The May 19th Tampa tribune reports that at low tide in the Hillsborough River near Lowry Park, wooden beams are evident in what at first looks like an old dock, but it is the remains of an 80-100 foot ship.
Archaeologists are taking measurements and checking records. It fits what is expected to be a 19th century sloop.
During the Civil War, Union troops attacked and burned three blockade-runners in the Tampa area.
In 2007, divers from the Florida Aquarium discovered the wreck of the USS Narcissus which sank off Egmont Key after a boiler explosion June 3, 1866. It was an 82 foot Union tugboat that fought during the Civil War and was on her way to decommissioning. Twenty-nine crew members dies and were never found. It took part in the Battle of Mobile Bay.
The Hillsborough River ship might be recreated in diagrams or rebuilt as a full-scale replica. There are no plans to excavate or raise it, however.
Interesting Story. --B-R
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
Saturday, September 6, 2008
It's Nice to Be President
AP/Yahoo News reports that yesterday, President Bush visited Gettysburg Battlefield and got the grand tour as well as the chance to get a sneak preview of the new Museum and Visitors Center which has its grand opening on September 26th.
Regular folk like me have to shell out $55 to get a personal tour by an expert, but the presidnt got his for free from Gabor Boritt, a Lincoln scholar and director of the Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College.
Wonder If President Bush Also Visited Eisenhower's Home on the Outskirts of the Battlefield? --B-Runner
Regular folk like me have to shell out $55 to get a personal tour by an expert, but the presidnt got his for free from Gabor Boritt, a Lincoln scholar and director of the Civil War Institute at Gettysburg College.
Wonder If President Bush Also Visited Eisenhower's Home on the Outskirts of the Battlefield? --B-Runner
Friday, September 5, 2008
Just How many Confederate Widows Are Left?
The August 3rd Belleville (Il) News-Democrat had a column by Roger Schueter where a JW of Collinsville said that a friend had told him that there were still Confederate widows alive. Hedidn't believeit and there was a bet for a Cardinalsgame involved.
Schueter replied that ther was a handful left, perhaps more.
This is of special interest because of the death of Maudie Celia Hopkins a few weeks ago. Martha Boltz, public relations chairman of the United daughters of the Confederacy says ther are more remaining. When the media made a big deal about the death of supposed-last-Confederate widow, Albert Martin onMay 31, 2004, Maudie Hopkins came forward to say she had been married to a veteran.
Boltz says she knows of two more widows in Tennessee and one more, but they don't want to be "found" because of the huge age difference when they married.
LAST UNION VETERAN'S WIDOW
Gertrude Janeway died January 17, 2003 in Blaine, tennessee at age 93 and is presumed to be the very last Union widow, but, again, there may be others.
She was 18 when she married 81 year-old John Janeway who died ten years later. She continued to live in their three roomlog cabin for 65 more years, collecting her husband's monthly $70 pension from the VA until she died.
Mighty Hard Times Make Young Girls Do Desperate Things. --Old B-Runner
Schueter replied that ther was a handful left, perhaps more.
This is of special interest because of the death of Maudie Celia Hopkins a few weeks ago. Martha Boltz, public relations chairman of the United daughters of the Confederacy says ther are more remaining. When the media made a big deal about the death of supposed-last-Confederate widow, Albert Martin onMay 31, 2004, Maudie Hopkins came forward to say she had been married to a veteran.
Boltz says she knows of two more widows in Tennessee and one more, but they don't want to be "found" because of the huge age difference when they married.
LAST UNION VETERAN'S WIDOW
Gertrude Janeway died January 17, 2003 in Blaine, tennessee at age 93 and is presumed to be the very last Union widow, but, again, there may be others.
She was 18 when she married 81 year-old John Janeway who died ten years later. She continued to live in their three roomlog cabin for 65 more years, collecting her husband's monthly $70 pension from the VA until she died.
Mighty Hard Times Make Young Girls Do Desperate Things. --Old B-Runner
General Alfred H. Terry
The War and Games Blog recently featured an entry on Union General Alfred H. Terry. the commander in charge of the capture of Fort Fisher.
After the Civil War, he was one of the very few volunteer generals to stay with the army and commanded the Department of the Dakota during the 1876 Sioux War and was criticized for Custer's defeat at the Little Big Horn,
He was born in Hartford, Connecticut and had a law background while serving as an officer in the local militia. Led a regiment at First Bull Run then recruited the 7th Connecticut regiment. Participated in the capture and occupation of Port Royal, SC, in November 1861 and distinguished self in the capture of Fort Pulaski, Georgia and was appointed garrison commander and promoted to the rank of volunteer brigadier general.
Later, he was involved in the operations against Charleston before transferring to Butler's Army of the James where he took part in the action at Drewry's Bluff. With all the sea coast experience, he was a natural selection for commander of the second assault on Fort Fisher, NC, after Butler's failure in the first one.
He received the thanks of Congress for Fort Fisher's capture and was promoted to brigadier general regular US Army.
After Wilmington was occupied, he operated with general John Schofield's Army of the Ohio in the march inland to link up with Sherman's Army at Goldsboro, NC.
Quite an Officer. --Old B-Runner
After the Civil War, he was one of the very few volunteer generals to stay with the army and commanded the Department of the Dakota during the 1876 Sioux War and was criticized for Custer's defeat at the Little Big Horn,
He was born in Hartford, Connecticut and had a law background while serving as an officer in the local militia. Led a regiment at First Bull Run then recruited the 7th Connecticut regiment. Participated in the capture and occupation of Port Royal, SC, in November 1861 and distinguished self in the capture of Fort Pulaski, Georgia and was appointed garrison commander and promoted to the rank of volunteer brigadier general.
Later, he was involved in the operations against Charleston before transferring to Butler's Army of the James where he took part in the action at Drewry's Bluff. With all the sea coast experience, he was a natural selection for commander of the second assault on Fort Fisher, NC, after Butler's failure in the first one.
He received the thanks of Congress for Fort Fisher's capture and was promoted to brigadier general regular US Army.
After Wilmington was occupied, he operated with general John Schofield's Army of the Ohio in the march inland to link up with Sherman's Army at Goldsboro, NC.
Quite an Officer. --Old B-Runner
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Grand Traverse Cannon from the USS Sabine
Continuing with the last story, the SUV camp did not know much about the cannon until member Bill Stillman did some research and found out it was from the frigate USS Sabine, one of the last sailing vessels commissioned by the US Navy. It carried 49 cannons and a crew of 375.
It saw service during the Civil War until it became a training ship in 1864. It was decommissioned and scrapped in 1880.
In 1910, Michigan Senator William Alden Smith donated it to the county.
MORE ON THE USS SABINE
From wikipedia. The vessel was started in 1822, but not completed in the New York Navy Yard until 1855 and commissioned in 1858. It cruised to South America after the USS Water Witch was fired on by Paraguay. During the Civil War, it cruised along the east coast after participating in the relief of Fort Pickens, Florida.
The Water Witch was captured by Confederates during the war and has recently been located in Georgia. A full-size waterlevel replica of it is being built at the Civil War Naval Museum in Columbus, Georgia.
Keep Tracing That History. B-Runner
It saw service during the Civil War until it became a training ship in 1864. It was decommissioned and scrapped in 1880.
In 1910, Michigan Senator William Alden Smith donated it to the county.
MORE ON THE USS SABINE
From wikipedia. The vessel was started in 1822, but not completed in the New York Navy Yard until 1855 and commissioned in 1858. It cruised to South America after the USS Water Witch was fired on by Paraguay. During the Civil War, it cruised along the east coast after participating in the relief of Fort Pickens, Florida.
The Water Witch was captured by Confederates during the war and has recently been located in Georgia. A full-size waterlevel replica of it is being built at the Civil War Naval Museum in Columbus, Georgia.
Keep Tracing That History. B-Runner
Cannon and Statue Plaque Dedicated in Grand Traverse, Michigan
The Grand Traverse Herald in Michigan reports that a Civil War naval cannon forged at West Point Foundry on August 23, 1858 and a statue of a Union soldier will have a plaque dedicated telling of their history by the Robert Finch Camp 14 Sons of Union veterans of the Civil War. They will also talk about the 1917 dedication of the cannon by the Grand Army of the Republic.
The Sons of Union veterans have 200 camps nationwide and the Robert Finch Camp was established in 1914, making it the oldest in the state.
The statue was dedicated on Decoration Day 1870 to honor the 171 volunteers from Grand Traverse, of whom 32 died.
Let's Keep Preserving Our Past. --Old B-Runner
The Sons of Union veterans have 200 camps nationwide and the Robert Finch Camp was established in 1914, making it the oldest in the state.
The statue was dedicated on Decoration Day 1870 to honor the 171 volunteers from Grand Traverse, of whom 32 died.
Let's Keep Preserving Our Past. --Old B-Runner
Running the Blockade: 18th NC Battle Flag-- Tampa Flag Stays Up-- Kempshall Turning 100
Some New News About an Old War.
1. 18th NORTH CAROLINA BATTLE FLAG-- The June 18th Raleigh News & Observer reports that the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh has bought the battle flag of the 18th NC Regiment, which has the notoriety of being the soldiers who shot Stonewall Jackson.
In 1992, a New Jersey College Professor sent a letter to the museum concerning it. The flag was captured the following day at the Battle of Chancellorsville.
2. TAMPA FLAG STAYS UP-- Tempers are getting short in the Tampa area as the huge Confederate battle flag has been flying every day for the past two weeks. It was raised August 24th to commemorate the death of an outspoken flag advocate. Plans are now to continue flying it.
Before this, it was only up for short periods of time.
3. KEMPSHALL TURNING 100-- Wayne Kempshall, the grandson of John Kempshall for whom the Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1534 is named, is turning 100 this September 12th. He is a charter member of the camp. Congratulations Mr. Kempshall.
Raising That Flag Sure Burns Some Folks. --Old B-Runner
1. 18th NORTH CAROLINA BATTLE FLAG-- The June 18th Raleigh News & Observer reports that the North Carolina Museum of History in Raleigh has bought the battle flag of the 18th NC Regiment, which has the notoriety of being the soldiers who shot Stonewall Jackson.
In 1992, a New Jersey College Professor sent a letter to the museum concerning it. The flag was captured the following day at the Battle of Chancellorsville.
2. TAMPA FLAG STAYS UP-- Tempers are getting short in the Tampa area as the huge Confederate battle flag has been flying every day for the past two weeks. It was raised August 24th to commemorate the death of an outspoken flag advocate. Plans are now to continue flying it.
Before this, it was only up for short periods of time.
3. KEMPSHALL TURNING 100-- Wayne Kempshall, the grandson of John Kempshall for whom the Sons of Confederate Veterans Camp 1534 is named, is turning 100 this September 12th. He is a charter member of the camp. Congratulations Mr. Kempshall.
Raising That Flag Sure Burns Some Folks. --Old B-Runner
Wednesday, September 3, 2008
SUVCW Honors Union Soldier
The May 24th Fremont (Ne) Tribune said that the local group of Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War had a service honoring a Union soldier.
The state department commander said that Memorial Day was started by the Grand Army of the Republic, the organization to which former Union servicemen belonged. Membership was restricted to those members who had sreved in the Army, Navy, Marines, or Revenue Cutter services during the war. This limited the existence of the group which ceased to exist in 1956.
UNION VETERAN ORGANIZATIONS
In 1881, the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War was formed to carry on. Membership to this organization is open to any man who can prove direct ancestry. In recent years, associate members have been allowed.
There are five allied orders honoring the former Union soldiers: SUVCW, Ladfies of the Grand Army of the Republic. Women's Relief Corps, Auxilliary to the SUVCW, and Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
Membership qualifications are minimum age 14, and relative had to have served between April 12, 1961 and April 9, 1865 and had to have died in service or been honorably discharged.
NEBRASKA
The state had about 2000 veterans and artound 19,000 Union vetserans are buried in the state according to the National SUVCW Graves Registration Project. Members have walked 250 of nebraska's 950 cemeteries and put sites on GPS. They also determine the condition of the graves.
More than half of the 60 Nebraska SUVCW members are re-enactors as well, which makes ceremonies easier.
Keeping the Memory Alive. --B-R'er
The state department commander said that Memorial Day was started by the Grand Army of the Republic, the organization to which former Union servicemen belonged. Membership was restricted to those members who had sreved in the Army, Navy, Marines, or Revenue Cutter services during the war. This limited the existence of the group which ceased to exist in 1956.
UNION VETERAN ORGANIZATIONS
In 1881, the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War was formed to carry on. Membership to this organization is open to any man who can prove direct ancestry. In recent years, associate members have been allowed.
There are five allied orders honoring the former Union soldiers: SUVCW, Ladfies of the Grand Army of the Republic. Women's Relief Corps, Auxilliary to the SUVCW, and Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
Membership qualifications are minimum age 14, and relative had to have served between April 12, 1961 and April 9, 1865 and had to have died in service or been honorably discharged.
NEBRASKA
The state had about 2000 veterans and artound 19,000 Union vetserans are buried in the state according to the National SUVCW Graves Registration Project. Members have walked 250 of nebraska's 950 cemeteries and put sites on GPS. They also determine the condition of the graves.
More than half of the 60 Nebraska SUVCW members are re-enactors as well, which makes ceremonies easier.
Keeping the Memory Alive. --B-R'er
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Yet Some More Turtle Info
The City Class ironclads cost $100,000 each and were flat-bottomed and very importantly, only drew six feet of water; very desirable for river cruising.
Each was 175 feet long and 51.5 feet wide and mounted 13 heavy guns and were seriously under-powered, but effective. Speed wasn't all that important on the rivers.
Of interest, of the 512 tons each weighed, 122 of it was from the 2.5 inches on iron covering the sides. I found no mention as to whether the top of the case mate was covered as well.
So, Now You Know. --B-Runner
Each was 175 feet long and 51.5 feet wide and mounted 13 heavy guns and were seriously under-powered, but effective. Speed wasn't all that important on the rivers.
Of interest, of the 512 tons each weighed, 122 of it was from the 2.5 inches on iron covering the sides. I found no mention as to whether the top of the case mate was covered as well.
So, Now You Know. --B-Runner
They Were Called Pook's Turtles!!
I did a Yahoo search and found three sites that referred to them as Pook's Turtles. They did resemble turtles. So, I wasn't just dreaming it.
Some further information from the Vicksburg National Park visitors center. The "Turtles" looked so similar, they used color bands on the smokestacks to tell them apart.
Disposition of the vessels:
BARON DE KALB-- sunk after striking a Confederate torpedo (as mines were called) one mile below Yazoo City on July 13, 1863.
CAIRO-- sunk after striking Confederate torpedo in Yazoo River December 12, 1862. Raised December 12, 1964 ( on the anniversary of sinking).
CINCINNATI-- decommissioned and sold. Hull became wharfboat at Gallipolis, Ohio. Engines used in tug QUAKER.
LOUISVILLE-- decommissioned and sold
PITTSBURG-- Sold and abandoned in 1870
MOUND CITY-- decommissioned and broken up 1866
One of the heavier losses in the naval war occurred on board the Mound City when a shell pierced and exploded in the steam drum June 1862 and killed or injured 150 crewmembers.
A Pook in a Turtle or Is That a Turtle in a Pook. --Old B-Runner
Some further information from the Vicksburg National Park visitors center. The "Turtles" looked so similar, they used color bands on the smokestacks to tell them apart.
Disposition of the vessels:
BARON DE KALB-- sunk after striking a Confederate torpedo (as mines were called) one mile below Yazoo City on July 13, 1863.
CAIRO-- sunk after striking Confederate torpedo in Yazoo River December 12, 1862. Raised December 12, 1964 ( on the anniversary of sinking).
CINCINNATI-- decommissioned and sold. Hull became wharfboat at Gallipolis, Ohio. Engines used in tug QUAKER.
LOUISVILLE-- decommissioned and sold
PITTSBURG-- Sold and abandoned in 1870
MOUND CITY-- decommissioned and broken up 1866
One of the heavier losses in the naval war occurred on board the Mound City when a shell pierced and exploded in the steam drum June 1862 and killed or injured 150 crewmembers.
A Pook in a Turtle or Is That a Turtle in a Pook. --Old B-Runner
Samuel Pook, Naval Architect
While doing some research on the role Cornelius Scranton Bushnell had with the USS Monitor, I came across the name of Samuel Pook who worked at Bushnell's shipyard in New Haven, Connecticut. That name was familiar so further looking found that he was the designer of the City Class on ironclads on the rivers in the western theatre.
These vessels were built by James Eads in Carondolet, Missouri, and Mound City, Illinois.
They were wooden-hulled with 2.5 inches of iron on the sides and built between August 1861 and January 1862.
They were the
Carondolet
St. Louis (later renamed Baron De Kalb)
Cairo
Pittsburgh
Mound City Cincinnati
Louisville
Sometimes referred to as Pook's Poodles, but I couldn't find any information on a name I seem to remember, Pook's Turtles.
Two of them , the Cairo and Baron De Kalb were sunk by torpedoes.
Funny-Looking, But Effective Ships. --B-Runner
These vessels were built by James Eads in Carondolet, Missouri, and Mound City, Illinois.
They were wooden-hulled with 2.5 inches of iron on the sides and built between August 1861 and January 1862.
They were the
Carondolet
St. Louis (later renamed Baron De Kalb)
Cairo
Pittsburgh
Mound City Cincinnati
Louisville
Sometimes referred to as Pook's Poodles, but I couldn't find any information on a name I seem to remember, Pook's Turtles.
Two of them , the Cairo and Baron De Kalb were sunk by torpedoes.
Funny-Looking, But Effective Ships. --B-Runner
Battle of White Hall, NC
The June 12th Mount Olive Tribune reported on the 8th annual reenactment of the 1862 Battle of White Hall which was hampered by temperatures in the 100s. That made it especially hard for the reenactors in their wool uniforms.
Perhaps, they would have been better off having it the actual date of the engagement, a few days before Christmas.
THE ACTUAL BATTLE
By John Cate, staff writer
The actual battle was little more than a skirmish when compared to the bigger battles. But,it was part of a Union effort to disrupt Lee's major supply line, the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad which had a major impact on operations of the eastern theatre of the war.
The city of Goldsborough,(as it was spelled back then, now Goldsboro), NC, was a major supply depot along the railroad and it was to this place that Union forces turned their attention.
On December 12, 1862, a Union force of 4,500 under command of Brigadier General John H. Foster left Union-held New Bern heading for Goldsborough.
On December 14th, they easily defeated a smaller Confederate force under Brigadier General Nathan Evans near Kinston causing them to fall back to the Neuse River.
BATTLE OF WHITE HALL
Two days later, the forces encountered again at White Hall where Foster used part of his force to tie down Evans and marched with the rest to attack the railroad bridge at Goldsborough.
By Confederate accounts, the Battle of White Hall was a victory with 125 Union dead as opposed to Confederate losses of ten dead and 42 wounded out of 1,500 engaged.
BATTLE AT GOLDSBOROUGH BRIDGE
Meanwhile, on the 17th, Foster attacked the bridge and defeatred the Confederates under brigadier General Thomas Clingman and captured it. They destroyed it as well as track, but Foster did not believe he was strong enough to capture Goldsborough so fell back to New Bern.
The railroad tracks and bridge were soon repaired and supplies again reaching Lee's army. Several other attempts were made at Goldsborough, but it remained in Confederate hands until March 23, 1865, when it surrenderedto Sherman's army on its march from South Carolina.
Mighty Hot in Them Wool Uniforms. --Old B-R'er
Perhaps, they would have been better off having it the actual date of the engagement, a few days before Christmas.
THE ACTUAL BATTLE
By John Cate, staff writer
The actual battle was little more than a skirmish when compared to the bigger battles. But,it was part of a Union effort to disrupt Lee's major supply line, the Wilmington and Weldon Railroad which had a major impact on operations of the eastern theatre of the war.
The city of Goldsborough,(as it was spelled back then, now Goldsboro), NC, was a major supply depot along the railroad and it was to this place that Union forces turned their attention.
On December 12, 1862, a Union force of 4,500 under command of Brigadier General John H. Foster left Union-held New Bern heading for Goldsborough.
On December 14th, they easily defeated a smaller Confederate force under Brigadier General Nathan Evans near Kinston causing them to fall back to the Neuse River.
BATTLE OF WHITE HALL
Two days later, the forces encountered again at White Hall where Foster used part of his force to tie down Evans and marched with the rest to attack the railroad bridge at Goldsborough.
By Confederate accounts, the Battle of White Hall was a victory with 125 Union dead as opposed to Confederate losses of ten dead and 42 wounded out of 1,500 engaged.
BATTLE AT GOLDSBOROUGH BRIDGE
Meanwhile, on the 17th, Foster attacked the bridge and defeatred the Confederates under brigadier General Thomas Clingman and captured it. They destroyed it as well as track, but Foster did not believe he was strong enough to capture Goldsborough so fell back to New Bern.
The railroad tracks and bridge were soon repaired and supplies again reaching Lee's army. Several other attempts were made at Goldsborough, but it remained in Confederate hands until March 23, 1865, when it surrenderedto Sherman's army on its march from South Carolina.
Mighty Hot in Them Wool Uniforms. --Old B-R'er
Monday, September 1, 2008
Finders Keepers-- Scouts at Cold Harbor in the 1950s
Bill Young had an interesting article about an experience he had back in the 1950s as a Boy Scout.
His troop went to a camp out on private land near the Cold Harbor Battlefield and were told that once the campsite was up and running, they could go looking for any relics they could find--and they would get to keep whatever they found.
The excited boys took off right away. One scout found a rusty Union canteen-- bull's eye type with seven rings on the side. The letters US could still be seen stamped on its neck.
The patrols found the remains of trenches and a piece of grapeshot just sitting there. The scoutmaster told them that they were loaded into cannons and fired liked a shotgun.
Another patrol found horseshoes near a marker saying that Union cavalry charged near the spot during the battle and were driven back with heavy loss. The four horseshoes were found by each other so the scouts believed it must have been from the same horse. They also found an iron stirrup near the same area.
Yet another scout had found a flat lump of lead with teeth marks. It was decided that someone bit down on it while their arm or leg was sawed off, hence the term "Bite the Bullet."
Now, Talk About a Better Way to Get Youth Interested in History. I'd have to Believe That All of Those Boys Developed a Keen Interest in History After That Trip. --Old B-R'er
His troop went to a camp out on private land near the Cold Harbor Battlefield and were told that once the campsite was up and running, they could go looking for any relics they could find--and they would get to keep whatever they found.
The excited boys took off right away. One scout found a rusty Union canteen-- bull's eye type with seven rings on the side. The letters US could still be seen stamped on its neck.
The patrols found the remains of trenches and a piece of grapeshot just sitting there. The scoutmaster told them that they were loaded into cannons and fired liked a shotgun.
Another patrol found horseshoes near a marker saying that Union cavalry charged near the spot during the battle and were driven back with heavy loss. The four horseshoes were found by each other so the scouts believed it must have been from the same horse. They also found an iron stirrup near the same area.
Yet another scout had found a flat lump of lead with teeth marks. It was decided that someone bit down on it while their arm or leg was sawed off, hence the term "Bite the Bullet."
Now, Talk About a Better Way to Get Youth Interested in History. I'd have to Believe That All of Those Boys Developed a Keen Interest in History After That Trip. --Old B-R'er
Jefferson Davis Monument-- Some Interesting Facts
The July-August Confederate Veteran Magazine had an article about the Jefferson Davis Monument in Fairview, Kentucky.
MIGHTY TALL
It is regardedas the world's tallest unreinforced concrete structure and obelisk.
It is the world's third tallest obelisk behind the San Jacinto Monument outside of Houston, Texas and the Washington Monument. It is the fifth tallest monument in the US, behind the Arch in St. Louis and the Perry's Victory and International Peace Monument in Ohio.
HISTORY AND COST
GeneralSimon Bolivar suggested it at a reunion of Kentucky's Orphan Brigade in 1907. Construction began in 1917 and halted in 1918 due to rationing of building supplies during WW I. It resumed in 1922 and was completed in 1924 with a cost overrun of $125,000 from the original $75,000.
This past June, a two-day celebration was held at the site to mark Davis' 200th birthday. His great grandson Bertram Hayes-Davis gave a presentation.
Article by Cassie A. Barrow.
Now, That's One Tall Object. --Old B-Runner
MIGHTY TALL
It is regardedas the world's tallest unreinforced concrete structure and obelisk.
It is the world's third tallest obelisk behind the San Jacinto Monument outside of Houston, Texas and the Washington Monument. It is the fifth tallest monument in the US, behind the Arch in St. Louis and the Perry's Victory and International Peace Monument in Ohio.
HISTORY AND COST
GeneralSimon Bolivar suggested it at a reunion of Kentucky's Orphan Brigade in 1907. Construction began in 1917 and halted in 1918 due to rationing of building supplies during WW I. It resumed in 1922 and was completed in 1924 with a cost overrun of $125,000 from the original $75,000.
This past June, a two-day celebration was held at the site to mark Davis' 200th birthday. His great grandson Bertram Hayes-Davis gave a presentation.
Article by Cassie A. Barrow.
Now, That's One Tall Object. --Old B-Runner
Fort Fisher in the News
Two recent items concerning Fort Fisher, North Carolina.
1. Yesterday, a man drowned by the beach at Fort Fisher after he and a friend were caught in rip tides. The friend was saved.
2. BIKE PATH-- Plans are undreway for a possible bike/pedestrian path from the Snow's Cut bridge north of Carolina Beach, past the fort and on to the ferry and Rocks. Definitely something that is needed for Pleasure Island.
If You Plan to Do Some Swimming While Visiting the Fort, Be Very Careful. --Old B-R
1. Yesterday, a man drowned by the beach at Fort Fisher after he and a friend were caught in rip tides. The friend was saved.
2. BIKE PATH-- Plans are undreway for a possible bike/pedestrian path from the Snow's Cut bridge north of Carolina Beach, past the fort and on to the ferry and Rocks. Definitely something that is needed for Pleasure Island.
If You Plan to Do Some Swimming While Visiting the Fort, Be Very Careful. --Old B-R
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