Saturday, May 3, 2014

Civil War to Civil Rights, Boost to Montgomery

 Montgomery, Alabama has been named the Best Historic City in the United States according to an online poll by travel website 10Best sponsored by USA Today, and reported Thursday, May 1, 2014, in the Montgomery Advertiser.

The Advertiser reported "The city beat out 19 other cities, including heavy historical hitters Boston, Philadelphia and New Orleans after 28 days of voting". I think all knowledgeable history buffs will agree, as the article points out that Montgomery was in on the beginning of two of the most important events in American history, the Civil War (better known by us as the War Between the States, or simply "the Wah", and the Civil Rights movement, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.

 City historian Mary Ann Neeley was quoted as saying "The order to fire the shot that started the Civil War was sent from Montgomery, and nearly 100 years later Rosa Parks refused to give up her seat (on the bus), triggering the world-changing Montgomery Bus Boycott".

Meg Lewis, Director of tourism and special projects for the Chamber of Commerce said the conflict the city has seen is one of the reasons people are drawn to it. "People want to see where this city is now and what can be learned from the lessons we have learned...when they visit...they understand it is possible to move forward in a positive way."

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