The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Ceremonies Link Start of Civil War, Slavery's End-- Part 2

Tuesday, April 12th, gunners reenacting Maj. Anderson's artillery cleaned their guns and performed gun salutes. Black smoke from the Confederate shore batteries, two miles away, drifted over the fort's parapets.

These men have been "holding" the fort since Saturday, April 9th, and surrendered it April 14th to re-enactors representing the Palmetto Guards of South Carolina.

Seattle, Washington resident Mark Silas Tackitt, playing the role of Major Anderson said, "We're on sacred ground. It's hallowed ground to us."

Of course, today's Fort Sumter bears little resemblance to the three story high one back in 1861. Its walls were pretty well pulverized by Union artillery during the course of the war, then there were all the renovations made during the Spanish-American War.

A Politically Charged Time. --Old B-R'er

No comments: