have already established that many of Ivar’s plot points in Vikings don’t align with the historical figure. Most important are Ivar’s position in Ragnar’s family, the idea that he accompanied his father to England to witness his death, and the presentation of him betraying his family to take control of Kattegat.   Another historical difficulty is Ivar traveling to the land of the Kyivan Rus’ after he is expelled from Kattegat. This was no doubt a move by producers to keep the popular character in the show. They did the same thing with Ragnar, who was supposed to die in season one but made it to season four.   The Kyivan Rus’ were a real people with Viking connections that settled the area from the Finno-Russian border down through modern Ukraine to the Baltic Sea with their capital at Novgorod. The people were a mix of Norsemen, mostly from Sweden, eastern Slavs, and Finnic people. The kingdom was apparently officially founded in 862 when the Varangian Viking Prince Rurik was invited to take control of Novgorod, and his successor Oleg the Wise, who ruled from 879 to 912, extended the kingdom south and east. The kingdom converted to Christianity at the end of the 10th century under Vladimir the Great, and the empire disintegrated into smaller kingdoms by the 12th century.   This means that the Vikings TV show pushes Ivar out of time, as he would have had to be around 100 years old to share his adventures with Oleg, but it was an interesting way for the show to retain the popular character and explore this lesser-known aspect of Viking history.

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When you live in the snow belt, the first snowfall is “just another day.” However, the day can be magical if you’ve never seen snow. That is what happened to one of the students in a Kentucky classroom. The elementary student was allowed outside for a snowy adventure when the snow began to fly. This creation of a memory will last forever. @icykate_ Yeah i cried ♬ sonido original – Vibes by Ley You can see the pure joy as the student runs and jumps merrily. The snow isn’t sticking to the ground, but the fluffy snowflakes create a beautiful scene. Each year, that first snowfall is always a special occasion. Watching this young student enjoying the snow with unbridled joy brings out the smiles. You can see the joy this student demonstrates as he runs and jumps. Then he stops, tilts his head back, and tries to catch snowflakes on his tongue. Kids aren’t the only ones who enjoy snow. These pandas had a blast frolicking in the snow earlier this year. Adults like snow, too. Reese Witherspoon took some time out of her day to make a snow-based coffee slushy. Image from TikTok. Kentucky does not have a substantial annual snowfall. In the mountainous regions on the state’s east side, averages can be up to 25 inches yearly. The central and western areas average from four inches to less than fifteen. We’re not sure where this student transferred from, but when they discovered he had never seen snow, the teachers wanted to ensure he remembered the day. This act gives that boy a memory he can tell his grandchildren. Knowing they could facilitate such untethered joy is something for these teachers to smile about. Please share if you have memories of the joy from your first snowfall. You can find the source of this story’s featured image here. The post “One Of My Students Had Never Seen Snow Before So A Teacher Took Him Outside…” appeared first on InspireMore.