RoadTrippin' with Samuel A. Gilbert-- Part 2: A Route 66 Connection and Indian Wars

Since he was buried in this cemetery, we'll be taking a sroadtrip to see some othersof interest buried there.

**  MARY ELIZABETH JANE COLTER  (1869-1958)

Architect, interior designer credited as "The Architect of the Southwest" for her designs that incorporated Spanish and Indian influences with contemporary designs.

She worked with the Fred Harvey Company and completed 21  projects for them and the Santa Fe Railroad.  Also designed the  Navajo Hotel in Gallup, New Mexico, in 1923 and the La Posada Hotel in Winslow, Arizona, in 1929.

This is of special interest to Route 66 fans.

**  ALBERT WALTER McMILLAN  (1862-1948)

Indian Campaigns Medal of Honor recipient.  Awarded it as a member of  Co. E, 7th U.S. Cavalry for action at Wounded Knee in December 1890.  His father, SAMUEL JAMES RENWICK McMILLAN (1826-1897)) is also buried there.  His father was  a 2nd lieutenant with the Stillwater Guards in the Dakota Wars in 1862.

Of interest, I already have written about Samuel's brother, Charles, who was a Union general as well, whose daughter Isabel married John Chowning Gesham who was also in the 7th Cavalry and received a Medal of Honor at Wounded Knee.

**  Quite a few Civil War brigadier generals are also buried at Oakland Cemetery.

Howard B. Cushing, U.S. Army-- Part 2

After Texas, he went to southern Arizona where he and his command  reportedly killed more Apaches than any other troop.

In May 1871, Howard Cushing and 22 troopers were ambushed by  Chiricahui Apaches under Cochise on May 5th and in fierce hand-to-hand combat, Cushing and several of his men were killed.

Their bodies were recovered and he is buried at Fort Lowell, southwest of Tucson.

--Old Secesh

Six Fascinating Civil War Battlefields Across the Continent

From the July-August AARP Magazine by Bill Newcott.

1.  PICACHO PASS, ARIZONA-- Westernmost battle.

2.  SAINT ALBANS, VERMONT--- Northernmost battle.

3.  CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA-- First submarine attack.

4.  FORT MYERS, FLORIDA--  Cattle Battle.

5.  GETTYSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA--  Deadliest Battle.

6.  PALMITO RANCH, TEXAS--  Final Battle.

Of course, the article went into more detail.

Firstest With the Mostest.   --Old Secesh

Battle of Mesilla

Here is a Civil War battle I'd never heard of before, and actually there were two battles at Mesilla, a town in the southern part of New Mexico along the Mexican border. Back then it was part of the Arizona Territory.

From the July 23rd Las Cruces (NM) Sun-News "Dedication of sign depicting the historic Civil War Battle of Mesilla" by S. Derrickson Moore.

From August 1, 1861, to July 1862, Mesilla was the capital of the Arizona Territory Confederate States of America as a result of the first battle when a small force under Confederate Lt.-Col. John Robert Baylor defeated another small force under Union Major Isaac Lynde in fighting between June 24-27, 1861.

The New Mexico Sons of Confederate Veterans has paid for the sign which will be dedicated tomorrow, July 24th.

On June 24, 1861, Baylor and about 300 men were at Mesilla when Lynde and about 380 soldiers approached the town and demanded they surrender. Upon refusal, shots were exchanged and an inept attack made by the Union force. A few days later, Lynde returned to Fort Fillmore (near Mesilla) which he later abandoned when he found out Baylor had sent for reinforcements.

He then retreated to San Augustin Pass and surrendered.

Losses at the first battle were small and disputed. Confederate: 2 killed, 7 wounded. Union: 3-13 killed, 6 wounded.

On August 1, 1861, Baylor proclaimed the Arizona Territory of the Confederate States of America and made himself governor.

There was a second Battle of Mesilla outside of town on June 1, 1862 which was a Union victory. Confederate forces withdrew back into the town.

A Little-Known Aspect of the War. --Old B-Runner