A Geographical Tour of Literary America

The Grand Tour of Literary Landmarks resulted from my students' success with another project that we called "Poetic License with THE AMAZING RACE." This new journey also begins and ends in my students' hometown. Chosen writers are specific to our curriculum and texts; however, teachers can adapt new selections to their students' needs. Side images are their original work. Photo images at each destination go directly to official sites or to the slideshows of my own travel photos. The main sources of written material here are www.Poets.org and Adventures in American Literature, Heritage Edition and Pegasus Edition.

Irvington, New York


On the literary map, travel from Cooperstown to Irvington, New York.

Calculate:

# _____________ Miles to Irvington, New York

$ _____________ Cost for Gasoline to Irvington, New York

Visit Mrs. Steller's Washington Irving Gallery.

Also visit the Legend of Sleepy Hollow Gallery.

We have already studied Washington Irving. Also we have studied the Romantic and Transcendental movements in American cultural history, as well as why they were so popular during the early 19th century at the beginning of the Industrial Revolution.

In the gallery photos, you see Washington Irving's Sunnyside. Read about Sunnyside here. Discuss why you think Irving's home is considered one of the finest examples of a romantic-style American home. What aspects of his home do you consider "romantic" or highly unusual?