I just got in a polite disagreement with a felloe on another travel board. He didn't like my opinion about "replicas" on historical sites. My example was Lincoln's birthplace in Hodgenville, KY. They created this monument and they do have some Lincoln artifacts and info there, but the whole thing is centered around this old cabin which has no link to him and was built when he was over 30 years in his grave!
http://hnn.us/articles/828.html
That and Ft Harrod, which is a replica of the fort. Okay, these things might amuse an 8 year old, but like Disney...I don't like spending $$$ when I can see the real castles in Europe, etc. What are your tourist trap peeves?

Frankly, I don't think you are helping your case much by implying that anyone who doesn't share your view of replicas is like an 8-year-old.

There are plenty of old and real places in Europe that are tourist traps, too.

Well, even the Lincoln replica cabin is now an antique.

Can't say I've thought much about it, but suppose I do prefer the real deal. However, replicas can help people visualize the situation and help put them in a historical frame of mind. And, you won't find much on US soil that's as old as the castles in Europe.

I just don't get this question. Why do you care? If it does not interest you, don't go. If you do not want to go to Disney, don't go. If you would rather go to Europe then go to Europe. Why do you care if someone enjoys Disney or Lincolns birthplace. No one is forcing you to visit these places so what difference does it make to you if someone else does? I just don't get the whole "I don't like that place and nobody else should either" attitude. Live and let live. But thats just my opinion I may be wrong.

Here in the Boston area, Plimoth Plantation has re-created the pilgrims' rustic cabins centuries after they disappeared. But by using authentic materials and techniques, they have re-created an experience that would otherwise not be available.

Not only can replicas help to visualize historic situations, especially when the original is no longer available, but in some ways the replica is more authentic. After all, Lincoln didn't live in a decrepit cabin that was 200 years years old, he lived in one that was just a few years old. Here in the Boston suburb where I live, there's yet another replica Lincoln cabin and modest collection of memoriabilia, built on museum grounds that was once the home of a local wealthy Lincoln fan. The school kids visit, it's a nice historic tribute; I cannot equate it with something created in Orlando or Vegas.

Do you really think that the castles in Europe that are open to tourists aren't tourist traps?

Seems a funny think to take up as a cause, to me. If you don't like them, don't go. I think it is worth pointing out to someone that it is a "replica" not the original historic site but beyond that...

Very good point about Plimoth Plantation, Anonymous. It may be a re-creation, but it's one of the best "historical sites" I've ever seen in my life because it allows you to experience the time period in a way I've never found anywhere else. And I would hope no one would ever compare it to Disney.

You caused me to examine my feelings about replicas and reconstructions and I find I am ambivalent on the subject.

For instance, reconstructions of buildings where Lewis and Clark spent time give insight into their exploratioins that cannot be gleaned from standing on a historic sites devoid of similar reconstructions.

On the other hand, while in Colonial Williamsburg, I much preferred the buildings that were restored to those that were completely reconstructed.

However, I don't believe in either of these instances that they are "dumbed down," Disneyesque, or tourist traps. It is your use of hot-button terms such as these that has no doubt brought forth negative comments on your point of view.

Replicas suit Queen Elizabeth just fine. She just spent a weekend in Jamestown Virginia helping to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Jamestown Settlement.

Well, I didn't mean it to be a subject about "tourist traps" necessarily. It happened like this...a couple was planning a visit to our state and someone suggested that "must sees" would be Lincoln's Birthplace and Ft Harrod. I'm sorry about insulting 8 yr old, btw. I just think that for people visiting the state, they would appreciate something other than these 2 "replicas". Not saying that all are bad...but think they hold more fascination for kids. You might consider Mammoth Cave a "tourist trap" but it's authentic and a great thing to see. Now, there's a place beside it named "Dinosaur World" which has life sized statues of the real thing. See what I'm getting at?

Sorry, LLindaC, you're moving the goal posts on us. HTTY

I've always had a pet peeve about replicas. Hubby and I went YEARS ago to Boston. Saw the "Mayflower" as soon as I found out it was a replica, I had no desire to take a tour. I like to imagine the people who've actually walked on the floors when they were new..I can't express what I'm trying to get at, but I can;t stand replicas. (OK, maybe the Mayflower would be too old to have lasted this long, but still...)

It blew me away to see the replicas of the "ships" that the settlers arrived in at Jamestown (seemed more like "boats" to me). They are so tiny...can't imagine going out into the open ocean on one of them, much less across the ocean in one of them CRAMMED full of people.

What about the replicas all over Europe that were erected after WWII? I suppose the Atlstadt in Munich could be considered a Disney-esque tourist trap as well given your criteria. Afterall, much of it was constructed in the last 60 years to recreate what was there originally.

I think if replicas are well done, they can enhance your experience. Plimouth Plantation is one good example. If the actual structure is not intact, I would rather see an historically accurate reproduction of a typical structure of that period than nothing at all.

In museums, where they re-create a full dinosaur skeleton with a mixture of real and manufactured bones is also helpful in visualizing the size of these animals.

I always knew the Mayflower II was a replica, since my uncle was one of the electricians who installed the lighting in it when it arrived in Plymouth from England in the 1950's.

LlindaC

Your recounting of the situation and these words "and someone suggested that 'must sees' would be" makes it all much clearer to me.

I would agree that replicas have their practical uses as long as something isn't advertised as being "authentic."
In terms of so-called 'must-sees' I hope I never ever get to the point of being forced to ask that question.

Yes, I should have been more specific. For a long time, that cabin was reported to be the real thing! Read the story behind it, it's really interesting. But I would never suggest a visitor go out of their way to see it....

Is it the attractions that are dumbed down or is it the tourist.

If the "real castles in Europe" had been built of wood, as many early structures were in this country, there is a good chance they would no longer be there to be viewed by todays tourist.

Some places in this country take pride in a house or building being 100+ years old. In many parts of Europe that would considered a new house.

Well, when I was three years old, my family went to Epcot and I thought we were actually traveling the world. Woo-hoo, I just walked from China to Italy! Hey, I was three. Obviously I figured the secret out by our next trip, but you know what? Twenty-five years later I still love Epcot. Sure, it's touristy, and sure, it's a simplified view of the cultures. But who cares? That's not why I'm there. You can get German pretzels and plum wine within a few hundred feet of each other, and that makes it okay by me.

Point is, I think replicas and "fauxperiences" -- as long as they're presented as such -- can be a fun way to get the idea of a particular era or place. As another poster pointed out, many historic places have been lost to time, weather, or war. But it's still fun to see what they were like when they were still standing.

I don't have a problem with replicas. Those who do, shouldn't visit them.