It was a cold winter early evening in the capital city of Montgomery.  Rosa just finished a full day at work. As the public bus approached, she dug through her purse to find the fare.  She entered the front of the bus only to pay.  She exited the bus to re-enter at the back like rest of the blacks.  She sat down directly behind the white taped line separating the blacks from the whites.  The bus filled to capacity, leaving one white man without a seat.  The bus driver literally moved the white taped line back a few rows so the white folks would not have to stand.  He then told Rosa and three others to vacate their seats.  Rosa refused.

Rosa Parks was arrested.  “People always say that I didn’t give up my seat because I was tired,” wrote Parks in her autobiography, “but that isn’t true. I was not tired physically… No, the only tired I was, was tired of giving in.”

The NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) went quickly into action. Over 35,000 flyers were sent home with black school students asking the parents to boycott riding the public bus on Rosa Parks’ trial date. Thousands walked miles to work that day. After three hundred eighty-one days of boycotting the public buses, the Supreme Court declared segregation on public transportation was unconstitutional. One person, one action, and 40,000 boycotters changed American History. On June 15, 1999, Rosa Parks received the highest award bestowed by the US government - Congressional Gold Medal.
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There is so much more to this story. There is so much more to her life. Learn more through Rosa Parks’ own words in her autobiography writing - Rosa Parks, My Story.

There are several ways to learn about the past.  Almost every town and city offer museums, historical markers and statues. Some of these structures are very well cared for and in public view while others are neglected hiding behind entangled wild vines and located in very isolated areas.​

On the heavy trafficked intersection of Commerce and Tallapoosa Street, in Montgomery, is a very well-maintained bronze statue of Hank Williams. This life--like statue stands in front of the ever-so-popular Historic Riverfront Gateway leading locals and tourists along the river front.  Across from the statue is a small museum honoring his life being one of first megastars of country music.  The museum also boasts about harboring the actual Cadillac Hank died in, at the age of 29, heading towards a venue he was about to perform at for an evening.  

There is another more obscure way of learning history - visiting graveyards. Yes, graveyards. In this graveyard is the burial site of Hank Williams next to his wife. The huge plot is covered by artificial turf, as fans would steal a clot of the real grass originally maintained in the same area. Cemeteries offer a different approach to our history. One can learn more about the individual from the layout, inscriptions and type of tombstone displayed.

Somebody wanted to keep their eye on the City of Montogomery forever! Back about 130 years ago, a casket was placed on top of the Steiner-Lobman building. Dry food sellers, Louis Steiner and Nathan Lobman owned the building. To this day, no one knows which one is overlooking the city. Is it Louis or Nathan? Is it empty? Is there someone else in it? No one knows exactly for sure.

A couple hours away from Montgomery is a typical looking old cemetery on the side of a small two-lane road, The Oakwood Cemetery. The property is quite flat and full of old typical looking tombstones except for one! Nadine Earles passed when she was four years old just a few days before Christmas in 1933. All she talked about was wanting a doll house for Christmas. Her parents had this beautiful dollhouse built over her gravesite. Inside are some of her favorite toys, bedroom furniture, a Christmas tree, her bike and a photo of Nadine. Outside, the yard is manicured regularly. Toys are still being left today in remembrance of Nadine - 88 years later. RIP Nadine.

By the Union train station, in Montgomery, are several emotional driven bronze statues remembering the Alabamians who served in World War I.  There is so much history throughout our cities and town.

As I continue traveling throughout our very enriched country, I find myself craving more and more of its history. I keep my eyes out for a museum visit. I pull over to read historical markers. And yes, I visit graveyards to learn from those who passed. I encourage you to do the same. There is so much out there, and most of the time we just pass it by.

As I come around the corner, I am deafened with almost 200,000 adrenaline-pumped fans drowning out the sound of dozens of high-performance cars racing at speeds exceeding 200 mph!  

I am following a truck driving through a tunnel into the arena.  Driving on a path, for emergency vehicles, underneath the bleachers down to the track.  We park and before I know it, I am at eye level of the start/finish line.  I reach down to touch it with a huge smile on my face.  Oh, the sound of the fans and the revving of the high-performance cars enter my head again.  What a rush!

I end this unexpected event of a lifetime with my photo being taken with "This is Talladega" in front of me and the massive track behind me.  A moment I will never forget!

As I am exiting the parking lot, I smile reading these words "Thank you for visiting Talladega Superspeedway".  I shout out loud to myself, "No.  Thank you, Talladega!"  Today I learn a lesson.  Never be afraid to ask for something you want.  

Deep within the woods, in central Alabama, exists a quaint area to spend a very peaceful day.  As I exit my car, I notice the almost deafening silence.  I barely hear the calm sound of moving water and chirping birds in the nearby trees.

Crossing the Talladega Creek is one of the only 1800's covered bridges in Alabama standing today. Walking through the 105-foot bridge, peering through the open aired walls is a treat in itself. Stopping in the middle, standing over the creek, offers a deeper sound of the calm, slow-moving creek underneath. A feeling of peace and calmness fills my being. In this moment it is as though time stands still, as there is not another human present.

There is a small campground along the river for those who want more than a day's stay.  

I arrive at the American Village seeking to find 35 handcrafted dioramas (miniatures) carving out the most prominent parts of our American history. Entering the lobby, I learn there is much more to this location than what I was seeking. I am handed a schedule of today's events. I hurry off to the first reenactment scheduled - preparing for a military response to the rejection of the British Crown - American Revolution.

Local students arrive and are immediately recruited to the battlefield.  The newly appointed commanders quickly teach how to march unitarily with freshly loaded flint locked muskets resting on their shoulders.  They boldly march, shouting words demanding independence to the enemy - the Brits.  

I continue stepping in our early history exploring such landmarks as Washington Hall. I enter the Executive Office of the President. I smile, finding myself sitting at one of the most important and influential desks in the world - the President of the United States desk. These replica sites offer me a personal history lesson of our country. Hours later I return to my original intent - seeking to find 35 handcrafted dioramas carving out the most prominent parts of our American history.

I stop at each miniature admiring the detailed craftsmanship. It is amazing the human figures are only inches tall.  This 'small' historic journey takes me from Christopher Columbus to the Space Race.  An amazingly 'large' experience for me.

In the 1960's, Pettus Randall of the Randall Publishing Company, wanted to offer small town America a traveling history museum.  Today, each of the original 35 are on display and set up for a chronological walk through of our 400 years of history.

My last stop is entering the National Veterans Shrine. A beautiful collection of art, sculptures and photos honoring all who offered their services and sacrifice for our country - the United States of America. Today is a day I will cherish, as it was a day of reminding me of who we are as Americans.

My first stop today is in the town of Montevallo (7,229). Along a slow creek, I discover a quaint small park, Orr Park. There are small children splashing in the shallow creek, with moms chatting away with each other on the dirt bank. I begin to search out the pattern of the windy path throughout the park. I spot several people walking, with a few of them being led by dogs on leashes. As I join the walk, my eyes wander everywhere. I do not want to miss one unique carving. Some are easy to spot, while others are in more obscure areas such as above my head.

An older gentleman, a local, tells me he thinks there are 30+ along the path - Tinglewood Trail.  I decide to make the loop twice as I said earlier, I did not want to miss one carving.  My second loop I discovered 6 more.  The story is a storm came through this area in 1993, killing many of the old trees in this park.  Tim Tingle, an artist in the area, decided to bring these legend trees back to life.

I take a detour driving about 4 miles down a very quiet road. It is easy to spot as this small doorless church sits at the edge of the trees right against the road. Robert Kendrick, a retired Alabama state trooper, hand built the unique dome-like prayer house 44 years ago (1978). Purposely, there is no door as it is an open invitation anytime. Inside, I find tethered 2 bibles, trinkets, a notebook full of prayer requests and 2 ball point pens for future recorded requests.

I decide to drive through the many small roads throughout Montevallo. Doing so, I find this simple garage brought to life honoring the life of Amelia Earhart (the first female aviator to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean). Another most amazing and fun day in the State of Alabama.

Driving up to the parking lot, an adrenaline rush comes over me.  Large stadiums bring out the spirit of everyone from concerts to football.  The stadium is empty and securely locked up.  That doesn't stop me.  I begin knocking on multiple doors.  On the fifth door, a person opens the door with an expression of question.  Within minutes I am whisked inside and personally escorted to the heart of it all:  Alabama Crimson Tide football stadium.  Ninety-three years of incredible football with a record of 238 wins to 3 loses in this stadium.  Home advantage to the MAX!

Walking through the campus, admiring the layout and beautiful buildings I come to a door.  This particular door carries a plaque recognizing history at the front of it on June 11, 1963.  Governor Wallace defies a court order allowing blacks to attend the university by physically blocking the entrance through these double doors. 

President Kennedy sends in the National Guard.  The same evening the president goes on national television declaring civil rights is no longer a legal issue but a moral issue.  One week later, President Kennedy submits a bill that becomes the foundation of Civil Rights Act of 1964.  

In front of the auditorium are several plaques recognizing personal words of inspiring people.  After reading each one, I select two which inspires me.  

To close this day, I go on a scavenger hunt looking for Goldie!  Walking the many paths thought the 223-acre campus I come upon the giant.  I creep up quietly as I notice it is asleep.  No one wants to wake a sleeping giant.  Goldie was constructed by an alumni student, Joe McCreary.  His inspiration was the Sloss Furnaces I explored several days ago.  I tip toe past Goldie back towards my car as my day comes to a close at the University of Alabama!

Breakfast of champions!  Yes Siree!  As I walk into Dreamland BBQ, my stomach comes alive with a searing growl so loud, overpowering the blaring music from the old jukebox in the corner.  Dreamland BBQ carries a delicious reputation of being "the best BBQ of the east".  The cashier asks me if I would like anything else with the ribs.  I smile, "Nope just the ribs, Mam!"  I begin ripping off huge chunks of pork smothered in BBQ sauce with my teeth.  I end this savage eating by sucking on the bones being sure to get every last drop of sauce.  Belly full and an above satisfaction smile on my face I am ready to take on the day.

I arrive in city of Anniston to better understand the Freedom Riders Movement.  I walk over to a beautifully painted mural on the brick wall of the bus depot.   On Mother's Day of 1961, a group of black and white college students arrive at this bus depot.  This group was known as the "Freedom Riders.  They wanted to end the separation of blacks and whites riding the same interstate bus by peacefully traveling the highways together.  As the bus arrives at the Anniston station, an angry mob began throwing rocks breaking the windows.  Before the public bus could pull back onto the highway several tires were slashed.  

Six miles down the road the bus pulls over into this field with flattened tires from the slashings.  The following mob arrives within seconds. The bus catches fire from a flinging gas rag thrown from someone.  The college students tried to flee the burning bus.  Some of them were injured being attacked by the several from the mob.  In 2017, President Obama declared this location to be a National Monument so this incident will never be forgotten.

Driving back to Birmingham, I feel at peace.  A strange feeling to experience after the last two days of learning more about this part of our troubled history.  I realize this peace exists knowing the murals, monuments and parks will educate future generations about the events during the Civil Rights Movement in America.  Even the most difficult parts of our history need to be remembered and taught.  

I have mixed emotions as I begin my fourth and final day in Birmingham.  There are two sites I want to visit, and they are interrelated with each other.  I am curious to learn but hesitant as I know this was not the finest moment in our American history.

I park in the empty parking lot across the street from the Sixteenth Street Baptist Church. On the sidewalk is a two-sided marquee, which I begin reading. I pause several times through the reading trying to take it all in of what occurred here. At each pause, I find myself looking towards the church from different angles - the blue signage above my head, the basement windows and the large entrance steps. I walk up the steps and look through the window to only find darkness. I sit on the steps, reflecting on what happened here 59 years ago. Some would say that is a long time ago, but in this moment, I am processing the idea of only 59 years ago this was happening in the United States - extreme radical behavior of a group of people towards another group of people.

This church was the largest black church in Birmingham and served as a peaceful congregation place for civil rights activities. On September 15, 1963, a single action changed the course of history for this city. A box of explosives ripped through the walls, leaving 20 injured and 4 young girls dead. Violence surged throughout the city with an additional two deaths on the same day - a 16-year-old shot by police and a 13-year-old killed by local white youths. I sit still, saddened. Slowly I rise to my feet to walk to the nearby Kelly Ingram Park to learn more about this historic part of Birmingham.

The sidewalk weaves throughout the park with several large metal sculptures remembering the brutal activities which occurred here in the same year of 1963.  Birmingham was being labeled as America's most segregated city.  Every day the tension mounted towards the protestors. Police began releasing K9 German Shepards on the peaceful protestors.

Firemen blasted protestors with high pressure fire hoses.

At one point over 1,000 children, as young as six, were arrested for protesting. President Kennedy sent 3,000 Army troops. Persistency brought changes in Birmingham. Merchants removed "white only" signs. Diners desegregated lunch counters. A new mayor repealed discriminatory laws, opening public places to all. This park is Brimingham remembering the lives lost, the actions taken by students and the result of those brave young individuals.

I end this most emotionally charged day with this being my last photo - a closeup of Dr Martin Luther King Jr located at the corner of Kelly Ingram Park.  

Several times, in the last two days in Birmingham, I have seen this massive monument standing over the city. Each time at a different angle, I find myself puzzled knowing i need to visit it!  Today is that day!  It is the world's largest cast iron statue made of 100,000 pounds of iron and standing proudly at 56 feet.  I am in awe standing underneath it as it is so massive and unlike anything I have ever seen.  His name is Vulcan!

Vulcan is a Roman god of fire and forge.  It is the perfect symbol of this city as Birmingham became a major industrial city with its booming steel industry in the 1900's. The city wanted the world to know their success, so this was built for the 1904 World's Fair held in Alabama.

My second stop perfectly ties in with my fun stop meeting Vulcan.  A firsthand experience of exploring one of the industrial sites which put Birmingham on the map.

On the outskirts of Birmingham, I find an old abandoned industrial site.  For some, it might be an eye sore but for most it is an opportunity to see an industrial site firsthand. Sloss Furnaces is one of the first preserved industry sites in the US.  It is actually on the National Register List.  It offers free admission so everyone can experience it.

From afar, it is a massive old complex. Inside it is like being in the land of the giants.  Entering the complex, I am in awe of the massive sizes of everything.  In the last photo, you can get an idea of the size of everything comparing it to the green door.

I weave myself in and out of narrow walkways.  I duck a few times avoiding hitting my head on huge metal objects.  I enter doors, peak around corners and stop many times looking up at these massive structures.  

A first of a kind for me - a self-guided tour through a pig iron (crude iron from furnaces) industry site built in 1882 and continued to supply iron till 1971.  A few of the locals told me to go and I wasn't too interested at the beginning.  After spending nearly an hour on myself exploration, I speak like the locals - You need to go if you are in Birmingham.