Harper Lee's novel "To Kill A Mockingbird" unexpectedly became a classic and influenced the way her hometown of Monroeville, Alabama, viewed its history. The book attracted tourists to the town and sparked discussions about the impact of racial segregation in the south. The story follows two children in a fictional southern town, similar to Monroeville, whose father, an attorney, defends a black man accused of raping a white woman. Even though the man is not guilty, he is found guilty by a jury made up entirely of white people. Some of the most impactful scenes in the book occur when the children understand that their father's battle was ultimately futile. Released in 1960, it quickly gained popularity, winning the Pulitzer Prize and selling over 30 million copies. The film adaptation, featuring Gregory Peck, is considered a classic. However, the sales figures only provide a partial picture of the book's impact. American readers frequently name it as their preferred novel. In a survey, it was ranked just behind the Bible in terms of books that had a significant impact on readers. The Library Journal declared it the best novel of the 20th century. Each spring, numerous tourists visit Monroeville to see sites related to Harper Lee's life, the book, and the courthouse featured in the movie adaptation. Additionally, they attend a stage production of the novel. Act One is situated outdoors at the court grounds, while Act Two shifts the audience and actors indoors to the authentic oval-shaped courthouse depicted in the book and film. This setting enables the unfolding of the drama with the audience, judge, lawyers, and defendant assuming their respective roles as they would in a genuine trial. The black cast members are restricted to the gallery, mirroring the segregation of the time. Spectators are captivated by witnessing injustice, adding to the intrigue. The volunteer actors find the annual productions to be a valuable opportunity to contemplate the message of the book. Robert Champion, a detective with the Monroeville police department who portrays Boo Radley in the novel, emphasized that the role has taught him not to judge people. He believes that one of the key lessons from the story is the importance of being tolerant towards others while also being intolerant of injustice. Champion prepared for his role by speaking with individuals who were familiar with the real-life inspiration behind Boo Radley. According to Jane Ellen Clark from the Monroeville County Heritage Museum, Harper Lee may have drawn inspiration for her story from an actual rape trial that occurred in Monroeville's old courtroom. The trial involved Walter Lett, a black man who was wrongly accused of raping a white woman in 1934. Despite being sentenced to death, new evidence suggests that Lett was falsely accused, as white citizens wrote anonymously to the governor of Alabama to plead for his innocence. Clark stated that Lett's sentence was changed to life in prison, and he passed away in 1937 from tuberculosis while in a state prison. George Thomas Jones, a former businessman who now writes about local history, was classmates with Lee and recalls her as a tomboy similar to the character of Scout in the novel. Jones, who is now 81 years old, mentioned that he understands why all-white juries during that time period would have found the accused guilty in such cases. He explained that individuals who supported black people were often labeled as 'nigger lovers,' and regardless of the situation, they would have faced social and economic repercussions. Jones stated that during the 1920s and 1930s, relationships between blacks and whites were, in some aspects, better than they are now, despite the injustices faced by blacks. He believed that the social climate of that time was misunderstood, as there was mutual respect and fewer racial problems. According to Jones, people who were genuinely good on both sides did not have trouble getting along. Although Alabama was a major battleground for the civil rights movement, Monroeville quietly desegregated its public facilities. Residents noted that the most significant change was in school desegregation. Mary Tucker, who arrived in the town in 1954 and taught at both black and integrated schools, stated that the absence of protest did not indicate that blacks were not resentful of segregation. She expressed that although black and white schools were separate, they were not equal. Tucker mentioned that despite the history of segregation and oppression, there were always a few individuals, like Atticus in Harper Lee's book, who strived to be fair and do the right thing. Harper Lee, now 81 years old, currently resides part-time in Monroeville but is seldom seen in public. Tucker described Nelle as humble and modest. He mentioned that she can often be seen in jeans at the grocery store and characterized her as a shy individual.