My name is Austin and I am a scientist by day. In my spare time, I enjoy visiting historical sites.

I have grown up in Tennessee & Georgia amongst Civil War territory. More recently, I have also enjoyed opportunities to visit sites of earlier American history in Virginia, Maryland, and New England. The more time I have spent pondering our national story, the more I have realized how important it is to to facilitate dialogue with others about our history, uncomfortable thought that may be. Of how important it is that we listen to others, period. Because if we lose the ability to talk with fellow Americans about our country's past and present, we lose the chance for a shared future.

As I share my ponderings of the past, I hope my pontifications will help to enlighten and shape your own perspective on American history.