If one Tennessee legislator gets his way, federal agents could be arrested for enforcing any potential assault weapons ban. But the concept of a state trying to cancel out federal measures was already tried 180 years ago. And the president who squashed that effort was one of Nashville’s most famous residents.
Emancipation Proclamation Didn’t Free Tennessee Slaves
Tomorrow marks the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. President Abraham Lincoln’s executive order is commonly thought of as being responsible for freeing America’s slaves, but the truth is more complex, especially in Tennessee.
Battle of Stones River
When President Abraham Lincoln needed to bolster public opinion at the end of 1862, his best hope was a Civil War victory in the heart of Tennessee.
R.H. Boyd Statue Stolen
A life size bronze statue of publisher R.H. Boyd has been stolen and detectives with Metro Police are offering a cash reward for information.
State Constitutions on Rare Display
Tennessee’s original, handwritten Constitutions will be exhibited later this week to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the state’s Supreme Court Building.
Timothy Demonbreun: Nashville’s Man of Mystery
Demonbreun Street is named for Jacques-Timothée Boucher, Sieur de Montbrun–better known as Timothy Demonbreun. His Nashville story doesn’t begin on a battlefield or a plantation. It starts in a cave, hidden below an industrial park off Lebanon Pike.
Southern Festival Adds Emancipation Track
Humanities Tennessee is gearing up for a series of statewide events about Civil Rights and the Civil War. It kicks off at this weekend’s Southern Festival of Books with a set of discussions, talks and readings marking the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation.
Chance to See Historic Document Hinges on Lottery
The original Emancipation Proclamation is coming to the Tennessee State Museum for just seven days early next year. The only way for any school to schedule a field trip is to enter a lottery.
Fort Negley and the Hope of Freedom
Listen Now: Nashville’s Fort Negley was built for war, and construction began 150 years ago this month. Union officers considered the stone fortress a show of strength and military might. Instead, the fort’s enduring story belongs to the black laborers, both slave and free, who were forced to build it.
Battle of Franklin Tour Available By Phone
History buffs can now tour Franklin’s civil war battle sites using their cell phones. It’s long taken a little extra effort to picture the historic events, since what was once a battlefield is now largely covered by development. To help make things more clear, the city’s parks department has erected signs at eleven key locations.
On Air - 90.3 WPLN-FM