Nashville Arts Magazine

Courage Undaunted

Photo: Anthony Scarlati

On October 7 respect was finally paid to Meriwether Lewis. Perfect weather comforted those attending the moving ceremony honoring one of America’s true heroes—Meriwether Lewis of famed expedition team Lewis and Clark. A 200-year mystery has followed the untimely death of Lewis who, overwhelmed by political enemies, never had a chance to defend himself. He was finally mourned at his grave, while the 101st Airborne Division Band played.

“We determined the best way to honor Lewis on the 200th anniversary of his death was to give him the public memorial service he was due in 1809,” says Tony Turnbow, chair of the commemorative ceremony at Grinder’s Stand in Hohenwald, Tennessee. Descendants stood before the crowd of an estimated 2500, which included authors, historians and tribal chiefs, to acknowledge Lewis for his many contributions, leadership, perseverance, “trail breaking and undaunted courage.”

Stephanie Ambrose Tubbs, program chair, concluded with these words: “Well done, Captain Lewis, well done. May you rest in peace.” A bust of Lewis sculpted by Harry Weber was presented by the Lewis and Clark Heritage Foundation.

The Strand Theatre in Hohenwald also played host to the moving live performance Inquest on the Natchez Trace—The Curious Death of Meriwether Lewis.

Playwright, Tony Turnbow said, “The play explores the contradictory historical accounts of how Lewis died.  It recreates a historical coroner’s inquest and allows the prosecutor to make the same charges against suspects that historians have made over the years.  Not only does the play give voice to Lewis’ defense against suicide, but it allows the actors to speak for the many suspects who can no longer defend themselves against historians’ charges.”