Colorado Springs, Colo.
“America, the Beautiful” plaque
Pikes Peak
With a height of 14,110 feet, Pikes Peak is a formidable challenge for any climber, but in 1893, a young Wellesley College English professor named Katharine Lee Bates (1859-1929) made it to the top. That summer, Bates had taken a teaching position at Colorado College to supplement her income, even though it meant lonely months apart from her life partner, Katherine Coman. Bates and Coman were part of a community of “Wellesley marriages,” and were a couple for 20 years.
After scaling Pikes Peak and admiring the breathtaking view of “spacious skies” and “purple mountains’ majesty,” Bates was inspired to write the poem “America the Beautiful” in just one day, penciling four verses quickly into her notebook. Bates once recalled that she was “disheartened” with the poem. But when it was published in 1895, it became an instant public hit and was later set to music. With the royalties, Bates built “a dear little house” in Wellesley for herself and Coman. Today, a plaque at the summit of Pikes Peak memorializes Bates’ poem.
The Queerest Places 
I love Katherine Lee Bates, and in particular her story “Hamlet and Polonius,” about her beloved Collie, given to her (well almost forced on her) while she was still in mourning for his predecessor.
The story is written with such warmth and humour and insight, and such intimate love for this dog (yes, Hamlet was a dog!) as well as a unique appreciation for Shakespeare, that I found it quite unforgettable.
Besides, I am one of the few people who likes Polonius (not KLB’s parrot though he is nice too) and doesn’t think he was a fuddy-duddy.
Before I retired, I used to see Pike’s Peak from my office window every single day. KLB is my hero, and I wish that “America the Beautiful” was our national anthem. It always chokes me up to hear it.
I thoroughly enjoy your blog and posts.
Dia.