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Jack Daniel’s Distillery

Lynchburg TN

Small town, home of Jack Daniel’s Distillery.
The black stains come from the air when mixed with the distilling process.
The black stains also coat the trees nearby!
This is where they burn the wood to create the charcoal that filters the whiskey.
This is the actual source of the water used to make Jack Daniel’s Whiskey.
Jack Daniel sculpture.
The container on the right contains 140 proof whiskey.
They let us breathe in the aroma from the fermenter. Wow!
The whiskey is run through this charcoal filter numerous times.
Jack Daniel’s in storage.
Lynchburg/Moore County is a dry county, which means you cannot sell alcoholic beverages in the city/county! So Jack Daniel’s Distillery does not technically sell its whiskey – it sells “Commemorative Bottles” (filled with whiskey, wink, wink)! The bottles they sell are not available in retail or ABC stores, only here.

President James K. Polk House

Columbia TN

Our 11th president, James Knox Polk, lived in his parents’ home here from 1818-1824, until he got married.
Furnishings from the period, not necessarily owned by James Polk.
This table was owned by the Polks.
President James K. Polk, 1845.
President James K. Polk, 1849. Quite a bit of aging in 4 years.
He campaigned and was elected on specific issues and promises, and he delivered what he promised, much like President Donald J. Trump did.

Birthplace of Country Music Museum

Bristol VA

Bristol is considered the birthplace of Country Music, so of course they built a museum.
In 1927, Bristol hosted what became known as “The Bristol Sessions”.
Interesting history.
The mandolin is a key instrument in country music.
Gazoo.
Autoharp.
Oscar Schmidt guitar was owned, signed and played by Jimmie Rodgers, and also signed by June Carter Cash, Janette Carter, Loretta Lynn, Doyle Lawson, Jim and Jesse McReynolds, Earl Scruggs, Roni Stoneman and others.
Banjo
Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs sang the Ballad of Jed Clampett, for the Beverly Hillbillies.
Live radio studio WBCM.
A constant theme throughout country music history is the gospel song Will The Circle Be Unbroken, first popularized by Maybelle Carter, mother of June Carter Cash. Maybelle popularized the guitar as the lead instrument for country music, with a style named “Carter Scratch”.
Willie Nelson singing Will The Circle Be Unbroken.
Hee Haw
Minnie Pearl and Grandpa Jones on Hee Haw. My father saw Grandpa Jones in concert in Fredericksburg.
So basically, hillbilly, country and bluegrass music came from southwest Virginia.