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Whitewood, Virginia, is a town in Buchanan County, Virginia. It was named for the nearby retreats called "Whitewood Farms" early in the 20th century. These rural habitations were the inspiration for the line "from the mountains, to the praries, to the oceans, Whitewood Farms," from the song "God Bless America", original version. The problem with these lyrics -- and why they were subsequently changed -- is the problem of crass commericalism making its way into what was supposed to be an innocent American patriotic anthem. The owners of the farms commissioned the writing of the song to get the name of their summer getaway in people's minds, especially the upper-middle class of evangelicals (who would enjoy a song about God and America) in order to increase summer business. Most Americans believe the words that end that line are "white with foam" (reinforced by the rhyme on the next line with "home sweet home") but that is merely a recent change in an attempt to thwart capitalism. The Whitewood Farms have subsequently been shut down as a business and are now merely a tourist attraction somewhere near the Kentucky border. Research Tips
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