Talk With History
Mass Graves and Forgotten Lives: Memphis's Hidden History
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Episode notes
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Scott and Jen delve into the haunting history of Memphis, Tennessee, focusing on the city's mass graves that tell tragic tales of epidemics and human suffering. They explore the devastating yellow fever outbreak of 1878, which claimed over 5,000 lives and left the city in ruins, as well as the forgotten victims of the Sultana disaster, where 1,800 Union soldiers perished in a catastrophic explosion. The conversation highlights Elmwood Cemetery, where many of these souls are buried, and the unique customs surrounding grave care in the South. Additionally, they discuss the dark legacy of the Tennessee Children's Home Society, revealing the grim reality of child trafficking during the early 20th century. Through these poignant stories, Scott and Jen remind listeners of the importance of remembering history to prevent its repetition.
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