Are you intrested in the Civil War in your state?

Question

If you are interested in the Civil War and any state or would just like to volunteer, we need you!! Did you know that the Civil War project has a resource page for every state and our goal is to have resources for every county?  We need help filling in some state pages.!

I found that searching for resources county by county turned up come great information that doesn't make it to the top of an overall search. I love the local stories!!

Here is one that looks more complete (they are never finished!) but lots do not look like this. Please adopt a page to help us get these pages  all filled with sources!! And thanks to our great members who are always stopping in to add a source!!

http://www.wikitree.com/index.php?title=Space:Georgia_Resource_Page_US_Civil_War:_War_Between_the_States&public=1

Comments

Thanks so much for your interest, info and ideas! I would like to share with you a space page you might find interesting:

http://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:Douglas_the_Confederate_Camel

---

Paula, I just read about the page on Douglas. I've been gone from Texas for too long and can't remember the highway names or numbers.... but leaving Ft Worth and going N to catch I-40 at Amatillo I think... sounds good. There is a camel ranch. The property is loaded with mesquite trees which the camels thrive on.

---

Great story!! I'll have to use that when doing one of my interpretative programs. Thanks for posting!

---

We actually had ferral camels after that for some years.

Tell us more about your interpretive stories. What are those?

---

Paula, I have a number of relative who fought on both sides, all from Kentucky.  Two were in the Orphan Brigade of the First Kentucky Infantry, CSA and fought at Fort Donaldson, TN. I need to create profiles for these brave lads...

---

Yes, they deserve to be recognized. It was hard for the border states. It was hard all around but the division within families is sad to contemplate. Just do them as you come to them. If you try to think of them all it can be overwhelming. Let me know if you need help.

---

Thanks Paula.

I have great sources that include hand written letters home that are in the Filson Club Historical Society in Louisville.  I have actually held these letters in my hand...  Awesome!  One of the fellows has his uniform and sword on display there.

---

Speaking of letters, I don't think of the Civil War without thinking of Uncle Gasua's letter to his nephew, Jack.

http://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:Gasua%27s_letter_to_his_nephew

---

I'm new to this and am not really sure where I fit in, but it's almost my civic duty to help with this project.  Please let me know how I can help.

Answer 1

Thanks to everyone who is interested in this project! I would like to explain how you can contribute. Some members ask "What now?" after I award their badge.

The first thing to do is to go to our project page here:

https://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Project:US_Civil_War:_War_Between_the_States

Do the things in the list about how to join. You have already posted here so you do not need to contact me about a badge.

The main way that you can contribute is by adding your ancestors to the project. You do this by adding the template and/or categories. You may need some help with this. Just leave a message on g2g or post a question in our Google Group.  

You can also add space pages or contribute to our state resource pages. Be sure to link your pages to the project. I can help you if needed.

You are welcome to do any of these activities without joining the project but this is all that the project is, so you deserve a badge if you add profiles. We do not expect anything else.  

We are lucky to have many members who help others that are new to the project. We also have members who know a lot about a particular subject such as a state, unit, battle or anything else. If you have such knowledge or information and would like to help others just let me know. I think it is time I started a list!

Please feel free to contact me if you need anything. I apologize that I have not been available. I can't seem to get well. But I can make sure someone helps you.

Thanks again for your interest. I get the impression that all of you, like me, feel a great sense of duty to honor the veterans of this war. I pray we never again have one like it!

Comments

I marked my own answer best answer so it would be highlighted with this gray box.

Answer 2

Virginia, Tennessee and Georgia is where almost everything happened. Alabama has an interesting story about Emma Sansom and the Paul Revere of the South, John Wisdom. Streights Raid involving Bedford Forrest may be on Wikipedia by now or will be soon enough. Regards

Comments

Thanks! Those are things I will look for!

---

I'm headed this weekend to Gadsden to see where Forrest chased Streight until he surrendered.  I have a guide who will take me to where Emma Sansom lead Forrest to a river ford.  Can't wait.

---

She was a young local girl who took Forrest across at a shallow ford on Black Creek. The yankees on the other side shot a hole through her dress. Forrest tricked Streight into surrendering at a bridge being blocked by civilians near Rome after John Wisdom warned them. The Coosa River was dammed downstream in the 1960s so everything below where they crossed is flooded. Gigged frogs on the creek before the lake was built. Played baseball under Lake Gadsden. Emma has a display at the Southern Research Center in Birmingham. She married and had children while living a full life in Texas. Forrest marched troops in a circle past a break in the tree line to intimidate Streight into surrendering.

---

What an amazing story!! Have a great time! Here is an article about that for anyone interested - has a picture of Emma!

http://www.encyclopediaofalabama.org/article/h-1380

---

If you take pictures we would love to see!! I don't believe we have a monuments page for Civil War yet. I'll make sure we get one up. Bring pictures of monuments also if you would be so kind, please!

---

I will take photos but I don't think there are a lot of historical markers.  Also, I don't know how to upload photos to Groups and Discussions, like this one.  I may need some direction.  First let me see if I make it out there and it doesn't get rained out.

Here is a link to a new marker for Emma Sansom.
http://www.gadsdentimes.com/article/20131204/news/131209917

Link to a painting: To the Lost Ford.
http://civilwartalk.com/attachments/to-the-lost-ford500-jpg.8610/

---

There was always a monument on the west end of the Broad Street bridge downtown of her on the horse with General Forrest. Have not been there for years. He supposedly asked for a lock of her hair or he gave her a lock of his. The story about the bullet hole may be of historic record or just a story, but the major events actually occurred of course. One of the high schools bore her name for years and years. A junior high his.

---

Regarding the bullet hole, I supposed you are referring to the one in her dress.  In Forrest's bio by Jordan and Pryor, this is mentioned.  When asked if she was hit by the Union gunfire, she was supposed to have replied "They only wounded my crinoline."

---

It is pretty well established in local folklore. They were probably aiming at the officer. That happened a lot.

---

I made my visit to Gadsden and enjoyed it.  Everything is in the same area but I had planned to drive further out to see where they fought one skirmish and where they finally surrendered but didn't make it.

I looked for the location where Emma led Forrest across the creek.  I went to Tuscaloosa Ave, but the bridge is out for repair.  However, if you access the West side of the Black Creek using Black Creek Road, as soon as you cross Tuscaloosa Ave, you will see the Hiking Trail.  An individual erected a simple placard to say this is the approximate location where Emma and Forrest crossed the creek.  Later, I hiked that trail all the way back to Nucalucca Falls.
The marker sitting in the middle of Hiway 431, near the Black Creek, marks the Sansom family cemetery.  There is also a soldier buried there who was one of the wounded left in the care of the family.
My expert said the Sansom home was located in the corner of the gym of the Emma Sansom High School just across the street.

Answer 3

We are Civil War Re-enactors in Florida. If you are interested in Confederate soldiers  for Florida, contact the Veteran's Memorial Park on US 301 in Tampa, Florida. The park ranger there, Mr. Marshall, is an expert on finding Confederates and their burial places.

Comments

We have that here in Georgia also. I would love to add that information! Thanks for the contact!!

---

I have always been so curious. Where do you suppose they get reenactment camels for the buffalo soldiers? Do they rent those?

---

Hey , I live in Arizona there were camels running loose around here after the war. And if anyone has a source that states where those Rebs buried the silver up on the San Franciso Peaks a few miles from where I live in Flagstaff Az. Can you share it please. I've been all over up there since I was a kid. Haven't found it. Bad sources.

---

Keep looking! There are legends of lost payroll and loot all through Civil War history!  If I find any clues I'll forward to you!!

---

All I know about Buffalo soldiers is that they were black men, probably former slaves, who joined the US Army, and fought out west in the Indian Wars.. The Indians thought they looked like buffaloes, and the name stuck.

---

Gringos got their name in a similar fashion. During the Mexican War, American soldiers liked to march to a popular tune at the time "Green Grow the Lilacs". The Mexicans heard the singing and called the Americans "Gringos" . And the name stuck.

We still dance to "Green Grow the Lilacs" at our Civil War Balls. It was repopularized in the 1930s when it was sung as part of the a new western play of the same name. Later that story was rewritten, with all new music, to become the popular Broadway play and later musical  "Oklahoma!".

Answer 4

I have several ancestors who fought in the Civil War, Union side, who were from Ohio. I researched and wrote about them, and several articles were published in the Ohio Civil War Genealogical Journal.
I would happily volunteer to share my research, stories, and sources where it should best be placed: Ohio, 71st Ohio Volunteer Infantry, etc. PLEASE ADVISE.
I also have ancestors who fought on the Confederate side, who were from Mississippi. At least one died in the Union's prisoner camp in Illinois.
These would be the 7th Mississippi, Garland's Battalion, 14th Mississippi, and others out of Franklin, Copiah, Adams and surrounding counties. Again, I would be happy to volunteer to help start a Mississippi Civil War page, but need some advisement.
Note: Because I'm one-handed due to paralysis from stroke, typing is a bit slow, so please be patient.

Comments

Thank you!! Take your time!  All state pages are up, meaning the template, flag and other standard content is already there just waiting on someone to customize. Go to the main resource page and click on the state you want. Click the trusted list request and we will add you. I will he glad to help.

The main resource page:

http://www.wikitree.com/index.php?title=Space:Civil_War_Project_Resource_Page&public=1

Answer 5

You have done an amazing job with the Civil War project, Paula!  I would be happy to adopt the Pennsylvania page, though it appears that a lot of work has already been done there.

Comments

Thanks so much, Star! I remember I enjoyed that page a lot. Please feel free to make changes or add! And I would appreciate having someone else's touch on that.

We really did have a lot of members working hard. It was my first project and I learned a lot!!

Also, if you have units you are interesteed in, making Space pages and connecting them is good. I remember Pennsylvania units were usually fighting my SC ancestors and I got into it that way.

---

My Schirck ancestors fought for Pennsylvania. Jacob Schirck was killed at Second Bull Run, August 29-30, 1862, and his brother Philipp Schirck marched with General Sherman in 1865, and participated in the Battle of Atlanta.

Answer 6

Is anyone working AR CW, other then me?  And I haven't in a while.

Comments

Lynette, Just to avoid confusion, would you kindly post what you intend "AR" and "CW" to stand for?  Thanks much.

---

HI Terry, Arkansas in the Civil War.  The 3rd AR Co E served the entire war (except those mustered out for injuries)  and fought their way east to Gettysburg,  Johnson's 15th fought at the battle of Ft Donelson and most of those boys were sent Camp Butler POW camp where most died.  Some were spared in a prisoner exchange.  I use http://www.couchgenweb.com/civilwar/  excellent resource, its pretty reliable, I only know of a couple of instances of error.

Some companies were formed for the duration, some for limited service.

---

Thanks, to my knowledge you are the only person  working that area.  Please if someone is working this area, please post here. This will allow Lynnette to be able to collaborate with you.  Thanks much.

---

Lynette, my 2X grgrandfather Caleb Parker Warren served in CO E, 3RD ARKANSAS CAVALRY as follows:

In 1861 Mr. Warren enlisted as a private soldier in Dr. F. M. Christian's company, known as the Border Rangers, remaining in that capacity and with that command for four years and ten days. He took part in a number of battles and skirmishes, one in particular being the battle of Chickamauga, in which his company dismounted and fought as infantry. He was also at Shiloh and Corinth, and was under the famous Confederate cavalry commanders: Forrest, Wheeler, Hampton and Armstrong, but a greater portion of the time was with Forrest and Wheeler. His first experience in warfare was at Lost Creek, Mo., in 1861, and he surrendered with his command st Charlotte, N. C., at which time there was a request made by the commanding [p.259] officers of both armies for volunteers to go to Chesterville, S. C., to guard and serve the rations to the Confederate soldiers as they were paroled, the Government allowing the cavalry to retain their arms and horses. Mr. Warren finally arrived at home, June 15, 1865, having ridden his horse all the way. (Goodspeed)

I also have a letter of his describing his experiences in the most matter of fact way. His brother-in-law died in his arms, his horse was shot out from under him, but he came through unscathed according to him. I can locate his letter if that would be of interest to you.

Caleb Parker Warren-2969

 

---

The history of Arkansas in the Army of Northern Virginia is the Texas Brigade. The 1st, 4th & 5th Texas Infantry regiments were sister regiments of the 3rd Arkansas Infantry. The only Arkansas regiment in the Army of Northern Virginia. Interesting factoid: More Georgia troops fought in the AoNV than Virginia infantry troops. NC was third after Virginia. Alabama had 3 brigades (Law, O'Neal, Wilcox), a regiment (13th, Fry) and the 5th Alabama Battalion in Archer's Tennessee Brigade. The only Tennessee brigade. Mississippi (Barksdale, Posey, Davis), SC and Louisiana had roughly the same number of infantry (dozen or so units) out of about 150 regiments at Gettysburg. About 37 brigades. 9 divisions. 3 Corps. Regards

---

A Fabry, Does he have a Profile? Is he properly tagged? And would you be interested in adding more from the 3rd Cav?

I keep forgetting the 3rd had a Cav and Inf. Because my interest has always been in the Inf, where my uncles and cousins served.

Tim, There is a wonderful book, They'l Do to Tie to, can't remember the authors name, but he was retired USAF. The bowie knives they used as bayonets were called Arkansas toothpicks.  

I learned from the Gerdes site  http://www.couchgenweb.com/civilwar/  that the 2nd had to be merged into the 3rd.

I had 2 sons frm my 2nd ggf, 2 sons from the 2nd ggf's brother and 1 son from another brother in GA enlisted at once in the 3rd Inf Co E. then a year later, another Uncle and his cousin joined. Out of the 7 who joined only 1 died, probably of disease, in VA, and 1 Uncle one while alive at Appomattox, signed his Oath and discharged, never came back to AR. The one from GA (actually they were all born in GA) had been separated from the unit and was deemed AWOL, reenlisted in GA.

It would be great if others wanted to add additional profiles.

---

Caleb Parker Warren does have a profile with all the information, although I do not have the proper tag for him. Please add it if you can.: http://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Warren-2969

His brother in law, William J Canada, also from El Paso, White Co, AR, died in his arms during the fall of Atlanta and is buried there. I'm assuming he was in the same company. http://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Canada-79

All I can add to the above is the letter CP Warren wrote describing some of his battle experience.

Another 2X grgrandfather Lt. Col. John Taylor Coit organized the Lt Col, Organized Company E, 18th Texas Cavalry Regiment. Captured in Arkansas 14 Jan 1863 and imprisoned at Chase OH. Released in an exchange, he was wounded at Chicamauga Sept 1863. Spent time in hospitals then returned to San Antonio as a recruiter. http://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Coit-134

Company E of the 18th Texas Cavalry Regiment made it to Arkansas where they bivouacked for months waiting for orders. No supplies. The area was swampy and many died there from various illnesses, including malaria, dysentary and measles. The kindness of local women saved many lives with food and medical care such as they could muster. I have an extensive collection of John Taylor Coit's war letters with names and places if that would interest anyone. He lost two brothers from South Carolina in battles further to the east. Have one of their letters describing the death of his brother and the battles they were involved in. Then another of the brothers from SC sent letters describing in minute detail his experience in some of the major battles.

Also quite interesting, I have boxes of the womens' letters back and forth between South Carolina, Texas, Alabama and Connecticut, describing what they were going through trying to keep the farms going, the problems sending letters and packages especially after the Mississippi fell under Union control, trying to send supplies to their husbands, sons and brothers.

Answer 7

For Georgia, check with the National Civil War Navy Museum in Columbus, Georgia for Civil War information. Also check with the Civil War Cyclorama in Grant Park in Atlanta for information on the Battle of Atlanta. And the Savannah Public Library for information on Savannah fatalities..

For South Carolina, check with the Hunley Museum in Charleston.

For Virginia, there are Civil War Battlefields everywhere. Richmond was the capital of the Confederacy.

For Louisiana, check with the Civil War museum in New Orleans.

For Pennsylvania, check with the Gettysburg Battlefield. They probably have a list of those who died there/

The United Daughter of the Confederacy published a huge volume of information available in major genealogy libraries especially in the South.

For the north, there should be records from the Grand Army of the Republic. Again, check with your public libraries and local history museums.

Comments

Alabama Department of Archives and History, Montgomery, Alabama

Answer 8

I can help with NC, I work for State of NC  in the historical field. I have access to the library at Fort Macon which contains info for NC as well as info for both northern and southern troops.  I visit that location about once a month and would be happy to help.

Comments

Thanks!! That would be great!! Being on the state line (SC) my ancestors would often fight for a SC unit and then transfer to an NC one. I often wondered if it was to watch over younger cousins after the big brother died. Here is the page. You can add yourself as a research volunteer if you like or add info as you find it. Thanks again!!

http://www.wikitree.com/wiki/Space:North_Carolina_Resource_Page_US_Civil_War:_War_Between_the_States

---

We could definitely use more focus on that part of NC. I added Fort Macon under the special interests section.

---

You can also add Huggins Battery as well. It's an authentic civil war battery located outside of Swansboro, Onslow County, NC. I'm the project leader for the restoration of the fortification. I'll grab the roster from work and post it.

 I also found some old  confederate and union graves out in the woods and will post my research info,

---

I noticed some SC towns close to the NC boarder would hop the fence over to NC to enlist in the NC units. I believe you're correct. SC and NC had kin a stones throw over the border. I noticed after the war, they relocated to either side, probably to help rebuild farms, families and communities.

I added my name as a research volunteer, happy to help out :)

Answer 9

Paula, you do know I'm in for Arkansas, whatever it is to do with AR, I'm in the middle and piled high and deep in it.

Comments

Thanks!! Yes, I know you have us covered!  It is so wonderful seeing people getting involved in their own state. There are things you will know that aren't always in books or online!!

Answer 10

Nevada here, don't forget about us! Nevada was created as a state because if the Civil War. Without the silver and gold from the Comstock Lode in Virginia City the Union would not have had the funds to continue the war. Somewhere to the tune of $400 million dollars.

Comments

There's a page for Nevada! We wouldn't forget.  Add any resources, pics or stories you like to the resource page. Thanks!!

---

I have tried to make sure everyone has a project badge. If I missed anyone, please let me know. We are so excited by your interest in the Civil War project!

---

Thank you!

---

And here I'd always believed that West Virginia was unique in that -- a direct result of the war. Blame it on state-centric teaching; since I was born & raised in WV, I probably got a somewhat skewed view of the war...

---

Right!!  A lot of things changed after the War. Our SC history also left out a lot of the good stuff that happened in other states.

---

Speaking of South Carolina , before I had a relapse of my illness ,  I was going to work on Orr's Rifles . I just don't have the skills to take it on. There are alot of men already on wikitree that were in Orr's. And John Orr may already have a profile here. Pickens ,Walhalla. , West Union boys. Just a thought if someone wants to take it on. Lots of sources and records.

---

That's a great idea! I have a few ancestors from that unit.  I'll start a space page tomorrow that we can link them to. I mean today - almost 4 am here so I had better get a last hour of sleep. In real life I work with real war veterans. Thanks again for all your interest!!

---

W Va was carved out Virginia  during the War as well. That was the portion of the state that still supported the union and broke off from the rest of the state in 1861.  Nevada became a state for 2 reasons on Oct 31, 1864. 1. the gold and silver and 2. Electoral College votes for Lincoln.

 

- Jim US History geek and Military War History junkie

---

Thanks Paula , I am way to techno defunct to tackle it.