Hometown History

In this episode, we step into the silent echoes of the past, where a small brick home in Indiana whispers the tales of courage, peril, and the unwavering pursuit of freedom. Joanna Hahn guides us through the Levi & Catharine Coffin State Historic Site, revealing how this unassuming refuge became a key conduit in the clandestine network known as the Underground Railroad. From 1826 to 1847, Levi...

The legacy of a president often lies in the pages of the policies they enacted and the ethos they embodied. Andrew Jackson's time as the commander-in-chief was marked by bold actions and decisions that shaped the nation in ways that still echo today. From his stance on the Union to his controversial implementation of the Indian Removal Act, Jackson's presidency was a contentious chapter in America...

From a controversial beginning to a presidency that would leave an indelible mark on the fabric of the nation, Andrew Jackson's story is one of ambition, controversy, and historical significance. This episode takes us to The Hermitage, Jackson's former home and plantation, where the roots of his ascent to power began with an act that is now universally condemned: the purchase of a human being. Eri...

Parker's Crossroads, Tennessee may be small, but its historical footprint is anything but. In this episode, we examine the town's ties to Nathan Bedford Forrest, one of the most polarizing figures of the Civil War era. Known for his military prowess and dark legacy as the Ku Klux Klan's first Grand Wizard, Forrest's story is a stark reminder of America's turbulent past. As we explore the deep scar...

Imagine walking through Nashville and stumbling upon the ancient world of Greece. In this episode, we delve into the story of the Nashville Parthenon, the full-scale replica of the iconic Athenian temple. We'll uncover the reasons behind its construction and how it reflects Nashville's cultural and historical identity. Close your eyes and let us transport you to Ancient Greece, only this time, it'...

Join us as we unravel the story of Dewey Phillips, the enigmatic Memphis DJ whose energy electrified the airwaves and ushered in the rock and roll era. In this episode, we spotlight his contribution to the music scene and explore how Sun Studio tracks found a home on his radio show, becoming the soundtrack to a movement. Dive into the eclectic and electric atmosphere of '50s Memphis, where every e...

Discover the extraordinary tale of Elvis Presley's inaugural record and its transformation into a multimillion-dollar artifact. In Part 2 of our Sun Studio series, we follow the King's humble beginnings in the Memphis recording booth that would launch his epic journey. From a $4 personal recording to a historic auction sale, the story of this vinyl is a testament to the lasting impact of Sun Studi...

Step into Sun Studio, where the spirit of rock and roll is immortalized in every corner. In Part 1 of our series, we rewind to "Rocket 88" and unfold the story of the studio that captured the genesis of rock and its legendary architects. From the bluesy undertones of B.B. King to the spontaneous harmony of the Million Dollar Quartet, we're tuning into the soundtrack of a cultural revolution. The o...

Nestled on a hill near the heart of downtown Nashville, Fort Negley stands as a stoic reminder of a pivotal moment in American history. Constructed amidst the throes of the Civil War, this formidable limestone fortress was more than just a military installation; it was a symbol of the Union's resolve to hold the city of Nashville at all costs. As Confederate Lieutenant General John Bell Hood cast...

Strolling down Beale Street is like walking through the pages of music history, a tangible echo of the blues that once resonated from every corner. It was here that W.C. Handy, the proclaimed "Father of the Blues," crafted a legacy that forever altered the tapestry of American music. His "Beale Street Blues" isn't just a song; it's a testament to the birth of an era that seeped into the soul of Me...

It was raining on the day of the execution. As Fletcher described it, The rain during the forenoon had the effect of making the streets and almost
every other place exceedingly sloppy and muddy. The ground having recently been frozen, the mud was not very deep, but every place was very slippery. Visit us online at itshometownhistory.com

Before it was called Richvalley, the community the French family was living in was known as Keller Station. Isaac Keller and his brother owned large tracts of land in this area, as well a popular Inn and Tavern that was the social hub of that neighborhood. Isaac Keller actually owned the land that the Frenches, and now the Hubbards, had been living on. On their way to the cabin, the posse locates...

Aaron French moved in from Cincinnati. He had only been here approximately 6 Months. So he himself was a transient character, he had attempted to be a businessman in Cincinnati, involved in the meat packing industry and went broke. And so he decided to maybe , try his hand at farming. Visit us online at itshometownhistory.com

I remember the first time I tried to visit the French family grave, just outside of Wabash, Indiana. It was a Sunday, in the middle of the winter, one day before the mini-blizzard that closed county schools and buried every car on Market Street up to its door handles. I had just moved into town, and I was feeling the things you feel when you move someplace new. I was wondering if the people were n...

As the dawn approached on October 8th, 1871, the residents of Peshtigo, Wisconsin were met not with the soft light of morning, but with a horizon seething in ominous red. The town, cocooned in a pastoral stillness, began to stir under a rain of white ash—heralds of the maelstrom to come. Father Peter Pernin, the local parish priest, greeted his flock with growing alarm as smoky tendrils wove throu...

In the eighth part of our captivating journey through the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, we take a mesmerizing detour to the awe-inspiring Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Known even beyond the UP borders, these towering cliffs rise about 200 feet above the lake, presenting a natural gallery of mineral-stained beauty. These cliffs are not merely "pictured" for their fame but painted by nature itse...

Welcome to the seventh installment of our Upper Peninsula series, where we stand at the edge of the Quincy Mine, once the beating heart of Hancock, Michigan's mining prowess. The rhythmic sound of the hoist, a reminder of the earth's riches extracted from its depths, sets the scene for today's exploration. The Quincy Mine, celebrated as the Madison Square Garden of ghost mines in northern Michigan...

In the sixth episode of our trek through the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, we delve into the echoes of discord at Eagle Harbor, where the serene shores belie a past marred by conflict. Eagle Harbor's Fletchy's Otter Belly Lodge, once known as the Shoreline Motel, holds the memories of a notorious clash between a local doctor and the influential president of Michigan's mightiest mining operation. Th...

In the fifth installment of our Upper Peninsula saga, we venture into Phoenix, Michigan, a town enveloped in tales as enduring as its structures. Here, legend speaks not of bridge trolls but of a sentinel of history, guarding her domain not beneath an overpass but within the walls of a 148-year-old general store. The "troll" of Phoenix turns out to be an 87-year-old matriarch, whose presence is as...

In Part 4 of our Upper Peninsula series, we step into the silent remnants of Gregoryville, where the whispers of the past are as tangible as the morning mist. Unlike the preserved structures of Fayette, Gregoryville offers a hauntingly different experience—the ghost town where not only the people but the very buildings themselves have faded into apparitions. From the vantage point of the deserted...

We delve deeper into the heart of Michigan's Upper Peninsula in Part 3 of our series, where we strike historical gold—or rather, copper. The true origins of America's mining fervor begin not with gold, but with the lustrous reddish metal that spurred the first major mining boom: copper. On the Keweenaw Peninsula, an extraordinary saga unfolded that reshaped economies and industries. From the 1860s...

Continuing our immersive journey into the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Part 2 of our series brings us to the iconic Mackinac Bridge. The auditory experience it offers isn't just unique; it's a testament to human ingenuity and learning from the past. The humming sound as vehicles pass over the bridge's center lanes' grating is by design—a marvel of engineering to permit air to flow through, minimiz...

In the inaugural segment of our new Hometown History series, we journey to the serene yet rugged terrains of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Don't adjust your speakers—that ambient sound you hear is the natural soundscape of what could be the most coveted haven in North America come the year 2100. The Upper Peninsula, affectionately known as the U.P., presents an intriguing paradox. It offers a potent...

In a special episode of Hometown History, we depart from our usual historical narratives to spotlight a unique repository of crime and justice history nestled in the heart of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. This town, while synonymous with vibrant tourist attractions and the warmth of southern hospitality, is also a crucible of local culture and a storyteller's dream. Alcatraz East Crime Museum offers a...

In this episode of Hometown History, we open the doors to the Biltmore Estate, not just a home, but a symbol of America's Gilded Age opulence. My personal reverence for this place is profound—it stands as the pinnacle of luxury, the largest private residence in the nation, and an enduring testament to architectural magnificence. We’ll wander through the vast halls and intimate nooks of this exquis...