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Coal Barge and Tugboat Sunrise – Louisville, Kentucky

Coal Barge and Tugboat Sunrise - Louisville, Kentucky

An early morning coal barge and tug boat head downstream on the Ohio River passing under I-65 and along the waterfront for downtown Louisville, Kentucky. In the distance is the Mc Alpine Locks and Dam, and the Falls of the Ohio.

The McAlpine Locks and Dam in Louisville, Kentucky, is a critical infrastructure component on the Ohio River, enabling river barge traffic to bypass the Falls of the Ohio, a series of rapids that historically obstructed navigation. The Ohio river serves as a key hub for commercial river traffic, including barges transporting commodities like coal, grain, and industrial goods. The Ohio River connects coal mining regions, particularly in Appalachia, to power plants, steel mills, and export markets via shipping terminals in the Gulf of Mexico.

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Monument – Arlington Cemetery – Virginia

Tomb of the Unknown Soldier Monument - Arlington Cemetery - Virginia

The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier is a solemn and iconic monument located in Arlington National Cemetery in Virginia (outside Washington D.C.), dedicated to honoring unidentified American service members who gave their lives in wars. Established in 1921, the tomb represents all those who have died in service to the United States without their remains being identified. Guarded 24/7 by the elite soldiers of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard,” the tomb is a symbol of ultimate sacrifice and national gratitude. Visitors often observe the meticulous Changing of the Guard ceremony, a powerful reminder of the nation’s respect for its fallen heroes.

Amish Buggy Highway Warning Road Sign – Indiana

Amish Buggy Highway Warning Road Sign - Indiana

The Amish are a Christian group known for their simple lifestyle, plain dress, and strong emphasis on community and family values. They trace their origins to the Anabaptist movement of the 16th century in Europe and were founded by Jacob Ammann, a Swiss minister, in the late 1600s. The Amish emigrated to North America in the 18th and 19th centuries to escape religious persecution and settled primarily in the United States and Canada, with significant populations in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana.

Amish communities are characterized by their adherence to traditional practices and rejection of many modern technologies, guided by a religious code known as the Ordnung. They typically use horse-drawn buggies for transportation, avoid electricity from public grids, and rely on manual labor and craftsmanship. Farming, woodworking, and handmade goods are central to their economy. Education in Amish communities usually ends at the eighth grade, reflecting their focus on practical skills over formal schooling.

Despite their traditional ways, the Amish are not entirely cut off from the modern world. They often interact with non-Amish (“English”) communities for commerce and healthcare, and some groups adopt selective technologies, such as solar power, in ways that align with their values. The Amish way of life represents a commitment to faith, humility, and separation from worldly influences, which continues to draw interest and respect from outside observers.