Mary Ann Neeley was gracious enough to present a tour through Downtown Montgomery, Al about the Civil War and some of the events that shaped our area during that time. It was especially noteworthy today since both of the readings today took place in Montgomery during the time of the south’s succession from the United States.

Geoffrey Sherman boarding the bus for the tour

Among the places we toured was the riverfront and its importance to Montgomery at that time. Cotton was the major trade of the day and Mary Ann Neeley told us about the great fire the confederates set to over a billion dollars worth of cotton we had stored in Montgomery, just to prevent the union from acquiring it.

We walked from the riverfront to Court Square, the former location of the Exchange Hotel, a central location in both history and our readings today. Immediately following, we walked up Dexter Avenue to the capitol on Goat Hill.

Mary Ann Neeley giving the Civil War Tour

The tour gave such important information, not only for the history of our area and the country, but also information that let the finer nuances of the play bring light to the plot. Seeing and learning about places right here in the capitol and then seeing them used in a play was something that made the experience all the better.

I hope all of those who were on the tour enjoyed it, and encourage you to leave comments about particular highlights you experienced.