Tag: History

Americans like to think of themselves as generous, welcoming people. We point to the hundreds of thousands of European immigrants with pride.

At times, we ignored our ideals and acted both greedy and cruel. One such chapter occurred in the winter of 1838-39. This was during the “Indian Removal” — a dark time when native peoples were forced to leave established homes and begin life again in what is now Oklahoma.

Bits and pieces of this tragedy are remembered at Missouri’s Trail of Tears State Park. This is an area where many crossed the Mississippi River. Be sure to visit The Bushyhead Memorial and learn a little history while camping, hiking, enjoying vistas or listening to birds.

Not old enough to have been a sapling when the bands of tired, weak, and ill Native Americans were forced to cross this land — I like to think of this tree as standing guard in one of the meadows of the current park.

In the later-in-life romance, Morning Tryst, you will find portions of two visits to this park by photographer Serena Carter. Join her to get an introduction to this and several other Missouri State Parks as setting. Complete book blurb is at the link: https://amzn.to/35gH37S

Missouri’s Battle of Athens State Historical Site is located in the extreme northeast corner of the state. A two-hour battle, or skirmish, in August 1861 was an early, and rare, Union victory in the Civil War.

The most obvious battle scar is seen on the Joseph Benning home. A cannonball entered the front and left via the back. Amazingly without injury to any of the several occupants.

Many years after the battle, when the town of Athens was abandoned, a tree (or trees) took root. Taking advantage of open space, this tree is spreading branches and displaying spring beauty for visitors. Take a close look at the trunk.

Can you create a story of two seeds, emerging the same spring, growing closer and closer until one year they touch. Perhaps a prevailing breeze, or something else, encouraged one trunk to embrace the other. What do you think?

A decade before the Battle of Athens, on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River stood the fictional town of Elm Ridge. Steamboats brought a steady supply of immigrants and Americans seeking opportunity. Pay a visit to this imaginary place in the sweet romance, New Dreams. Time travel and observe the interaction between new and established Americans. More information at the link: https://amzn.to/3vWydWE

The town was founded 326 years ago. I doubt if this tree was standing at the time. However, I like to think that not long after a seed, then a sapling took root in the warm Virginia earth and flourished.

When you and the tree were younger – would you have climbed among the branches? Hid behind the thick trunk? Searched for bird nests?

When you stand half-concealed by a low branch, do you hear the wind and leaves telling stories?

In general, when a town was platted and built — the trees were cleared. Some homes planted orchards. And an occasional old-growth tree would survive due to location or perhaps the first owner of the lot favored the shape.

Fictional Elm Ridge, Illinois during the 1850’s featured many gardens, a few small orchards, and only a rare older tree. Follow the link to a sweet romance between neighbors. https://amzn.to/3VwoeFh