MAJ Bodine's Economics class and MAJ Haney's Living History class joined forces early this week and spent the day in downtown Richmond on March 23rd visiting two national landmarks—the Tredegar Iron Works and the Federal Reserve Building. The first stop was at the iron works.
The Tredegar Iron Works was a historic foundry and iron works in Richmond, the state capital. Opened in 1837, by 1860 it was the third-largest iron manufacturer in the United States. During the American Civil War, the works served as the primary iron and artillery production facility of the Confederate States of America. The iron works avoided destruction during the Evacuation Fire of 1865, and continued production through the middle of the 20th century.
Today a National Historic Landmark District, the 22-acre site and remaining structures serve as the main visitor center for the Richmond National Battlefield Park of the National Park Service, as well as the location of a private museum, the American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar.
Cadets got to see first-hand the cannons, small arms and munitions that were manufactured there as well as interesting Civil War exhibits relative to the Richmond, VA area during the late 1800's.
Next stop was the Federal Reserve Building. After arriving, cadets were security-screened before entering the majestic 27-story building in downtown Richmond. Cadets were given a personal tour of the interactive multimedia "Fed Experience" exhibit which explores the economy, and how the Fed helps in maintaining living standards.
For most of the Cadets, the favorite feature of the Federal Reserve was a quick look at the "money room". Three of the 27 floors of the Fed are below ground level and in its bellows is where the money is brought for counting. A high speed processing machine can count and scan paper money at a rate of 40 bills per second. The machine could scan for counterfeit bills as well as damaged or defaced money that was in need of replacing. Pictures were not permitted in this area!
All-in-all, the trip was an enjoyable and informative outing that reinforced many of the topics discussed in each of the two classes that participated. All participating Cadets were asked to write a brief review of their experience. Some of the descriptions used were:
"I liked how the definitions used in class were written on the walls of the exhibit."
"Helped me tremendously come to a better understanding of how the economy works."
"Never saw a gold bar worth $38,000.00 before."
"I thought the tour was going to be boring, it ended up being very good and engaging."
"I took away some good information."
"My favorite part were the bundles of money being counted."
"Truthfully, I had a great time."