Appalachian Trail First Topic
The first meeting of the new “Revolutionary Reading Group, 1776-2026” will be held at the Lexington branch of the Rockbridge Regional Library on Tuesday, Oct. 28, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. This community- wide initiative is being pioneered by the Rockbridge Historical Society and the local VA250: American Revolutions Committee to advance running commemorations of American independence, and the creation of Lexington and Rockbridge County.
Every few months, for the next three years, local readers will be invited to share a common book, a cluster of articles, or film that will focus neighborly discussion around a specific figure, moment, or theme in local or national history. Many will be grounded in our “Founding Era” of the 18th and early 19th-centuries. But importantly, they’ll also extend into the 20th and 21st centuries, addressing the challenges and achievements, the roadblocks and resilience that continue to drive two-and-a-half centuries of “American Evolution,” that have built on the American Revolution.
This first session heralds the 100th anniversary of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, established in 1925 to advance the revolutionary ideals of national “public lands.” The ATC’s investments in environmental conservation and recreation were also grounded in a decidedly civic and democratic vision: connecting small communities across America’s long Eastern spine, as an alternative to metropolitan sprawl, and the alienations of industrial labor.
For Benton MacKaye’s brief, foundational proposal, “An Appalachian Trail: A Project in Regional Planning” (1921), see tinyurl.com/1921AppTrail-Proposal-MacKaye.
For a more comic trailspur, Bill Bryson narrates the hopes and humilities of his own quixotic trek in the bestselling travelogue, “A Walk in the Woods: Rediscovering America on the Appalachian Trail.” Whether reading the whole book, or browsing the first chapters freely available on line at tinyurl.com/Bryson-Walk-Appalachian-Trail, participants can share their own experiences of moving slowly, thoughtfully, through our vast American landscapes.
For a final reading, Trey Adcock (Cherokee Nation) illuminates indigenous perspectives on these lands, and land usage, through his 2021 essay for the ATC’s website, at tinyurl.com/ Native-Lands-Appalachian-Trail.
Beyond the discussion, these readings also set the stage for a three-event series organized by RHS next month. Two “History Hikes” led by historians, conservationists, and rangers from the U.S. Forest Service invite area residents to celebrate this centennial on the AT itself. On Nov. 1 (2-4 p.m.), hikers can enjoy a flat, 4-mile walk-and-talk from the James River Footbridge to Matt’s Creek Shelter.
On Nov. 9 (noon to 4 p.m.), a more challenging 6-mile loop climbs from Hog Camp Gap to the balds of Cole Mountain, back via the Old Hotel Trail.
The Nov.1 hike will be preceded by a slideshow presentation on histories of the Appalachian Trail, associated national parks and forests, and current conservation efforts, held at the Natural Bridge State Park Visitor Center noon to 1:30 p.m.
No long-term commitments are expected for the Revolutionary Reading Group, just topical curiosity, and a spirit of civic dialogue, said Eric Wilson, executive director of the Rockbridge Historical Society. For reading links and updates on hiking directions, see facebook. com/rockbridgehistory.
For questions, write Wilson at Director@RockbridgeHistory. org.
