This morning a short trip will take you through Martinsville and to the Bassett Historical Center, a specialized branch of the Blue Ridge Library. This facility has collected local historic files and 9,500 family files from Henry, Patrick, Pittsylvania, Franklin, and Floyd Counties. Over 11,562 books and other items are available to the public. A good deal of information about Confederate soldiers is also available.

When you visit the powerful National D Day Memorial, you can begin to feel the might of the forces involved as you approach the massive granite-clad Operation Overlord Monument. Don’t think for a minute that this is any ordinary monument. By the time you have explored the whole presentation, you’ll realize that the monument has not only memorialized the soldiers who fought in this famous World War II battle, but has also taught you about how the battle occurred and how it felt. Strategically placed water “bullets” zing past the sculptured soldiers leaving the watercraft and more soldiers can be seen just barely reaching the top of the precipice over which they had to climb to reach their goal on Omaha Beach. For those not familiar with the battle, this is a great piece of living history. For those who are, you can see and feel the action.
Also in Bedford, the Bedford City/County Museum was built as a Masonic Lodge in 1895. As the only example of Romanesque Revival architecture in town, the Bedford Democrat Newspaper commented that, “When completed, this will be the handsomest building in town.” Today the handsome building has been restored, renovated and equipped with exhibits such as an Indian Room, Revolutionary War period artifacts, Civil War period artifacts, World War I and World War II Rooms, a special D-Day exhibit, old photographs, old household items and more.

Farther north near Lynchburg, Historic Sandusky played a crucial role in Civil War action in the region. Once the centerpiece of a 1,200 acre plantation on land purchased from Charles Lynch, in 1864, the Lynchburg Virginian newspaper called Sandusky “one of Lynchburg’s most historic homes.” The house was literally at the center of the Battle of Lynchburg at one point, with Union soldiers on the roof reporting on the progress of the battle. Sandusky remained in the Hutter family for over 100 years, serving five generations. The 1808 Federal style brick house has been carefully restored by the Sandusky Foundation, as a museum and location for Civil War re-enactments.
From there, we wish you a safe and pleasant journey home.