The cool part is that my GPS navigator brought me straight down Route 301 in Maryland. This is close to the route John Wilkes Booth took after leaving Dr. Mudd's house in April, 1865. I discovered where I was at a rest stop just before the Rt. 301 bridge across the Potomac.
I must have driven right by the pine thicket where Booth and David Herold camped for the better part of a week, before trying to row across the river to Virginia. They made it on their second try, drifting downstream south of where I crossed. The river is pretty wide at that point and I could see how they lost their bearings, especially at night.
I didn't see any signs for tourist-trap like places, other than the "historical marker" style plaque at the rest stop. Off the main road the landscape probably looks pretty much like it did in 1865. After I crossed into Virginia I was no doubt close by the Garrett farm where Booth was finally caught, though I don't think there's anthing left of it.
Maybe, if I get away early on Friday, I'll have some time to explore.
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