Cape history 101

How many times have you traveled to an interesting destination and asked for information from a convenience-store clerk or restaurant owner? You might have asked about some popular landmark or asked for directions to a monument listed in a brochure you picked up at your motel. And how many times have had this response: "I've never heard of that."

That's pretty typical across the country. Local residents don't see their hometowns the way tourists do. Most of us are aware of our local history, but maybe we're short on details.

Anyone who would like to know more about six of Cape Girardeau's key historical sites will have an opportunity to visit them and learn about them during what's being called the "Rediscover Your Cape" tour. The six sites, all in the downtown area: Glenn House, Cape River Heritage Museum, Old Lorimier Cemetery, Red House Interpretive Center, Old St. Vincent's Church and Fort D, the only remaining Civil War fort of the four that were put in place to protect the city.

Guides and experts will be on hand from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the six sites. Not only will you get plenty of historical information, but you will also have an opportunity to ask questions.

Of course, anyone can participate in the tour, even visiting tourists. And, let's hope, that more people will be able to give good answers whenever tourists in our fair city ask: "Say, do you know how to get to Fort D?"