And so, our two-week history trip has finally come to an end…
From Richmond to Nashville, we have traversed the landscape and many historic sites to learn more about our presidents, our heritage, and indeed, our own democracy. And this journey has been such a treasure to be on, especially with being stuck for the last year or so.
Before we wrap things up though, let’s revisit Ryman Auditorium in Nashville briefly! I won’t go over too many specifics since i’ve been here before, so if you’d like more information about it acquired from my first visit, i recommend checking out my post from last time!
With that said, let’s check it out.
Ryman Auditorium
Ryman Auditorium is sometimes considered the “Birthplace” or “Church” of Country Music. Formerly called the Union Gospel Tabernacle, built in 1892, the building would soon come to host many distinguished guest speakers, plays, shows, and of course, musicians. And more famous than anything else, it was home to the Grand Ole Opry.
The building is said to possess one of the best acoustics of any auditorium in the country! Combined with the stained-glass windows, its’ no wonder why many performers love to come here to play, and pay homage to its’ history.
Speakers such as Theodore Roosevelt and Booker T. Washington have spoken here. Actors and actresses like Katherine Hepburn and Helen Hayes have put on grand performances in productions here. And singers and musicians like Bill Monroe, Jimmy Dickens, Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, and countless others have all contributed to the special significance of this hallowed ground.
With our early tour, we had more than enough time to retreat to the airport, and fly back home!
Wow.. now that I look back on all of it, we did so much on this trip… especially on action-packed days like Fredericksburg, we’ve been busy at it for two weeks. And we’ve learned so much too.
From the heights of the Smoky Mountains, to the riverside plantations by the James River… from the beginnings of our country in Williamsburg and Jamestown, to the monuments to the music that helped shape our culture… these sites truly tell many diverse stories about our American landscape and heritage, and stories heard nowhere else…
And so too have we met topics on this trip with great controversy or contradictions… Truly our American story has been wrought with difficulty, hardship, and indeed, severe confliction of ideals and truths. But as we stop to consider these very debated moments or concepts from our history, we understand that despite the unpleasantness or discomfort that it may bring, it is still for us to remember, and learn from.
I have stated plenty of times in the past that history is every bit as crucial to us as before. We are born from it, forged by it, and always tied to it. And we, the writers of the future when we are gone, and the witnesses to those who came before us with their own histories (not so different from our own), are responsible to ensure that they will remain in memory.
Through meaningful and civil discourse, and respectful reflection, we can hope to do just that.
Thank you all for once again travelling with us to the end. I might occasionally post some reflections or other extra content, so I hope you’ll stick around in the future.
Cheers.
Mark's Historical Roadtrips! 