Public Memory & Myths: Matthew Davis on A Biography of a Mountain
Civics & Coffee: A History Podcast
11/04/25
•30m
About
Comments
Featured In
Join me as I sit down with author Matthew Davis to discuss his new book, A Biography of a Mountain, an in-depth look at the creation, meaning, and legacy of Mount Rushmore. Davis explores how the monument came to symbolize both American pride and historical injustice, tracing its evolution from a tourist attraction to a contested landmark at the heart of U.S. public history.
Learn more about Matthew at his website: www.matthewdaviswriter.com
Previous Episode
The Insurrection Act: A Civics Lesson in Power, Law, and Order
November 1, 2025
•18m
The Insurrection Act has stood at the crossroads of law, power, and public order for over two centuries. This episode traces its roots from the Militia Acts of 1792 and 1795 to its modern interpretations in moments of national crisis. Discover how this rarely invoked law has shaped presidential authority, balanced federal and state power, and influenced some of the most turbulent chapters in American history. A civics deep dive into how one statute continues to test the boundaries of democracy and governance.
Next Episode
Reconstruction's Legacy: The Second Founding That Could Have Been
November 8, 2025
•14m
In this episode, I look back on the Reconstruction era — a period that represented both a second founding of the United States and one of its greatest unfinished revolutions. Over the past year, I explored the political battles, social transformations, and cultural reckonings that defined Reconstruction. Now, I reflect on what that history means and how it set the stage for the Gilded Age that followed.
If you like this episode you’ll love
Promoted