Michigan Civil War Landmarks--New Book Release from The History Press

On Monday, April 13, The History Press will add Michigan Civil War Landmarks to its catalogue. Authors David Ingall and Karin Risko guide readers through the Civil War sites and landmarks of Michigan.

When America faced its greatest internal crisis, Michigan answered the call with over ninety thousand troops. The Story of that sacrifice is preserved in the state’s rich collection of Civil War monuments, markers, forts, cemeteries, reenactments, museums and exhibits. Discover how General George A. Custer and the famed Michigan Cavalry Brigade “saved the Union.” Visit the chair that President Lincoln was assassinated in at Ford’s Theatre, and view the grave of the last African American Union veteran. With a foreword by Civil War historian Jack Dempsey, this work is the first of its kind to chronicle the many Civil War Landmarks in the Wolverine State.

David Ingall is the former assistant director of the Monroe County Historical Museum and was the chairman of the monument dedication ceremony for the Monroe County Civil War Fallen Soldier’s Memorial. He is a sought-after Civil War speaker and tour guide. He’s a member of the Civil War Trust, Monroe County Civil War Round Table, and many other prestigious organizations.

Karin Risko is the founder of Hometown History Tours, a local tour company that shows off the rich history of Detroit and southeast Michigan, including its Civil War and Underground Railroad history. A member of the Detroit Metro CVB, Karin is frequently called on by local professional and social organizations to speak on local history.

Press Release-Arkansas Civil War Heritage

The History Press is pleased to introduce the new title:

 

Arkansas Civil War Heritage

A Legacy of Honor

W. Stuart Towns

 

The American Civil War shaped the course of the country’s history and its national identity. This is no less true for the state of Arkansas. Throughout the Natural State, people have paid homage and remembrance to those who fought and what was fought for in memorial celebrations and rituals. The memory of the war has been kept alive by reunions and preservationists, continuing to shape the way the War Between the States affects Arkansas and its people. Historian W. Stuart Towns expertly tells the story of Arkansas’s Civil War heritage through its rituals of memorial, commemoration and celebration that continue today.

  

 

W. Stewart Towns, PhD, has spent more than forty years following his passion for Southern history. Towns attended the University of Arkansas on a track and cross-country scholarship, where he received his BA degree in 1961. He continued his education at the University of Florida, where he received his MA in 1962 and his PhD in 1972. He served as chair of the Communication Departments at the University of West Florida, Appalachian State University and Southeast Missouri State University. Dr. Towns had a parallel second career in the U.S. Army. While on active duty, he earned a spot on the U.S. Modern Pentathlon team and competed in the 1964 Olympic Trials in modern pentathlon, fencing and the marathon. After completing his active-duty tour, he served the rest of his military career in the active army reserves in the civil affairs branch, mostly with the 361st CA Brigade in Pensacola, Florida. He became a member of the Consulting Faculty Program at the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, in 1973 and served in that role until 1996. Dr. Towns retired as a colonel in the active reserves in 1996.

 

 

New App for National Mall World War II Memorial

Trust for the National Mall Launches First-of-its-Kind

Mobile App for World War II Memorial

 

Mobile App Brings the WWII Memorial to Life with Interactive Learning Experiences

 

WASHINGTON, D.C. (November 7, 2013) – The Trust for the National Mall,  the official non-profit partner of the National Park Service dedicated to restoring and improving the National Mall, announced today the release of the smartphone app for the World War II Memorial. The free app, WWII Memorial, will be available for iOS and Android, and is available for download on iTunes and Google Play beginning today – just in time for Veterans Day.

 

The WWII Memorial App is a part of the Trust’s 21^st Century Learning Initiative to help today’s digitally sophisticated visitors connect with and get the most educational value out of the National Mall.

 

“Each year the National Mall draws millions of visitors from across the country and around the world to come learn about and experience the history and values of this country,” said Caroline Cunningham, president, Trust for the National Mall. “We strive to reach visitors in many ways, including digitally, as we work to preserve the living history of the National Mall.”

 

WWII Memorial App Features

 

The WWII Memorial App enables users to explore the history behind the Memorial and the millions of Americans it honors. The app is designed for visitors to the Memorial as well as those researching information about the Memorial and World War II remotely.

 

The app has straightforward navigation with easy-to-use features and breathtaking photography of the Memorial. Features include:

 

·         Memorial at a Glance: Learn about the Memorial through a scrolling timeline detailing its construction while teaching users key facts about its architecture (do you know how many pounds of bronze were used to build the Memorial?).

·         Operation: Collect:  Engage with an interactive scavenger hunt on the Memorial. Complete “missions” in the Atlantic and Pacific theaters, as well as the home front, and learn about the moments that changed the course of history.

·         Operation: Explore: Explore the Memorial using an interactive map and learn the meaning and symbolism behind its design as you become immersed in World War II.

·         Stories of Service:  Experience the first-hand accounts from those who served. Personalize your World War II Memorial experience by selecting from a variety of stories from every state and territory, branch of service, or theater.

·         Path to Victory: Follow an interactive timeline detailing the significant milestones of the war – from the bombing of Pearl Harbor to the Battle of the Bulge to Victory in Europe (VE) Day.

·         Honoring the Fallen: Through the American Battle Monuments Commission database, users can look up the name of service members who paid the ultimate sacrifice during World War II.

 

The WWII Memorial App is the first monument-specific app developed by the Trust for the National Mall. Plans are underway to use mobile technology in other areas of the park to help tell America’s story in new and engaging ways that complements the majestic monuments that make up the National Mall. 

 

“Initiatives like this will help to educate a whole new generation about the National Mall and what it stands for,” said Bob Vogel, superintendent of the National Mall and Memorial Parks. “We know that young people are interacting with the world in new ways and that the National Park Service needs to keep up if we are to remain relevant. This app will help us do that.”

 

The WWII Memorial App was made possible in partnership with The Altria Group, the Dr. Scholl Foundation, the Friends of the National WWII Memorial, and the National Park Service. As supporters of the 21^st Century Learning Initiative, The Altria Group and the Dr. Scholl Foundation have contributed more than $3 million to the Trust to develop engaging and interactive education experiences both on the National Mall and online.

 

Download the WWII Memorial App for iTunes -- http://bit.ly/WWIIiTunes

Download the WWII Memorial App for Google Play -- http://bit.ly/WWIIGoogle

 

Editor’s Note: 

 

HR24 Quick Time b-roll & sound bites (1920x1080 HD) of Washington, DC middle school students debuting the app for World War II veterans can be downloaded here:  https://www.dropbox.com/sh/eh1xsllk9af531a/oRN-p9PuJr

 

HD Images of the students and vets can be downloaded here:   https://www.dropbox.com/sh/qbg2mm2jr5jlnp0/-4sq9UQeBO

 

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About the Trust for the National Mall

The Trust for the National Mall is the official non-profit partner of the National Park Service dedicated to restoring and improving the National Mall, while providing new educational and volunteer opportunities that connect the park’s 25 million annual visitors to the National Mall’s rich history. For more information on the Trust for the National Mall, please visit www.nationalmall.org.

 

The WWII Memorial App is part of the Trust for the National Mall’s 21^st Century Learning Initiative, and was developed to enhance the visitor experience with details on the history and meaning of the World War II Memorial and its significance to the American experience.

 

 

Robert E. Lee Monument in Florida Has Been Upgraded

Again, information from a Florida Sons of Confederate Veterans group regarding some work done on a Robert E. Lee monument.

Robert E. Lee Monument Gets a New Look

Tuesday April 30, 2013, the Robert E. Lee Monument in downtown Fort Myers, had a decorative fence installed on its base. The Major William M. Footman Camp #1950 Sons of Confederate Veterans and the United Daughters of the Confederacy Chapter #2614, both of Fort Myers, made this project a priority. The Monument had received damage to its base due to skateboarders, and they felt it necessary to take steps to do something to protect the Monument. Representatives of both organizations, Shellie Weber of the UDC & Tom Fyock of the SCV, met with the Fort Myers Public Arts Committee and proposed a plan to install a fence to protect the Monument. After submitting drawings of the proposed fence, the Public Arts Committee gave their approval and support. Barry Crumpler, of Gulf Coast Metal Works of Cape Coral, was contacted and he graciously agreed to provide the material, labor, and installation of the fence at no cost. Barry Crumpler & Nick Smith did the installation work, and the Monument now looks better than it ever has. The fence makes the Monument stand out like never before. Without their dedication and hard work, this project could not have been completed. Thank you just does not seem sufficient, for the effort and work that they put forth. I’m sure that General Lee is looking down and smiling, and very happy that the people of the County that bears his name, still care about this great gentleman and continue to honor his life.

T.M. Fyock-Adjutant

Major William M. Footman Camp #1950

Sons of Confederate Veterans

Book Review--Testament to Union

Jacob, Kathryn Allamong and Edwin Harlan Remsberg. Testament to Union: Civil War Monuments in Washington D.C. Johns Hopkins University Press, Baltimore, MD. 1998. Index, listing of sources by monument, bibliography, b/w photos. 192 pages. ISBN 9780801890956, $25.


It is only fitting that a war that defined our country would be the home to many monuments and memorials commemorating said war. It is also only fitting that these monuments be honored and remembered in a volume that allows readers and historians to learn about them in one convenient location. Author Kathryn Jacob and photographer Edwin Remsberg have done justice to these men and women.

After a brief introduction the book is broken into 41 "chapters" each of which tells the story of an individual monument. These chapters are all brief, most being less than five pages. Each entry contains vital information such as location, the name of the sculptor, date erected, and medium. The text for each covers the history of the monument and may include information such as who commissioned and paid for it, symbolism that is incorporated, site selection, biographical information on the sculptor and more. Also included for each is a brief listing of sources for those interested in more information. Each monument receives at least one b/w photo and many have several. The book also includes three appendices: an alphabetical listing of sculptors and their monuments, an alphabetical listing of sculpture names, and a timeline of when sculptures were erected. As of the printing of this book the last sculpture was erected in 1998. It is the African-American Civil War Memorial.  Read more about the memorial and museum here.


Just a couple of minor quibbles here. I would really like to see the book updated to include GPS coordinates.  These are really a must now considering most cell phones are GPS equipped and the majority of travellers will at minimum have a GPS unit if not a smartphone. For me I also found the photos a bit inadequate. This is more a product of the printing and attempts to keep the price down and is no reflection on the photographer. Personally, I would like to see a companion volume with large color plates of the memorials. There is also no map that can help tie these sites together and make visiting several at a time more convenient. Maps are free for the asking just about anywhere in the D.C. area however.

These minor issues aside this is a must have for any Civil War historian who is visiting Washington D.C. Without this book there is little doubt travellers would miss the majority of these overlooked sites. For armchair tourists this is an excellent book as well. It can be read in short time frames and does not need to be read in any order. Much to the chagrin of my wife I will be taking this with us on our next visit to the nation's capital. Highly recommended!

Ocala, FL Civil War Monument

Located in the Ocala-Marion County Veterans Memorial Park stands a reminder to the brave men from Marion County who fought for the Confederacy.

Unveiling of Confederate Monument in at corner
 of Ocala County courthouse grounds.

(Courtesy Florida State Archives, Florida Memory
Project, rc03941, www.floridamemory.com)

Standing 23 feet tall the monument was originally created by McNeel Marble Company from Valdosta, GA. The J. J. Dickison Chapter No. 56 of the United Daughters of the Confederacy had the memorial erected at the Marion County Courthouse and official dedication took place on May 1, 1908.

The monument stood at the courthouse, despite changes to the building, for over a century. Until recently the statue had been located in a corner of the building relegating the memorial to an afterthought rather than the tribute it was designed to be. When plans were made to build a new courthouse annex ideas were put forth as to what to do with "Johnny Reb" as the statue is affectionately called by some. Ideas included leaving the statue where it was, moving it to the entrance of the county historical museum, or moving the statue approximately two miles to a location at Veterans Memorial Park. While cost played a role in the final outcome, the decision was made to move the statue to a location in Veterans Memorial Park. With a public/private joint venture the funds were raised and the statue now sits in a prominent location at the park. A rededication ceremony took place on April 16, 2011 featuring Civil War reenactors and authentic weaponry from the war. You may read a local news article on the ceremony here.

I recently had the pleasure of seeing this monument while I was in Ocala to attend a wedding. Unfortunately it was a cloudy and rainy day when we got to the park so my personal photos are only OK at best. The gray clouds and rain spot or two on the lens didn't really make them usable here. I have managed to find better quality photos that you will see below. Thanks go out to the Florida Public Archaeology Network for the photos and some of the information used in this post.

Veterans Memorial Park is located at the corner of East Fort King Street and SE 25th St.

GPS Coordinates: N 29 11.186  W 082 06.157    elevation approximately 113 feet

Sign in Veterans Memorial Park, the new
 location of the Confederate monument.
(Photo by William Lees, FPAN, May 2011)

View of the monument and its new setting and landscaping in Veterans Memorial Park. Photo was taken facing towards the southeast.
(Photo by William Lees, FPAN, May 2011)

The front or northwest face of the monument is the most elaborate:

1861-1865

THE SOUTH REVERES
HER WASHINGTON,
JEFFERSON, MADISON,
MONROE, ANDREW JACKSON,
AND OTHERS, WHO LAID
THE FOUNDATIONS OF
OUR GRAND REPUBLIC.
SHE HONORS HER LEE,
STONEWALL JACKSON,
STUART, JOHNSON, FOREST,
AND EVERY BRAVE SON
WHO FOUGHT TO PRESERVE
OUR LIBERTIES,
GUARANTEED BY THE FATHERS,
UNDER THE CONSTITUTION.

CONFEDERATE

ERECTED A.D. 1908
BY
DICKISON CHAPTER NO. 56, U.D.C.
IN HONOR OF
THE HEROES OF THE
CONFEDERACY

(Photo by William Lees, FPAN, May 2011)



(Photo by William Lees, FPAN, May 2011)

On April 16, 2011 the monument was
 rededicated atits new permanent
 location in Ocala's Veteran's Park.
(Photo by Doug Engle, Ocala Star-Banner,
 April 16, 2011)

View of the soldier statue, feature a wide brimmed hat, blanket roll across his shoulder, Enfield bayonet in sheath, and standing at rest with musket on the ground in front.

(Photo by William Lees, FPAN, May 2011)

The southeast face of the monument features
 crossed flags above which is "1861 - 1865."
(Photo by William Lees, FPAN, May 2011)

View of the rear of the soldier statue,
clearly showing the Enfield bayonet
in scabbard, canteen, and blanket roll
 held together by a wide band.
(Photo by William Lees, FPAN, May 2011)

The southwest face of the monument
 features a bas relief of a partially furled
 Confederate battle flag, with "CSA" above,
 and the following below the flag:

IT'S FAME ON
BRIGHTEST PAGES,
PENNED BY POETS
AND BY SAGES,
SHALL GO SOUNDING
DOWN THE AGES.
(Photo by William Lees, FPAN, May 2011)