Tag Archive: history

Mohammed Ali Grave – Cave Hill – Louisville, Kentucky

February 25, 2025 0 Comments

Mohammed Ali Grave - Cave Hill - Louisville, Kentucky

Muhammad Ali, born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, was an American professional boxer and one of the most celebrated sports figures in history. Known for his charismatic personality, sharp wit, and poetic trash talk, Ali revolutionized boxing both inside and outside the ring. His unorthodox fighting style, characterized by his famous phrase, “Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,” helped him secure numerous victories, including three world heavyweight championships. Ali’s legendary fights, such as the “Rumble in the Jungle” against George Foreman and the “Thrilla in Manila” against Joe Frazier, remain some of the most iconic moments in sports history.

Beyond boxing, Ali was a vocal advocate for civil rights and social justice. In 1967, he refused to be drafted into the U.S. military during the Vietnam War, citing his religious beliefs and opposition to the war. As a result, he was stripped of his boxing titles and faced a legal battle that went all the way to the Supreme Court, which ultimately ruled in his favor. His stance against the war and his commitment to racial equality made him a symbol of resistance and courage, admired by many beyond the world of sports.

Later in life, Ali dedicated himself to humanitarian efforts, including promoting peace, supporting children’s charities, and raising awareness for Parkinson’s disease, which he was diagnosed with in 1984. Despite his declining health, he remained an inspiration worldwide, making public appearances and continuing his philanthropic work. Muhammad Ali passed away on June 3, 2016, but his legacy as a champion, activist, and humanitarian endures, reminding the world of his powerful words: “I am the greatest!”

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Ohio River Navigation Dam No. 50 Sign – Marion, Kentucky

February 13, 2025 0 Comments

Ohio River Navigation Dam No. 50 Sign - Marion, Kentucky

Signage from a defunct navigation dam (no. 50) located on the Ohio River, near Marion, Crittenden County, KY

The Ohio River Lock and Dam System is a critical infrastructure network designed to regulate water levels and facilitate navigation along the 981-mile-long Ohio River. Managed primarily by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the system consists of a series of locks and dams that maintain a consistent channel depth, allowing for the safe and efficient passage of commercial barges, recreational boats, and other vessels. Prior to modern improvements, the river was unpredictable, with natural shallows and seasonal variations making navigation difficult. The system, initially developed in the early 20th century, replaced outdated wooden wicket dams with more advanced high-lift structures that provide year-round navigability. Today, the system supports billions of dollars in commerce, primarily transporting coal, petroleum, steel, and agricultural products.

The lock and dam system works by creating a series of controlled pools along the river, allowing vessels to “lock through” from one water level to another. Each lock chamber is a large, enclosed space with gates at either end that open and close to let water in or out, raising or lowering boats as needed. Notable installations include the Markland Locks and Dam, McAlpine Locks and Dam, and Olmsted Locks and Dam, the latter being the most advanced and expensive project in the system. In addition to navigation, the system plays a key role in flood control, water supply, and hydroelectric power generation, benefiting communities along the river. Continuous modernization efforts ensure the system remains efficient, as aging infrastructure and increasing traffic demand ongoing improvements.

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Myers Farmstead Barn – Muscatatuck Refuge Seymour, Indiana

January 23, 2025 0 Comments

Myers Farmstead Barn - Muscatatuck Refuge Seymour, Indiana

The Myers Farmstead Barn, located in the woods of Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, outside of Seymour, Indiana.

The Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge, located near Seymour, Indiana, is a protected area dedicated to conserving wildlife and their habitats. Spanning over 7,800 acres, the refuge features a diverse mix of wetlands, forests, and grasslands, making it an important stopover for migratory birds along the Mississippi Flyway. Established in 1966, the refuge serves as a haven for hundreds of bird species, as well as deer, beavers, otters, and other wildlife.

Visitors can enjoy a variety of activities, including birdwatching, hiking, fishing, and wildlife photography. Several walking trails wind through the refuge, offering scenic views of marshes and woodlands. The visitor center provides educational exhibits about the area’s ecosystem and its role in conservation. Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge is a serene destination for nature lovers and an essential site for preserving Indiana’s rich biodiversity.

The Myers Farmstead at the Muscatatuck National Wildlife Refuge in Indiana is a historic site that provides a glimpse into the region’s agricultural past. Located within the refuge, the farmstead dates back to the late 19th or early 20th century and includes remnants of a family homestead, such as a barn, outbuildings, and cultivated fields. The Myers family farmed the land before the area was designated as a wildlife refuge in 1966.

Today, the farmstead is preserved as part of the refuge’s commitment to honoring the cultural and historical significance of the land. Visitors can explore the site while enjoying the surrounding natural beauty of the refuge. The Myers Farmstead stands as a reminder of the hardworking families who once lived and farmed in harmony with the landscape that is now a sanctuary for wildlife.

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