Running the Blockade-- Some New News of an Old War.
1. VIRGINIA CELEBRATION-- the state is planning a "commemoration, not a celebration" for the upcoming 150th anniversary of the Civil War. Will kick off 6 year retrospective April 29th, 2009.
A 15 member commission has been set up to plan it. July 1st, they will begin offering sesquicentennial license plates with a commission-approved logo and initials "CW."
www.VirginiaCivilWar.org
2. CIVIL WAR MARKER in KENTUCKY-- dedicated in Thweatt Cemetery, Benton, Ky to William Frederick "Fed" Thweatt who served 18 months in the Confederate Army. I imagine he took some grief with a nickname like that.
One hundred people gathered for the dedication, mostly his descendants from as far away as Michigan, Iowa, and Colorado. A volley was fired by the Col. Alfred Johnston Camp 276, SCV.
In 1884, at age 45, he married Leona, 15, and they had 8 children, 39 grandchildren, 93 great grandchildren, 179 great great grandchildren and 126 great great great grandchildren. Of the 13 grandchildren still alive, the oldest is 89 and youngest 53. Interesting age difference there.
3. GETTYSBURG CYCLORAMA BUILDING-- Compatriot Ed Briggs sends this announcement. The new Gettysburg National Park Museum and Visitors Center has opened, but the question remains as to what will happen to the Cyclorama Center.
It currently is slated for destruction next year, It was built in the area known as Ziegler's Grove and is to be returned to its 1863 appearance. Union batteries poured fire on Confederates from here on the second and third days.
The son and partner of architect Dion Neutra is suing the National Park Service to prevent the destruction of the 45 year-old-building.
It was dedicated by President Eisenhower in 1962 and placed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The Cyclorama painting itself has been cleaned and restored and scheduled to reopen in new quarters at the visitors center.
4. GLOUCHESTER, VIRGINIA CONFEDRATE MONUMENT-- dedicated 1889 and has 132 names and 8 officers who died from the county in the Civil War.
And the War Goes On. --Old Blockade-Runner
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
