“A community is made up of intimate relationships among diversified types of individuals—a kinship group, a local group, a neighborhood, a village, a large family.” – Carroll Quigley

As we prepare to host friends, family, Shoals locals, guests from afar, and our making community for The Gathering this week, we were inspired to explore our own community’s rich history of music, architecture, and beloved landmarks.

“The Alabama recording studio where music was never segregated:” Muscle Shoals Sound Studio

Add to your playlist: The 20 Best Songs Ever Recorded in Muscle Shoals

The Rosenbaum House on the Journal

Explore the history of the University of North Alabama, whose Florence campus was designed by the Olmsted brothers, sons of Central Park designer, Frederick Law Olmsted.

Tom Hendrix’s Wall; a “tribute to a Native American’s journey home”

The trees of Ivy Green, birthplace of Helen Keller

Florence native and Father of the Blues, W.C. Handy

Utilizing ancient Roman and Greek architecture, Wilson Dam is the “only neoclassical – style dam in the TVA system”

In Alabama: Alabama Cotton on the Journal

Find these (and more) in our Travel Series on the Journal.