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The recent hatching of baby eaglets in Big Bear, CA has Amy thinking a lot about patriotism and what it actually means in turbulent times for our country. Lost lady of lit Katharine Lee Bates — a staunch activist for social justice who decried America’s isolationist policies — must have considered the same when, during a trip across the country in 1893, she penned what would eventually become the lyrics to “America the Beautiful.” The original words to her poem are a bit more pointed than the version we know today, offering a new perspective on pure (but not blind) patriotism.

Mentioned in this episode:

Big Bear Eagle Cam

Friends of Big Bear Valley

Katharine Lee Bates

“America the Beautiful” and changing lyrics over time

“America the Beautiful”: The Stirring True Story Behind our Nation’s Favorite Song by Lynn Sherr

Chicago Columbian Exposition of 1893

“America the Beautiful” rendition by Ray Charles

“Goody Santa Claus on a Sleigh Ride” by Katharine Lee Bates

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