I was thinking about…

I was thinking about...Timothy Demonbreun By Andy Lee I love learning about history. The history of our nation, where I’m from, and where I live are at the top of my list. And one of the most fascinating tales from Nashville's early days involves a French-Canadian trader named Timothy Demonbreun (Dee-MUN-bree-yun). Now Demonbreun wasn't your … Continue reading Timothy Demonbreun

I was thinking about...John L. Burns By Andy Lee The Battle of Gettysburg in July 1863 was the turning point of the American Civil War. Among the many heroic tales from those pivotal three days of fighting is the story of John L. Burns, an elderly civilian who took up arms and fought valiantly for … Continue reading John L. Burns

Here, and top, are historical photos of Melungeons. I was thinking about...Melungeons By Andy Lee Throughout the remote valleys and hollows of northeastern Tennessee and southwestern Virginia, a mysterious population of dark-skinned, dark-haired residents has lived for centuries. Known as the Melungeons (muh-LUN-juns), their obscure origins and multi-ethnic background make them one of Appalachia’s most … Continue reading Melongeons

“No Time for Prayer” by Dan Nance: The Ohio Brigade advances towards the Dunker Church during the Battle of Antietam, September 17, 1862 I Was Thinking About...The Battle of Antietam By Andy Lee Few events encapsulate the horrific carnage and pivotal turning points of the Civil War like the Battle of Antietam. As the bloodiest … Continue reading Antietam

I was thinking about...William Walker By Andy Lee In the volatile years leading up to the U.S. Civil War, American adventurer William Walker led a privately funded expedition to Nicaragua in 1855, overthrew its government, and installed himself as president for nearly one year before being ousted in 1857. Walker’s brazen mission must be examined … Continue reading William Walker

Los Angeles Dodgers players Glenn Burke and Dusty Baker celebrate in what some call the first-ever high five. I was thinking about…The High Five By Andy Lee Shout out to Blake Lee for the idea of this post!! The high five is a gesture that is now commonplace, used by people of all ages and … Continue reading The High Five

I was thinking about...The Manhattan Project By Andy Lee In 1939, word reached American scientists that Nazi Germany had split the uranium atom. Alarmed that Hitler might develop an atomic “superbomb,” the United States launched the Manhattan Project in 1942. The scale was unprecedented. At its peak, over 130,000 people worked on the top-secret effort. … Continue reading The Manhattan Project

I Was Thinking About...Henrietta Lacks Though unknown to most Americans, Henrietta Lacks has a profound hidden presence in countless lives through her unique contribution to modern medicine. Her cancer cells, taken without consent in 1951 as she battled terminal cervical cancer, became the first “immortal” cell line, enabling major scientific breakthroughs in the ensuing decades. … Continue reading Henrietta Lacks

I Was Thinking About…The Lost State of Franklin By Andy Lee Few people today are aware that before it joined the Union, parts of what is now Tennessee tried to establish an independent republic known as the State of Franklin. Lasting only four tumultuous years from 1784 to 1788, this fleeting attempt at statehood has … Continue reading The Lost State of Franklin

I Was Thinking About...Hattie Caraway By Andy Lee Though largely forgotten today, Senator Hattie Caraway made history as the first woman elected to the United States Senate. She overcame daunting odds to win office in 1932 and served Arkansas for over 14 years, championing rural America. Looking back on her remarkable political journey, several aspects … Continue reading Senator Hattie Caraway