Smithsonian Picked 250 American Landmarks And Louisiana Only Made The Cut Twice
(KMDL-FM) Despite the lackluster attendance at our nation's official birthday party in Washington DC over July 4th, the celebration of America's 250th Birthday is still going strong. Smithsonian Magazine has created a list of 250 places around the country that their editors say "highlight America's Spirit".
What's troubling to me is the fact that of the 250 places selected, only two were in Louisiana. However, the two places that Smithsonian Magazine chose are both iconic in Louisiana and well known around the world.
Did Other States Have More Places on the American Spirit List than Louisiana?
Still, only two places in Louisiana? I mean, the magazine found six places in Alabama, four in Kentucky, six in Florida, and three in Tennessee. Maybe I am a lot biased, but I do think the editors missed their chance to spotlight a few other places in Louisiana.
Both of the places chosen by Smithsonian Magazine in Louisiana are connected to the New Orleans area. One of the places is a generationally owned business that has been a part of the New Orleans scene since the 1940s.
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The other iconic area is in the New Orleans French Quarter, and it illustrates the connection that music has had to the city and to our nation. That business has been a part of New Orleans since the early 60s and remains functional today.
What Two Places in Louisiana Best Exemplify the American Spirit?
The two places in Louisiana that most exemplify the American Spirit, according to Smithsonian Magazine, are Café du Monde and Preservation Hall. I did find it a bit amusing that the graphic Smithsonian Magazine used to pinpoint Café du Monde depicted a hot dog. You can probably get a Lucky Dog close to Café du Monde, but I don't think they sell them there.
What places would you pick from Louisiana to put on the list of places that highlight America's Spirit? If you'd like to see Smithsonian Magazine's full list, it's available.
I would certainly include one of our state's wetlands or swamps, maybe show some drilling rigs or offshore platforms, maybe some rice fields or a sugarcane crop, or how about someone selling boudin on the side of the road? Those kinds of scenes exemplify the American Spirit to me; how about for you?
Everyday Photos That Perfectly Capture the Small-Town America We Remember
Gallery Credit: Stephen Lenz