Champ Ferguson and his guards, Nashville, 1865
I stop and read historical markers. I’m the guy pulled off on the shoulder in the middle of nowhere, reading that bronze sign by the side of the road. You know the type. Frankly, if you are reading this blog, you probably are that type.
I get exposed to some interesting interpretations of history by doing so. Usually (but not always) these are created and erected by a state historical commission, who presumably (but again, not always) have also signed off on the text.
Let me give you one of my favorite examples: Champ Ferguson.
Samuel “Champ” Ferguson was born in 1821, in Clinton County, Kentucky. He was hung on October 20, 1865, for murder and bushwacking. Several books have been written about him. I find opinions to be sharply divided.
Here are two such historical markers dealing with Ferguson. As you might be able to tell, there is some difference of interpretation involved.
Birthplace, Albany KY
Graveside, Sparta, TN
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