History
George Washington Carver statute. Photo: Tonya Fitzpatrick
“A traveler without observation is a bird without wings.”
— Moslih Eddin Saadi
No matter where you go, every place has a story and historical travel unpacks those stories.
From great struggles against oppressive forces to human ingenuity, the people and the places who have defined significant eras in human history move many to travel see where history was made. Travel through the historical places, see and observe what was then and how things are now. Every place has evolved over ages and become what it is today , hence you must visit history to understand the struggles and changes that came through with time.
Being able to walk where history was made, seeing the places that shaped legendary figures or experiencing life as our ancestors did, historical travel allows history to come to life in ways that transcend a history book.
The small island of Saint Vincent can be easily overlooked from the grand scene of world travel, surrounded by the endless ocean and other more glittering destinations.
On August 2, 1943, during World War II, the United States Navy boat PT-109, commanded by 26-year-old Lieutenant John F. Kennedy, was struck by a Japanese destroyer in the Pacific Theater. The collision occurred on a moonless night, killing several crew members and leaving the survivors stranded in the water.
On May 7, 1718, one of America's most vibrant and culturally rich cities, New Orleans, was founded by the French. Originally known as La Nouvelle-Orléans, the city was named in honor of Philippe II, Duke of Orléans, Regent of France.
Mardi Gras Indian costume in the New Orleans African-American Museum. Photo: Tonya Fitzpatrick World Footprints returns to New Orleans for our signature broadcast from Jackson Square for French Quarter Festival! During this hour we will share more "must see" museums, including the New Orleans African-American Museum. We'll also speak to a local historian, Errol Laborde, editor at the New Orleans Magazine and we'll introduce "Mr. New Orleans" aka Stephen Perry, President/CEO of the New Orleans CVB. Errol Laborde has won more than twenty-five New Orleans Press Club awards for outstanding journalism and the National City and Regional Magazine Association Award for his magazine Streetcar column. Finally, you'll hear from two "NOLA ambassadors" and fans of World Footprints who will share why they come back to the city every year. Spoiler alert: These special guests have been nicknamed "The Moms" by New Orleans Conventions and Visitors Bureau staff. They are [...]
On March 7, 1969, Golda Meir made history by becoming Israel’s first female Prime Minister, at a time when women in leadership positions were still a rarity worldwide.
Phil Keoghan is host of the multi Award-winning reality show, "The Amazing Race". We talked to Phil about how the show mirrors his life, his passion for travel and his commitment to give back to others. Phil also shared how a near death experience inspired his mantra to leave "No Opportunity Wasted".
On March 6, 1836, the pivotal Battle of the Alamo came to a deadly conclusion, marking a crucial moment in Texas' struggle for independence from Mexico. At the time, Texas was part of Coahuila y Tejas, a northern region of Mexico, caught in a fierce tug-of-war. Rebel forces in Texas sought freedom, while the Mexican government, led by General Santa Anna, was determined to hold on to the territory and prevent further U.S. expansion.
On March 1, 1872, President Ulysses S. Grant made history by signing the act that established Yellowstone as the world’s first national park. Primarily located in Wyoming, the park’s expansive territory also stretches into Montana and Idaho, covering over 2 million acres of diverse landscapes.
Imagine paradise where your senses explode with a banquet of color, oscents and flavors exicte, or where you experience exotic tranquility. That is Martinique and those things, along with the islands rich history, are what makes this French Caribbean island so magical.
A very talented musical group in Mondesa greets us with beautiful sounds. Photo: Ian Fitzpatrick Today, World Footprints will explore elements of American history from small towns and historic hotels to Fort Monroe. We'll also visit the shanty town of Mondesa which sits just outside of Swakopmund, Namibia. There we will mingle with the locals and witness how black Namibians are preserving their history and traditions. Fort Monroe in Virginia has been defending America since 1607 and today it remains the largest stone fortification in the United States. Tour guide Robin Reed gives us the backstory of the Fort's rich history and the important role it has played in American history. The National Trust for Historic Preservation is on a mission to preserve and share all of America's history. We'll share the work the organization is doing and we'll introduce two interesting historic hotels in Washington, DC--the Mayflower and the [...]
On June 27, 1898, the 37-foot sloop Spray sailed into Newport, Rhode Island, marking the completion of a historic voyage. At the helm was Captain Joshua Slocum, who had just become the first person to circumnavigate the globe solo, covering more than 46,000 miles. What made this achievement even more remarkable was the simplicity of Spray, an unassuming fishing boat that Slocum had rebuilt himself.
On June 26, 1963, U.S. President John F. Kennedy delivered one of his most iconic speeches in West Berlin, declaring solidarity with the citizens of the divided city. At the time, the Berlin Wall, erected by East Germany’s Communist government, symbolized the Cold War's division between East and West. Standing before a large crowd, Kennedy boldly proclaimed, "Ich bin ein Berliner" ("I am a Berliner"), drawing parallels between the pride of Roman citizenship and the values of freedom in Berlin.
