Good news on the Civil War preservation front. We have a brand new old battlefield in Resaca, Georgia. And one that is long overdue, but thanks to the hard work of a small group of devotees, it is here.
The October 28th Calhoun (Ga) Times reports that ground was broken on the 27th for the Resaca Battlefield Historic Site marking the successful end of a twelve year effort by the Friends of Resaca. In addition, the Friends presented a $10,000 check to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources for the new visitors center.
The site is located near I-75, so many tourists are expected. Between 2000 and 2003, the Georgia DNR purchased 512.85 acres and they also have a conservation easement on the Chitwood Farm where annual reeanctments take place.
The Battle of Resaca took place over May 13-15, 1864 anf marked the only time both sides fought in open battle during the Atlanta Campaign.
Over 5,500 men on both sides lost their lives, about 10% of the total losses during the entire campaign.
This is Something Long Overdue. Congrats to the Friends of Resaca!! --Old B-Runner
The Battle of Fort Fisher, N.C.
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Running the Blockade: Battle at Dollinger Farm-- Hate Crime-- Strange Picture
Some New News About an Old War.
1. BATTLE AT DOLLINGER FARM----They called it the Battle of Cedar Creek, but it was strictly fictitious. According to the October 21st Morris (Il) Daily Herald, it took place at the Dollinger Family Farm southwest of the Village of Chinnahan. Over two days, some 700 reenactors viewed by between 6,000 and 7,000 visitors did battle in some great weather, a far cry from the September Civil War Days in Lake Villa, Illinois, near me. That turned into the monsoon season.
2. HATE CRIME-- And in Canada, too. Last November 2007, York Regional Police in Georgina, Ontario, noticed Luke Granados, 26, had a skeleton painted black hanging by noose from a flagpole flying a Confederate flag.
He pleaded guilty this past week to a hate crime and was sentenced to 45 days in jail.
When will they ever learn?
3. STRANGE PICTURE-- Ben Smith's Blog had a picture of a house in Martinsville, Indiana, with an Obama sign in front of it. What was of interest is that the flagpole next to it had a Confederate flag flying under the Stars and Stripes. That is something you wouldn't expect to see.
The entry sparked 114 comments. The best one was "It's a halloween set up. It's meant to be scary."
It's a Flag Thing, You Wouldn't Understand. --Old B-R'er
1. BATTLE AT DOLLINGER FARM----They called it the Battle of Cedar Creek, but it was strictly fictitious. According to the October 21st Morris (Il) Daily Herald, it took place at the Dollinger Family Farm southwest of the Village of Chinnahan. Over two days, some 700 reenactors viewed by between 6,000 and 7,000 visitors did battle in some great weather, a far cry from the September Civil War Days in Lake Villa, Illinois, near me. That turned into the monsoon season.
2. HATE CRIME-- And in Canada, too. Last November 2007, York Regional Police in Georgina, Ontario, noticed Luke Granados, 26, had a skeleton painted black hanging by noose from a flagpole flying a Confederate flag.
He pleaded guilty this past week to a hate crime and was sentenced to 45 days in jail.
When will they ever learn?
3. STRANGE PICTURE-- Ben Smith's Blog had a picture of a house in Martinsville, Indiana, with an Obama sign in front of it. What was of interest is that the flagpole next to it had a Confederate flag flying under the Stars and Stripes. That is something you wouldn't expect to see.
The entry sparked 114 comments. The best one was "It's a halloween set up. It's meant to be scary."
It's a Flag Thing, You Wouldn't Understand. --Old B-R'er
Monday, October 27, 2008
Cushing, Now There's a Scary Guy If You're a Confederate
William Cushing, the US Naval Daredevil, sank the CSS Albemarle ram on this date in 1864 in a daring attack via a launch with a torpedo mounted on a spar. The Albemarle had put Union forces in eastern North Carolina in turmoil with its attack earlier on the Union fleet.
Cushing was noted for other reconnoiters along the rivers and sounds of that area. You never knew when you'd run into him.
He also participated at the battles of Fort Fisher.
Boo, I'm Cushing!!! --No, I'm the Old Blockade-Runner
Cushing was noted for other reconnoiters along the rivers and sounds of that area. You never knew when you'd run into him.
He also participated at the battles of Fort Fisher.
Boo, I'm Cushing!!! --No, I'm the Old Blockade-Runner
Is Fort Fisher, NC, Haunted?
In keeping with this scary season, the Carolina Beach Today blog wanted to know if the fort was actually haunted. After all, a big battle took place here with lots of deaths. Prime haunting grounds if you ask me.
The conclusion is that it might very well be.
First you have the still unanswered death of Robert Harrill, the famed Fort Fisher Hermit. Was it murder? Good haunting here.
Some also believe that the ghost of Confederate General W.H.C. Whiting can be seen wandering the remaining traverses and grounds. He later died of wounds received at the fort's defense. Perhaps still accusing Bragg of lack of action.
There are also those who say they've seen Confederate soldiers standing among the trees to the north of the fort.
The Haunted North Carolina Paranormal Research and Investigations have conducted a four hour investigation and believe the fort is haunted. They took photos and movies at the site.
You can see the photos and movies at http://www.carolinabeachtoday.com October 26th entry.
Strange Things Happen This Time of Year. Like, BOOO!!! --Old B-Runner
Running the Blockade: Re-enactor Shot-- Don't Need This-- Bash at the Clash
Running the Blockade: Some New News About an Old War.
1. RE-ENACTOR SHOT-- Authorities believe they now know what dirty-rotten Confed shot 73-year-old former New York City police officer this past September. He was shot in the shoulder. Re-enactors are reported to be "freaked out" over the incident. No charges have been filed, but it is suspected that the culprit was one of several non-affiliated Confederate re-enactors who showed up for the event.
2. DON'T NEED THIS-- The Oct. 25th Green Bay Gazette reports that a man in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin took down his Halloween decorations that had black-faced scarecrows hanging from trees in his yard.. They are now leaning against a tree and their faces have been painted white. He also had a Confederate battle flag in his yard. Definitely something we don't need in today's charged anti-Confederate flag climate.
3. BASH AT THE CLASH-- The October 3rd re-enactment of the Battle of Fort Sanders in Knoxville, Tennessee, was also a fund-raiser for the McClurg Museum and McNabb Center called the "Bash at the Clash."
Fort Sanders was a clash between Union General Burnside and Confederate General Longstreet's forces. It was the final; attempt of Confederate forces to dislodge the Federals from Knoxville and took place November 29, 1863.
Fort Sanders was considered to be a weak link in Union defenses, but the Confederates didn't know about the wide, deep ditch in front of the fort. Confederate losses were 780 while Union was 100.
Now, You Know. --Old B-Runner
1. RE-ENACTOR SHOT-- Authorities believe they now know what dirty-rotten Confed shot 73-year-old former New York City police officer this past September. He was shot in the shoulder. Re-enactors are reported to be "freaked out" over the incident. No charges have been filed, but it is suspected that the culprit was one of several non-affiliated Confederate re-enactors who showed up for the event.
2. DON'T NEED THIS-- The Oct. 25th Green Bay Gazette reports that a man in Oconto Falls, Wisconsin took down his Halloween decorations that had black-faced scarecrows hanging from trees in his yard.. They are now leaning against a tree and their faces have been painted white. He also had a Confederate battle flag in his yard. Definitely something we don't need in today's charged anti-Confederate flag climate.
3. BASH AT THE CLASH-- The October 3rd re-enactment of the Battle of Fort Sanders in Knoxville, Tennessee, was also a fund-raiser for the McClurg Museum and McNabb Center called the "Bash at the Clash."
Fort Sanders was a clash between Union General Burnside and Confederate General Longstreet's forces. It was the final; attempt of Confederate forces to dislodge the Federals from Knoxville and took place November 29, 1863.
Fort Sanders was considered to be a weak link in Union defenses, but the Confederates didn't know about the wide, deep ditch in front of the fort. Confederate losses were 780 while Union was 100.
Now, You Know. --Old B-Runner
Saturday, October 25, 2008
USS Adela-- Hillsborough River Raid-- Part 2
Continuing with the history of the Adela with big thanks to Wikipedia, that great font of knowledge.
Shortly after fitting out in the New York Navy Yard, the Adela took part in the search for the Confederate raider CSS Clarence. The Clarence was captured by the raider CSS Florida A crew was put on board and that ship began raiding along the US coast. It captured the Tacony and the crew deemed this a better ship and transferred to it while burning the Clarence.
Then, the USS Adela participated in the Hillsborough River Raid on October 17, 1863. After that, it was stationed at East Pass where the Confederates had a plan to capture her. Nothing came of it. She captured the blockade-runner Badger and then was assigned to the Potomac River Flotilla at the end of the war before being sold November 30, 1865.
Interesting Ship's History. --Old B-R'er
Shortly after fitting out in the New York Navy Yard, the Adela took part in the search for the Confederate raider CSS Clarence. The Clarence was captured by the raider CSS Florida A crew was put on board and that ship began raiding along the US coast. It captured the Tacony and the crew deemed this a better ship and transferred to it while burning the Clarence.
Then, the USS Adela participated in the Hillsborough River Raid on October 17, 1863. After that, it was stationed at East Pass where the Confederates had a plan to capture her. Nothing came of it. She captured the blockade-runner Badger and then was assigned to the Potomac River Flotilla at the end of the war before being sold November 30, 1865.
Interesting Ship's History. --Old B-R'er
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Nathan Bedford Forrest High School Under Attack
The October 22nd Miami Herald reports that the Duval County School Boardwill vote November 3rd on whether or not to rename Nathan Bedford Forrest High School in Jacksonville, Florida.
There have been several years of criticism from groups and a push for it to be renamed. Last year, an advisory boarded voted 8-6 to rename it.
The article closed with this, "Forrest was a 19th century slave trader and planter who rose through the Confederate armyranks to lieutenant general and later became the first Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan."
Any bets as to the name change? Especially after that last bit.
Just Wondering Who Would Be Against This Name? --Old B-Runner
There have been several years of criticism from groups and a push for it to be renamed. Last year, an advisory boarded voted 8-6 to rename it.
The article closed with this, "Forrest was a 19th century slave trader and planter who rose through the Confederate armyranks to lieutenant general and later became the first Grand Wizard of the Ku Klux Klan."
Any bets as to the name change? Especially after that last bit.
Just Wondering Who Would Be Against This Name? --Old B-Runner
Another Big Confederate Flag in Dyersville, Tennessee
The October 22nd Dyersville (TN) State Gazette reports that the Dyer County Board of Zoning Appeals will be meeting October 28th in to consider a permit for a Confederate monument at Cemetery Ridge Memorial Park.
The local Sons of Confederate Veterans camp has already erected an 80-foot-flagpole on the site from which a 20 X 30 foot flag flies. They now would like to continue with a circular memorial plaza consisting of the flag, a granite marker, seating area, and appropriate landscaping and lighting.
So far, there has been one comment from ExPatDyerburgian, "Yes, please let us preserve our slave-loving heritage, even in death.
SPEAKING OF CONFEDERATE FLAGS-- Tampa Bay Online, TBO.com has lots of comments about the huge Confederate flag in Tampa by the interstates under "Confederate Flag Causes a Flap." Pretty good name.
Keep the Flag Flying. --Old B-Runner
The local Sons of Confederate Veterans camp has already erected an 80-foot-flagpole on the site from which a 20 X 30 foot flag flies. They now would like to continue with a circular memorial plaza consisting of the flag, a granite marker, seating area, and appropriate landscaping and lighting.
So far, there has been one comment from ExPatDyerburgian, "Yes, please let us preserve our slave-loving heritage, even in death.
SPEAKING OF CONFEDERATE FLAGS-- Tampa Bay Online, TBO.com has lots of comments about the huge Confederate flag in Tampa by the interstates under "Confederate Flag Causes a Flap." Pretty good name.
Keep the Flag Flying. --Old B-Runner
USS Adela-- Hillsborough River Raid
Still on the destruction of the Blockade-Runner Kate Dale. Yesterday, I wrote about the USS Tahoma, one of the two Union warships that participated in the raid on Tampa, Florida, that resulted in the Kate Dale's destruction.
The Tahoma was a ship constructed specifically for the Union Navy. The USS Adela, on the other hand, was a captured blockade-runner. What better way to capture a blockade-runner than to use a former one?
The 211 foot long, 23 foot beam Adela mounted 4 cannons and was capable of speeds up to 12 knots. This fast, iron-hulled sidewheeler originally operated out of Belfast, Ireland, before running the blockade and being captured by the Union Navy.
CAPTURE
On July 7, 1862, she was spotted by the USS Quaker City and USS Huntsville off Great Abaco Island and given chase. Four warning shots were fired and when the Adela didn't stop, a 5th and 6th shell hit her, causing the captain, James Walker, to surrender the ship. He was a former Cunard Line commander and had captained the Great Eastern. The Adela was towed to Key West and turned over to the Admiralty Court.
The British government protested because the Adela was carrying two bags of Royal mail and this delayed proceedings, but in the end, the Adela was condemned and purchased by the Navy and fitted out for its new role at the New York Navy Yard.
More to Come. --Old Blockade-Runner
The Tahoma was a ship constructed specifically for the Union Navy. The USS Adela, on the other hand, was a captured blockade-runner. What better way to capture a blockade-runner than to use a former one?
The 211 foot long, 23 foot beam Adela mounted 4 cannons and was capable of speeds up to 12 knots. This fast, iron-hulled sidewheeler originally operated out of Belfast, Ireland, before running the blockade and being captured by the Union Navy.
CAPTURE
On July 7, 1862, she was spotted by the USS Quaker City and USS Huntsville off Great Abaco Island and given chase. Four warning shots were fired and when the Adela didn't stop, a 5th and 6th shell hit her, causing the captain, James Walker, to surrender the ship. He was a former Cunard Line commander and had captained the Great Eastern. The Adela was towed to Key West and turned over to the Admiralty Court.
The British government protested because the Adela was carrying two bags of Royal mail and this delayed proceedings, but in the end, the Adela was condemned and purchased by the Navy and fitted out for its new role at the New York Navy Yard.
More to Come. --Old Blockade-Runner
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
USS Tahoma-- Hillsborough River Raid
On the 14th and 20th of this month, I wrote about the Hillsborough River Raid on Tampa, Florida, and Fort Brooke and the Blockade-Runner Kate Dale.
I found this information about the USS Tahoma, one of the two Union ships involved.
This comes from Wikipedia, a great source for Civil War information.
The USS Tahoma was a 507-ton, 158 foot long, 28 foot beam Unadillo class screw steam gunboat built by the Union Navy in Wilmington, Delaware and launched October 2, 1861 and commissioned in December. She carried five cannons and could steam at 10 knots.
She was assigned to the East Gulf Blockading Squadron and raided St. Marks, Florida, and burned a barracks and destroyed a Confederate battery. Later, the Tahoma chased a blockade-running schooner aground and destroyed it. One funny thing happened when the blockade-runner Uncle Mose sailed up to the ship and anchored resulting in the capture of 115 bales of cotton.
Land attacks on Confederate saltworks along the Florida coast resulted in the destruction of three of them during one operation involving eight boats carrying 111 men from the Tahoma.
During the first six months of 1863, the Tahoma captured seven blockade-runners and engaged a Confederate battery.
On October 17, 1863, the Tahoma was involved in the operation in the Hillsborough River that ended with the destruction of the Kate Dale and Scottish Chieftain.
On February 17, 1864, a landing party from the Tahoma marched 7 miles inland and destroyed salt works at St. Marks, Florida and ten days later, another saltworks were destroyed.
After the war, the USS Tahoma served in the Gulf Squadron from 1866-1867, before being decommissioned in 1867.
One Busy Ship. --Old B-R'er
I found this information about the USS Tahoma, one of the two Union ships involved.
This comes from Wikipedia, a great source for Civil War information.
The USS Tahoma was a 507-ton, 158 foot long, 28 foot beam Unadillo class screw steam gunboat built by the Union Navy in Wilmington, Delaware and launched October 2, 1861 and commissioned in December. She carried five cannons and could steam at 10 knots.
She was assigned to the East Gulf Blockading Squadron and raided St. Marks, Florida, and burned a barracks and destroyed a Confederate battery. Later, the Tahoma chased a blockade-running schooner aground and destroyed it. One funny thing happened when the blockade-runner Uncle Mose sailed up to the ship and anchored resulting in the capture of 115 bales of cotton.
Land attacks on Confederate saltworks along the Florida coast resulted in the destruction of three of them during one operation involving eight boats carrying 111 men from the Tahoma.
During the first six months of 1863, the Tahoma captured seven blockade-runners and engaged a Confederate battery.
On October 17, 1863, the Tahoma was involved in the operation in the Hillsborough River that ended with the destruction of the Kate Dale and Scottish Chieftain.
On February 17, 1864, a landing party from the Tahoma marched 7 miles inland and destroyed salt works at St. Marks, Florida and ten days later, another saltworks were destroyed.
After the war, the USS Tahoma served in the Gulf Squadron from 1866-1867, before being decommissioned in 1867.
One Busy Ship. --Old B-R'er
Let's File This Under Things We Don't Need
Recently, a large Obama for president sign was removed in Chesterfield, Virginia, and replaced with a Confederate flag.
The October 16th Daily Gamecock of the University of South Carolina, reports that recently the "League of the South descended on campus Wednesday afternoon and sang Dixie with a Confederate flag in the background," according to Josh Dawsey.
Leader Robert Lampley wants South Carlonia to secede so freedom can be returned to SC citizens. "We are Confederate, and we believe in the South."
The group's website doesn't refer to the United States and lists its headquarters in Abbeville, CSA.
The students mostly just ignored the group and walked by,laughed, or took pictures on their cell phones.
One student said, "The North kicked your ass. Get over it."
Again, These Are Things We Don't Need in These Racial Days. --Old B-Runner
The October 16th Daily Gamecock of the University of South Carolina, reports that recently the "League of the South descended on campus Wednesday afternoon and sang Dixie with a Confederate flag in the background," according to Josh Dawsey.
Leader Robert Lampley wants South Carlonia to secede so freedom can be returned to SC citizens. "We are Confederate, and we believe in the South."
The group's website doesn't refer to the United States and lists its headquarters in Abbeville, CSA.
The students mostly just ignored the group and walked by,laughed, or took pictures on their cell phones.
One student said, "The North kicked your ass. Get over it."
Again, These Are Things We Don't Need in These Racial Days. --Old B-Runner
Harriet Tubman Bridge in South Carolina
The October 20th Myrtle Beach Sun News had an article by Meghann Ackerman on the dedication of the US-17 bridge over the Combahee River as the Harriet Tubman Bridge.
Most people know her as a former slave who escaped to the North and was very active in the freedom of slaves after that.
I didn't know that she spent several years in Beaufort County, SC, working with newly freed slaves. She went along with Union forces in an expedition that became known as the Combahee Ferry Raid or Combahee River Raid which occurred on June 2, 1863.
This attack by two Union warships caused the destruction of several plantations and freedom of some 750 slaves.
State Representative Kenneth Hodges said, "Some say she may have led it; there are others who say it was inspired by her. It freed 750 slaves. I think it is a phenomenal pursuit.
Most people know her as a former slave who escaped to the North and was very active in the freedom of slaves after that.
I didn't know that she spent several years in Beaufort County, SC, working with newly freed slaves. She went along with Union forces in an expedition that became known as the Combahee Ferry Raid or Combahee River Raid which occurred on June 2, 1863.
This attack by two Union warships caused the destruction of several plantations and freedom of some 750 slaves.
State Representative Kenneth Hodges said, "Some say she may have led it; there are others who say it was inspired by her. It freed 750 slaves. I think it is a phenomenal pursuit.
Battle of Dug Springs, Missouri
The October 21st Springfield, Mo, News-Leader reports that a marker was dedicated September 31st to this little-known battle at the west end of the parking lot of Clever Middle School.
Groups involved in getting the marker, re-enactors, local historians, the Clever school system and government officials were in attendance.
The battle occurred August 2, 1861 along Old Wire Road between the Union troops of General Nathaniel Lyons and Confederate forces under Generals Sterling Price, Ben McCullough, and N.B. Pierce. Union losses were 4 killed and 37 wounded. Confederates had 29 killed and 50 wounded.
This served as a prelude to the Battle of Wilson's Creek 8 days later.
Groups involved in getting the marker, re-enactors, local historians, the Clever school system and government officials were in attendance.
The battle occurred August 2, 1861 along Old Wire Road between the Union troops of General Nathaniel Lyons and Confederate forces under Generals Sterling Price, Ben McCullough, and N.B. Pierce. Union losses were 4 killed and 37 wounded. Confederates had 29 killed and 50 wounded.
This served as a prelude to the Battle of Wilson's Creek 8 days later.
Monday, October 20, 2008
Looking for Lincoln in DuPage County, Illinois-- Part 2
October 13th, I wrote about DuPage County's role with Abraham Lincoln. Here's more:
There has been a rumor that Lincoln slept at Stacy's Tavern in Glen Ellyn, but it is not true. He was only in town while aboard a train.
Mary Todd Lincoln was placed at Bellevue Sanitarium after the death of her son Robert and stayed there 5 months.
The wife of the owner of the Howard House Hotel in St. Charles was a medium and Mary Todd Lincoln wanted to speak with her dead husband and sons. She stayed at the hotel under the assumed name of Mrs. May.
Lincoln once visited Aurora, Illinois and went to the Hoyt store on River Street and stayed at Wilder House on North River Street.
While an Illinois legislator, Lincoln joined with Naperville founder Joseph Naper, in supporting legislation to split DuPage County from Cook County.
Local legend has Lincoln giving a speech from the roof of the Pre-Emteon House in Naperville, but he probably did not.
From September 1st Daily Herald.
So, There You Have the Lincoln-DuPage County Connection. --B-Runner
There has been a rumor that Lincoln slept at Stacy's Tavern in Glen Ellyn, but it is not true. He was only in town while aboard a train.
Mary Todd Lincoln was placed at Bellevue Sanitarium after the death of her son Robert and stayed there 5 months.
The wife of the owner of the Howard House Hotel in St. Charles was a medium and Mary Todd Lincoln wanted to speak with her dead husband and sons. She stayed at the hotel under the assumed name of Mrs. May.
Lincoln once visited Aurora, Illinois and went to the Hoyt store on River Street and stayed at Wilder House on North River Street.
While an Illinois legislator, Lincoln joined with Naperville founder Joseph Naper, in supporting legislation to split DuPage County from Cook County.
Local legend has Lincoln giving a speech from the roof of the Pre-Emteon House in Naperville, but he probably did not.
From September 1st Daily Herald.
So, There You Have the Lincoln-DuPage County Connection. --B-Runner
Fort Brooke-- Tampa, Florida
While reading about the blockade-runner Kate Dale, I read about a Fort Brooke in Tampa and realized I'd never heardof this fortification before. So I looked it up in Wikipedia.
It was located on the current site of the Tampa Convention Center which was named after Col. George Brooke who established a military post there in 1824. It was amajor outpost during the Seminole War and the Civil War.
It received enemy fire during the October 1863 attack on the blockade-runners and was captured by the Union Navy along with Tampa on May 6, 1864.
Nothing remains of the fort except two cannons located on the campus of the University of Tampa. However, they are not marked as being from the fort.
While the city was building the Fort Brooke Parking Garage, an unknown cemetery was uncovered with the remains of soldiers and Seminoles.
They were reinterred elsewhere, which is better than I can say for the poor folks at Fort Fisher in Waco, Texas.
It was located on the current site of the Tampa Convention Center which was named after Col. George Brooke who established a military post there in 1824. It was amajor outpost during the Seminole War and the Civil War.
It received enemy fire during the October 1863 attack on the blockade-runners and was captured by the Union Navy along with Tampa on May 6, 1864.
Nothing remains of the fort except two cannons located on the campus of the University of Tampa. However, they are not marked as being from the fort.
While the city was building the Fort Brooke Parking Garage, an unknown cemetery was uncovered with the remains of soldiers and Seminoles.
They were reinterred elsewhere, which is better than I can say for the poor folks at Fort Fisher in Waco, Texas.
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