Day 5

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This morning, we went to the Old Sacramento Schoolhouse and discovered what it was like to be a student in the 1800s. Things were much different back then. Schoolhouses were required to be within two miles of every student. Before the civil war, only men were teachers, but when they were enlisted, women took over the job. Female teachers had to abide by many rules such as one couldnt go into an ice cream parlor unescorted, and long nails were strictly forbidden. Boys and girls could receive lashes for playing together on the playground, climbing over three feet up a tree, showing up to school dirty, and many other offenses. All grades were taught by one teacher at the same time. Our class got a taste of what it was like to sit in the classroom, answer questions (boys were required to bow and girls curtsied whenever they were called on or answered a question), do a reading lesson, and experience life as a kid during the 1800s.

After a brief stop across the street at Candy Heaven, we piled into the cars for a short ride to Gibson Ranch for the Civil War re-enactment. We got there just in time to witness a mock battle. We sat on a hill and watched as the Union and the Confederate soldiers fought each other. The cannons were quite loud and impressive! It seemed a little confusing without narration and as Enoch said, it would have been much more dramatic with music like you see in the movies! We enjoyed ourselves regardless. After the battle we were able to wander through the encampments and listen as the soldiers and civilians described life during that period.There were many demonstrations to see and I got caught up at the medical hospital tent, where wounded soldiers were taken. We learned about the damage done when bullets hit flesh and bone and amputations. The instruments used back then were archaic to say the least! I also watched a clothing demonstration. I can't imaging wearing seven layers or so of clothing required to be in fashion! Later Robert E Lee spoke to us about the Maryland Campaign and the Battle of Antietam in 1862.

On our way home we stopped at Marshall Gold Discovery Park where James Marshall first discovered gold at Sutter's Mill. The park has a replica of Sutters Mill as well as a museum and trails. At the end of the trail we stopped to do what any true blue kid would do at the shore of a river.... skip rocks!

Question of the day: How did James Marshall discover gold?