Roadside GIANT: Steel Virgin Mary New Castle, Delaware

Visitors traveling from New Jersey to Delaware are greeted as they enter the first state by a giant steel Virgin Mary. She's pretty hard to miss with her steely open arms looking to comfort every passing motorist, or intimidate them.

The steely figure has been in place since 2007 when the folks of Delaware decided they wanted their very own giant Mary. Local artist Charles C. Park had previously created two similar sculptures that were displayed prominently in the state before finding permanent homes in California and Illinois. Beginning in 1999 the faithful throughout the state began raising funds for their own. The statue was done in sections as funds were being raised.

The massive statue stands over 34 feet tall and weighs over 8,000 pounds. The work is not solid steel but instead is strips welded together. In between the steel spaces people place their prayers and memorials. The wind also howls through these strips making for a quite unique sound. The statue is done in a way that seems it could come to life at any moment. Certainly intimidating.

Joseph Smith in Pennsylvania

When people think of Joseph Smith and the Mormon church they're often closely associated with the state of Utah. Strangely enough the beginning stages of this religion were formed in the mountains of northern Pennsylvania.

 Founder Joseph Smith and his wife retreated to the hills of Harmony, Pennsylvania in December 1827. It was here, at his father-in-laws home that he began to translate the gold plates he received from the angel Moroni. During April 1828 and the spring of 1829 most of the plates had been translated and recorded, thanks in large part to his wife Emma, as well as several friends and family members. Together they helped record the transcripts, as well as maintain the farmland.

During his stay in this remote county, Joseph and his scribe Oliver commenced to the nearby woods to seek guidance. While praying for guidance a resurrected John the Baptist paid a visit to the men and instructed them to baptise each other in the Susquehanna river.

 Shortly after the two men relocated to Fayette, New York where the remaining manuscript for the book of Mormon was finished, and publication arrangements began. Joseph's wife Emma continued to stay in Harmony, Pennsylvania. Joseph returned back in June 1830, but his stay was short lived. After the Book of Mormon was released the family was threatened with violence and legal issues. In late August 1830 the family left permanently.

In 1919 the former home of Joseph and Emma burned down. The buried foundation is near a commerorative memorial remebering the works of Mr. Smith and his importance to the mormon religion. Today the Church of Jesus-Christ of Latter Day Saints owns approximately 288 acres surrounding the former homestead.

Traveling the byways of Susquehanna county it's not hard to see why Joseph chose this place to do his most rewarding work. The area has a peace and calmness not often found in other places. Even in 2012 the county seems to be trapped in a lost time, and that's a charming attribute you just can't create, it's gotta be natural.