Tags
American history, Andra Watkins, Andrew Johnson, Charleston, Fort Sumter, John Calhoun, Natchez Trace, presidential biographies, Presidents
Two Meeting Street Inn, Charleston, SC
I’m confident the world is anxiously awaiting a review of the third biography I’m reading on former president Andrew Johnson.
Unfortunately, a trip to the indescribably charming city of Charleston, SC interfered with my plan to finish David Stewart’s “Impeached: The Trial of President Andrew Johnson…” in a timely fashion.
A relaxing vacation to one of America’s oldest and most historic cities seems perfectly designed to inspire several hours of deep reading. After all, what could be better than a lazy afternoon spent on the wraparound porch of a magnificent Bed & Breakfast overlooking White Point Garden and the Charleston Harbor while reading a good book?
Two things interfered: the food and the historic sites. If you’ve ever been to Charleston, SC you know exactly what I’m talking about – it’s full of gastronomical, architectural and historical distractions.
Among the dozens of sites I saw during three days and eight miles of walking were Fort Sumter, the gravesites of John Calhoun (Vice President under John Quincy Adams and Andrew Jackson) and Edward Rutledge (the youngest signer of the Declaration of Independence), the Calhoun Mansion and the College of Charleston.
Perhaps best of all, this town really knows how to do dessert well!
I’m just sorry I was a few weeks too late to bump into fellow blogger, history lover, author and Charleston resident Andra Watkins speaking about her recently completed 444 mile journey along the Natchez Trace at the Charleston County Public Library.
St. Michael’s Church, Charleston, SC
Gravesite of John C. Calhoun (St. Michael’s Church), Charleston, SC
But don’t despair: my review of David Stewart’s biography of Andrew Johnson will be on the way soon!
My Journey Through the Best Presidential Biographies 
Wow – what a cool trip! I visited Charleston ten years ago while doing some job training in Georgia – I was also very impressed and am determined to return there with my wife someday. Which of your Grant books is first up once you complete Johnson?
Unless I change my mind, I think I’m going to start with McFeely’s bio of Grant and move through the list to Brand’s recent book. Although Johnson is mildly more interesting than I expected, I really can’t wait to move on the General.
I’m told that if I liked Charleston I will absolutely love Savannah, GA. So assuming I can find the time, I see a road trip in my future. Hopefully I won’t be so captivated that I find myself avoiding my reading assignment again…
I also went to Savannah on that same work trip, and of the two I came away more impressed with Charleston. But, that being said, Savannah was definitely worth the visit.
I’m having a similar problem on vacation here in Vermont. Supposed to be reading Amity Shlaes “Forgotten Man” but I’ve been taking trips to Fort Ticonderoga, Mount Defiance, Crown Point, Bennington, and Saratoga.
I feel your pain! 🙂