Sweet Home Alabama

Today we visited Montgomery, Alabama-the 39th State Capitol that Imke has visited with me and the 35th for Maddie.  I think there is something very special about a Capitol city.  Each time we drive into a new Capitol city-no matter how big or small, I scour the skyline looking for the dome across the cityscape. There's something very exciting about that for me.

I love the architecture and the landscaping around each building.  I love that each city holds history and has stories to tell.  The stories of all that is important to the people of that state can be seen all around the grounds.  The important people-statesmen and soldiers- and the native plants are showcased there.  It's like they are showing off the best of what their state has to offer.  I love to take the time to walk the grounds to discover all of those things, but most of all I just love the time we spend together, just me and my travel buddies.

First Whitehouse of the Confederacy

Montgomery is an interesting city surrounded by the juxtaposition of  Civil War and Civil rights history.  Early in the Civil War, Montgomery was the first Capitol of the Confederacy.  The home used by Jefferson Davis during this time is directly across the street from the Capitol Building and has several artifacts from the time period when the Davis' were there.  In February of 1861, Jefferson Davis walked across the street from this home to give his inaugural address on the steps of the Capitol Building.

Just down the street is the church where Martin Luther King Jr served as pastor.

In a few more blocks, you'll find a Civil Rights Memorial dedicated to the memory of 41 people who died in the struggle for equal rights.

The March from Selma ended here, at the foot of the Capitol Steps. Just over 104 years after Jefferson Davis gave his inaugural address, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. stood on those same steps and addressed the brave people who had just completed the Selma to Montgomery March.

Now, today, I stood on those same steps just as Jefferson Davis and Martin Luther King Jr. had before me.  I stood on those steps looking out over this historic city thinking about all of the people who stood out there listening to these brave men speak of their hopes and dreams for the future of our country. It is a humbling experience.  It is also an awesome way to feel connected to our shared history; a way to feel connected to those who came before us and to those who will come after us.   Our history isn't always pretty and it is far from perfect, but it is our history and we can learn from the lessons of the past and help make a better future if we are willing to take the time to listen.