by Richard Carlton Fulcher
~ Introduction ~
Man's curiosity and reverence of the past are ancient instincts. Monuments to past events and individual lives exist throughout the ancient and moderns worlds. History is a science -- it informs us of past events based on solid evidence. The historian makes his interpretation using original sources and logic, resisting conjecture, exaggeration, and sensationalism. History is also a hobby, a community identity, a business opportunity, and a tourist magnet. In this last definition, history may be distorted, fancied, and imagined at will. The history buff often develops his historic interpretation in his own imagination, dramatizing triviality, using inadequate sources such as hearsay.
Williamson County, Tennessee is touted as the most historical spot in the universe. Regrettably, few of our published history sources contain cited authorities in the form of footnotes or end notes; nor do they contain comprehensive bibliographies. They are collections of stories, legends, and conjectures without any proof of authenticity whatsoever. This does not at all demean them. Much history is written using legends and myths. The problem arises when we cannot separate fact for fiction -- or don't want to!
Layers of myth and exaggeration have been heaped upon communities, making their true history unrecognizable. This trend to exaggerate a community's history is waning. We have closer scrutiny of historic interpretations; better informed citizenry who recognize hyperbole; better access to original sources; and, benefactors are more discerning about how their donations to historic sties are used. Preserving a community's true history is noble. Creating or distorting history insults a community's true identity. A demand for truth from the writers, journalists and official interpreters of the history of out community is a just demand.
Copyright © 1999 by Richard Carlton Fulcher All rights reserved.
Williamson County Public Library System
Revision Date: 11/14/1999