Civil War Sallie

More about Green Mount

2011-07-19T05:12:00.001-07:00

Well, after some delicious honey I'm ready to tell you more about my visit to Green Mount Cemetery.

The grave that is visited most often is that of John Wilkes Booth. What's interesting is that his grave is actually unmarked. His family has a large family lot that contains John's parents, several siblings, and his grandfather. John's name appears on the back of the large monument in the center of the lot.

Visitors often leave pennies on the monument to mark their visit. I noticed that the pennies are always left "heads up". Why do you think that is?

Two other men that conspired with John Wilkes Booth are also buried at Green Mount. They are Samuel Arnold and Michael O'Laughlin. Arnold was the second to the last of the conspirators to pass away. His headstone is just a small stone about the size of a brick that simply says "Arnold".

O'Laughlin died in prison after coming down with Yellow Fever in 1867. Dr. Samuel Mudd worked hard to save his life, but his efforts were in vain. The large monument on this grave is a family monument. I wonder what kind of financial background Michael came from.

I learned that there are sixteen Civil War generals buried at Green Mount. I'm sure that you have heard of General Joseph E. Johnston. Johnston was a Confederate soldier. When his friend, Union General William T. Sherman died, Johnston served as a pallbearer at his funeral; during the procession in New York City in 1891, he kept his hat off as a sign of respect in the cold, rainy weather. Someone had some concern for the old general's health and asked him to put on his hat, to which Johnston replied "If I were in his place and he standing here in mine, he would not put on his hat." He caught pneumonia and died several weeks later.

This is the grave of General Isaac Trimble. Trimble was one of the three division commanders in Pickett's Charge at the Battle of Gettysburg. Trimble was shot in the left leg which would require amputation. He was captured by Union forces and held as a prisoner for the duration of the War.

This large building is a public mausoleum. It stands on the location of a previous mausoleum. Green Mount's staff was recently able to confirm that the original mausoleum was used to hold the bodies of three of the four Union soldiers killed at the Pratt Street Massacre in 1861. This was the first instance of the Civil War where deaths occurred. The bodies were held in the mausoleum for about a week before being shipped home to Massachusetts.

This is the grave of Matilda O'Neill Wood. As a teenage girl she became a heroine during the War of 1812 when the British attacked Havre De Grace, MD. The British had captured her father after he fought valiantly to defend his town. After learning of her father's capture, Matilda rowed herself out to meet with the British Admiral in an effort to secure her father’s release. Her efforts proved successful and her father escaped the hangman’s noose.

I really enjoyed my visit to Green Mount! I learned that cemeteries are an amazing place to learn about history. In addition to many veterans of the Civil War, Green Mount is also the final resting place for soldiers that fought in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812. I'd encourage you to stop by and visit Green Mount for yourself if you're ever in Baltimore!

Green Mount Cemetery

2011-07-18T05:15:00.003-07:00

In July I visited the Green Mount Cemetery in Baltimore, Maryland. Green Mount was established in 1838 as a Rural Garden Cemetery. This is the main entrance to the Cemetery. Confederate soldiers were once arrested at this gateway after attending the funeral of a fallen comrade.

This unique grave belongs to A.S. Abell. In 1837 Abell founded The Baltimore Sun. He was a trend-setter in several areas: he established the daily Pony Express from New Orleans in 1847, and he was the first to use telegraphy to transmit news. Abell also used carrier pigeons to get news stories to the Sun as fast as possible.

I visited the grave of Olivia Cushing Whitridge. She was the first person laid to rest in the Cemetery. It made me sad to realize that she only lived to the age of two.

I'll be blogging more about my visit to Green Mount soon. Right now I just want to sit back, enjoy the gardens, and perhaps find a hive of honey to snack on. I'm excited to let you know about some of the other people buried at Green Mount!

Fort Sumter

2011-07-05T16:27:00.000-07:00

Hi this is Civil War Sallie, while spending time in Charleston I got to tour Fort Sumter. This is where the first shot of the Civil War was fired on April 12, 1861. Construction of the fort was started in 1827. Due to numerous delays construction of the Fort was not yet completed in December 1860 when US Army Major Robert Anderson relocated his 85 men from indefensible Fort Moultrie to what he felt was the safer location of Fort Sumter.

The first shot was fired at 4:30 am on April 12, 1861. The initial attack did not do much damage to the Fort. However, after 34 hours the union garrison knew they were significantly outgunned and agreed to surrender.

While no one died during this first battle of the Civil War, an explosion during the surrender ceremony caused the first death of the Civil War, Private Daniel Hough

A Day In Charleston

2011-07-05T16:17:00.000-07:00

Hi, this is Civil War Sallie. This week I got to visit Charleston, SC. While there I visited the Aiken Rhett House. This is the former home of the Governor of South Carolina. The house was where Jefferson Davis stayed on his only visit to Charleston during the Civil War. After Jefferson Davis' visit General PGT Beauregard moved his headquarters to the house during the Civil War to keep it safe from the heavy Federal bombardment.

Rufus S. Reed 2

2011-05-23T11:17:00.000-07:00

Hi I am Civil War Sallie and I will tell you about the Rufus S. Reed 2 at the Canal Museum. The Rufus S. Reed 2 is a freighter and it went up and down the Erie Canal with supplies to keep the builders to keep building. The frieghter held whiskey, coal, sugar, salt, and much more. I also learned that the people had to sleep outside on top of the freighter. The water that they sailed on was so dirty that you could not even touch it.

From Brenden

From CivilWarSallie

Sleep in a Boat!

2011-05-23T10:35:00.000-07:00

Hi I am Civil War Sallie. I learned that you can sleep in a boat! I learned so much at the Canal Museum and at the Waugh House Museum. I learned so much with the Creative Cougars and I hope I can go again.

From CivilWarSallie

The Military Room

2011-05-19T18:16:00.000-07:00

Hey this is Civil War Sallie! Guess what! I got to go to the Historical Museum. The best part about it was I got to go with Mrs. Abernethy's Creative Cougars!!!! I learned that the first Greenville causality in World War II was, James O. Jordan and the first one in Korea was Jack Loutzenhisor and in Vietnam was Paul W. Bush. I had so much fun!! My favorite room was the Military Room. That's were I learned that. Lexi's favorite room was the Military room too. After we left we went to have lunch and Lexi shared her's with me because we were talking and becoming friends because we both liked the same room at the Historical Museum. I really like this class because they talk about me and say nice things. They also get me in a lot of pictures with them I love it because they make me feel like a celebrity!! I feel so popular!! Also the Creative Cougar is my friend. In the pictures we are usually beside each other. Well got to go because we are going to the Canal Museum right now. I hope you liked my blog!!
Sincerely, Civil War Sallie : )
By: Lexi

From CivilWarSallie

Riverview Hotel

2011-05-19T18:09:00.000-07:00

Hi my name is Civil War Sallie and I got to go to The Historical Museum with Mrs. Abernethy's Creative Cougars. The thing that I liked the best is the Riverview Hotel. The reason I like the Riverview Hotel is because the shoes in the closet were way different than our kind of shoes! The second thing that I like is the Military room because it has a lot of cool stuff like the Purple Heart. I personally thought that was really cool! If you ever come to Greenville I recommend you go to the Historical museum. I wish we could have stayed there all day!!! But of course we went and ate lunch. After lunch we played games in the rec center. Then we went to the Canal Museum.
By:Rachael

From CivilWarSallie

Coal is Cool!

2011-05-19T17:57:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'm Civil War Sallie, and I am here to tell you all about the coal on the boat we saw. I was with the Creative Cougars who are very famous. We went to the Canal Museum that is in their town, Greenville, PA. We learned all about the two different kinds of coal. One is all coal with nothing added, but the other is coal with sulfur in it. The type of coal with nothing added in it is heavier than the type with sulfur in it. It was fun to touch, but it got my fur all black. That reminds me that I still have to get that off!! Bye, now where is the mirror?
By: Suzy

From CivilWarSallie

Lunch

2011-05-19T17:50:00.000-07:00

In this picture the kids are playing and eating lunch. We were about to go inside for recess. I had alot of fun eating lunch with the kids. Also we were playing duck duck goose.
By: Ashley

From CivilWarSallie

A Picture from 1868

2011-05-18T18:42:00.000-07:00

Hi! I'm Civil War Sallie. I'm staying with the Creative Cougars. I went on a field trip with them. I want to tell you about a painting that was on the wall. It was a painting of a picture that was greenville in 1868. There was a big fire that burnt down every building on Main Street except for the brick buildings. I think that I recognize some of the buildings! I thought that learning about Greenville's history was very interesting. I loved spending the day with the Creative Cougars. Sincerely,
Lisbeth

From CivilWarSallie

Wooden Carved Bullets

2011-05-18T18:38:00.000-07:00

Hi, my name is Civil War Sallie. I spent a day with the Creative Cougars and we went to the Historical Museum. The museum was full of Greenville's history. This is me looking at wooden carved bullets. It was a blast. My favorite room was the Military Room.
By: Josh

From CivilWarSallie

The Parlor Room

2011-05-18T18:27:00.000-07:00

Hi I am Civil War Sallie. I really liked the parlor room in the museum. I think it was really amazing! It had a lot of old antiques. The one thing I really liked was the ostrich egg. I thought that was really interesting because it was so huge. I really liked other things in that room also. Like my second thing that I liked was the children's piano. IT even made noise. I thought that was really cool also. My third thing is the old typewriters. I liked a lot of the other things.
By: Hayli

From CivilWarSallie

Hand sewn flag

2011-05-18T18:18:00.000-07:00

Hi my name is Civil War Sallie and i am visting the Creative Cougars for a whole week!! I went on their field trip with them to the Historical Society. It was really fun and cool!! During my visit, I discovered a souvenir and it was a hand sewn flag. I got my picture taken with the flag to remember my visit. I really enjoyed going to the Historical Society with the Creative Cougars and I hope to go again sometime!!
By: Cheyanne

From CivilWarSallie

Miss Beuchat

2011-05-18T18:10:00.000-07:00

Hi! Im Civil War Sallie, and I am With The Creative Cougars at East Elementry. We just went on a field trip to the Historical Society Museum. Here's a picture of us learning about the Waugh House from Miss Beuchat. She taught us about the house and how it was the oldest in the city of Greenville. The theme this year was the Civil War! Isn't that cool? Well I've got to go. Bye!
By: Paul

From CivilWarSallie

Greenville Historical Society

2011-05-17T10:15:00.000-07:00

Mrs. Abernethy's Creative Cougars took me on a fantastic field trip today! We went to the Greenville Historical Society and the Erie Extension Canal Museum. I was excited to see there were lots of artifacts from the Civil War. The students will write about some of the things we saw and learned later. Get ready to read their posts!

From CivilWarSallie

Welcome to East Elementary

2011-05-16T10:15:00.000-07:00

I arrived at East Elementary in Greenville, Pennsylvania today. I received a warm welcome from Mrs. Abernethy's Creative Cougars.

From CivilWarSallie

Civilwarsallie visits Broadfording Christian Academy

2011-02-24T07:37:00.000-08:00

[We are slow to put these on the blog because our computer teacher was at PETE-C, President's Day, and snow days]
Day1
We were so excited to have a guest. Then we found out it was civilwarsallie. It was Valentines' Day. We got four new people in our class. We took civilwarsallie to library class. by PR
Day 2
Our 5th grade class is having lots of fun with civilwarsallie. We have taken lots of pictures, some at Art, Music, and recess. Tuesday a teacher named Mr. Dobbs came to our class dressed up like a civil war soldier. He showed us what a soldier needs to survive the war. Mr Dobbs brought a canteen, a backpack, an ammunition cartridge, and a musket for us to see. Best of all Mr. Dobbs got to meet civilwarsallie. MH
Day 3
Today is Wednesday and civilwarsallie got to visit some teachers. This morning she went to Art class where she got to meet Mrs. Karroll! She had a wonderfultime. Later she went to recess. She got to cheer for her team. Around 2:30 we had music class and Sallie wanted to come. She got to meet Mrs. Smith the music teacher. Then she sang away. I am sure that we all had a great, great day! BD
Day 4
We had lots of fun with CivilWarSallie today. The class took her on a tour of the school. Sally got to meet people and see new places. She got to see some old friends who had died during the Civil War when we visited the cemetery across the street. Sally even got to see a dancing frog on her tour! We wish she didn't have to leave. But we had fun while it lasted, we will miss you when you leave Sally. FK
Day 5
Sally went to chapel. In song 3 we sang about God. We had fun. Then we had fruit and cookies. Sally thought they were good. JG

13 Days Under The Confederate Flag

2010-10-26T07:52:00.000-07:00

On Monday, 4th Grade had a special visitor, Mrs. Bourdeau. She has been a Civil War reenactor who is very familiar with her hometown's history. Here is what I learned along with my host class.

From late June to early July, 1863, the small farming town of Waynesboro was occupied by Confederate forces. Before this, the sleepy town's citizens had not been directly involved in the war with few men enlisting. Life went on with farmers bringing produce to Saturday markets in the square and business conducted by the blacksmith, butcher, and other small shopkeepers. Most citizens felt that this political problem would be handled by Lincoln's Federal Army.

When Confederate troops came to town, Lee's plan was to advance north and capture key points so that the Union would surrender. Southern troops who had experienced the hardships of war in Virginia's Shenandoah Valley wanted Northerners to get a taste of war in Pennsylvania's Cumberland Valley. While in Waynesboro, the troops simply occupied the town...no battles, no shots fired. Many of its citizens met with Southern soldiers and listened to their reasons for entering the war and their stories of loved ones at home. Troops did go to farms to gather fruits, vegetables, meat for hungry soldiers.

Some local farmers hid out during the day in nearby caves...they feared that the Rebels would demand that they join their troops. Also some hid livestock so the army could not take it. One of those farmers was Mrs. Bourdeau's great, great grandfather. These scared men would sneak home at night to make sure that their families and farms were secure. The soldiers did not require that any men join the army so their fears were unfounded.

Finally, Rebel troops left the town...onward to Gettysburg and points north!

Union Forces Attacked Lee's Army At Monterey Pass

2010-10-24T13:14:00.000-07:00

Today I visited a peaceful mountaintop on a gorgeous autumn day. There I visited an area where Union and Confederate troops clashed on a thunderstorm dominated summer night in 1863.

About six miles from Waynesboro lies the quiet, tranquil setting of Blue Ridge Summit. Forests shade and surround homes, churches, and stores. But on the evening of July 4, 1863, quiet did not prevail. The nearby Monterey Pass would be a center of mass confusion and fighting.

After Lee's loss at Gettysburg, he planned the retreat back to Maryland and across the Potomac River. Early on the morning of July 4, he directed General Richard Ewell and his Second Corps to go with their wagon trains through Fairfield and the mountains around Monterey Pass. This would be the shortest way back to Williamsport, Maryland, and the Potomac River. That evening a terrible thunderstorm drenched the nine mile-long line of wagons, supplies, livestock, and soldiers. Many of the soldiers had been wounded during the three day battle at Gettysburg.

That same night, the Union Calvary led by General H. Judson Kilpatrick met a local 12 year old girl named Hetty Zeilinger who was walking to her home at Monterey Pass. She warned the soldiers that the Confederates were blocking the pass and that she would show them how to get around them. One of the soldiers lifted her onto his saddle so that she could point out the way. She made her way home safely, but...

The Union and Confederate troops (about 10,000 soldiers in total) met and engaged in battle for six hours. With lightning, thunder, heavy rains, and flying ammunition, the scene was one of chaos and confusion. Many of the Confederate wagons crashed down the mountainside and crushed the occupants. The Union captured about 1,500 Confederate prisoners.

The Battle of Monterey Pass was the second greatest battle on Pennsylvania soil. Today Civil War history buffs such as I can visit and read the various markers that tell about the battle.

Tomorrow along with the 4th graders, I will meet a reenactor and learn more about Waynesboro's occupation by the Confederates for 13 days.

Here In Waynesboro, Pennsylvania!

2010-10-23T13:02:00.000-07:00

I arrived on Monday, October 18, at Saint Andrew Catholic School which is located on East Main Street. Down this very street rode Confederate troops in 1863. More about the town's history in a moment...

My hosts for this trip are the 4th Graders and Mrs. Haffner. We have been reading If You Lived During The Civil War and You Wouldn't Want To Have Been A Civil War Soldier to gain background knowledge. Several of the students have ancestors who were in the Union Army.

The town of Waynesboro is in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. It is in the Cumberland Valley. It is two miles from the Mason-Dixon Line. During the days of June and July, 1863, the town was under the Confederate flag for 13 days. When Lee passe through the town headed north, he stopped in the town square. At the time, there was a water pump there. Lee dimounted his horse and got a drink. Then, he gave his horse Traveller a drink. A week before the Battle of Gettysburg, Major General Jubal Early's division passed through the town as they were headed north. Check my blog for Tuesday, October 26, to find out more about the occupation of the town.

This weekend, I am staying with Mr. and Mrs. Haffner who have an extensive Civil War art collection which I will view. We will be visiting historic sites, including one with an incredible view. I will post about my weekend jaunts tomorrow along with some photos.

Comics and Confederate Invasion on the Coast

2010-08-09T12:01:00.000-07:00

Sallie had no idea that there was so much Civil War history in Maine. Most people think of the battlefields in southern states, but not about the beautiful coastline of Maine. Not only are there Civil War artifacts here, but also battle sites.

Her host, the Fifth Maine Regiment Museum, organized a History Comix Camp for middle schoolers. It was an art and history camp that focused on the real history of piracy and privateering in Casco Bay, Maine. What does privateering have to do with the Civil War? Well, one of the events that she learned about was the "Confederation Invasion of Portland" in 1863.

Despite the fact that the Yankee port boasted three granite masonry forts, a group of Confederate privateers slipped into the harbor and commandeered a merchant vessel called Caleb Cushing. Alas, it didn't end well for the Confederates as they were chased, caught, and imprisoned not too far after leaving the harbor. Nonetheless, they did manage to steal the ship under the noses of a significant defense system and destroy it.

Sallie wanted you to see one of the forts that the Confederate privateers snuck by, Fort Gorges. As it turns out, for some reason this magnificent and newly-built fort was unmanned at the time!

It wasn't the first time that Portland harbor suffered an attack from sea either!

Well, it's time to move on to new places and new stories. Sallie is boarding her own vessel today, a ferry that will take her to Portland where she will fly home.

Which Artifact is Quirkier?

2010-08-08T05:56:00.000-07:00

Sallie went to work today as a docent at the Fifth Maine Regiment Museum on Peaks Island. Since a docent's job is to call visitors' attention to things of interest, she decided to share two of her most favorite artifacts at this museum on an island in Maine. Here she is welcoming you as she stands in front of the regiment's original silk flag, recently restored and placed on display.

One of her favorite artifacts sits in an exhibit case constructed by the veterans themselves after they built their reunion/memorial hall (which is now the museum). On these shelves they placed the souvenirs and other items that they brought back from the Civil War battlefields. Using her own flag as a pointer, Sallie wants you to notice that the museum curates one hundred and fifty year old hardtack, a common type of biscuit eaten by soldiers during the Civil War. Yup, these biscuits are 150 years old and have been sitting on this shelf since the veterans put them there. Yucky but cool.

Next she takes you out of the Great Hall and into a small room that once served as a bedroom for vacationing soldiers and their families. Now it's a small gallery. Using her flag as a pointer again, Sallie is showing you the bullet hole in the top of this kepi worn by Adjutant Bicknell of the Fifth Maine. Many, many soldiers perished on the battlefields, but Bicknell was fortunate and survived his bullet hole wound.

So now you can vote - which artifact wins the Quirky Prize?

If you would like to learn more about what goes on at the Fifth Maine, check out Patricia Erikson's blog!

Sallie Follows Fifth Maine Veterans to Peaks Island

2010-08-07T17:45:00.000-07:00

Sallie heard a rumor that the veterans of the Fifth Maine Regiment of the Union army had built themselves a summer vacation retreat on an island in Maine. The veterans' wives complained that after years of camping out for reunions in canvas tents, they wanted something more comfortable.

She decided that sounded like an adventure worth pursuing. Off she went and she liked it so much, it turned into an extended stay.

Much to her delight, this Queen Ann style cottage is now a museum, the Fifth Maine Regiment Museum, and it hosts a whole range of fun things to do, especially in the summer time.

Here are some of the campers (left) who are sitting on the very same steps that Civil War veterans posed on for their reunion photo (above). These campers came together for the "Art and History of Treasure Island" camp.

Campers learned about museums, artifacts, and how to make history fun. By the end of the week, campers exhibited their very own collages. Sallie hung out to see the exhibit.

Computer Fair 2010

2010-07-08T09:38:00.000-07:00

Hi! Sallie Here,

Just to tell everyone Sarah and I placed 2nd in the multimedia category in the 2010 Pa Middle School Computer Fair. We did a presentation on Miss Clara Barton using Prezi. I like Prezi because you can work on it online and then present it off line and you can view it online. We interviewed Miss Clara Barton and Ranger Mannie. We also included a video of Ms. Mary Ann Jung who portrayed Clara Barton in a previous post. We also added a Google Search Story and a Google Earth. We also added pictures from Sallie's photos and Flickr. Here is the Prezi:

Civil War Sallie meets Clara Barton on Prezi

Until Next time......

Mercer Museum

2010-06-24T11:03:00.001-07:00

Visited the Mercer Museum in Doylestown, PA today. Had a great time seeing artifacts and learning about our past. Sure was hot in there! Here's a picture of me with rifles from the Civil War.

Mt. Gilead

2010-06-23T13:21:00.000-07:00

Just visited the Mount Gilead African Methodist Episcopal church, located near the top of Buckingham Mountain. The church was founded by runaway slaves as a part of the Underground Railroad. Along side the church stands a graveyard. "Wherein sleep such noted characters as Governor Wells, Town Crier of Doylestown, and over which 'Big Ben,' the giant slave, exercised quasi-supervision before his tragic capture," as said by David Hanauer quoting the book Place Names in Bucks County.

Civil War Museum

2010-06-23T10:29:00.000-07:00

I visited with Betty from the Civil War Museum in Doylestown, PA. This is where I learned about Lieutenant Jacob Swartzlander. Lt. Swartzlander is a native of Doylestown who served in the 104th Infantry in the 1870s. Here, I am holding his personal bible next to pictures of letters that he wrote to home.

2010-06-11T12:04:00.000-07:00

Here I am with a life-sized mannequin of Malvina Gist, a very important lady to the history of Columbia, SC, and of the Relic Room.

During the war, as a young widow (her husband had been killed in battle), Malvina took a job proofreading and hand-signing Confederate currency. Each bill needed two signatures: Malvina signed more than 3000 a day. It was boring, repetitive work, but it helped her survive the war.

Malvina fled Columbia before Sherman's army arrived and burned the city down. She was a strong and resourceful lady. After the war, she slowly rebuilt her life, eventually writing two novels and helping start the museum. During WWI, she formed a group composed of former Confederate ladies, to help the American soldiers and sailors who were fighting in France.

Curator of History Joe Long says that one of the great untold stories of American history, is how ladies of the South followed General Lee's instructions, as they helped raise the next generation of young Southern men. Ladies like Miss Malvina taught that revenge was the wrong response to losing the war; that Southern honor should be shown in American patriotism instead. South Carolinians took this to heart, as they signed up for World War One in even greater numbers than their grandfathers had for the Confederate Army.

General Lee said, "Forget your animosities" (which means, "forget your bitterness, anger, hatred," things like that!) "and make your sons Americans". It's great that Preston and Johann are both American bears!

2010-06-11T11:57:00.000-07:00

Now it's Johann's turn. The SC Confederate Relic Room has only one Union battle flag, a very unique banner. Several regiments of former slaves who lived near Beaufort, South Carolina, fought for the Union forces. (Some islands on the coast had been captured by the US Navy, and slaves on those islands were under Union control.) This is the last surviving flag of one of those regiments, the 2nd SC Volunteers, U.S.

In fact, Harriet Tubman actually marched under this flag at one point! (She was a guide for the 2nd on the Combahee River Raid.) Johann says it's true that many Union soldiers were NOT abolitionists at all - but, he says that every soldier in the 2nd South Carolina Union regiment must have been!

2010-06-11T11:49:00.000-07:00

Here I am with Preston and the battle flag of the 3rd SC Regiment, which fought at Gettysburg. Names of other battles are stenciled on this flag, barely readable. About half of the Confederate battle flags at the Relic Room are "unsurrendered banners" which soldiers hid and brought home, but many of the others were returned to the Southern states by President Theodore Roosevelt, in 1904. Roosevelt believed that the brave soldiers of the war, on both sides, should be honored, especially since the issues of the war were settled. (Preston calls it the "War Between the States".)

2010-06-10T12:11:00.000-07:00

With guides like these, I'm learning a lot! Notice, as we peruse a history book, that Johann's hat has crossed cannons and his coat has red trim: that's how you know that his job is firing cannons. The crossed sabers on Preston's hat show that he's in the cavalry, and the black chevrons (which look like "v" 's) on his jacket show that he is a Sergeant. As a cavalry soldier he would also wear big boots, but like Johann and I, he just has "bear" feet today.

2010-06-10T12:04:00.001-07:00

Johann and Preston are serious students of tactics, and when I tell them I'm from Gettysburg, they immediately take out the map to discuss cavalry and artillery actions there.

Preston says the Confederate cavalry made a terrible mistake at Gettysburg. He talks about his hero, the brave horseman Wade Hampton III, who was wounded in a swordfight there against three men.

Johann describes the thick, black smoke and thundering cannons along the ridge where Union soldiers repelled the Confederate attack. All over the nation, in museums and history books, people still remember and take pride in what their state's soldiers did in that terrible battle near my home.

2010-06-10T11:53:00.000-07:00

It's a fine day in Columbia, as I continue to enjoy the Southern hospitality of the SC Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum. Here I am with my new friends Johann (a Federal artillery soldier) and Preston (of the South Carolina cavalry).

Visiting the Relic Room!

2010-06-09T07:12:00.000-07:00

A beautiful Wednesday morning in Columbia, South Carolina. I've been so busy here that I haven't had a chance to blog; the archives room at the South Carolina Confederate Relic Room and Military Museum is full of so many interesting things! I've been reading, and talking with the Curator of History, Krissy Johnson, and later we're visiting sites in Columbia. (Some sites are still standing, even though Union General Sherman's men burned the city down in February of 1865).

The Relic Room has been a museum since 1896; it was started by a group of Confederate widows (and wives of former Confederate soldiers) about thirty years after the war, as a place to remember their history. They were proud of their soldiers, and proud of what they had done on the homefront during the war - managing farms and businesses while their men were gone to war. And when they started the museum, they didn't just save the uniforms and weapons of the men - they saved things that reminded them of their own experiences, like a coffee grinder that was used to make fake "coffee" from acorns. (Sounds pretty good to me, but then, I'm a bear!)

More later - lots to see here!

2010-05-21T13:01:00.000-07:00

Today was a fun day at SJS! I got to help with the Constitution play! I got to be in it and sing, it was so much fun! The students had dress rehearsal today so I even got to see their costumes. Today was my last day and I know the fifth graders are going to miss me!

2010-05-21T12:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I got to hear all about the Senators baseball game. The fifth graders at SJS had a really good time. They all wore matching t-shirts and I even got my picture taken with some of them. I also got to meet Father Brommer this week and I got my picture taken with him too!

Civil War Sallie

2010-05-18T13:23:00.000-07:00

Hi! I am having a good time at SJS. I met an author today is also really good at origami! She calls it storigami and she taught me how to make a cup out of paper. I also got to watch a Liberty Kids movie while I ate lunch with the fifth grade. I got my picture taken with some fifth graders today too. I am excited for tomorrow because I am going to get to meet Father Brommer when he comes to talk to the fifth graders!

Jefferson Davis by Lodge McCammons

2010-05-08T12:56:00.001-07:00

Making Jefferson Davis

2010-05-08T10:32:00.001-07:00

This a slideshow of students creating the video "Jefferson Davis." Music written and sung by Lodge McCammons.

Civil War Sallie at East Elementary

2010-05-08T10:31:00.000-07:00

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Arrival at East Elementary

2010-04-30T12:15:00.000-07:00

Civil War Sallie has arrived at East Elementary in Greenville, Pennsylvania! She is so excited to meet Techno Tiger, the mascot of Mrs. Abernethy's Techno Tigers! Students can't wait to learn about the Civil War from Sallie!

New President Lincoln Exhibit at the National Civil War Museum

2010-04-26T16:31:00.000-07:00

Hello,

While traveling to Pennsylvania, I received an email from Mr. Kelly Lewis who is the President and CEO for the Technology Council of Central Pennsylvania. Mr. Lewis invited me to come to a reception at the National Civil War Museum to meet President Lincoln and to see a new exhibit about him.

According to Mr. Lewis, the main feature of this new exhibit is what is called a synthetic interview. What this means is that you can walk up to the exhibit, ask President Lincoln a question and a video of the President will answer you. How cool is that!! I can't wait to see it.

If you are in the Harrisburg, Pa area, join me and my friend Sarah on Wednesday, May 12th at the opening reception from 4-6pm. Read more about it on the museum's website

Until next time...

Awesome in Alabama!

2010-04-23T09:07:00.000-07:00

Wow! This has been an awesome week in Cherokee County, Alabama. After the historical tour, I have been traveling all over the county and visiting 4th graders in three elementary schools. You can check out the Flickr photos to meet all the nice teachers and students I have gotten to know this week.

On Tuesday, I visited all 7 classes of 4th graders at Centre Elementary School. It was quite a busy day but I loved being meeting all the 4th graders there! They studied about the Civil War earlier this year and knew a lot of Civil War facts. We headed to Spring Garden School on Wednesday and students there seemed quite proud that their community had a small bit of local Civil War history - John Wisdom's ride to Rome - the Paul Revere of the south.

Thursday was Earth Day and I celebrated with students at Gaylesville School. Students in Gaylesville were eager to share their knowledge about the events surrounding General Sherman’s stay in Gaylesville in 1864 at the local doctor’s home. They were also excited about giving me a few things to add to my collection: an Earth Day litter bag, locally grown cotton, and handmade cards.

You can’t celebrate Earth Day without getting outdoors! Ms. Rhonda took me to see beautiful Weiss Lake on Thursday afternoon. I saw some boats, fishermen, ducks, and geese. It’s still too cool for most water sports so I just enjoyed being out in the sunshine! It was a beautiful day!

This is me at Weiss Lake - enjoying the sunshine!

On Friday morning, I dropped back by Centre Elementary School for a photo shoot and enjoyed learning about their "Renew the Rivers" project. Each year, they observe this cleanup project and students assist in cleaning up around their lake and rivers. It's nice to see citizens taking pride in nature to preserve the beautiful lakes and rivers they have in their area. I wish more people would be observant of protecting the environment.

That is the end of my journey for now in Alabama. I'm headed back to Pennsylvania later this afternoon but will take fond memories with me and hope to return again.

Civil War History of Cherokee County, Alabama

2010-04-19T14:35:00.000-07:00

I arrived in Gnatville, Alabama to the home of my hostess, Ms. Rhonda Clark, Technology Integration Specialist of Cherokee County Board of Education. It was Ms. Rhonda’s goal this week to introduce me to the local local Civil War history events and to take me to visit 4th graders in the school district. Alabama history is taught in the 4th grade and Civil War history is a big interest of 4th graders.

Gnatville, you say? Yes, I was a bit curious about how this rural area had a small part in local Civil War history. Gnatville is a peaceful little community at the foot of Mount Wiesner, the second highest point in Alabama. What could have possibly happened in this quiet little community during the Civil War?

John Wisdom’s Ride to Rome

It just so happens that Ms. Rhonda’s house is on the route that John Wisdom took from Gadsden, Alabama to Rome, Georgia on May 2, 1863 to warn the citizens of Rome that Colonel Abel D. Streight and troops were on the way to destroy the foundry during his famous raid through Alabama. Mr. Wisdom left Gadsden around 3:30 that afternoon and rode furiously until he arrived in his horse and buggy in Gnatville. He needed a fresh mount because his horse could not carry on any further. He borrowed a lame pony from a widow and made it on down the road a few more miles to Goshen, Alabama where he a better horse was obtained. He changed mounts again in Spring Garden, Alabama but ran into problems as this horse was exhausted just a mile outside of Cave Spring, Georgia where, as it began to get dark outside, people were reluctant to loan their animals. Nevertheless, He walked several miles and even used a mule to get him further on his journey. The folks in Vann’s Valley, Georgia were more helpful, offering two good horses in succession to help him reach his destination of Rome, Georgia, just a few miles up the road just around midnight. The citizens of Rome began efforts to protect their town. You can understand why John Wisdom earned the title of “the Paul Revere of the south.”

Source: http://mymindisongeorgia.blogspot.com/2007/07/john-wisdom-georgias-paul-revere.html

I loved this interesting little story and was pleased to be a guest of Ms. Rhonda’s home in Gnatville before we began visits to other historical sites in Cherokee County.

That takes me to the next Civil War story - General Nathan Bedford Forrest and the surrender of Colonel Streight.

The Surrender of Colonel Streight

Colonel Abel D. Streight and his mule brigade’s 17 day raid through Alabama led them to the Gadsden area after receiving orders in Tuscumbia, Alabama to destroy Cornwall Furnace in Cherokee County and the foundry and machine shops in Rome, Georgia which produced guns and ammo for the Confederate Army. Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest fought a running gun battle with Streight's 2,000 man force all the way from Tuscumbia.

For four days, harassed at every turn by Forrest, they had marched and fought, marched and fought, and they, men and horses, were completely exhausted. Streight had almost given Forrest the slip as they approached Gadsden. They crossed the Black Creek, just ahead of Forrest, but far enough ahead to torch the only bridge in the neighborhood. Streight thought he would gain a day and get a chance to rest and feed, but luck was with Nathan Bedford Forrest. A 15 year old girl, Emma Sansom, who, in spite of Yankee bullets, climbed up behind Forrest on his horse, and led him to a cattle ford only she knew about. (There is a statue of Emma in nearby Etowah County to honor her bravery.) Within a few hours the Confederate riders had crossed the river and were back pressing on Streight's rear guard.

Streight marched his men all night and fought a battle at Blount's Plantation in Cherokee County. The Confederates had stayed on Gen. Streight's heels until they reached the area just east of Cedar Bluff, where the Union army stopped to rest. They had just dismounted, when Forrest's troops were seen at a distance.

In a few minutes a courier reached Colonel Streight under a flag of truce, bearing a note requesting immediate surrender. A conference was then held between the two leaders during which a courier rode up to General Forrest and stated that General Van Dorn, with a division of troops, was stationed at a half-mile distance awaiting orders. Just as this courier was leaving another rode up with the statement that General Roddey was present and awaiting orders. Forrest replied to both that they were to instruct their commanders to await his signal gun, whereupon a charge was to be made.

Of course, there were no Generals Roddey or Van Dorn in the state, but believing his army was surrounded by Confederate troops, Streight agreed to the terms demanded by Forrest and surrendered his entire army!

With less than 400 men, Forrest captured almost 1500 Union soldiers.

Sources:
http://www.cherokee-chamber.org/history.php

http://www.archives.state.al.us/markers/icherokee.html
http://www.hmdb.org/marker.asp?marker=12306
http://www.civilwarhome.com/CMHforrestbio.htm
http://www.civilwarhome.com/natbio.htm

Ms. Rhonda took me to the historical marker where it is said that Colonel Streight surrendered to Forrest in Cedar Bluff, Alabama (May 2, 1863) and to the Cornwall Furnace a short distance away, where iron ore was made for the foundry in Rome, Georgia to make guns and ammo for the Confederacy.

Here I am on top of the historical marker:

This is me at Cornwall Furnace:

Another location on this tour of Cherokee County was Gaylesville, Alabama and here is the story that goes with this tiny town in upper Cherokee County.

General Sherman’s Occupation of Cherokee County

General William Tecumseh Sherman led his troops from Summerville, Georgia to Gaylesville, Alabama where he seized a former doctor’s office and stayed for two weeks in October of 1864 during his strategic plan to occupy Confederate territory. Dr. Lawrence, the town doctor made a deal with General Sherman to treat his wounded soldiers in exchange for not burning his home. Sherman kept his word and allowed the home to remain after his departure and that is why this grand old house is the only structure in Cherokee County to survive the Civil War.

During his occupation of Cherokee County, Sherman’s six “National Forces” (we know then as Union) armies of 60,000 troops were encamped throughout the county, including Cedar Bluff, Blue Pond, Little River, and Leesburg. (This pretty much covered the whole county!) The Union soldiers burned most everything and foraged the area for food and supplies. General Sherman spent his time in Gaylesville contemplating the continuation of his strategies for his famous “March to the Sea.” This area was quite productive for General Sherman and his troops. They, reportedly, were “living high on the hog” because of the excellent foraging efforts. Sherman, also, reported that he had a stronghold at Cedar Bluff on the Coosa River. In addition, attempts were made to destroy Cornwall Furnace but they only dislodged about 6 to 8 feet of quarried rocks from the top. That halted the production of iron ore at that time but the furnace was rebuilt in 1867 and continued to operate until an accidental blowout occurred in 1874, halting any production afterwards. The remains of Cornwall Furnace are preserved in a park on the Chattooga River and beautiful Weiss Lake between Cedar Bluff and Gaylesville, Alabama.

Source: http://files.usgwarchives.org/al/cherokee/history/other/generals34nms.txt

Here I am at one of the few surviving pre-Civil War homes in Cherokee County, Alabama:

After the whirlwind tour of Cherokee County, preparations were made for school visits during the next few days.

A final day in Tuscaloosa

2010-04-15T17:43:00.000-07:00

Two days before I left Tuscaloosa, a girl in my class named Erin took me to Capitol Park. Capitol Park is the site of the old Capitol building, because Tuscaloosa used to be the capital of Alabama! Actually, Tuscaloosa became the capital of Alabama in 1826, seven years after Alabama became a state. (The capital moved to Montgomery in 1846, which then became the first capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War.)

A fire burnt the capitol building in 1923 and turned it to ruins. However, the little that was left of the building was preserved. It has now made Capitol Park a cool hang out spot for Tuscaloosa natives. To the right you will see me on top of one of the piece of rubble, and below you will see another part of the old capitol building.

The day before I left I went home with Lucy. She lives right off of University Boulevard very near the battle where the battle of Tuscaloosa began. She took TONS of pictures of some very cool historical buildings around the area. Some of the places she visited were the Governor's Mansion, the Old Tavern, the Friedman House, the old bridge site that was part of the Tuscaloosa battle, and the Jemison house. Some of these pictures are posted below. For the rest, be sure to check out my album on Flickr!

The Battle of Tuscaloosa

2010-04-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

Tuscaloosa Magnet School taught me about the Battle of Tuscaloosa!

During this battle everything on campus got burned down, except the President's Mansion and three other buildings. The reason that didn't get burned down was because the president's wife went out and begged them not to burn it down. The professors also begged not to burn down the library, but they did anyway. This battle went on because the University of Alabama used to be a military school. The Yankees stole all of their cannons also. That was a sad day in Tuscaloosa but now they have recovered.

(by Jewels H.)

the President's Mansion -->

My arrival in Tuscaloosa, Alabama !

2010-04-12T12:03:00.000-07:00

Wow! I just went home with Taylor H. for the weekend. She took me to the University of Alabama and took pictures of me with the places that were not burned in the Battle of Tuscaloosa. The children have taught me so much about it. More will come in the next post about that battle!

Here is me at the Gorgas House. It was built in 1829 and is one of four buildings that survived the Civil War. It was originally used as a hotel or "steward's hall," and then it became a dining hall for the campus and at the time of the war one of the faculty residences. After the war Confederate General Josiah Gorgas lived there with his wife and family.

Poudre River Trail Survival Field Trip - 4/2/10

2010-04-03T07:52:00.000-07:00

Whew! I am exhausted. I am actually looking forward to some R& R in my mailing box. These Greeley kids have worn me out. Sophie brought me back early in the morning Friday so she could do her blog before the big day got started. When the rest of the class members arrived, they brought adults with them as well. There were at least 12 adults milling around, so I knew something was up.
I should have suspected something when I learned about which plants and animals to eat in the wild earlier in the week. We were packing up to head down the Poudre River Trail for a Survival Field Trip. The initial hike was brisk and beautiful. Spring is just arriving in Colorado and the birds were chirping. I stayed tucked in my carry case because it was a bit windy. We split into two groups at one of the trailheads. I went with Mrs. Sage. Once they reached their work destination, she read them a situation. It seems that they had gone on a bike trip in really hot weather, gone too far and run out of water. Their job was to find a water source, gather water, and then purify it. It was pretty funny when one group tied a water bottle with rocks in the bottom of it and then threw it into the lake. Someone forgot to hold onto the rope and it went in as well. Thank goodness for the wind because it all got blown back to the shore where it could be retrieved. After they had found and starting purifying water, they next were given a situation where they were on a long hike and had gotten lost. They were out of food. Their job was to find plants or animals to sustain them. The reeds and grasses were easy to find; the cattail was out-of-season. They did find and EAT rolly pollies, worms, and beetles. GROSS! Then I switched groups and went with Mrs. Vogt. I thought I would be safe away from that crazy Mrs. Sage...
Mrs. Vogt also had a situation into which the children had to immerse themselves. She had them act out the basic first responder aid for three situations: possible heart attack, snake bite, and possible broken leg. They did really well. I wish they had been on the battlefield in Gettysburg. They could have saved some of our soldiers. After everyone was saved, she then gave them another situation in which they needed to signal for help. They immediately started putting up flags with bright clothing, using their mirrors, and creating SOS signs on the ground. It was pretty impressive. I felt really safe.
Next, we all headed to the Poudre Learning Center for a deserved lunch. We only had 30 minutes to eat, but I still took time to look through the telescope to view the bald eagles nesting across the lake. It was an amazing sight. I am so glad they are our national bird.
After lunch, it was back to work. I went with Mrs. Sage again - you would have thought I would have learned by now - to do fire building. The groups each had a knife and flint. They were taught how to safely pass and use the knife, were reviewed with about the different order and types of materials necessary to start the fire, and then off they went. All three groups were successful getting a fired started even in all of the wind. I do smell a bit smoky. Then I switched to a group led by Mrs. Weaver, an employee at the Poudre Learning Center. She had created a compass scavenger hunt for us. My team was really great, and we located all of the items. By now, I was exhausted and windburned. I was ready for an afternoon nap, but it was not to be.
We walked a great distance to the edge of the Poudre River. Mrs. Sage read another situation card and the students were told to build a shelter that would house their team and protect them from precipitation, wind, heat/cold, and animals. I was stumped, but they took off and got to work right away. Mrs. Sage also let the adults play; they were to work together to build their own shelter. They lucked out because one of the dads was an avid outdoors man and they took small trees in a grove, leaned them to a center spot, tied the trees together towards the top, then filled in the spaces between the trees with grasses. At the end when we took our tour of all of the shelters, none of the kids would believe that the parents had had the same amount of time to build; in fact, some of the children believed the shelter was already there and that the adults had cheated. :-) I watched them build it, so I gave the children my word as a witness. Grumbling, they finally applauded the parents' amazing work.
Mrs. Sage finally said we were going home. We had to walk back 45 minutes to the school. I then collapsed in the classroom until Mrs. Sage finished getting the students off for home and Spring Break, cleaned up the classroom, stored the field trip materials, and turned out the lights. I did absolutely nothing last night!
Today, Mrs. Sage is packing me up for my next location. I hope it is somewhere warm and peaceful.

Historical Plumb Farm - 4/1/10

2010-04-02T06:53:00.000-07:00

After staying with Quen, I went to stay with a girl named Sophie. We got to go to Library for Specials. We typed on the computer, and the kids edited their paragraphs. Sophie is a pretty fast typist! Next, we went to Math, and I took a test. I got 25 points out of 27 possible points! Yeah, me! Then we went back to the Computer Lab to take a survey about how to make our school even better. When we got back to class, I loved to watch the kids blog about me and doing their writing. To end the morning, Sophie took me to Social Studies with Mrs. Vogt. In there, we talked about Hitler some more, and it scared me even more than last time. We even got to watch a video.
I was so glad that Sophie took me out to recess. We got to swing on the playground and walk around in the field. I got lots of love from Sophie's friends. We went into lunch then, and I stayed with Sophie's friends at the table until she got out of the lunch line. I wasn't hungry, so I didn't eat anything.
After lunch, Sophie had a reading test. I really didn't want to, so I just watched Sophie take it. From what I could tell, it looks like she aced it. She is very smart - her teacher told me that. After the test, we went to Sophie's Advanced Reading class where I watched the kids present their Wordles about Shakespeare's life. Sophie talked about his last will and testament. It was pretty interesting except I think he might have been a bit strange. Finally, it was Options Time, and we had Math Stations, but Sophie went upstairs to share a story with the 7th graders in Mrs. McWilliams class. I don't know why, but she didn't take me!
Once school was over, we drove home and stopped by Plumb Farm on the way. Plumb Farm is now a petting farm museum, but it used to be an active farm when Union Colony, now Greeley, was founded. While I was there, I took pictures at the house; I was kind of scared because there was a lot of metal and a lightning storm started up. We also got to take a picture by the harvester contraption. Then we went home to Sophie's house. I was glad to get inside. At Sophie's, we got ready to go to a Seder Meal. It went until 10:30 p.m. A Seder meal is where the Jews and Christians celebrate Passover. When we got home, I was really tired, so we all just went to bed.
Friday morning, Sophie brought me back to school and handed me off to Mrs. Sage. I'm a bit worried because it looks like we are doing something strange. She has handwarmers, ponchos, snacks, and juice on each student's desk, so I think she is going to drag me along on their Survival Field Trip. I hope I make it! More to come later.

Old Greeley Train Museum - 3/31/10

2010-04-01T09:56:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday, after Remi had me on Tuesday, I met Quentin and I was with him all day. First, in Science we learned about CPR. It was really neat and gross. I hope I never have to give Quentin CPR! I stayed in during recess while Quentin finished his homework. I should have made him do it last night; I could have helped him.
When he came back from lunch, we completed a study guide for reading. I noticed that Quentin got most of the practice questions right. Hopefully tonight he will study! He promised me he would. Then we went to a reading group. Everyone thought Quentin was carrying a purse when it was really me in my carrying case. When we came back from reading group, Quentin got ready to go home and then played a game. He let me try, too.
After school, Quentin's mom picked us up. She took us to the Old Greeley Train Museum. I got two pictures taken of me. I also got some pictures to color and a Greeley Tourist Guide, so I can see what else to do here for fun. The Train Museum was so fun because I got to see old trains and some antique stuff. We saw two trains on the tracks.
Finally, we went home to eat before we went to church. I had nachos for dinner. I loved the spicy salsa. When we got back from church, Quentin tried to have me eat candy, but I didn't. Then we went to bed and were annoyed by Quentin's dog. Good night for now. See you tomorrow.

Island Grove - 3/30/10

2010-04-01T09:48:00.000-07:00

Kenzie took me back to school in the morning. That is when another student took me to an historical site. His name is Remi, and I was with him all day. First, he took me to Social Studies, and we learned about Hitler and World War II. I thought it was quite icky! It made me remember all of the awful things that happened in the Civil War. After Social Studies, Remi went to recess, but he left me behind; he said it was an accident, but I'm not sure I believe him. I think he didn't want to be seen with a doll.
After he came back, he took me to a special class called, "Templates." It was boring. I already know how to read! Then a little while later, he took me home.
We went to his house and stayed there for a little bit but then went to Island Grove. I had my picture taken at least eight times. Island Grove is a place where rodeos happen where they ride horses, bulls, and it is a great place to go with your family and have fun.
After we left Island Grove, we went back to Remi's house, and I watched Remi do his homework. He never asked me for any help. Darn it! Afterwards, we watched a little TV. Then I ate dinner; Remi's mom made steak. It was delicious. After that I watched Remi and his little brother play his Xbox 360. They even let me take a turn. I failed 22 times! Rats! Remi's brother was kind of annoying. Finally, we went to sleep. I was exhausted!

Historical Greeley Hospital - 3/29/10

2010-04-01T08:49:00.000-07:00

The second day, I was given to one of the students named Kenzie. I sat on her desk for the day. I saw work and notetaking on plants and animals that they can eat on their Survival Field Trip for Friday. I think that is disgusting, but they have to do it to get a good grade. Mrs. Sage also ate a piece of plant as she was showing the students how to tell if a plant is poisonous or not.
The bell rang at 2:00. I thought that was the best thing ever. I got to go to a different place. I went with Kenzie in her mom's car and went and got Sonic. Kenzie tried giving me a drink of her soda, but I didn't want any. Then we drove to Kenzie's home. I helped Kenzie with her homework. After homework, we went and met Kenzie's friend, Devreigh. We went to the park and played. Kenzie's grandmother, Sharon, picked us up and took us to the old Greeley Hospital where she lives. It is an apartment building now. I have a beautiful picture of me right in front of the old hospital.
We then took, Blondie, Kenzie's grandma's dog, on a walk. We even got to go blow bubbles. Next, we went over to Kenzie's friend, Krystina's house, to give Kenzie and Krystina time to practice their dance for the talent show tryouts. I was pretty impressed; they could really dance well to Star Struck.
After that, it was time to go home and eat dinner. We had goulash. I remember eating goulash when I was in the Civil War, but this was a lot yummier. After eating, I went with Kenzie to her room for her to read to me. After that we watched a small part of the movie, "Princess Protection Program." Then it was lights out and time for bed. I am very tired, so good night!

Sallie Ann in Greeley, Colorado 3/26/10

2010-04-01T08:40:00.000-07:00

I arrived yesterday from an arduous trip. I was expecting spring-like weather, but instead it was freezing. I need to pull out my wool clothing to keep warm. Mrs. Sage, my hostess, unpacked all of my luggage and let her after school reading group look through all of my "stuff." I have to admit that I was blushing as they were so amazed at all I had brought to share with them.

Unfortunately for me, Mrs. Sage then shoved me back in my box and said that her class would see me on Monday! A whole weekend in a box is not very exciting. I am not very happy so far with this visit. I think I'll use this time to learn if the Civil War had any impact on the area of Greeley, Colorado.

A Visit with John Muir

2010-03-21T20:19:00.000-07:00

Before I return to CTK tomorrow to spend another day with students, I should tell you how I spent my Friday. As it turns out, Christ the King School is only about five miles from John Muir's Home in Martinez. And a beautiful, almost-spring day is the perfect time to walk around the grounds.

John Muir, who was actually born in Scotland, is perhaps best known for being a champion of nature. In 1867, he began a 1,000-mile walk from Kentucky to the Gulf of Mexico, and along the way was able to experience so much of what nature had to offer. He is arguably this country's most famous conservationist, without whom we may not have Yosemite National Park. In fact, Muir is often referred to as The Father of Our National Park System. He co-founded the Sierra Club, and became its first president, a title he would hold until his death in 1914.

As it was a school day for most children in the area, we pretty much had the place to ourselves...except for the rather rambunctious first graders who were on a school field trip. That attic got rather noisy with all of those little voices, especially after one of the moms mentioned something about ghosts!

We were lucky enough to have our own private tour guide for our walk through the Muir Home. Mr. Hughes was nice enough to share plenty of wonderful information about John Muir and his wife Louie and what life was like when they lived in this house.

There are actually two homes here to see: John Muir's and the Martinez Adobe, built around 1849 by Don Vicente Martinez. The walls of this home are made entirely of adobe, sun-dried bricks.

You can see photos of the John Muir Home here.

Meeting CTK Students

2010-03-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

After meeting with the principal this morning, it was time to meet the students of Christ the King Catholic School. I didn't know I would be meeting them all at once, however. I was introduced to the entire school at their morning assembly. Rachael, the student body president (pictured with me), and Samantha did a very nice job introducing me to everyone.

One of my first stops at the school was the computer lab. The fourth graders are just learning how to use Google Sites for their blogs. With the tech teacher off for a few weeks following knee surgery, I went with a few of the seventh grade Google experts to see if we could offer any help. I hope Mrs. Massi didn't mind me borrowing her chair.

Later in the morning it was time to sit in on the eighth grade social studies class. They've just started studying the Civil War, so I got to listen to the students talk about slavery. The topic was the Wilmot Proviso, but the conversation focused on how slaveholders viewed slaves as property not human beings with the same "unalienable rights" that Thomas Jefferson wrote about in the Declaration of Independence. The eighth graders just couldn't believe that people were ever treated like that.

In the afternoon, I enjoyed a few of the seventh graders' presentations on African history. Each student researched a different African country, created a powerpoint, and then have to give a ten to fifteen minute lesson on the country they've studied. I was quite impressed with the presentations I've seen so far; their presentations don't contain as much text as their history books, and the students barely use any notes to get through their talk. They really know their stuff!

Monday and Tuesday of next week I hope to get around to several of the other grades to talk with the students and answer any questions they may have about the Civil War or American history.

I'm in Sunny California!

2010-03-18T09:07:00.000-07:00

Phew! I have finally made it to Pleasant Hill, California. It was an extra long trip, taking about a day and a half more than I thought it would. But I'm here now and so excited to be meeting new people and learning a lot with these middle school students.

I arrived after school had already gotten out yesterday, so I didn't get a chance to meet any students. I did, however, get to sit in on a faculty meeting and be introduced to everyone. I had to stand up in front of everyone and talk about myself and some of my travels. It was a bit nerve-wracking, but everyone here is so nice that they made me feel welcome right away.

Before school this morning, I had to go to the principal's office. No, I wasn't in trouble; not everyone who goes to the principal's office is in trouble. Sometimes it's for a really, really good thing! I wanted to meet with Mrs. Gannon-Briggs before meeting the students of the school so I could answer any questions she might have about me. We had a very nice chat so early in the morning; she's a very nice lady.

I'll write all about my first day here in another post.

Departure from Pangburn

2010-03-12T18:13:00.000-08:00

Wow!!! I had a full two days since I last blogged. The kids at Pangburn keep me busy. Yesterday, we spent some time just checking out my blog and out my posts about my travels. I sure have covered a lot of places in a short time. I think I impressed the kids. :) Today, we spent some time learning about Harriet Tubman and what an amzing woman she was. Fredrick Douglas was also talked about because he sure did accomplish a lot during his life time. We also talked about how difficult it must have been for General Lee to surrender to Grant in Virginia after losing so many men. The kids at Pangburn donated several things to me before I packed up to leave. They gave me my very own Pangburn Tiger t-shirt and it actually fits me! A huge thank you to Mrs. Janet Reaper and her high school class for making it for me. Another huge thank you to local author, Mrs. Kimberly Langley, for donating her book. It is titled " Another Time" and has Grayson who travels through time from the Civil War era to the future. She even signed my copy and I am definitely going to spend some time reading it during the long trip to California to visit the kids at Christ the Lord Catholic School. Another huge thank you must be said to Mr. Turley and son, Derik, who created a wooden true-to-the-size Civil war sword replica. I now have another box traveling with my original one because I am collecting so many things. Everyone is been so kind about giving me things. Well, I'll hush until next week when I greet the California kids. Take care until then...Where is that book? Ahh.....Adios, Sallie

Mrs. Melissa's 1st class

2010-03-10T17:41:00.001-08:00

Mrs. Melissa's 1st class
Originally uploaded by civilwarsallie

Check me out!

Mrs. Melissa's 3rd class

2010-03-10T17:39:00.001-08:00

Mrs. Melissa's 3rd class
Originally uploaded by civilwarsallie

GO Pangburn Tigers!

Mrs. Melissa's 2nd class

2010-03-10T17:37:00.003-08:00

Mrs. Melissa's 2nd class
Originally uploaded by civilwarsallie

We are having so much fun together.

Courthouse at Searcy

2010-03-10T17:37:00.001-08:00

Courthouse at Searcy
Originally uploaded by civilwarsallie

Check our court house in nearby Searcy. The statue honors the Confederate Arkansas soldiers.

Arrival at Pangburn

2010-03-08T19:49:00.000-08:00

Today, as I arrived at Pangburn, I found about 60 4th graders learning about which side of the war that each state joined. We found out that Arkansas joined the Confederacy.
We discussed the differences between how the battles were fought back then as compared to how we fight modern wars today. We also talked about how difficult it was to survive a battle back then and how many soldiers died.
We talked about the reasons for the war such as different viewpoints about slavery, Lincoln's goal to perserve the Union, and the shots fired on Fort Sumpter.
I shared the CD of the battlefield music and the kids loved the drums.
I'll be back on Wednesday. Sallie

PETE&C 2010

2010-02-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

Hi!

As, you probably all know February 21-24 was PETE&C. So, I want to thank everyone who stopped by my booth during the morning student showcase. Also

, a big thank you to the people who came to the Follow Me project session.

Here I am with Sarah and her 2 brothers. They are CJ and Jacob.

I would also like to thank Mr. Mark DeHaven from Smart Solutions, who gave my friend Sarah and I an AirLiner for our presentations. Sarah and I had a fun time learning about how to use the AirLiner. PETE&C was a blast this year because I met more people than last year. Also, while I was there I celebrated my birthday! It was an awesome day to have a birthday.

Sarah, Mr. Lutz, Morpheus, GeoFrog, Patriot Pete, TechnoTigers, and I did a presentation on how to create your own Follow Me project and Sarah was the main presenter. THe URL to

view our presentation is: http://prezi.com/5ven2xcea0ar/.

Here are some of the Follow Me Projects

I also want to introduce Patriot Pete. He is a Build a Bear who is teaching and learning an patriotism. Check out his website at patriotpete.com . You can sign up for both of us. But hurry slots are filling up fast.

Until Next Time.......

Sallie

More Heinz History Center

2010-02-26T05:40:00.000-08:00

A new exhibit just opened at the Heinz History Center...Discover the Real George Washington: New views from Mount Vernon. The exhibition highlights Mount Vernon, personal aspects of George Washington...we even saw his false teeth!

Heinz History Center

2010-02-26T05:35:00.001-08:00

I visited the Heinz History Center with the 7th graders from Linton Middle School on Thursday, February 25. We rode in on a school bus and spent the morning touring different exhibits in the museum. Our first stop was an exhibit on the French and Indian War. Then we walked through Pittsburgh: A Tradition of Innovation. At the left is a picture of me in front of a model of the Ferris Wheel that was invented in Pittsburgh.

Heinz History Center

2010-02-26T04:57:00.000-08:00

Civil War Sallie Visited Room 224

2010-02-13T20:00:00.000-08:00

Hi,

The following post was written by Ms. Naugle and posted on her blog about my visit to her classroom. Hope you enjoy -- Sallie

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I attend an online webinar every Saturday morning from the comfort of my sofa usually while still in my pj's and enjoying a good cup of coffee. I have learned so much about technology and Web 2.0 tools while attending theseClassroom 2.0 Livesessions.

The show on January 16th was titled "Civil War Sallie Technology Projects-Special Guest: Sarah and Jim Beeghley". (The entire session is archived here.) Sarah is a sixth grader from Carlisle, Pennsylvania who started a Educational Follow Me Project. She took her passion - the Civil War- and created Civil War Sallie. Sallie is a teddy bear that travels around to different Civil War battlefields, museums, and classrooms. Sarah, or should I say Sallie, maintains a blog, a wiki, and a Twitter account where she keeps everyone updated about her travels. After attending the session I decided to sign up to get Sallie to visit our classroom.

This huge box arrived at school Wednesday morning, January 27. Inside that box was Civil War Sallie and a ton of Civil War information. My students were all excited to meet her and read her accompanying information. They loved checking out all of the pins that she wears or carries in her knapsack. They took turns taking her to their other classes and home at night. On Saturday, February 1, two of my students and their families met me and Civil War Sallie at the Civil War Museum in New Orleans. The museum presented Sallie with a special pin and took photos of all of us to put in their newsletter. Dionne and Sabrina and Sallie had fun taking pictures, learning from the exhibits, and shopping for keepsakes at the gift shop.

Sallie even became an honorary member of the Who Dat Nation at our school's pep rally where we all cheered for our Saints football team to win the Super Bowl (which they did). Sadly the visit had come to an end, and it was time to send Sallie on to her next stop. She was headed to Mrs. Blazosky's 1st grade classroom in Clarion, Pennsylvania. (I know Tracy Blazosky through my online training with Discovery.) My students and I are glad we had a chance to be a part of this unique educational opportunity. Thank you, Sarah for your inspiring work.

Pennsylvania Bucktails

2010-02-11T14:29:00.000-08:00

Hello,

Sallie here. When I was in Gettysburg recently, I met some great soldiers who had something funny in their hats. I learned that they are called the Pennsylvania Bucktail Regiment and how they fought during the Battle of Gettysburg. The first regment was up on Little Round Top.

Here is a video of me talking to the captain of the regiment. Enjoy learning about the Pennsylvania Bucktails.

Now that you have seen the video, see if you can answer these questions:

1. Why do they wear a white tailed deer tail in their hat?

2. Where are they recruited from?

3. Where did the first regiment of the Pennsylvania Bucktails fight?

Until Next time.... Sallie

Reading City Park (Reading, Pa)

2010-01-20T17:12:00.000-08:00

Hello All:

Today I visited Reading City Park and the Ringgold Light Artillery Memorial. This memorial commemorates the patriotism and promptitude of the Ringgold Light Artillery of Reading, Pennsylvania, which reported for duty at Harrisburg, April 16, 1861, arriving there first of the Pennsylvania Companies; and with the Logan Guards of Lewistown, Washington Artillerists of Pottsville National Light Infantry of
Pottsville, and Allen Infantry of Allentown, entered the City of Washington April 18, 1861,the first defenders of the Capital, this monument was erected by the Citizens of Reading, Pennsylvania. Check out my photos on Flickr.

Sincerely,
Civil War Sally

My Visit to Reading, Pa (Berks County)

2010-01-19T19:07:00.000-08:00

Today, my new friends and I visited Charles Evans Cemetery (Reading, Pa – Berks County). We visited the gravesites of Reading's First Defenders, members of the Ringgold Light Artillery, which was one of the first five companies of Northern volunteers to reach Washington upon the outbreak of hostilities in April 1861. The Ringgold Light Artillery of Reading was called upon to provide much of the heavy ordinance used in the Civil War. Berks County regiments fought bravely in many of the major battles of the war, including the July 1863, battle at nearby Gettysburg. Pictures will be posted this week.

Hardtack

2010-01-03T12:02:00.001-08:00

Hi Sallie here,

I just wanted to tell you a little bit of information on hardtack. The definition for hardtack is a saltless hard biscuit, bread, or cracker. This food was for the Union soldiers and johnnie cakes (similar but made from cornmeal) were for the Confederate soldiers.

Some times they dunked the hardtack in coffee because it was hard and it had animals (like maggots and weevils) in it and the coffee would make it soft and kill the animals. It was made out of flour, salt, and water. They were also called molar breakers because the hardtack was hard and starting to mold.

This is what hardtack looks like.

Here is what you use to make hardtack:

2 cups of flour

3/4 cup of water

1 tablespoon of Crisco or vegetable fat

6 pinches of salt

Mix and knead many times. Bake for 30 minutes or less for 400 degrees. Then flip over and wait an another 30 minutes or less. Wait till cooled to enjoy hardtack.

How did I find this research? My friend Sarah has to do a science fair project and she chose to do it on hardtack. Her title is Which Hardtack Will Mold Faster? So, I used her research to create this blog post.

Until next time....

Confederate Generals Interviews

2009-12-30T11:00:00.000-08:00

Hello, Sallie here.

When I was in Gettysburg recently, I met a few Confederate Generals. Here is a video of the Generals I met. I met General Longstreet, General Stuart, and General Armistead. They were all at the Battle of Gettysburg.

General Longstreet was nicknamed "Old Pete" and "My Old War Horse". He was at Appomattox Court House, Va with General Lee. General Stuart went to West Point and there he met General Lee. He was at the Battle of Antietam in Maryland. General Armistead also went to West Point. He was killed during Pickett's Charge in Gettysburg, Pa.

Until next time......

Merry Christmas

2009-12-25T06:05:00.000-08:00

Hello,

Just wanted to say Merry Christmas to all. Here is an image of the Lincoln family from abelincoln.com. Here you can see Tad, who is on the chair, opening presents. You can also see President Lincoln and his wife.

Thank You

2009-12-19T06:03:00.000-08:00

Hi Sallie here,

I want to let you all know I won the 2009 Edublog Award for Best Student Blog. Thank you Mr. Hargadon and Ms. Waters from EduBlog for sponsoring and hosting the awards. I also want to thank everyone who voted for me. It is such an honor being voted the Best Student Blog when there were so many other great blogs.

I also want to say congratulations to all the student blog nominees and the winners in the other categories. In the Best Student Blog category, the second runner up was Moo and the first runner up was Univero.

Merry Christmas and have a Happy New Year!!!!!!!

EduBlogs Award Nomination

2009-12-10T15:30:00.000-08:00

Hello,

I wanted to tell everyone that my friend Sarah and I have been nominated for the Best Student Blog Award in the 2009 EduBlog Awards.

Please take a moment to go over and VOTE for our blog.

Thank you so very much for your continued support.

Sallie & Sarah

2009-12-05T14:34:00.000-08:00

Hello,

Sallie here. During a recent trip to Gettysburg, I had the opportunity to meet singer David Kincaid. I really enjoyed listening to him play and learning about Civil War music. I learned about what instrument he played and what were some of the soldiers favorite songs. I also learned that Mr. Kincaid plays mostly Irish music.

Here is a video of Mr. Kincaid playing and me asking him a few questions:

Until next time...

American Civil War Living History Museum

2009-11-25T16:53:00.000-08:00

I had a great day at the Center Learning Community Charter School's American Civil War Living History Museum! I learned about the Underground Railroad, slave life, abolitionists, soldier life, naval battles, artillery, and more. I also learned about many major battles that were fought during the war. I got to see iMovies that the students made about the Battle of Gettysburg , I saw cool posters that the students made about each battle, and I listened to podcaststhat the students made about the battles that they researched.

Cleaning Up the Gettysburg Battlefield

2009-11-18T07:19:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I traveled to Gettysburg to help my friends, The Beeghley Family, clean up the area of the battlefield known as the Peach Orchard. The Beeghley Family help out at the battlefield as part of the Adopt-A-Position program. As part of the program, they travel to Gettysburg a few times a year to help pick up trash, fix fences and help clean up the battlefield.

Here I am with my friend Sarah sitting on a canon getting ready to clean up the Peach Orchard (behind us). The Peach Orchard was the site of some very heavy fighting on July 2, 1863.

Here I am picking up some trash. It is a shame that there is trash, but at least we are here to clean it up for everyone to enjoy this beautiful battlefield.

This is my friend CJ helping to pickup trash. The Trostle Farm is the white barn in the distance. General Dan Sickles was wounded on that farm and Confederate General Barksdale charged across the field behind CJ toward the Trostle Barn.

Here I am sitting on a fence with the Rose Farm in the background. The area around the Rose Farm was made famous by Alexander Gardner who took many photographs of dead Confederate soldiers on this farm.

Taking a break under a nice shady tree.

Having a nice cold drink after cleaning up the battlefield. What a great day!

This a National Park Service Ranger DeJesus who is in charge of the Adopt-A-Position program for Gettysburg.

Special thanks to the Beeghley Family for teaching me about how everyone can help keep my favorite place clean.

Rock carvings and dinosaurs in Gettysburg

2009-11-16T11:57:00.000-08:00

Today, I took a trip with the Beeghley family to Gettysburg to help clean up the battlefield as part of their Adopt-A-Position program. While we were there, we decided to use our copy of The Complete Gettysburg Guide to find some rock carvings.

We stopped on Little Round top to find some carvings. One of the more famous ones is a carving that tells about where Colonel Strong Vincent was shot and killed on July 2, 1863. Here is a photo of me sitting on the rock with the carving.

Next, we moved up toward the top of the hill and started to look for another carving. According to The Complete Gettysburg Guide, the carving was behind the monument to the 91st Pennsylvania and marked the spot where Lt. Charles Hazlett and General Steven Weed died. According to the story, General Weed was shot in the chest and paralyzed. Lt. Hazlett (who was commanding the cannons nearby) knelt over the dying General to help him when he too was shot in the head and killed.

That's me checking out the Weed/Hazlett carving that reads, "C.E. Hazlett Fell Com'g Batt'y D U.S. Art'y in Battle July 2nd 1863"

So, I saved the best for last (actually it was our first stop). According to the book, on the way to Little Round Top, there is a stone bridge over Plum Run with actual dinosaur tracks in the stones. We had to find these. So, we walked up the bridge, counted out the stones and found the dinosaur tracks. How cool is that!

Here is a picture of me (and our handy Guide) with the track near my right paw.

Next time you are in Gettysburg, be sure to look up some of these famous rock carvings.

Until next time...

The Complete Gettysburg Guide

2009-11-14T06:35:00.001-08:00

In preparation for a trip to my favorite town of Gettysburg tomorrow to help some friends clean up the battlefield as part of the Adopt-A-Position program, I borrow a copy of The Complete Gettysburg Guide from Dr. Beeghley who runs the Teaching the Civil War with Technology blog. He recently wrote a review of the book and I thought I would take a look.

What a terrific book! I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more about the Battle of Gettysburg. I plan on taking it to Gettysburg with me tomorrow so we can find some new places to visit.

Getting anxious for tomorrow! I'll be sure to report what I find.

UPDATE:

During the Remembrance Day Ceremony I was able to meet the authors of the Complete Gettysburg Guide. Here I am with JD and Steve.

CSI: Gettysburg Part 1

2009-11-12T06:30:00.000-08:00

My friend Sarah's dad, who runs the Teaching the Civil War with Technology blog loves to do something he calls, CSI: Gettysburg. So, one one day we decided to take a trip to Gettysburg to due some investigating. So, we loaded up his iPod Touch with some photographs and armed with background information we set off. Our goal was to find the the location where Civil War photographer Matthew Brady took the following photograph:

According to the book Gettysburg: A Journey in Time by William Frassanito, this photo was taken by Brady on July 15, 1863 on the slopes of Culp's Hill. The photo shows two of Brady's assistants sitting on a rock looking at the breastworks of the Union line. Frassanito further states that this photo was taken near the monument to the 102nd New York Regiment and some of the trees in the photograph are still standing today. Our hunt for clues was on!

Once we were on Culp's Hill, our first task was to find the monument to the 78th and 102nd New York Infantry Regiments. This was pretty easy as it was on the right side of the road leading up to the summit of Culp's Hill. Here is a photograph of my friend Jacob next to the monument. Now, look closely....Can you see the head of a lion and his paw in the monument?

According to one account, it was said that the 102nd and 78th fought like lions at Gettysburg so they had the lion carved into their monument. Here is a close-up of the monument, can you see the lion's head now?

Our next job was to find out where the photo was taken from, so we walked up the hill a bit further and using the original photo on the iPod and Frassanito's book as guides, we were able to find the same rock that the assistants were sitting on in the original photo.

Here I am with my friend Sarah (in her Civil War dress) sitting on the same rock as the assistants.
Here is a close up view of me and my friend Sarah. The tree behind us is the same tree behind Brady's assistants in the original photograph (although much bigger now). Many people refer to these as "witness trees" because they witnessed part of the battle.

One more photo of me sitting on the famous rock. It was kind of exciting to think that I was sitting in the same place that the photograph was taken.

According to one of the park rangers we met later on and told about our story told us that the tree that is fallen over in front of me (behind the one that is standing up and it looks like a mound of dirt) is another witness tree that fell over during a storm.

What a great, fun-filled day at Gettysburg. We used primary sources from the Library of Congress, a book and our knowledge about the battle to sort out the clues and find this famous place on the battlefield.

Next time we are going to due some crime scene investigating in Devil's Den. Stay tuned ....

Mechanicsburg

2009-11-11T04:15:00.000-08:00

Hi. Sallie here,

I wanted to tell you a little bit about my visit to Mechanicsburg, Pa. Did you know that Union and Confederate soldiers passed through there. I learned that they used the Frankenburger Tavern, Peace Church, and the John Rupp House as headquarters during the invasion of Mechanicsburg. The Confederates had planned to try to take Harrisburg, which is the capital of Pennsylvania. Instead of attacking Harrisburg, the Confederates headed for Gettysburg instead. The John Rupp House was a stone brick house that is now a small private office.

Here is the sign in front of the John Rupp House

Here I am sitting in front of the John Rupp house

Here is what Albert Jenkins looks like.

Albert Jenkins was Confederate General. He and his troops used this house during the invasion of Mechanicsburg. He was part of the Battle of Sporting Hill. During the battle of Gettysburg, General Jenkins was wounded on July 2nd and could not fight for the rest of the battle. Because of the wound he received at Gettysburg, Jenkins did not return to his army till the Autumn.

Did you know that the Frankenbuger Tavern is the oldest building in Mechanicsburg? They had to use 20 tractor trailers to get all of the stuff out of the house. If you ever visit Mechanicsburg, the Frankenbuger Tavern is on 217 E. Main Street.

For anyone that wants anything Civil War era, you can check out Jim Schmick's Civil War and More Store on 10 S. Market Street. Here is the website for his storehttp://www.civilwarandmore.com.

Until next time.....

Visit to Montgomery Cemetery

2009-11-05T07:40:00.000-08:00

I learned a lot on my visit to Montgomery Cemetery in Norristown, PA. Founded in 1847, this cemetery has many historic grave sites. Of particular interest is Major-General John Frederick Hartranft - he led the charge that took the bridge at the Battle of Antietam. After the war, he became Auditor General of PA and went on to serve two terms as PA's Governor.

My friends Maureen and Jackie were nice enough to tour the grounds with me. We saw the graves of the Schall family who lost several sons to many American conflicts. We also visited Lizzie Brower who died in 1919 and was a volunteer nurse during the Civil War.

I also learned about Major-General Winfield Scott Hancock - he was a key figure in the Battle of Gettysburg. He was important during the Abraham Lincoln Conspiracy trial. After the war, Major-General Hancock ran for President of the US and was narrowly defeated by James Garfield in 1880.

More from Prairie Grove Battlefield

2009-10-12T17:50:00.000-07:00

On Sunday afternoon I met with the Sons of Confederate Veterans at Prairie Grove, one of the many groups that meet at the park. Groups like these help the park with projects and events. With their help we are working to preserve heritage and history.

I toured the one mile walking trail with a group of German foreign exchange students and saw where the heaviest fighting occurred during the Battle of Prairie Grove.

We also met with the Master Gardeners, a group of volunteers who help keep the park looking beautiful. The Battlefield Park has many different groups that help tell what happened here on December 7th, 1862.

The Battle of Prairie Grove covered about 2,875 acres of ground with battle formations that stretched over two miles from east to west along the ridge and valley. Today Prairie Grove Battlefield preserves 840 acres including land where some of the heaviest fighting took place.

Touring Prairie Grove Battlefield

2009-10-11T08:29:00.000-07:00

“While visiting Prairie Grove Battlefield today, I was able to take advantage of the daily house tours offered by the park. During my tour I was actually able to go inside several of the houses and buildings located on the park grounds, and I learned what life was like for civilians during the Civil War. I was amazed by how difficult life was back then!

We began at the Morrow House, where I saw the one room log cabin John and Mariah Morrow lived in when they first came to Arkansas in 1834. This one room served as a bedroom, living room, kitchen, and dining room for the Morrows until they finally expanded the house around 1855. Originally located south of the battlefield, the house’s parlor served as a conference room for Confederate General Hindman and his generals before the battle.

Moving on to the Latta House, I learned that the Latta family came most of the way to Arkansas by flatboat because there were so few roads in those days. Even when the Civil War began, Arkansas was still considered a frontier, and there were still very few roads. This made it very difficult for the armies to move around, too.

My guide ended the tour by telling me about the guerrilla warfare in northwest Arkansas and its effect on the civilians. I learned that guerrillas were actually men who organized in their own small groups rather than joining the army and who frequently attacked civilians. They were especially bad in this area because of the different opinions held by the people here. During the war, the people of northwest Arkansas were usually one of two types of people, unionists or secessionists. Unionists were people who supported the Union rather than the Confederacy, while secessionists were people who supported the Confederacy. Northwest Arkansas was unusual because of the large number of unionists who lived here during the war. Since these unionists had opposite views from their secessionist neighbors they frequently fought each other. This type of fighting was especially hard on the civilians and added to their burden. As my tour ended I had a new understanding of how hard the Civil War was not only on soldiers but on civilians as well.”

2009-10-08T13:45:00.001-07:00

Today, October 8th I toured Hindman Hall Visitor Center and Battlefield Museum, with the Rayburn family from Tennessee. I learned about the different types of Artillery that was here during the Battle of Prairie Grove, December 7, 1862.

The Battle of Prairie Grove was the last time two armies of almost equal strength faced each other for control of northwest Arkansas. When the Confederate Army of the Trans-Mississippi withdrew from the bloody ground on the night of December 7th, it was clear Missouri and northwest Arkansas would remain under Federal protection.

Artillery at Battle Prairie Grove
10-pounder Parrot Rifle: US (10): CS (0) - Range: 1900 yards or 1.1 miles
3-inch Ordnance Rifle: US (8): CS (0) - Range: 1850 yards or 1.1 miles
14-pounder James Rifle: US (8): CS (0) - Range: 1850 yards or 1.1 miles
Type 1 James Rifle (6-pounder smoothbores modified with James’ rifling system): US (0): CS (2) -Range: 1700 yards or 1 mile
6-pounder smoothbore gun: US (8): CS (13) - Range: 1523 yards or .8 miles
Confederate 2.25-inch Mountain Rifle: US (0): CS (up to 4) - Range: 1100 yards or .6 miles
12-pounder Field Howitzer: US (8): CS (8) - Range: 1072 yards or .6 miles
12-pounder Mountain Howitzer: US (12): CS (3) - Range: 1005 yards or .6 miles

I enjoyed looking at the Rifled and smoothbore projectiles with Danita the office manager.

Visiting Jacksonport State Park

2009-10-04T13:32:00.000-07:00

Today the part interpreters gave me a run through of the different things that are offered at Jacksonport State Park for visitors. As many of you have noticed through my other blogs, there are several things including the Confederate monument, cannon, and commemorative signs available to look at in the courtyard.

The courthouse has several exhibits covering the whole history of the Jacksonport; however, there are parts of the exhibit that relate specifically to the Civil War. The Courthouse which visitors are able to pay a small admission and go through has a direct connection to the Civil War. This is that even though taxes were levied in 1861 and funds to begin construction of the Courthouse were raised, construction was put on hold until 1869. The courthouse wasn’t completed until December 24, 1872. The reason for this delay was during the Civil War local citizens many of whom were fighting for the Confederacy far from home were without adequate means to live.

Their families in Jacksonport were also going through tough times. The money originally set aside for the construction of the courthouse was actually used to help feed and clothe the volunteers who join the Confederacy and their families.

Besides visiting the courthouse, Confederate monument, and cannon in the courtyard, visitors have other ways to learn about the Civil War history at Jacksonport. The park interpreters offer a variety of regularly scheduled interpretive programs relating to the Civil war. A few of these programs are Weapons of the Civil War, Tools of the Civil War, Flags of the Confederacy, and a Mr. William E. Bevens programs.

The “Weapons of the Civil War” let visitors see and learn about the weapons that were used in the Civil War. Some of these weapons include reproduction 1862 Richmond musket, a Colt 1861 Navy pistol or 1858 Remington Pistol, a Civil War saber, a bayonet, and a Confederate D Guard Bowie Knife. On some occasions, interpreters will not only demonstrate how one fired the guns, but will actually fire them. Hearing the musket fired was really cool, although it did startle me some. Below is a picture with me and some of the weapons discussed during these programs.

The” Tools of the Civil war” program is similar to the weapons program but different because more than just the weapons are discussed during this program The interpreters show and discuss several different items that soldiers used during the Civil War. Some of these items include the uniforms, haversacks, bed rolls, sewing kits, tin mess plates, tin cups, canteens, lanterns, and civil war money just to name a few.

The “Flags of the Confederacy” program shows the different flags used by the Confederacy. The 3 national confederate flags are shown and discussed as well as the Confederate Battle Flag and the Bonnie blue flag. The interpreter, who told me about the Bonnie blue flag, explained that during the Civil War a song was written about the flag to encourage people to join the Confederacy. The song was written by Harry Macarthy. I really enjoyed it, when the interpreter asked us to sing the song with him. It was a lot of fun. The program also explained how the Flags of the Confederacy have influenced some of our state flags as well. Arkansas, Alabama, and Mississippi are just a few of the flags influenced by the Confederate flag. Check out my picture below with the Bonnie Blue flag.

The last program I was told about that the interpreters do here at Jacksonport is the Mr. William E. Bevens. Mr. Bevens as I mention in a past blog was a member of the Jackson Guards who wrote his accounts of the Civil War to help raise money for the Confederate monument that now sits at Jacksonport. A costume interpreter portrays himself as William E. Bevens. He discusses the Civil War from Mr. Bevens reminisces. Although I was not able to see the whole program, the interpreter did give me an example of this program. From what I saw Mr. Bevens was a very interesting person and I really wished I had more time to learn about him.

Overall I really enjoyed my experience here. Seeing the exhibits, monuments, and some of the interpretive programs really made me want to learn more about the Civil War’s affect on Jacksonport Arkansas. It is a shame that I was not able to catch all the programs, but I am excited to know I will be heading to some where new and learn more about the history of the Civil War and the effect it has on our present, and our future. Saying good bye to my friends here at Jacksonport is hard, but I am excited at the possibility of making new friends at other parks.

Farewell to Interpreters Donna Bentley, and Brian Whitson, and all my other friends at Jacksonport State Park.

rwze5b7uxh

2009-10-03T12:31:00.000-07:00

Today I learned about the Union occupation of Jacksonport. In May of 1862, The Union army moved down from Batesville and set up Camp Tucker on the west bank of the mouth of the Black River. At one time there were 5,429 Union soldiers in camp here. Having control of the White river would proved an advantage for both Confederate and Union armies. The Union army camped a little above Jacksonport where the black river meets the White.

Having the Union army so close to a town with strong Confederate support would be viewed as negative by the local Citizens. Part of this negative view stem from a lack of money. Besides the fact that many of the citizens saw the Union as the enemy, having them there proved stressful on their money. This was because many people were using Confederate money as shown in the picture below. This type of script would be completely useless with the Union control over Jacksonport.

Dr. Charles Brackett a Union solider wrote his experiences during this time in his Journal. Dr. Brackett explains that a local resident Mary Todd Caldwell, the one who presented the Jackson Guards with their Confederate regimental flag, “glorifies in being a rebel”. He went on to explain “Mrs. Caldwell wished she had the power to kill every Officer in the Union army, and ole Abe especially.”

Mrs. Caldwell has her own account of Union occupation in 1862. She says that the Dutch Yankees who occupied her house,” went into her room and dangled her cloths and made fun of them. She further explains that they took all we had and insulted our women folk.

Even with the tension between the Union solders and the local citizens, the Union occupied Jacksonport until June, when the Confederates recaptured Jacksonport. The only paper to be printed in Jacksonport was printed when the Union occupied Jacksonport. Paper became very difficult to come by during the Civil War, which caused for a lack of newspapers being printed. The Union printed the newspaper “stars and Stripes” on December 8, 1862. Due to the shortage of paper, this newspaper was printed on wall paper. Jacksonport is the second location that the” Stars and Stripes “was printed at. It was first printed in Bloomfield, Missouri on November 9, 1861. The “Stars and Stripes continues to be published today. Soldiers today in Iraq and Afghanistan still read the “Stars and Stripes”.

I really enjoyed learning about what life was like for the citizens of Jacksonport during the Union’s occupation. It is surprising to learn that a newspaper that was written in Jacksonport during the Civil War is still being published today.

The cannon of Jacksonport

2009-10-02T11:30:00.000-07:00

Today I learned about the cannon here at Jacksonport. The cannon barrel is an original 1861 Union barrel that was used in the Civil War. TTSL, No. 349 PIC are some of the markings still on the cannon. The PIC and the No. 349 markings show that the barrel was made by Phoenix Irion Company which is in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania and the cannon was number 349. The TTSL marking stands for the initials of the Union Army Inspector Major Theodore T. S. Laidley.

The cannon was moved to Newport to in the late 1890’s to be used by the Tom Hindman Camp of the United Confederate Veterans. It was used in reunion battles every summer during the years of 1894-1900. At the town Elizabeth, the old cannon was used and fired during the mock battles. The Confederates would charge out of the woods toward the make believe Union Soldiers along the bank of the White River. People from all over Jackson County would show up for this event. Once the event was over the cannon was moved back to the Newport Courthouse where it would stay until next year’s battle.

In 1978 the cannon was moved from the Newport Courthouse to Jacksonport State Park in order to add to the park’s Civil War Heritage. In 1996 the cannon was temporality removed and stored since the carriage had deteriorated some much that it was unsafe for visitors. It wasn’t until July 2001 that the cannon was finally restored and brought back to Jacksonport.

The pictures show the cannon at Jacksonport State Park. There is also a picture of the park interpreter and myself standing by a panel that shows the history of the cannon as well as how to fire one. The park interpreter explained that an artillery crew each had a specific task that must be done properly. If one person failed to complete their individual task, it could prove unsafe for everyone. Overall I really enjoyed learning about the Civil War cannon and its different uses.

A day with the Jackson Guards

2009-10-01T13:28:00.000-07:00

As I visited Jacksonport, I learned about the soldiers that formed Jackson Guards. This unit was formed in 1861 of 120 men from Jackson County. These men left Jacksonport on May 5, 1861 after receiving a flag made for them by local woman of Jacksonport.

This unit was part of the First Arkansas Infantry and fought in several major battles such as the battle of 1st Manassas, Virginia, the battle of Shiloh, Tennessee and the battle of Franklin, Tennessee. On June 5, 1865 Confederate General Jeff Thompson also known as the "Swamp fox of the Confederacy" surrendered over 6,000 troops to Lt. Colonel C.W. Davis at Jacksonport. Several members of the Jackson Guards were part of the 6,000 troops that surrendered during this time.

The monument in the picture was built by Confederate Veterans to honor the Jackson Guards. William E. Bevens a former member of the Jackson Guards wrote his reminiscences in order to raise money for the construction of the monument. One can still read Bevens memories of his experience in the Civil War in a book titled "Reminiscences of a Private". The monument was original dedicated in Newport, Arkansas in 1914; however, it was moved to Jacksonport State on November 10, 1973. The monument now sits on the point that the Jackson Guards left from beside the White River.

Gettysburg's Coster Avenue Mural

2009-09-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

Hi,

During a recent trip to Gettysburg, I had the opportunity to visit one of the lesser known monuments, the Coster Avenue Mural.

Here I am sitting on the monument to the 154th New York in front of the mural.

This painting shows some of the fighting that took place here on July 1 between soldiers from the 134th New York, 154th New York and 27th Pennsylvania ( Col. Charles R. Coster's Brigade) who stood along a nearby fence line and fought against the attacks of two Confederate brigades under Generals Ivery and Hayes.

According to a small sign near the mural, the Union troops arrived in this area known then as Kuhn's brickyard from Cemetery Hill. The Union troops were then attacked by Confederate soldiers from Louisiana and North Carolina. The Union soldiers were outnumbered and were defeated and had to retreat back to Cemetery Hill.

The paper goes on to say that the mural was designed and funded by Mark H. Dunkelman who was a historian of the 154th New York. The final mural was painted by Rhode Island artist Johan Bjurman. The mural was dedicated on July 1, 1988, the 125th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg.

Here is my friend CJ pointing to the painting:

Finally, here is a map from Google Earth of downtown Gettysburg to help you find the location of this beautiful painting.

Until next time...

Busy! Busy! Busy at the Surratt House!

2009-09-18T09:03:00.000-07:00

The last couple of days at the Surratt House have been extremely busy, but have been educational and fun! Yesterday I officially became a volunteer docent (a person who gives tours of a site or museum) of the Surratt House! I was very excited, because then I knew I was going to give tours of the museum, and I was ready to meet new people from around the country!

Yesterday, I decided I needed to do some research about the Surratt House Museum, so I was ready for my tours today. I learned soo much.

Mary was born in 1823
She has 3 Children, Isaac Douglas, Elizabeth Susannah (Anna), and John Surratt Jr.
The Surratt House was built by her husband, John Surratt, Sr. in 1852.
The house was to serve as a tavern and a family home.
The house was also a post office, for the people who lived in the area!

The Surratts were Confederate Sympathizers during the Civil War, that means they support the South. Many people in Maryland supported the south because many people grew tobacco and relied on slaves to farm the tobacco. Slaves are people who work for no money, and do not have any rights, and are considered property of someone else.

Mary's husband John, Sr. dies in 1862, and leaves Mary in a lot of debt (about $70,000 in today's money!)

Mary brings her son John Surratt, Jr. Home from seminary school to run the business for her, and at that time he was a SPY for the Confederate Underground. The Confederate Underground was a spy network that traded weapons, supplies, and messages to help the Confederate Army. Eventually, John Jr. is caught and he loses his post office.

Mary needed to make more money, so she rents the Surratt Tavern to aman named John Lloyd and she moves to her boarding house in Washington D.C. (it is now a Chinese food restaurant called the "Wok and Roll".) A boarding house is like a hotel, where people pay money to stay the night, sometimes a week, sometimes months!

Mary's son John Jr. met a famous actor named John Wilkes Booth, who had this plan to kidnap President Abraham Lincoln!! John Surratt, Jr. wanted to help, so they start planning at Mary Surratt's boarding house for months! Then in March of 1865 they try to kidnap Abraham Lincoln, but the plot failed!

Not only did the plot fail, but a man named David Herold, was holding weapons, in a tavern near Surratt House, to use while escaping with the captured president. But, since the plot failed they needed to hide the weapons, so they bring them to the Surratt House!!

About a month later John Wilkes Booth discovers that Abraham Lincoln is going to see a play at Ford's Theater, so he has a secret meeting with all of the remaining men from the failed kidnapping. He tells one man to kill the Vice President Andrew Johnson, another man to kill the Secretary of State William Seward, and John Wilkes Booth was going to kill President Abraham Lincoln.

After the meeting he goes to Mary's boarding house, and he asks her to deliver a package to John Lloyd at the Surratt Tavern. So, Mary rides down to the house...And she gives the package to John Lloyd, and apparently delivers a message, "Get the shooting irons ready, they will be picked up tonight!"

Later that evening John Wilkes Booth shoots Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theater. He will break his leg, but meets up with David Herold, and rides to the Surratt House.

The two men grab 1 of the 2 rifles hiding in the house, and then they go on a 12 day journey.

Eventually John Wilkes Booth is shot and killed.

Federal Troops (Like police during the Civil War) will arrest Mary Surratt, because they found evidence of secret meetings between men involved with the assassination, and other evidence (you will have to visit to find out the rest!).

Mary Surratt was put on trial and hanged for conspiring to assassinate Abraham Lincoln.

It is QUITE THE STORY! I already told too much!! But, I was just sooo excited about what I learned!! The interesting thing about the museum is they let you decide whether you think Mary Surratt is guilty or innocent. Hmmm....not sure what I think!

My First Day at Surratt House Museum!

2009-09-15T12:33:00.000-07:00

It was a bumpy journey, but I arrived to Surratt House Museum, late yesterday afternoon. I was so tired, I decided to sleep for the rest of the day. I was definately awake and ready for my first day!! Today, Miss Julie and Miss Susan were cleaning the museum, and I got to help! Cleaning a museum, is much different than cleaning a house. You have to wear cotton gloves, to protect furniture and other artifacts from the oils on our skin. The oils can damage furniture and other objects. We also had to lightly dust the artifacts with a soft cloth. Each individual piece had to carefully be taken off of a shelf or table and set on the cleaning table, where we would dust off the artifact. It was very time consuming but worth it! I was very glad that they allowed me to take part in such a responsiblity!

After we cleaned, we took a break, and I watched everyone do office work. I am very excited for this week. Tomorrow, I will officially become a Surratt House Museum Volunteer, and I get to give tours with Miss Julie! And on Saturday, I will be going on the John Wilkes Booth Escape Route Tour! People come from miles around to take this tour, and I am one of them!!

Sallie

Clara Barton's Home Part 3

2009-09-14T16:43:00.000-07:00

Since I've been so busy traveling, I completly forgot to post this final installment on my visit to the Clara Barton Home in Glen Echo, MD.

In this final post about my visit to the Clara Barton home in Glen Echo, MD I thought that I would share some of my favorite photos that I took during my visit. Please be sure to check out Part 1 and Part 2 of my visit.

This is the sign that welcomed us to Clara's home

This is the front of Clara's home

Here Ranger Finta is showing us the supply closets that were hidden in the walls of the home

Here is a view looking out of the attic of the home toward the front of the house. Check out those stained glass windows!

Here is a picture of Clara's bed where she slept and she actually died in this bed too.

This chair is in the den on the first floor. I really like how you can see the American Flag and the Red Cross flag. Did you know that the Red Cross flag is actually the same as the Swiss flag but with reverse colors? That's how they came up with the flag.

Here is one of the desks in the office of the Red Cross. Look at all those drawers!

This is the dining room where Clara and those who worked for the Red Cross would have dinner or lunch.

Here I am resting after a wonderful tour of the Clara Barton home. I highly recommend that you visit. If you do stop by, please tell the Rangers that I said hello.

Visiting Lancaster - Fulton Opera House, Lancaster Cemetery, Wheatland

2009-09-13T10:04:00.001-07:00

After visiting and learning about three sites in Lancaster, you would think we are done, but we aren't! There is still more to see and learn during our time in the city. After we visited the Stevens and Smith site, we walked a few blocks to our next stop. On our way, Julia and Nathan showed me one of their favorite places in the city - Central Market. They told me which stands to visit to get the best cookies, vegetables, and chocolate milk. Market wasn't open on the day we visited, so I will have to come back and stay with them again so I can get one of those cookies!

We stopped outside the Fulton Opera House on Prince Street. The Fulton Opera House was built in 1852. It is proud to say it is the oldest continuously operating theaters and a National Historic Landmark. During the Civil War militias drilled here, and it is said that Union officers planned here. All the talk of cookies made the children hungry, so we stopped in a local coffee shop for hot chocolate and treats. It gave us a chance to talk some more before we ventured to the Lancaster Cemetery.

Once we had a treat, we got in the car and drove across town to the Lancaster Cemetery. We found the Reynolds family plot very easily. Here we found General Reynolds' large gravestone.
General Reynolds was a Union Major General. He was considered to be one of the top Union Generals of the war. General Reynolds was in charge of the left wing of the army on the approach to Gettysburg. He was shot in the neck on July 1 during the battle of Gettysburg. He was the first and highest ranking officer to be killed in the battle.
We spent a lot of time at the cemetery reading the stones and markers. It was amazing how much detail was carved into the four sides of General Reynolds' stone. We were happy to see the flags that were left at this veteran's grave. Right next to General Reynold's grave we saw his brother's grave stone. It had an anchor on the top because William Reynolds was a Civil War Union Naval Officer. During the Civil War he served on the USS New Hampshire in the Navy blockades in the south.

Next we drove out of the city and stopped at Wheatland. Wheatland was the home of President James Buchanan, who was the president right before Abraham Lincoln. He was the only President who never married, and he was the only President from Pennsylvania. His Presidency was marked by a nation that was becoming divided. While we were at Wheatland, I got my first PA Civil War Trails stamp. I hope to visit some more sites highlighted in my Civil War Trails passport!

I had a great visit to Lancaster. Julia and Nathan loved to read with me, talk with me, and learn with me. I had many hugs and kisses from them. I hope to come back and visit some other historic sites soon!

Visiting Lancaster - Reynolds Birthplace, Square, and Convention Center

2009-09-13T10:01:00.000-07:00

Once we were in the city and parked the car, we walked onto King Street and found the Reynolds House marker. This marker is outside a building on the right hand side of the street. This is where General Reynolds was born and lived for much of his life. Although the location has been modernized and is now a gallery on the first floor, we were very excited to be at this location and to think about what happened here so many years ago. Julia and Nathan read the marker and talked about what the city may have looked like at the time of General Reynolds' birth. They were pretty sure that there wouldn't have been any construction equipment around!

Next we walked up the hill to Lancaster Square. There we found the Soldiers and Sailors monument. This monument was built in 1874 to honor the brave citizens who lost their lives to save the Union during the civil war. As we walked around this monument we found many inscriptions. We even found a plaque with Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg Address printed on it. You can see more pictures of this monument on my Flickr page.

After we read the many inscriptions on the monument, we crossed the street and entered the new Lancaster Convention Center. After you travel through the HUGE and beautiful lobby and down a long hall and a set of stairs, you arrive at a glassed-in archaeological site. They are excavating a cistern that was at the rear of the Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Smith properties. Historians believe this cistern was used to hide escaped slaves as part of the underground railroad. The historic preservation trust is turning the Stevens and Smith properties in to an interpretive museum. I want to come back and visit when it is complete!

Visiting Lancaster, PA with the Leisure Family

2009-09-13T08:45:00.000-07:00

I was welcomed with open arms by the Leisure children when I arrived in Lancaster, PA. We began my visit by looking at the many items that travel with me. I received lots of hugs and compliments! We read the story books, looked at the pamphlets, and decided where we would go on our trip in to Lancaster city. They told me that there was a lot for us to see in Lancaster city. When I think of the civil war, I don't usually think about Lancaster! The places we decided to visit were:

John Fulton Reynolds historic marker outside his birthplace
Lancaster Square Soldiers and Sailors monument
Lancaster Convention Center - Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Smith Historic Site
Fulton Opera House historic marker
Lancaster Cemetary - John Fulton Reynolds Gravesite
Wheatland - home of President James Buchanan

We gathered up everything we needed and headed into the city. Julia and Nathan were really excited to share the fun with me.

Jacksonville Museum of Military History Part 2

2009-09-04T10:05:00.000-07:00

My tour of the museum begins with the Civil War section and in particular I learned about the Battle of Reed's Bridge that took place in Jacksonville on Aug 26th 1863. The Confederates burned Reed's Bridge to try and stop the Union Army from crossing Bayou Meta and moving on to capture Little Rock. I got to exam the actual bolts from the burned bridge. You can tell they have been burned and are very old!

Next, Frank McClure a volunteer here at the museum told me all about the Arkansas Ordnance Plant (AOP) that was located in Jacksonville during WWII. The ordnance plant made detonators and fuses for explosives used during WWII. In fact the Arkansas Ordnance Plant made 85% of all the detonators and fuses used during WWII!!! That's a lot of explosives and it was dangerous work. Frank explained to me that 75% of the workers were women which was a big social change for back then. Women usually didn't work outside the home. The women that worked at the plant were nicknamed "WOWs" which stood for Women Ordnance Workers.

There is so much military history here in Jacksonville it's hard for me to take it all in. In the 1950s the military opened up an air force base here in Jacksonville. Even though its in Jacksonville they named it the Little Rock Air Force Base, which seems a little silly to me but...whatever. During the 1970's and 80's they had Titan II Missiles here at the base. They were the most powerful nuclear weapons ever made! I got to sit at a mock control panel and do a simulated launch of a Titan II Missile. In the 80's the United States and the Soviet Union agreed to get rid of some their big nuclear weapons and the Titan II's were taken out.

This is the Mighty Mite Jeep. It is the smallest Jeep ever made and was used by the Marines in Vietnam. The military considered them a "throw away" Jeeps so if they broke down they just left them and didn't try and fix them. That's why there's only about 20 of them left in the world. Even though it's the smallest Jeep ever made, it's still too big for me to drive.

While I was at the museum I got to try on a helmet that was worn in Desert Storm. Hey...who turned out the lights!

Well I guess since it's dark I'll call it day. Whew, I'm tired. Tomorrow I'll get to greet visitors to the museum and help out the volunteers at the front desk. In the afternoon I'll be helping the guys with the renovations on the F-105 Fighter Jet and tomorrow evening I'm going on a tour of the Reed's Bridge Civil War battle site. Another big day! I better get some rest. Good night all...Sleep tight...Don't let the bed bugs bite!

Better Late than Never...Civil War Sallie tours the Jacksonville Museum of Military History

2009-09-04T09:58:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone,
Sorry this has take me so long to post this blog. They kept me so busy at the Jacksonville Museum of Military History I'm using my travel time to post my blog. First things first. I signed the log into the museum