Missouri’s Battle of Athens State Historical Site is located in the extreme northeast corner of the state. A two-hour battle, or skirmish, in August 1861 was an early, and rare, Union victory in the Civil War.

The most obvious battle scar is seen on the Joseph Benning home. A cannonball entered the front and left via the back. Amazingly without injury to any of the several occupants.

Many years after the battle, when the town of Athens was abandoned, a tree (or trees) took root. Taking advantage of open space, this tree is spreading branches and displaying spring beauty for visitors. Take a close look at the trunk.

Can you create a story of two seeds, emerging the same spring, growing closer and closer until one year they touch. Perhaps a prevailing breeze, or something else, encouraged one trunk to embrace the other. What do you think?

A decade before the Battle of Athens, on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River stood the fictional town of Elm Ridge. Steamboats brought a steady supply of immigrants and Americans seeking opportunity. Pay a visit to this imaginary place in the sweet romance, New Dreams. Time travel and observe the interaction between new and established Americans. More information at the link: https://amzn.to/3vWydWE