Below is the new Manassas Historic Markers Map that will be dedicated on July 27 at 5pm. Any Battlefield Journal readers in the area at the dedication, please send us your photos!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Confederates on Turners Gap!
On July 11-12, 2009 Confederates will occupy Turner’s Gap once more. The Friends of South Mountain are inviting the public to come and interact with living historians portraying Captain John Lane's Battery of artillery and Colonel Alfred Colquitt's Brigade of infantry. Demonstrations, including infantry and artillery drill, cooking and soldier life scenarios, will be held throughout the day both Saturday and Sunday.
Some of the events include: at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, a walking tour leaving from the Dahlgren Chapel will retrace the route of Brigadier General Thomas Drayton’s Brigade to Fox’s Gap and its eventual demise. Also, the Dahlgren Chapel, built in 1881 by Madeleine Dahlgren (wife of Admiral John Dahlgren), will be open for tours from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.
About the Battle of South Mountain Sep. 14, 1862: Spurred by word that Union Major General George B. McClellan had found a copy of Special Order 191, Confederate Major General Daniel H. Hill spent the evening hours of September 13 and early morning hours of September 14 deploying troops on Turner’s and Fox’s Gap. At nearly 9:00 a.m. on September 14, 1862, Maryland’s first major battle of the Civil War began on Fox’s Gap when Confederate Brigadier General Samuel Garland’s Brigade of North Carolinians met Union Brigadier General Jacob Cox’s Kanawha Division. Fighting soon escalated and spread north to Frostown and Turner’s Gap and south to the Brownsville Pass and Crampton’s Gap. As combat closed with nightfall, more than 6,000 Union and Confederate soldiers had been killed or wounded. Confederate Major General Robert E. Lee ordered his outnumbered forces off South Mountain and in the direction of Sharpsburg.
During the battle, Turner’s Gap was a Confederate stronghold and was used as Hill’s headquarters, as a staging area for Confederate reinforcements going to Fox’s and the Frostown Gap, and as an artillery position. Notwithstanding a frontal Union assault until about 5:00 p.m., Colquitt’s Brigade waited nervously at the base of Turner’s Gap for the approach of Brigadier General John Gibbon’s Brigade (later to become known as the Iron Brigade). As nightfall approached, the evening’s hard fighting began to tell on the Confederate soldiers. With the Confederates retiring to the summit, Gibbon was left in command of the gap.
The Confederates on Turner’s Gap event site will be located off of Alternate Route 40 on Turner’s Gap, next to the Dahlgren Chapel. From Boonsboro, take Alt. 40 for about 2 miles and turn left onto Washington Monument Road, then an immediate right into the Dahlgren Chapel parking lot.
All programs and events are free and open to the public. For more information call (301) 432-8065 or visit www.friendsofsouthmountain.org.
South Mountain State Battlefield is Maryland's FIRST State Battlefield Park. For additional information about South Mountain State Park visit www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/southmountain.html.
South Mountain State Battlefield is a member of the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau. For more information about Washington County's 8 state parks and 5 national parks, see: www.marylandmemories.com. Washington County is part of the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area, and the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area. For more information see: www.heartofthecivilwar.org and also www.hallowedground.org.
For more information about Maryland's role in the Civil War, see: www.visitmaryland.org/Pages/ANationDivided.aspx
Some of the events include: at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, a walking tour leaving from the Dahlgren Chapel will retrace the route of Brigadier General Thomas Drayton’s Brigade to Fox’s Gap and its eventual demise. Also, the Dahlgren Chapel, built in 1881 by Madeleine Dahlgren (wife of Admiral John Dahlgren), will be open for tours from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Saturday and from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. on Sunday.
About the Battle of South Mountain Sep. 14, 1862: Spurred by word that Union Major General George B. McClellan had found a copy of Special Order 191, Confederate Major General Daniel H. Hill spent the evening hours of September 13 and early morning hours of September 14 deploying troops on Turner’s and Fox’s Gap. At nearly 9:00 a.m. on September 14, 1862, Maryland’s first major battle of the Civil War began on Fox’s Gap when Confederate Brigadier General Samuel Garland’s Brigade of North Carolinians met Union Brigadier General Jacob Cox’s Kanawha Division. Fighting soon escalated and spread north to Frostown and Turner’s Gap and south to the Brownsville Pass and Crampton’s Gap. As combat closed with nightfall, more than 6,000 Union and Confederate soldiers had been killed or wounded. Confederate Major General Robert E. Lee ordered his outnumbered forces off South Mountain and in the direction of Sharpsburg.
During the battle, Turner’s Gap was a Confederate stronghold and was used as Hill’s headquarters, as a staging area for Confederate reinforcements going to Fox’s and the Frostown Gap, and as an artillery position. Notwithstanding a frontal Union assault until about 5:00 p.m., Colquitt’s Brigade waited nervously at the base of Turner’s Gap for the approach of Brigadier General John Gibbon’s Brigade (later to become known as the Iron Brigade). As nightfall approached, the evening’s hard fighting began to tell on the Confederate soldiers. With the Confederates retiring to the summit, Gibbon was left in command of the gap.
The Confederates on Turner’s Gap event site will be located off of Alternate Route 40 on Turner’s Gap, next to the Dahlgren Chapel. From Boonsboro, take Alt. 40 for about 2 miles and turn left onto Washington Monument Road, then an immediate right into the Dahlgren Chapel parking lot.
All programs and events are free and open to the public. For more information call (301) 432-8065 or visit www.friendsofsouthmountain.org.
South Mountain State Battlefield is Maryland's FIRST State Battlefield Park. For additional information about South Mountain State Park visit www.dnr.state.md.us/publiclands/western/southmountain.html.
South Mountain State Battlefield is a member of the Hagerstown-Washington County Convention and Visitors Bureau. For more information about Washington County's 8 state parks and 5 national parks, see: www.marylandmemories.com. Washington County is part of the Heart of the Civil War Heritage Area, and the Journey Through Hallowed Ground National Heritage Area. For more information see: www.heartofthecivilwar.org and also www.hallowedground.org.
For more information about Maryland's role in the Civil War, see: www.visitmaryland.org/Pages/ANationDivided.aspx
Friday, July 3, 2009
Civil War Medicine Museum Receives Grant
Frederick, MD - The National Museum of Civil War Medicine (NMCWM) is pleased to announce the receipt of a $5000 matching challenge grant from the Ausherman Family Foundation of Frederick. The grant will be used to support the Museum’s educational programming.
The NMCWM and its education department serve thousands of students and other young visitors every year. In addition to tours of the Museum’s two floors of immersion exhibits and interactive displays, scouts and other youth groups participate in workshops on subjects ranging from 19th century food and nutrition to famous people of the Civil War. A new first aid program provides hands-on instruction on the development of first aid and gives students training and skills comparable to the American Red Cross’s first aid certification program.
“With the Ausherman matching grant, each dollar donated to support the Museum’s educational programming will double in value,” said Education Coordinator Susan Rosenvold. “We’re thrilled to receive this generous pledge at a time when we are working to expand our programming and reach more children.”
The Museum has until the end of the year to raise the funds needed to meet the match requirements of the grant.
The National Museum of Civil War Medicine is the premiere repository of exhibits and artifacts devoted to the technological and procedural advances made in the medical field between 1861-1865. The Museum utilizes its collection to heighten public awareness of the modern medical practices that originated on the battlefields and in the hospitals of this once divided country.
The National Museum of Civil War Medicine is located at 48 E. Patrick Street in downtown Frederick, Maryland, and is open Monday through Saturday 10-5, and Sunday 11-5. For further information, please visit our web site at www.civilwarmed.org or call 301-695-1864.
The NMCWM and its education department serve thousands of students and other young visitors every year. In addition to tours of the Museum’s two floors of immersion exhibits and interactive displays, scouts and other youth groups participate in workshops on subjects ranging from 19th century food and nutrition to famous people of the Civil War. A new first aid program provides hands-on instruction on the development of first aid and gives students training and skills comparable to the American Red Cross’s first aid certification program.
“With the Ausherman matching grant, each dollar donated to support the Museum’s educational programming will double in value,” said Education Coordinator Susan Rosenvold. “We’re thrilled to receive this generous pledge at a time when we are working to expand our programming and reach more children.”
The Museum has until the end of the year to raise the funds needed to meet the match requirements of the grant.
The National Museum of Civil War Medicine is the premiere repository of exhibits and artifacts devoted to the technological and procedural advances made in the medical field between 1861-1865. The Museum utilizes its collection to heighten public awareness of the modern medical practices that originated on the battlefields and in the hospitals of this once divided country.
The National Museum of Civil War Medicine is located at 48 E. Patrick Street in downtown Frederick, Maryland, and is open Monday through Saturday 10-5, and Sunday 11-5. For further information, please visit our web site at www.civilwarmed.org or call 301-695-1864.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Gettysburg Resident joins Gettysburg Foundation Staff
Daniel M. Bringman hired as CFO
Gettysburg, Pa. (June 30, 2009)—The Gettysburg Foundation today announced the addition of Daniel M. Bringman as chief financial officer. Bringman, a Gettysburg resident, will oversee the Foundation’s accounting, human resources and information technology departments and will serve on the nonprofit organization’s management team.
“Dan brings years of financial and nonprofit leadership, and we are pleased to have him on board as we continue to grow and work with the National Park Service to preserve the hallowed ground of Gettysburg,” said Robert C. Wilburn, Gettysburg Foundation president.
Mr. Bringman has previously served as vice president for finance and administration, and treasurer, for the Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg and most recently was outsourcing manager for an accounting and consulting firm in Washington, D.C. He earned his master’s degree in accounting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and his bachelor’s degree from Pennsylvania State University. He is also a licensed Certified Public Accountant.
“I am thrilled to join the staff at the Gettysburg Foundation and look forward to helping the organization continue its important work preserving, enhancing, honoring and protecting the natural and cultural resources associated with one of America’s most important places,” said Bringman.
The Gettysburg Foundation is a private, nonprofit educational organization working in partnership with the National Park Service to enhance preservation and understanding of the heritage and lasting significance of Gettysburg. The Foundation raised funds for and now operates the Museum and Visitor Center at Gettysburg National Military Park, which opened in April 2008. In addition to operating the Museum and Visitor Center, the Foundation has a broad preservation mission that includes land, monument and artifact preservation and battlefield rehabilitation—all in support of the National Park Service’s goals at Gettysburg.
For information about the Foundation, about visiting Gettysburg, or how you can become a part of the history of Gettysburg through your contribution, visit www.gettysburgfoundation.org or call 877-874-2478 or the administrative offices at 717-338-1243.
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Civil War Museums--Part I
Re-opened last year, the new re-located Gettysburg National Military Park Visitor Center is not to be missed when coming to the legendary battlefield.
Originally placed along the Zeigler's Grove portion of the Park, near the small white Bryan Homestead and next to the Cyclorama building, the Visitor Center was well-attended throughout its decades of service. With a famous Electric Map that explained the battle through a series of moving lights and with a comprehensive museum and gift shop, the Visitor Center was usually the first place both Civil War buffs and Gettysburg first-timers went upon entering the hallowed ground.
With the 1999 Gettysburg Management Plan, the Gettysburg Foundation partnered with the Park Service to restore Zeigler's Grove to its original appearance and arranged for a new and expanded Visitor Center to be housed along Hunt Avenue behind Culp's Hill and near Union General Meade's headquarters during the battle, the Lydia Leister House.
Not only did the Visitor Center move, but so did the world-famous Cyclorama painting. This 1884 circular painting, very popular in the late 1800's, of Pickett's Charge by artist Paul Philippoteaux has been meticulously restored in a multi-million dollar process (which the author was able to witness in various phases). The end result is now located in the Visitor Center and is breathtaking. With first-hand accounts read aloud and special effects that bring Pickett's Charge to life (note the dawn breaking in the sky--wow!), the visitor to Gettysburg, whether a first-timer or hundredth-timer, will be ashamed to miss it!
The updated museum shows the artifacts connected to Gettysburg with cleaner and more technology-driven visitor interpretation. From a room that shows us slavery in the 19th Century to the first two years of the year and then into a display room that represents each day of the horrific July 1863 battle, the visitor is enthralled by how these objects witnessed each and every event. The museum culminates in Lee's retreat, the aftermath, and the final years of the Civil War.
Of shopping is part of the plan, then the new gift shop will entice to spend money on a plethora of books, t-shirts and quality gift items. The Refreshment Saloon aptly provides lunch and snacks and Ranger Programs on a variety of topics are presented daily at the Visitor Center and throughout the battlefield.
Another aspect of the experience is the wealth of research facilities available. A full Education Center affords a chance for research as does a Resource Center complete with computers connecting researchers with many different links to genealogoy, regimental histories, various libraries and state databases vital to historians, teachers and writers of all types.
Both groups and individuals are welcome at the Gettysburg Visitor Center with plenty of free car and motorcoach parking. The Gettysburg Foundation outdid themselves with the information included within the unique, round, barn-like structure. It was a long process to relocate the building, including town hall meetings, land surveying, fundraising efforts and construction.
The end result is well worth it. Visit as soon as you can!
(Hours of Operation--8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.- April 1 to May 31.8:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M.- June 1 to August 31.8:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.- September 1 to October 31.8:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M.- November 1 to March 31.)
Kristie Poehler
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
Information from the National Constitution Center
VISITORS CAN ENJOY A CELEBRATION OF FREEDOM
FROM THE REVOLUTION TO THE CIVIL WAR
DURING FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS AT THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER
Philadelphia, PA – Visitors to the National Constitution Center can enjoy a celebration of freedom stretching from the Revolution to the Civil War during the Feel the Freedom Festival: Celebrating Lincoln from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5, 2009. The three-day festival will honor Abraham Lincoln and other historic freedom fighters, including Fredrick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony. The Center is presenting the Feel the Freedom Festival in conjunction with the Lincoln 200: The Bicentennial Festival on Independence Mall in Historic Philadelphia. All events at the Center are free with museum admission.
In his Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln famously looked back to 1776 and the nation’s founding when he called the Civil War a “new birth of freedom.” The Feel the Freedom Festival celebrates the commitment of generations of Americans to the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution that Lincoln fought to preserve.
Philadelphia was central to Lincoln ’s war effort, serving as a major center for recruiting, training, equipping, and transporting the armies that fought to save our nation. Nearly all of the men and supplies used in the eastern theater of the war were either made in, or passed through Philadelphia . Recruiting camps were even set up behind Independence Hall. During the Feel the Freedom Festival, a Civil War encampment will take place on the Center’s front lawn between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., featuring living history interpreters portraying Civil War generals, soldiers, nurses, civilians, and political leaders. Visitors will have the chance to meet General Meade, Clara Barton, and Frederick Douglass, among others, and observe demonstrations of Civil War era medicine and equipment, as well as military drills.
Guests will also have the opportunity to take a closer look at the Center’s rare copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Lincoln. Through an interactive presentation at 11:00 a.m., visitors will learn about the history of the Civil War and the background of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments.
During the Lincoln 200 Scavenger Hunt, children and their families can explore the National Constitution Center and Independence Mall as they search for Abraham Lincoln between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Along the way, participants will learn about our nation’s historic struggle for freedom that culminated in the Civil War.
The Civil War was the first American war officially documented through photography. Visitors will see how images of war have been used to tell the stories of soldiers’ lives during a special demonstration at 2:00 p.m.
In addition, the Center will present a Fourth of July Show at 12:00 p.m. The interactive presentation will explore the history of July 4th from the very first words declaring America ’s independence to present day celebrations. Guests can also commemorate the birth of our nation with patriotic craft activities throughout the day, including the chance to make freedom poppers and whirly gigs.
The National Constitution Center, located at 525 Arch St. on Philadelphia’s Independence Mall, is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing public understanding of the U.S. Constitution and the ideas and values it represents. The Center serves as a museum, an education center, and a forum for debate on constitutional issues. The museum dramatically tells the story of the Constitution from Revolutionary times to the present through more than 100 interactive, multimedia exhibits, film, photographs, text, sculpture and artifacts, and features a powerful, award-winning theatrical performance, “Freedom Rising”. The Center also houses the Annenberg Center for Education and Outreach, which serves as the hub for national constitutional education. For more information, call 215.409.6700 or visit www.constitutioncenter.org.
FROM THE REVOLUTION TO THE CIVIL WAR
DURING FOURTH OF JULY EVENTS AT THE NATIONAL CONSTITUTION CENTER
Philadelphia, PA – Visitors to the National Constitution Center can enjoy a celebration of freedom stretching from the Revolution to the Civil War during the Feel the Freedom Festival: Celebrating Lincoln from Friday, July 3 through Sunday, July 5, 2009. The three-day festival will honor Abraham Lincoln and other historic freedom fighters, including Fredrick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony. The Center is presenting the Feel the Freedom Festival in conjunction with the Lincoln 200: The Bicentennial Festival on Independence Mall in Historic Philadelphia. All events at the Center are free with museum admission.
In his Gettysburg Address, Abraham Lincoln famously looked back to 1776 and the nation’s founding when he called the Civil War a “new birth of freedom.” The Feel the Freedom Festival celebrates the commitment of generations of Americans to the ideals of the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution that Lincoln fought to preserve.
Philadelphia was central to Lincoln ’s war effort, serving as a major center for recruiting, training, equipping, and transporting the armies that fought to save our nation. Nearly all of the men and supplies used in the eastern theater of the war were either made in, or passed through Philadelphia . Recruiting camps were even set up behind Independence Hall. During the Feel the Freedom Festival, a Civil War encampment will take place on the Center’s front lawn between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., featuring living history interpreters portraying Civil War generals, soldiers, nurses, civilians, and political leaders. Visitors will have the chance to meet General Meade, Clara Barton, and Frederick Douglass, among others, and observe demonstrations of Civil War era medicine and equipment, as well as military drills.
Guests will also have the opportunity to take a closer look at the Center’s rare copy of the Emancipation Proclamation signed by President Lincoln. Through an interactive presentation at 11:00 a.m., visitors will learn about the history of the Civil War and the background of the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments.
During the Lincoln 200 Scavenger Hunt, children and their families can explore the National Constitution Center and Independence Mall as they search for Abraham Lincoln between 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Along the way, participants will learn about our nation’s historic struggle for freedom that culminated in the Civil War.
The Civil War was the first American war officially documented through photography. Visitors will see how images of war have been used to tell the stories of soldiers’ lives during a special demonstration at 2:00 p.m.
In addition, the Center will present a Fourth of July Show at 12:00 p.m. The interactive presentation will explore the history of July 4th from the very first words declaring America ’s independence to present day celebrations. Guests can also commemorate the birth of our nation with patriotic craft activities throughout the day, including the chance to make freedom poppers and whirly gigs.
The National Constitution Center, located at 525 Arch St. on Philadelphia’s Independence Mall, is an independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing public understanding of the U.S. Constitution and the ideas and values it represents. The Center serves as a museum, an education center, and a forum for debate on constitutional issues. The museum dramatically tells the story of the Constitution from Revolutionary times to the present through more than 100 interactive, multimedia exhibits, film, photographs, text, sculpture and artifacts, and features a powerful, award-winning theatrical performance, “Freedom Rising”. The Center also houses the Annenberg Center for Education and Outreach, which serves as the hub for national constitutional education. For more information, call 215.409.6700 or visit www.constitutioncenter.org.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Great Event!!
The” Bloody Eighth” Virginia Infantry-
Then and Now
Who: A Special Lecture by Dave Purschwitz,
Historian, 8th Virginia Vol. Inf.
When: Friday, June 5th at 7:00pm
Where: Loudoun Museum
16 Loudoun St SW, Leesburg
What: Mr. Purschwitz will share the riveting story of the history of the Eighth Virginia Infantry and the Battle of Balls Bluff. As a re-enactor in the role of Delegate Robert Eden Scott, he will provide first person insight into this Loudoun County Civil War battle fought on the shore of the Potomac River . Come learn about re-enacting, Civil War camp set-up, & skirmishes and view artifacts from the Eighth Virginia!
Cost: $5 General Admission; Museum Members FREE
Reservations: Seating Limited-Call 703-777-7427
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