Fascinating Attractions in Virginia | Stuffed Little Sorrel, Stonewall's Arm and Otolaryngology
What's to see in Virginia? Forget the typical tourist haunts and visit a few spots that are sure to offer you more unique and original photo ops.
Lexington VA is home to a historic horse. Little Sorrel, the horse that General Stonewall Jackson had been riding when he was mortally wounded at Chancellorsville in 1863, can be seen at the Virginia Military Institute Museum. Little Sorrel outlived Jackson by 23 years; he passed away at the ripe ol' age of 36. Little Sorrel's bones were cremated and interred on the VMI grounds in 1997; be sure to ask where those bones had been kept for over 130 years when you visit the museum. Roy Roger's 'Trigger' is one of the few other famous equines ever to be stuffed.
Naturally, if the horse he rode in on is commemorated in Virginia, General Jackson himself should have an equally fitting tribute. Though not taxidermied, you can find Stonewall Jackson's arm (yes, just his arm) buried up north in Fredericksburg. The Lacy family cemetery at Ellwood is the final resting place for Gen. Stonewall Jackson's amputated arm. The cemetery is now part of the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park. Visitors who wish to visit the arm grave must first check in at the Chancellorsville Battlefield visitor's center. Curious why the amputated arm was buried apart from the rest of his body? That's a question for the Civel War buffs. (Feel free to email kate.kelly.utah@gmail.com if you know the answer!)
Alright... so what is Otolaryngology? Visit the John Q. Adams Center in Alexandria VA and learn more about the History of Otolaryngology (Head & Neck Surgery) than you've probably ever wanted to know. The center is open Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and (here's a surprise) admission is free! There are a few bizarre implements and some relatively interesting exhibits that pay homage to the tracheotomy, hearing aids, rhinoscopy tools and early tonsillectomies.
That's right; there's never a dull moment in Virginia!.
