In the summer of 1893, an English instructor named Katharine Lee Bates from Wellesley College went west to teach a short summer course at Colorado College. And one day a group of teachers took a covered wagon ride to Pikes Peak. Miss Bates was worn out from the wagon ride and the walk to an observation deck at the pinnacle. But when she looked out and saw the sight, she was so thrilled and inspired that she pulled a piece of paper out of her bag and started writing a poem which she called Pikes Peak to be published two years later in the Fourth of July edition of The Congregationalist newspaper. The poem has been engraved on a monument at that viewpoint.
We were lucky enough to be able to visit Pike's Peak last year. It is beautiful up there!
Ray Charles is one of my favorite musical artist. My town, Albany Georgia, boast of being his birthplace. When I listened to the different versions of America The Beautiful on You Tube that Ray Charles sang, this version is the one that I thought really brought out the "soul" of the song.
Happy 4th Zaroga! Have a wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteVery very nice post Zaronga, thank you. Have a fun and safe weekend,
ReplyDeleteShanda
My bloggin friend,
ReplyDeleteBlessings for you and your's on this our Nations Independence Day.
God Bless America!
Gigi
Hi Zaroga and Happy 4th! What beautiful photos you have shared and I love hearing Ray Charles. Enjoy your day - I hope you are feeling better.
ReplyDeleteI couldn't quite make out the poem, but Ray Charles voice will stay with me forever. Just beautiful!
ReplyDeleteHappy 4th Zaroga!!!!! I loved listening to Ray. Jim and I took the kids and met my cousin in Colorado many years back. We did go to Pikes Peak and we loved it.
ReplyDeleteAnother great post. Ray Charles does a great job singing this song- it's a favorite of mine.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a wonderful Fourth, Zaroga! That is an absolutely breathtaking view!!
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