Spirits of a Different Kind: Knoxville’s Old Gray Cemetery Comes Alive
On a lovely Sunday afternoon in Knoxville, something quite extraordinary is happening at the Old Gray Cemetery. Hundreds of eager guests are gathered for the Spirits of the Old Gray Tour, a captivating outdoor event where history comes alive through the stories of the city’s notably, albeit ghostly, past residents.
The atmosphere is brimming with excitement as guests gather around various actors, each portraying historical figures from Knoxville’s rich past. It’s a unique blend of storytelling and local history that feels both engaging and educational. I find myself captivated by Lee McCord, who plays the delightful spirit of Thomas O’Connor (1836-1882). His infectious enthusiasm makes it hard not to lean in closer to catch every word. O’Connor’s life story is filled with ambition as he rose from humble origins to become the wealthiest man in Knoxville. But with wealth came rivalry, and his infamous feud with the Mabry family is the highlight of the tale.
In a dramatic (and somewhat humorous) recounting, McCord enthusiastically describes a thrilling duel. O’Connor, hiding in a dark alcove to keep his hand dry from the rain, shot his opponent. However, fate had a different plan, as he was soon shot by the victim’s son. Naturally, O’Connor insists that he had help from a gunman he had strategically hidden nearby to ensure the showdown was “fair.” With a twinkle in his eye, he shares how the two men were buried in the same cemetery on the same day, with O’Connor cheekily claiming he has the bigger headstone. It’s stories like these that make you chuckle while simultaneously marveling at the eccentric characters that once walked the streets of Knoxville.
Nearby, I meet Polly Crush McClanahan (1798-1868), played by Kathryn Atkins-Roberson, dressed in a delightful Victorian-inspired outfit. Her tale of resilience paints a vivid picture of a woman’s struggle in a time when property laws were not in her favor. After her no-good husband ran off, Polly worked diligently to open her own tavern. But alas, due to the archaic laws of the time, she had to put her young son’s name down as the property owner. Her courtroom battles with her runaway husband showcase her tenacity, even as she jokes that she couldn’t seem to pick a decent man.
A Glimpse at Lives Lived and Lost
As the day progresses, the stories continue to unfold. I hear from Edy Minor, a former slave who braved numerous battles for her freedom, which she initially bought by selling baked goods. Her story emphasizes the resilience that individuals displayed in overcoming personal struggles, even amidst the hardships of the past.
One of my beloved moments was coming across a former Union soldier who, having achieved great wealth, suffered a series of unfortunate events that found him nearly penniless before his death. Meanwhile, the sound of the Star Wars theme played on bagpipes in the distance, an unusual but heartwarming contrast to the historical recounting ranging around us.
Laura Still from Knoxville Walking Tours leads another group, sharing stories not from the past of characters but about life itself. One story highlights a tragic death—a man killed in a disagreement with a prostitute—while another tells of a mother struck down in an argument with her son who didn’t even remember his actions, a story as heart-wrenching as it is sobering. The tales echo down the paths lined with the diverse gravestones of folks gone-by, revealing that each of those markers is tied to a life, rich with experiences and emotions just like ours.
Food, Wine, and Community
As the ghosts of the past keep us entertained, the present isn’t just about stories; it’s also about community. Food trucks offer tempting barbecue, while tents serve wine to keep us refreshed and in the spirit of the day. It’s evident that events like this bring the community together, creating connections between generations through shared stories.
As I wander through the cemetery, pondering each story I’ve heard, I can’t help but wonder what tales will be told about me someday. Perhaps an actor will stand beside my grave, recounting my life and the little marks I left upon this world. It’s a comforting thought, to know that storytelling, whether about lives lived long ago or yesterday, keeps our legacies alive in quirky, delightful ways, hidden beneath the surface of our daily routines.
The Spirits of the Old Gray Tour serves a reminder that history isn’t just in books; it’s right here, amongst us, waiting to be discovered and shared. So if you ever get the chance to visit Knoxville’s Old Gray Cemetery, take a moment and soak it all in. You might just find that the spirits of our past are not so far away after all.
