Tag: history

War & History

November 3rd, 2023

What historical event fascinates you the most?

As a self-proclaimed history nerd, there are many historical events that interest me and send my brain spinning so it’s nearly impossible to narrow it down to one sole event. In general, though, war history is probably the most fascinating to me.

From a sociological and psychological perspective, war itself is fascinating to consider. I often wonder what causes humans to lose their empathy and fight like animals against each other. Is it nature, or nurture? Instinct, or impulse?

I also find the government’s role in wars to be equally as interesting, and how power dynamics effect so much of history; especially during war time or other tensions.

But if I had to choose one specific event in history, the first that comes to mind is the assassination of the Romanov family. The history and story behind such a bloody massacre has fascinated since I first learned that it was a true story and not just made up for 21st Century Fox’s fictitious animated film. And of course, it ties in with war history.

– A.B.
Travel: The Road to Nowhere

October 16th, 2023

Almost exactly a year ago while on my honeymoon, my husband and I decided to check out the local legend of the Road to Nowhere.

Upon booking our trip to Bryson City, NC, I was looking into the history and sites of the area and immediately knew I wanted to check out this interesting place.

A scenic view on the drive to the tunnel.

After the Fontana dam was built in the mid 1900s, residents of the Great Smoky Mountain town were told a new road would be built to fix the damage done from flooding during the dam’s construction. But the road never was finished, and the area was no longer residential and people were essentially pushed out of their homes by purchasers of the surrounding land.

It’s a six mile winding drive to reach the notorious mile long tunnel, which has since been covered in graffiti throughout the decades. It’s very eerie to walk through the whole tunnel and to the other side. There are many hiking trails and places to explore in the area, but something about the tunnel gives a spooky vibe in an otherwise peaceful location.

A photo of me at the entrance to the tunnel.

So much graffiti, unfortunately.

Visiting the Road to Nowhere was a very fun and free experience in the beautiful mountains of NC. If I ever get a chance to go back, I’d love to do some hiking on the scenic trails.

Source: https://www.explorebrysoncity.com/things-to-do/great-smoky-mountains-national-park/road-to-nowhere/?bounds=false&view=list&sort=qualityScore

– A.B.
The World Went On

October 9th, 2023

War and disease threatened to create an apocalypse; but the world went on.

News and propaganda spread fear to sink into the minds of millions; but the world went on.

Death, destruction, and chaos seemed to be around every turn; but the world went on.

You can apply this to every decade, era, or period of time throughout history and it still rings true – division and fear of the world ending are fueled by things that plague the human race.

But none of us know when the world will truly end. History has repeated itself time and time again.

And yet, the world goes on for another day.

– A.B.
Family History: Capt. James Kell

September 16th, 2023

I always find myself fascinated by the new discoveries I make every time I venture into my ancestry/genealogy hobby. It’s always even more surprising when I find family history from hundreds of years prior just miles from where I grew up.

Captain James Kell is my 6th-great-grandfather. He was born in Pennsylvania in 1760 and moved with his family down to Orange County, North Carolina as a young child. He was also in the militia, and fought in many battles during the American Revolutionary War including Camden, Lindley’s Mill, and most notably to me, Charlotte.

A historic marker for the Battle of Charlotte in uptown Charlotte, NC.

I was born and raised near Charlotte, so learning that my own ancestor fought against General Cornwallis in 1780 in what is essentially my hometown was mind-blowing to me. He was also married at and briefly lived in the town I currently reside in, which is even crazier to me that I have at least two familial ties to a place I never knew was connected to me in that way.

Capt. Kell’s other family members also have some fascinating history. His great-grandfather, Jean Postell, was a French immigrant, known in the 1600s as a “Huguenot,” who fled to Charleston, South Carolina with his parents, wife, and children to escape religious persecution happening in France. The Postell’s held to their Protestant faith, and fled along with thousands of other like-minded individuals to escape the catholic government that posed a threat to their safety.

I definitely plan to dig more into the small bit of information I’ve found so far so I can better understand the history and the lives of my ancestors. Thank you for reading!

– A.B.
Family History: Favorite Photos

August 28th, 2023

As mentioned before in previous posts, I’ve always had an interest in my family history. Thankfully, my late grandmother saved hundreds of photographs and records that I can now look at, appreciate, research, and one day pass on to the next generation.

Seeing photographs of my ancestors, many of which I never got to meet, gives me a glimpse into their lives. From what they wore to where they lived, these photos transport me to a different time when I observe them.

My great-great grandparents (sitting), my great-grandparents, and my maternal grandmother circa 1942.

My great-great-grandfather L.R. and his son-in-law T.G. (my great-grandfather), standing outside their appliance shop circa 1940s.

My great-grandparents sharing a sweet moment, Easter 1962

I’m fortunate enough to have these photos (and many more) to admire. A photograph is only a glimpse into one’s life, but the memories they hold I believe can last forever.

Four generations circa 1923: my 4th great grandmother Mary, 3rd great grandmother Olive, 2nd great grandmother Eula, and great-grandmother Frances.

L.R. & Eula, still clearly in love after decades of marriage, circa 1940s.

I love sharing my family history as it is my most fascinating hobby. I will definitely share more if you would like to see! Thank you for viewing and reading.

– A.B.
Family History: Sir Henry Hastings

August 6th, 2023

Unexpectedly on my family history research today, I came across someone who was pretty significant in European history. My 14th-great-grandfather, Henry Hastings, was the 3rd Earl of Huntingdon and a nobleman. He was born around 1535 and died in 1595. He was also distantly related on his mother’s side to King Edward IV.

Henry Hastings, 1500s

He was involved in issues surrounding Mary I of England and Mary Queen of Scots, and was even educated with Edward VI. Up until his death, he also served as President of the Council of the North, which was an administrative body set up by King Richard III of England.

Sir Henry was said to be greatly influenced by Protestantism when attending college at Queens in Cambridge. He was briefly incarcerated at the Tower of London due to his support of Northumberland rather than Mary Tudor. He was later released after making amends and swearing an oath of loyalty to her.

I also found it interesting that he was said to be a patron of stage drama, and was an important aristocrat involved in the performing arts.

I hope to travel to England one day to visit his grave and explore the sights that he once visited nearly 500 years ago.

– A.B.
Family History: Col. James Wood

July 17th, 2023

I’ve found another fascinating part of my family tree recently that has me itching to take a road trip!

My 9th-great-grandfather, Colonel James wood, founded the town of Winchester, Virginia in the mid 1700s. He was born in Winchester, England, which is why he decided to name the town what he did.

He was a lieutenant in the English navy before becoming a colonel for the Frederick County militia, and even studied at Oxford University. He came to Virginia on a military trip, then bought land there and settled into life away from England.

One of the most fascinating parts of his story to me is that it is said he was friends with none other than George Washington himself! The two served alongside each other against the French in 1754.

Colonel Wood was also the first clerk of Frederick county court, and was said to have a large amount of political influence.

His son, James Jr., also went on to participate in political and government-related positions in Frederick county, and fought as a colonel in the revolutionary war.

I hope to uncover even more about this part of my family history, and I would love to take a trip to Virginia soon to do even further research.

One of my favorite parts of learning history are things like this; finding the most interesting and unexpected facts and information which lead me down rabbit holes to cure my curiosity.

Reference: https://www.handleyregional.org/services/departments/archives/manuscripts/w/173-WFCHS

– A.B.
Historic Inspirations

June 23rd, 2023

Daily writing prompt
Who is your favorite historical figure?
View all responses

As a self-proclaimed history nerd, I have many historical figures that I admire. But I suppose it depends on what you consider a historical figure to be. If musicians are included, then Freddie Mercury is definitely a top one for me. His confidence to be his authentic, quirky self is admirable, and of course he had insane musical talent which I appreciate as a singer and pianist myself.

Earlier this year, I had to read a memoir for the final assignment for a history class I was taking. The one I read was by Agnes Humbert, a French woman who survived imprisonment by German forces during WWII. Her first-hand account of the horrors of war was absolutely chilling to read. And her perseverance to survive despite suffering with chemical burns, dysentery, starvation, and abuse was inspiring, making her one of my new favorite historical figures.

And lastly, the beloved Betty White is definitely one of my top favorites. Her decades of activism for animals along with her many talents as an actress and performer are admirable. Her long, full life is something I think everyone hopes for, but very few actually get. She was a strong, funny, intelligent woman who is an inspiration to me.

– A.B.
Family History: MacGregor/Children of the Mist

May 21st, 2023

Another interesting thing I found on Ancestry was my genealogical connection to the MacGregor clan of Scotland. Although their history is not pretty, it is still fascinating to learn about.

Lord Patrick MacGregor, my 11th-great-grandfather (b. circa 1589, d. circa 1648)

The MacGregors have a long and wild history; much of which I am still in the process of researching. What I do know, however, is their history of outlaws known as “The Children of the Mist” (Ominous, right?).

One of the most startling facts of predecessors of mine is their involvement in murdering a party of 140 innocent schoolboys who were observing the fight. After this incident, King James VI outlawed the MacGregors and even abolished their name. After that point, even having that surname meant death in Scotland.

The research I have done so far has me hungry to learn more and I plan to continuing sharing as I gather more information, along with other interesting ancestry-related stories. Thanks for reading!

– A.B.
Family History: Cpt. Daniel Little

May 18th, 2023

Since I was a child, I’ve always been fascinated by genealogy and family history. I’ve used the site Ancestry for years to build my family tree and learn more about my familial history. I believe each generation in a family has a person that takes on the role of family historian; I took over for my late grandmother. I have many stories and findings I plan to share, and here is my most recent.

Taken May 2023; I left flowers for him.

I was stunned to discover via online records, that one of my distant ancestors lived and is buried very close to where I currently live!

Captain Johann Daniel Little (my maternal 9th-great-grandfather) was one of the earliest settlers in Rowan county, NC. He was a German immigrant who migrated to Maryland, and eventually made his way down to Salisbury, NC. Unlike many German settlers, he was fluent in both German and English, which allowed him to enter the role of Constable for Rowan county in 1756. He also served in the militia during the French and Indian war. And he was the first person buried in the Old English Cemetery, as mentioned on the additional stone.

I just find this absolutely fascinating, so I wanted to share. Who knew I’d end up living in the same town that my own ancestor did nearly 300 years later?

I’m glad I was able to visit and leave flowers. I take my job as the family historian very seriously, as it is up to us to keep the history and memory of those who came before us alive.

I look forward to sharing more family history as I continue on writing.

– A.B.