Some New News About an Old War.
1. WATER WITCH COMMISSIONING-- The Civil War Navy and Marine Forum discussed the April 4-5th, 2009 commissioning of the reconstructed USS/CSS Water Witch at the National Civil War Naval Museum in Columbus, Georgia, in conjunction with River Blast.
It is a full-scale waterline replica which is expected to draw a lot of tourists to the museum. You can view the progress of the ship at www.portcolumbus.org. The 18-foot tall paddle wheels were set August 18th.
2. MIDDLE SCHOOL GETTYSBURG RE-ENACTMENT-- The Nov. 7th Arizona Republic reported that nearly 400 seventh graders at Desert Shadows Middle School in Phoenix re-enacted the pivotal Battle of Gettysburg. This was the cumulation of a three-month study of key battles, people, and military and medical technology. This is the fifth year social studies instructors have organized it. Definitely a way to get young people interested in history.
3. FREEDOM PARK IN LOUISVILLE-- The November 18th Louisville (Ky) Courier-Journal reports that the city and University of Louisville officials have announced intentions of building Freedom Park around the site of the 1895 Confederate monument. Freedom Park will honor the Civil Rights Movement.
The city approved plans for the $2 million project back in 2002. The park, about an acre in size, is near where Second and Third streets come together.
As you would expect, there are lots of comments to this story.
Sounds Like a Strange Pairing to Me. Is Someone Doing an End-Run? --B-R'er
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
