New-Old Monument Dedicated at Cave Hill-- Part 2

The original monument was made of soft St. Genevieve limestone and it had decayed considerably over the years.  The replica is made of much sturdier Bedford limestone.

The Bloedner Monument is important not just because it was the first Civil War memorial erected, but it also shows the role of new immigrants to the United States during the war.  Alice Bennett, historian for the National Cemetery Administration said, "While they came from the Old World, they fought to protect the New World."

The original Bloedner Monument is in the Frazier History Museum after being restored by the University of Louisville.

The cemetery administration at Cave City paid $330,000 for the three-year project with the replacement being carved by the John Stevens Shop in Newport, Rhode Island.  Much of the inscription on the original had long ago worn away, but it was able to be recreated through an old photo and a German-language newspaper from the 1870s that had the inscription written out.

The inscription on the front of the new one is in German with a translation on the back.

Louisville has a large German community.

Always Good to Preserve Something from the Past.  --Old Secesh

New-Old Monument Dedicated at Cave Hill-- Part 1

From the Dec. 16, 2011, Louisville (Ky) Courier-Journal "Replacement of historic Civil War monument at home in Cave Hill" by Joseph Lord.

"The newest Civil War monument looks an awful lot like the oldest."  A 21-gun salute my men dressed in Union uniforms announced the dedication of the replica of the Bloedner Monument at Cave Hill Cemetery on the eve of the battle it commemorated.

The original monument was carved by Pvt. August Bloedner of the 32nd Indiana, a unit made up entirely of German immigrants in 1862.  he did it to honor his comrades who died at the Battle of Rowlett's Station near Munfordville, Kemtucky.

It had originally been placed near the graves of 13 killed, but moved to Cave Hill in 1867, along with eleven of the bodies.

This monument is regarded as the oldest Civil War monument.  Most of which were erected after the war.

More to Come.

Battle of Rowlett's Station

Yesterday, I wrote about the Bloedner Monument, the oldest surviving Civil War monument, erected in January 1862 to commemorate the stand of the 32nd Indiana, a German regiment.

I'd never heard of the battle, so thanks to Wikipedia, I now know more.

It is also called the Battle of Woodsonville or the Battle of Green River and was fought December 17, 1861 in Hart County, Kentucky, and was inconclusive, but the Federal troops retained control of the railroad bridge over the Green River they were defending so could be called a Union victory.

It was the 500 men of the 32nd Indiana vs. 1350 Confederates including Terry's Texas Rangers. Lt.-Col. Henry von Treba had his men form a hollow square and lost 10 killed and 22 wounded. Confederates had 33 killed including Col. Terry. As a result of this victory over an enemy that outnumbered them, the 32nd gained national recognition.

Twelve who died were originally buried on a hilltop near the battle site. Christian Frederich August Bloedner was a private at the battle and decided the men should be honored, so by January had a monument for them.

In 1867, the men and the monument were moved to Cave Hill National Cemetery in Louisville. The years wore the limestone monument until it could no longer be read, but has now thankfully been saved.

Stuff You Didn't Know. --Old B-Runner

Oldest Civil War Monument Relocated

From the December 1,2009, Louisville (Ky) Courier-Journal.

The Bloedner Monument, considered to be the oldest-surviving Civil War monument is going to be moved to the Frazier International Historical Museum and will be in the lobby so can be viewed without paying admission. This monument commemorates the 1861 Battle of Rowlett's Station near Munfordville, Kentucky.

It was recently rescued and restored after almost being destroyed by the elements at Cave Hill Cemetery where it had been since 1867. A replica will be placed back at he cemetery sometime this year. However, the back of it will have the English translation and the front the original text in German.

It was carved in 1862 by August Bloedner to commemorate the members of the 32nd Indiana Infantry, made up of all German immigrants, who died in the hour-long battle. It was originally at the site of the battle, but when the remains of the soldiers were moved to Cave Hill Cemetery, the monument went along as well.

Always Great When Preservation Takes Place. --Old B-Runner