“Chautauqua is an idea, embracing ‘all things of life’ – art, science, society, religion, patriotism, education – whatsoever tends to enlarge, refine and ennoble the individual” – John Heyl Vincent The Chautauqua of the South
“A chautauqua is the most American thing about America, it’s history and traditions.” – President Theodore Roosevelt
Many families in the Victorian Era left the cities in the summertime and spent two to three months in the nearby mountains. This exodus to the more natural and cooler setting was motivated not only by a desire to escape the summer heat and to relax, but also as a serious quest for physical and spiritual well-being. The Chautauqua was a natural consequence of such informal gatherings of people from all walks of life. The idea was first proposed at the 1873 Methodist Episcopal camp meeting in Chautauqua, New York, by John Heyl Vincent and Lewis Miller. Inspired by the Lyceum movement, these men suggested combining the summer retreat with eight week programs offering members secular and religious instruction as well as lectures by authors, explorers, musicians, and political leaders. Somewhere between revival meetings and country fairs, Chautauqua were attended by thousands each year. The combination of education and entertainment in a pristine mountain setting caught on rapidly; the Chautauqua Movement spread throughout America and Europe during the latter part of the 19th century. Despite the immense popularity of the movement, only thirteen original Chautauquas in the world are still active today. The Monteagle Assembly is a National Treasure whose existence helps define our country’s history.
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