When we lived in Boston, we thought that the U.S. was settled when the Pilgrims arrived at Plymouth Rock.
We also thought that the Revolutionary War basically began with the Battles of Lexington and Concord and ended when the British were forced to evacuate from Boston
As we have traveled along the southern Atlantic coast, we have seen a never-ending series of statues, memorials, and signs celebrating and recounting the stories of people from a surprisingly wide number of countries who established outposts and settlements in the South at the same time that colonists were settling in New England.
On St. Simons Island in southern Georgia, we walked through the remains of a community of about 600 houses that had been built in the shadow of Fort Frederica on the Frederica River in 1736.
In Savannah, Georgia, we strolled through beautiful town squares filled with statues honoring Revolutionary War heroes who gave their lives in battles with the British in nearby locations.
In St. Augustine, Florida, we toured historical sites in a city that had been established by the Spanish in 1565 and is the oldest continuously occupied colonial city in the U.S.
All along the way, we have learned about the lives of the African slaves whose labor served as the basis for the early economic development of the country.
We are impressed by the culture and sacrifice of the communities established in the South, the courage and character of those who led these communities, and the significance of this history for the development of our country as a whole.
When we started on our trip, we knew that we'd see some beautiful parts of the country. We knew we'd spend time with family and friends along the way. But, we didn't know that we would be forced to expand and rethink our understanding of American history.
After many days spent looking at statues, monuments, and memorials throughout the South, that's exactly what has happened.
No comments:
Post a Comment