Just about every where we went yesterday, people were asking each other where they were ten years ago when they found out about the horrific events unfolding that day.
This was my second of the Big Three of the past 70 years. The other one I remember being President Kennedy's Assassination. I wasn't born when Pearl Harbor took place.
Others that rank up there in the "Where Were You" category were the Challenger Explosion and Man on the Moon.
For what we observed yesterday, see today's blog on my Down Da Road I Go blog at http://downdaroadigo.blogspot.com, or my RoadLog at http://roaddogsroadlog.blogspot.com.
Not Forgetting.
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Observing 9-11
We're here in Lebanon, Missouri, and people are talking about where they were this date ten years ago.
Like the firing on Fort Sumter, over 150 years ago, this event was one of those where were you when you found out ones.
Not Forgetting. Won't Forget.
Like the firing on Fort Sumter, over 150 years ago, this event was one of those where were you when you found out ones.
Not Forgetting. Won't Forget.
Friday, September 9, 2011
Lebanon in the Civil War
Yesterday, we went to the Route 66 Museum in Lebanon, Missouri, which boasts a small, but well-stocked library of books pertaining to Route 66, the Lincoln Highway and other historical roads in the US.
I found one book written by the WPA (Works Progress Administration) regarding Missouri in the 1930s.
Looking up Lebanon, it said that the town became strategically important during the war to both sides because of its location on what was called the Military Road, a dirt road that connected St. Louis and Springfield in Missouri. I believe I have also seen it referred to as the Telegraph Road because of the wires stretched along it.
This road became Route 66 some sixty-plus years later.
The book also reported that both sides occupied Lebanon at various times.
So, That's About the Road of It. --Old B-Runner
I found one book written by the WPA (Works Progress Administration) regarding Missouri in the 1930s.
Looking up Lebanon, it said that the town became strategically important during the war to both sides because of its location on what was called the Military Road, a dirt road that connected St. Louis and Springfield in Missouri. I believe I have also seen it referred to as the Telegraph Road because of the wires stretched along it.
This road became Route 66 some sixty-plus years later.
The book also reported that both sides occupied Lebanon at various times.
So, That's About the Road of It. --Old B-Runner
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Not Much Civil War History...Yet
We're in Lebanon, Missouri, right now, but have not encountered much in the way of Civil War history.
I'm sure troops from both sides went through here at various times during the war, but no battle or skirmish was fought near here. The nearest site would be the Battle of Wilson's Creek near Springfield, Missouri.
Kip Welburn told me a few years ago that this motor tour would feature the Civil War along Missouri's stretch of Route 66. I'm hoping to get some ideas as I would like to plan an Illinois Route 66 Civil War Motor Tour during the war's sesquicentennial (finally learned how to spell the word).
Of course, there was a lot more Civil War action in Missouri than was in Illinois.
Route 66 and the Civil War. Sounds Like an Idea to Me. --Old B-Runner
I'm sure troops from both sides went through here at various times during the war, but no battle or skirmish was fought near here. The nearest site would be the Battle of Wilson's Creek near Springfield, Missouri.
Kip Welburn told me a few years ago that this motor tour would feature the Civil War along Missouri's stretch of Route 66. I'm hoping to get some ideas as I would like to plan an Illinois Route 66 Civil War Motor Tour during the war's sesquicentennial (finally learned how to spell the word).
Of course, there was a lot more Civil War action in Missouri than was in Illinois.
Route 66 and the Civil War. Sounds Like an Idea to Me. --Old B-Runner
Tuesday, September 6, 2011
List of USS Monitor Crewmembers Who Died When It Sank
Sixteen lost their lives.
OFFICERS:
Norman Knox Attwater, Acting Ensign
Gregory Frederickson
Robinson Woolen Hands-- 2nd Assistant Engineer
Samuel Augee Lewis-- 3rd Assistant Engineer
BLACK ENLISTED:
Robert Cook-- 1st Class Boy (born Glouchester, Va.)
Robert H. Howard-- Officer's Cook (born Howard County, Va.)
Daniel Moore-- Landsman (born Prince William or Loudon, Va.)
WHITE ENLISTED:
William Allen-- Landsman (born England) 24 years old
William Bryan-- Yeoman (born NY City) 31 years old
William H. Eagan-- Landsman (born Ireland) 21 years old
James R. Fenwick-- Quarter Gunner (born Scotland) 23 years old
Thomas Joyce (or Joice)-- 1st Class Fireman (born Ireland) age 23
George Littlefield-- Coal Heaver (born Saco, Maine) age 25
Jacob Nicklis (Nickles)-- Seaman (born Buffalo? NY) age 21
John Stocking-- Boatswain's Mate (born Binghampton, NY) age 27
Robert Williams-- 1st Class Fireman (born Wales) age 30
Interesting to see where these men were born, Quite a few born overseas. The blacks were all born in Virginia and might likely have been ex-slaves.
I Wonder Who Monitor 1 and Monitor 2 Are? --Old B-R'er
OFFICERS:
Norman Knox Attwater, Acting Ensign
Gregory Frederickson
Robinson Woolen Hands-- 2nd Assistant Engineer
Samuel Augee Lewis-- 3rd Assistant Engineer
BLACK ENLISTED:
Robert Cook-- 1st Class Boy (born Glouchester, Va.)
Robert H. Howard-- Officer's Cook (born Howard County, Va.)
Daniel Moore-- Landsman (born Prince William or Loudon, Va.)
WHITE ENLISTED:
William Allen-- Landsman (born England) 24 years old
William Bryan-- Yeoman (born NY City) 31 years old
William H. Eagan-- Landsman (born Ireland) 21 years old
James R. Fenwick-- Quarter Gunner (born Scotland) 23 years old
Thomas Joyce (or Joice)-- 1st Class Fireman (born Ireland) age 23
George Littlefield-- Coal Heaver (born Saco, Maine) age 25
Jacob Nicklis (Nickles)-- Seaman (born Buffalo? NY) age 21
John Stocking-- Boatswain's Mate (born Binghampton, NY) age 27
Robert Williams-- 1st Class Fireman (born Wales) age 30
Interesting to see where these men were born, Quite a few born overseas. The blacks were all born in Virginia and might likely have been ex-slaves.
I Wonder Who Monitor 1 and Monitor 2 Are? --Old B-R'er
Fort Fisher, Mars Bluff Navy Yard and the CSS Pee Dee
From the April 12, 2011 SC Now "Museum owner recalls discovering Civil War ship" by Mason Snyder. An interesting video accompanies the article.
This article combines three items that have been heavily covered on this blog, Fort Fisher, the Navy Yard and the CSS Pee Dee.
Ted Gragg grew up by Fort Fisher (lucky dog), only two houses away and pretty much had the fort to himself much of the time. He became interested in the Civil War and his boyhood hobby became his life-long interest and led to a job in archaeology. (Sounds a lot like me, only he got to live by Fort Fisher. I've always been way far away.)
He spent 17 years looking for the CSS Pee Dee, a Macon-class Confederate gunboat launched at Mars Bluff Navy Uard on the Great Pee Dee River in Marion County.
It was destroyed near the end of the war. In 1992, Gragg and a team found the remains and located many artifacts which led to his opening his museum to display them.
See them at the South Carolina Civil War Museum at 4857 US-17 Bypass, Myrtle Beach, SC, open 9 am to 8 pm Mon-Sat, admission for adults $4.
Looks like I'll have a place to go next time I'm doing my Beach Music Thing there.
Living the Good Life. --Old B-Runner
This article combines three items that have been heavily covered on this blog, Fort Fisher, the Navy Yard and the CSS Pee Dee.
Ted Gragg grew up by Fort Fisher (lucky dog), only two houses away and pretty much had the fort to himself much of the time. He became interested in the Civil War and his boyhood hobby became his life-long interest and led to a job in archaeology. (Sounds a lot like me, only he got to live by Fort Fisher. I've always been way far away.)
He spent 17 years looking for the CSS Pee Dee, a Macon-class Confederate gunboat launched at Mars Bluff Navy Uard on the Great Pee Dee River in Marion County.
It was destroyed near the end of the war. In 1992, Gragg and a team found the remains and located many artifacts which led to his opening his museum to display them.
See them at the South Carolina Civil War Museum at 4857 US-17 Bypass, Myrtle Beach, SC, open 9 am to 8 pm Mon-Sat, admission for adults $4.
Looks like I'll have a place to go next time I'm doing my Beach Music Thing there.
Living the Good Life. --Old B-Runner
Monday, September 5, 2011
Burial of Two USS Monitor Crewmembers-- Part 2
After the wreck of the USS Monitor was found, it was hoped that the whole ship could be raised, but upon examination, it was found that the ship was in such bad condition after all those years at the bottom of the ocean. Instead, important parts of the ship were raised, including the engine and the 140-ton turret, which was found upside down with the hull resting on it.
So far, work in the turret, now located at the Mariners Museum in Newport News, Virginia, has turned up buttons, buckles, leather, a wool coat and other abandoned clothing. A ring was found on Monitor 2, but there was no inscription.
No gold bullion was found, which would have been on an officer's shoulder boards (sign of rank).
The remains have been sent to the Department of Defense forensic lab in Hawaii. So far, examinations suggest that both men were white (there were three blacks among those lost).
A problem faced in the identification process is that during the Civil War, no identification was needed for enlisted personnel. Often, false names were given. Plus, enlisted men did not have to give their next of kin.
I wonder how agent Gibbs and the rest of the NCIS team would handle this case?
Here's Hoping They Find Their Identities. --Old B-R'er
So far, work in the turret, now located at the Mariners Museum in Newport News, Virginia, has turned up buttons, buckles, leather, a wool coat and other abandoned clothing. A ring was found on Monitor 2, but there was no inscription.
No gold bullion was found, which would have been on an officer's shoulder boards (sign of rank).
The remains have been sent to the Department of Defense forensic lab in Hawaii. So far, examinations suggest that both men were white (there were three blacks among those lost).
A problem faced in the identification process is that during the Civil War, no identification was needed for enlisted personnel. Often, false names were given. Plus, enlisted men did not have to give their next of kin.
I wonder how agent Gibbs and the rest of the NCIS team would handle this case?
Here's Hoping They Find Their Identities. --Old B-R'er
Burial of Two USS Monitor Crewmembers-- Part 1
From the Civil War News May 2011, by Scott c. Boyd.
Details are being worked out for the burial of the remains of two crewmen found in the USS Monitor's turret now that it has been raised. The remains are to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery December 31, 2012, the 150th anniversary of the ship's sinking and their deaths.
These men went down with the ship in 230 feet of water, sixteen miles off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, on its way to Port Royal. Sixteen of the 62 on board lost their lives, four officers and twelve enlisted.
At this point, the two are known as Monitor 1 and Monitor 2. Officials want the descendants of the 12 who lost their lives to be tested. If a match is found, the remains will be turned over to the family.
At present, the thinking is that the remains might be of a fireman and a coal heaver since the steam pumps were keeping the foundering ship afloat long enough for the rest of the crew to escape. They would be the last off the ship.
More to Come. --Old B-Runner
Details are being worked out for the burial of the remains of two crewmen found in the USS Monitor's turret now that it has been raised. The remains are to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery December 31, 2012, the 150th anniversary of the ship's sinking and their deaths.
These men went down with the ship in 230 feet of water, sixteen miles off Cape Hatteras, North Carolina, on its way to Port Royal. Sixteen of the 62 on board lost their lives, four officers and twelve enlisted.
At this point, the two are known as Monitor 1 and Monitor 2. Officials want the descendants of the 12 who lost their lives to be tested. If a match is found, the remains will be turned over to the family.
At present, the thinking is that the remains might be of a fireman and a coal heaver since the steam pumps were keeping the foundering ship afloat long enough for the rest of the crew to escape. They would be the last off the ship.
More to Come. --Old B-Runner
Saturday, September 3, 2011
USS Monitor's Turret Tank Drained-- Part 2
I am still not sure whether they just kept the tank drained for the two months or if they drained it and refilled it each day.
This turret was significant as it marked the first time in history that a warship could fire in any direction without turning the whole ship. Ships up until then relied on cannons in mass along the sides (broadsides) of the vessel. Any change of direction required the whole ship to move. Plus, the guns on the other side could not be made to bear on the enemy.
Even the first Confederate ironclad the Monitor fought, the CSS Virginia, relied on guns in broadside.
The turret and other parts of the Monitor (the hull was left in place as it was determined to be too fragile to attempt moving it) were raised in 2002 and immediately moved to the Mariners Museum where it was kept in the giant tank of water ever since.
Had the salt-soaked iron been allowed to dry out quickly, it would rust and disintegrate. Officials estimate that it will be another 15 years before it can be permanently dry displayed.
More to Come. --Old B-R'er
This turret was significant as it marked the first time in history that a warship could fire in any direction without turning the whole ship. Ships up until then relied on cannons in mass along the sides (broadsides) of the vessel. Any change of direction required the whole ship to move. Plus, the guns on the other side could not be made to bear on the enemy.
Even the first Confederate ironclad the Monitor fought, the CSS Virginia, relied on guns in broadside.
The turret and other parts of the Monitor (the hull was left in place as it was determined to be too fragile to attempt moving it) were raised in 2002 and immediately moved to the Mariners Museum where it was kept in the giant tank of water ever since.
Had the salt-soaked iron been allowed to dry out quickly, it would rust and disintegrate. Officials estimate that it will be another 15 years before it can be permanently dry displayed.
More to Come. --Old B-R'er
USS Monitor's Turret Tank Drained-- Part 1
From the July 19th Virginian-Pilot "USS Monitor's tank drained for public display" by Teresa Annas.
This past July and August, the tank in which the innovative turret of the famous ship had rested while destructive salt was removed was drained for some real up and personal work.
Visitors to the Mariners Museum in Newport News, Virginia can watch from a viewing platform above it, only now, they get a much better view of it since the water has been drained. (I had really hoped to get a chance to see the turret out of the water, but was unable to get there on my August trip.)
You can also view it online.
A small decorative star-shaped piece of metal was found, perhaps a kurb.
Workers in the now-drained tank said it smelled like decaying sea life in the turret, but after awhile, they barely notice the aroma.
Gary Paden is an objects handler and was gently nudging, hour-after-hour, a wrought iron stanchion from the nine-foot tall turret. (At this point, I was wondering what a stanchion was.) It turns out the stanchions rimmed the roof of the turret and held up a canvas awning for shade during the summer. (If the turret is upside-down, I wonder how they got at the stanchion.)
The stanchions need to be removed and treated separately.
(I sure would have been happy to volunteer for this job. Talk about your history!)
More to Come. --Old B-Runner
This past July and August, the tank in which the innovative turret of the famous ship had rested while destructive salt was removed was drained for some real up and personal work.
Visitors to the Mariners Museum in Newport News, Virginia can watch from a viewing platform above it, only now, they get a much better view of it since the water has been drained. (I had really hoped to get a chance to see the turret out of the water, but was unable to get there on my August trip.)
You can also view it online.
A small decorative star-shaped piece of metal was found, perhaps a kurb.
Workers in the now-drained tank said it smelled like decaying sea life in the turret, but after awhile, they barely notice the aroma.
Gary Paden is an objects handler and was gently nudging, hour-after-hour, a wrought iron stanchion from the nine-foot tall turret. (At this point, I was wondering what a stanchion was.) It turns out the stanchions rimmed the roof of the turret and held up a canvas awning for shade during the summer. (If the turret is upside-down, I wonder how they got at the stanchion.)
The stanchions need to be removed and treated separately.
(I sure would have been happy to volunteer for this job. Talk about your history!)
More to Come. --Old B-Runner
Friday, September 2, 2011
Yet Another Interesting Talk I'll Miss
This one will be September 6th and 7th in Cincinnati, hear that Denny?
This one will be offered on two straight days.
It will be held at the Cincinnati Museum Center at the Union Center, which is a destination in itself, an amazing art deco train station on beautiful grounds.
Frank Moulds will present a talk on the role of the US Navy in Cincinnati during the war.
I know the city was the location where several Union ships were built, but not much beyond that.
Drat, I'll Miss That Too. --Old B-R'er
This one will be offered on two straight days.
It will be held at the Cincinnati Museum Center at the Union Center, which is a destination in itself, an amazing art deco train station on beautiful grounds.
Frank Moulds will present a talk on the role of the US Navy in Cincinnati during the war.
I know the city was the location where several Union ships were built, but not much beyond that.
Drat, I'll Miss That Too. --Old B-R'er
Another Talk I'd Like to Go To
This would be interesting, but alas, I'm too far away.
This talk will be for the Cape Fear Civil War Round Table in Wilmington, NC, on September 8th.
Donald M. Wilkinson, the great grandson of Captain John Wilkinson, CSN, one of the foremost blockade-runner captains of the Civil War will be giving a talk on his great grandfather.
He commanded the Robert E. lee, a blockade-runner that successfully ran the Wilmington blockade 21 times. A ship that more than paid for itself in profit.
he was also the only Confederate officer to command every type of vessel in that Navy.
He is currently writing a book on the life and times of his great-grandfather.
Surprisingly, there is no entry on Wikipedia for John Wilkinson.
This Would Have to Be Interesting. --Old B-Runner
This talk will be for the Cape Fear Civil War Round Table in Wilmington, NC, on September 8th.
Donald M. Wilkinson, the great grandson of Captain John Wilkinson, CSN, one of the foremost blockade-runner captains of the Civil War will be giving a talk on his great grandfather.
He commanded the Robert E. lee, a blockade-runner that successfully ran the Wilmington blockade 21 times. A ship that more than paid for itself in profit.
he was also the only Confederate officer to command every type of vessel in that Navy.
He is currently writing a book on the life and times of his great-grandfather.
Surprisingly, there is no entry on Wikipedia for John Wilkinson.
This Would Have to Be Interesting. --Old B-Runner
Thursday, September 1, 2011
The Brunswick Civil War Round Table
This organization is fairly new, just being formed in May 2010. As of this past June, membership stood at 280 members. That is one big organization, much bigger than most round tables. And to have reached that number that fast. I sure wish our Sons of Confederate Veterans camps could do likewise here in Illinois.
It is called Brunswick probably because of the North Carolina county its in.
Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month at Trinity United Methodist Church at 209 East Nash Street in Southport.
I was impressed that they would have a speaker of Stephen Wise's stature come to speak to them, but looking at other talks coming up, it no longer surprises me.
Jan. 11, 2012, they are having Ed Bearss speak. This is one man I sure would love to see. he is the real Mr. Civil War. (However, my wife's birthday is Jan. 10th so doubt I'll get to go.)
In April and May, two other noted Civil War scholars also speak. First, William C. Davis and then Chris Fonvielle. Fonvielle will speak on Union Naval hero William B. Cushing.
I Know Three Times I'd Really Like to Be in Southport. --Old B-Runner
It is called Brunswick probably because of the North Carolina county its in.
Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month at Trinity United Methodist Church at 209 East Nash Street in Southport.
I was impressed that they would have a speaker of Stephen Wise's stature come to speak to them, but looking at other talks coming up, it no longer surprises me.
Jan. 11, 2012, they are having Ed Bearss speak. This is one man I sure would love to see. he is the real Mr. Civil War. (However, my wife's birthday is Jan. 10th so doubt I'll get to go.)
In April and May, two other noted Civil War scholars also speak. First, William C. Davis and then Chris Fonvielle. Fonvielle will speak on Union Naval hero William B. Cushing.
I Know Three Times I'd Really Like to Be in Southport. --Old B-Runner
CSS Oregon and CSS Arrow
I'd never heard of these two ships before so some more research was necessary. As usual, good old Wikipedia provided a nice, concise treatment.
CSS OREGON
216 feet long, 26.6 ft. beam. Mounted 1X8-inch, 1X32-pdr. and two howitzers.
Was a wooden steam gunboat built in New York City in 1846. Seized by the state of Louisiana sometime in 1861 and used as a blockade-runner for awhile, supposedly running the blockade 92 times (I find this hard to believe).
Then the Confederate Army took the ship and turned it into a gunboat. (Again, the army with a gunboat?) I'd expect it to be the Navy.
It operated in the Mississippi Sound and in July was at Ship Island (see the last entry). In September 1861, the Oregon assisted in the evacuation of Confederate troops and supplies from Ship Island.
After the fall of New Orleans in April 1862, the ship was destroyed to prevent capture by Union forces.
CSS ARROW
I couldn't find any other mention of this ship.
Some More Confederate Ships. --Old B-R'er
CSS OREGON
216 feet long, 26.6 ft. beam. Mounted 1X8-inch, 1X32-pdr. and two howitzers.
Was a wooden steam gunboat built in New York City in 1846. Seized by the state of Louisiana sometime in 1861 and used as a blockade-runner for awhile, supposedly running the blockade 92 times (I find this hard to believe).
Then the Confederate Army took the ship and turned it into a gunboat. (Again, the army with a gunboat?) I'd expect it to be the Navy.
It operated in the Mississippi Sound and in July was at Ship Island (see the last entry). In September 1861, the Oregon assisted in the evacuation of Confederate troops and supplies from Ship Island.
After the fall of New Orleans in April 1862, the ship was destroyed to prevent capture by Union forces.
CSS ARROW
I couldn't find any other mention of this ship.
Some More Confederate Ships. --Old B-R'er
Confederates Take Control of Ship Island, Mississippi-- Part 2
Continuing from the August 26th entry.
On July 6, 1861, Captain Edward Higgins took command of the CSS Oregon and CSS Swain and left New Orleans looking for the USS Massachusetts. They didn't find the federal ship, but placed guns and men on Ship island including 55 CS Marines and 30 members of the 4th Louisiana.
On July 9th, the USS Massachusetts confirmed Confederate occupation of the island, counting four gin emplacements and 39 tents.
The ship, under command of Cmdr. Melancton Smith, then moved toward the island with intention of battle but found their gins were out of range but Confederate shells could hit the ship.
Shots were exchanged and the Massachusetts withdrew to Chandeleur Island.
On July 13th, the Smith returned and exchanged shots with the CSS Oregon and Arrow. The Confederate ships tried to lure the Union ship to get close to Ship Island, but he didn't take the bait.
A Little-Known Part of the War. --Old B-Runner
On July 6, 1861, Captain Edward Higgins took command of the CSS Oregon and CSS Swain and left New Orleans looking for the USS Massachusetts. They didn't find the federal ship, but placed guns and men on Ship island including 55 CS Marines and 30 members of the 4th Louisiana.
On July 9th, the USS Massachusetts confirmed Confederate occupation of the island, counting four gin emplacements and 39 tents.
The ship, under command of Cmdr. Melancton Smith, then moved toward the island with intention of battle but found their gins were out of range but Confederate shells could hit the ship.
Shots were exchanged and the Massachusetts withdrew to Chandeleur Island.
On July 13th, the Smith returned and exchanged shots with the CSS Oregon and Arrow. The Confederate ships tried to lure the Union ship to get close to Ship Island, but he didn't take the bait.
A Little-Known Part of the War. --Old B-Runner
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