Thoughts and Works in Progress

The Mayo Bridge, Richmond, VA

What is: The Mayo Bridge, across the James River, connecting the City of Richmond with what was the town of Manchester. Route 360 from the southside to downtown What was: John Mayo built his first toll bridge here in 1788 to connect Richmond…

Lumpkins Jail. The Devils Half Acre

Binhammer Photographs, Photoblog, Scarred Places Photo Series

What is: a parking lot with an area that has been explored in an archaeological dig. Near the train station and Interstate 95 running behind the trees, Downtown Richmond, VA What was: The Devils Half Acre, also known as Lumpkin’s jail.…

Sunflower County Seed Barn/Shed

Binhammer Photographs, Photoblog, Scarred Places Photo Series

This barn is the location where Emmett Till was beaten and, most likely, murdered. This site has often been written out of the Emmett Till narrative due to William Bradford Huie's article in LOOK Magazine.

Mabry Mill, Blueridge Parkway

Binhammer Photographs, Photoblog, Roadside America Photo Series

What is: Mabry Mill along the Blue Ridge Parkway. One of the most photographed and painted places along the Parkway. What was:Ed Mabry (1867-1936) built the mill which was really 3 mills in one place. He and his wife Lizzy ground corn, sawed…

King Cotton

Binhammer Photographs, Photoblog, Roadside America Photo Series, Scarred Places Photo Series

What is: fields and fields and fields of cotton...some growing, some harvested, some planted. What was: "Cotton is King" In the years before the Civil War—American planters in the South continued to grow tobacco and rice but Cotton…

Dr. TRM Howard’s Home, Mound Bayou, Mississippi

Binhammer Photographs, Photoblog, Scarred Places Photo Series

What is: a vacant lot, where Dr. TRM Howard lived, Mound Bayou, Mississippi. His place burned down several years ago. What was: Mound Bayou is 42 miles away from Sumner, MS where the Emmett Till trial occurred. However, it is an essential…