The Spirit Gate at the Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument, Montana holds the echoes of an historic battle which forever changed the landscape of Native American resistance against white settlers in the late 19th century. As one approaches this sacred site, it becomes evident that this is more than just a memorial – it is a living testament to the bravery and resilience of the Lakota Sioux and Cheyenne warriors who defended their way of life. While history has often centered on George Armstrong Custer and his ill-fated “Last Stand,” the Spirit Gate offers us an opportunity to shift our focus towards understanding and honoring those who fought for their culture, land, and freedom.
Spirit Gate at Little Big Horn, MT
Standing amidst the tall grasses that now blanket what was once a battlefield, one cannot help but feel overwhelmed by the weight of historical events that unfolded here. The Indian Memorial serves as a haunting reminder of lives lost and sacrifices made during the Battle of Little Big Horn. Dedicated on June 25, 2003, it’s theme is “Peace Through Unity.” Its spiral shape symbolizes not only a journey through time but also represents various aspects of Native American spirituality. By exploring this sacred ground with humility and open-mindedness, visitors can connect with perspectives rarely emphasized in conventional history textbooks – perspectives that shed light on profound cultural meanings attached to battles like Custer’s Last Stand at Little Big Horn while dispelling misconceptions perpetuated by Eurocentric narratives. It is located within view of the 7th Cavalry Memorial and it’s circular form opened to a “Spirit Gate” to welcome all.
The Spirit Gate invites us to question our preconceived notions about Indigenous peoples’ roles in shaping American history. Beyond George Armstrong Custer’s image as fallen hero or misguided leader lies an opportunity to acknowledge different dimensions: collective trauma resulting from colonization.
Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting adventure, this Coastal Carolina city has something to offer everyone.
Myrtle Beach
Myrtle Beach provides visitors with some of the most stunning views of the Atlantic Ocean. Its white sand beaches remain as one of the largest beachfronts in South Carolina, and are perfect for taking leisurely strolls or playing a game of beach volleyball. The dunes that line Myrtle Beach are also a sight to behold. These dunes provide an excellent backdrop for stunning photos and videos, and many people take advantage of this by capturing their memories here. The City of Myrtle beach has even created Selfie Stations on the boardwalk.
The early evening beach in Myrtle Beach as seen from the Myrtle Beach Boardwalk.
Furthermore, its deep blue waters offer plenty of opportunities for those who wish to go fishing or take part in other aquatic activities such as kayaking or swimming. Finally, its wide-open skies make it ideal for stargazing at night or just simply admiring during the day. From sunrises to sunsets, every hour spent in Myrtle Beach is sure to create lifelong memories that will never be forgotten!
Sand: Feel the Heat
Sand is a substance that’s ever-changing and constantly shifting. The sand on Myrtle Beach can range from soft white powder to course, black granules. It’s the perfect place for beach lovers to feel the heat of the sun and take in all the beauty that nature has to offer.
The ocean breeze provides relief from the blazing hot temperatures, while vast dunes of sparkling sand stretch for miles along this popular destination beach. Visitors can sit back and relax as they bask in the warmth of the sunshine reflecting off each grainy hill. Whether it’s building castles with friends or taking a stroll down one of their many boardwalks, there are endless opportunities to explore and play in this sandy paradise.
From sunbathing on the shoreline to collecting seashells while wading through shallow waters, Myrtle Beach offers a wide variety of activities for its visitors to enjoy under an open sky. Each step taken brings a new layer of coastal charm as guests feel their feet sink into its cushy grains beneath them. No matter how long you’re there, a trip to Myrtle Beach will always leave you with memories that will last forever!
Dunes: Variety of Formations
Dunes are mounds of sand formed by the wind. They are a common feature along coastal areas and can vary greatly in size, shape, and color. Depending on the location, the dune formation is determined by factors such as wind direction, wave action, beach slope and vegetation cover. The most common type of dune found along Myrtle Beach is a crescent-shaped ridge that forms when wind blows in one dominant direction. These crescent-shaped dunes form in two-dimensional arcs with their crests pointing downwind towards the ocean. Large swaths of grassy vegetation known as marram grass also help hold these crescents together and protect them from erosion caused by strong winds. In certain areas, more complex three-dimensional ridges called transverse or parabolic dunes may form due to shifting winds that blow from various directions over time. These ridges are characterized by sharp crests and steep sides which grow perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction before turning parallel with it again near their base where they meet up with the beach surface.
Birds of a Feather Stay Out Together
Ocean: Endless Possibilities
The ocean is a powerful force that has shaped the world for centuries. Its pristine waters offer endless possibilities for exploration, relaxation, and recreation. From swimming in its depths to sailing its vast expanse, the ocean offers something for everyone.
Myrtle Beach is no different when it comes to enjoying the wonders of the open water. With miles of sandy beach and gentle waves lapping against shorelines, Myrtle Beach provides a beautiful setting for those looking to explore what lies beneath or lounge on the sand dunes that line the shore. The sky at Myrtle Beach often turns into a stunning display of colors with sunsets dancing across the horizon while seabirds soar high above. For those looking to take their experience even further, paddling out onto crystal clear waters allows one to witness marine life in their natural habitat as well as take breathtaking photographs of their journey.
Ultimately, while there are countless ways to enjoy an ocean vacation, one thing remains constant; each day offers new possibilities that can be enjoyed by all who visit Myrtle Beach and step foot onto its majestic shores. Whether it’s taking part in watersports or simply feeling sand between your toes as you walk along the beachfront – anything is possible when visiting this beautiful place by sea!
Sky: Magnificent Views
The sky in Myrtle Beach is a sight to behold. When the sun rises, it illuminates the vibrant blue waters of the Atlantic Ocean. As you look out over the horizon, you can see the majestic sand dunes that line one side of the beach. The changing hues of pink and orange blend together to create a truly remarkable painting in the sky. In addition to this breathtaking view, there are many other opportunities to marvel at nature’s beauty when admiring Myrtle Beach’s skies. On some days, you may even be lucky enough to witness stunning displays of colorful cloud formations such as wisps or rainbows! With clear skies most days out of the year, it’s no wonder why so many people come from all over just to bask in its glorious magnificence. There’s no better way to enjoy a relaxing day than by taking in Myrtle Beach’s magnificent views from above!
A typical sunrise scene on the beach in Myrtle Beach.
Activities: Fun for Everyone
No matter what your age or interests, Myrtle Beach offers activities for everyone. From sandcastle building to sunbathing, there’s something for everyone. The beach provides an ideal setting for a variety of outdoor activities, including swimming, kayaking, paddleboarding and surfing. There are also miles of dunes that offer a great opportunity to explore the beauty of nature. For more adventurous visitors, there are plenty of opportunities to take part in thrilling water sports such as parasailing and jet skiing. Of course you can’t forget about the breathtaking ocean views and spectacular sunsets over the horizon. Visitors can enjoy all these sights while they relax on beach chairs or go on a romantic walk along the shoreline at sunset. No matter how you choose to spend your time in Myrtle Beach, there is something fun for everyone!
When it comes to accommodations, comfort and convenience are two key factors for a successful beach vacation. At Myrtle Beach, visitors can expect both of these qualities in one package. The area has an array of vacation rental homes and condos that offer direct access to the beachfront and provide great views of the ocean, sand dunes, and sky. These homes come equipped with all the amenities needed for a comfortable stay such as air-conditioning, fully equipped kitchens and plenty of space. Many rentals also include balconies or patios with spectacular ocean views so guests can enjoy some time outdoors without having to leave their home away from home.
Condominium and hotels on the beach in Myrtle Beach at the north end of the boardwalk.
In addition to vacation homes, there are a variety of hotels and resorts located throughout Myrtle Beach that provide exceptional accommodations for all types of travelers. Many hotels come with modern facilities such as fitness centers or pools while others boast on-site restaurants offering delicious cuisine any time day or night. With so many options available in Myrtle Beach, visitors are sure to find something perfect for them when it comes to comfort and convenience during their stay at the beach.
A great place to begin searching and comparing accommodations is the BOOKING.COM website.
The Skywheel on the beach in Myrtle Beach, SC.
Conclusion:
A Perfect Getaway, “Welcome to Myrtle Beach!” Whether you are looking for a peaceful retreat or an exciting adventure, this coastal city has something to offer everyone. With its beautiful beaches, sand dunes, and vast ocean, Myrtle Beach is the perfect destination to enjoy the best of what nature has to offer. From watching the sunrise over the Atlantic Ocean to exploring its wild sand dunes and shoreline, Myrtle Beach provides a unique experience that will stay with you forever.
Of course, Myrtle Beach photographs above are available as prints, framed or on canvas and also on a variety of home decor items. Use one of the links below to begin shopping…
Avoid the high cost of packaging and shipping wall art with Bill’s new gallery partner.
Bill has added Pictorem as a fulfillment source because many customers have asked about the high costs normally associated with shipping wall art, especially the larger pieces. Pictorem is a high quality art printing company based in Montreal, Canada. With production, warehousing and shipping facilities in both Montreal, Canada and Champlain, New York, Pictorem offers Free Ground Shipping to both United Sates and Canadian customers.
While Pictorem may not offer all of the home decor products available through our Fine Art America production partner, they do offer the uniquely beautiful triptych split canvas wall art displays.
Triptych display of a sunrise over the beach at Ocean City, Maryland.
There are actually two galleries at Pictorem displaying photographs by Bill Swartwout Photography. Click the links below to check them out and to shop for an unique image for your own walls.
With an expansive gallery full of photography from renowned photographers, Pictorem offers its customers exceptional quality prints with vibrant colors and sharp details that last for years to come.
At Pictorem customers can find the best selections in fine art prints from some of the most famous artists and photographers around the world including Bill Swartwout Photography. Whether it’s a framed print or canvas wrap, each piece is made to order and created with precision and careful attention to detail. In addition to prints, they also offer custom framing services so customers can choose their own mats and frames according to their individual style needs.
The team at Pictorem specializes in making unique and iconic works of art from digital photographs that are ready for display in any photography gallery. Their experts use state-of-the-art technology to print high resolution images using archival quality papers so that customers can enjoy their photos forever without worrying about fading or discoloration over time. Further customization options such as mounting, framing, texturing and lamination are also available to ensure customers get the perfect piece of artwork they had envisioned.
The red barn has always been a staple of the American agricultural landscape.
Red barns are not only iconic symbols in rural America, but the red barn is also part of its history and culture. Have you ever stopped to wonder why so many American barns are painted in this particular color?
This iconic red barn is located on Route 16 just east of Greenwood, Delaware – in the heart of the Delmarva Peninsula.
The iconic red barn is a staple of the American countryside, with its bright hue standing out against the rolling hills. But why are barns painted red? What is the history behind this choice of color? In exploring why American barns have been traditionally painted red and examining the various reasons for this cultural phenomenon, we found one that seems to make sense. This might provide an historical and a modern explanation for why red is so popular among farmers and farm buildings in America.
In the “early days” there were few, if any, choices for building supplies and (what we now know as) paints and sealers did not exist. The wood of the barns was coated with an oil such as linseed oil (from flax) and may have also had milk or lime mixed in. But they also used rust (iron oxide) because it was plentiful on a farm and it also killed the fungi and mold/mildew that would, otherwise, grow on the wood surfaces.
When paint became available, many farmers chose to continue the “red barn” tradition. Or, maybe, it was because red paint is slightly less expensive to produce because iron oxide is so plentiful in nature. Keep in mind that not all barns are painted red – but the majority of them are.
Red Barn on a rolling hillside near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Barn images are for sale as wall art and printed on a variety of home decor items. To see more, to browse or shop – click on the images above or the links below.
