On Saturday February 25, 2012 we went to Cameron Art Museum for an event they call Civil War Living History.
As a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, I have been taught that the correct term is not ‘Civil War’ but the ‘War Between the States’. The distinction being that The Confederate States of America had seceded before the war began. Thus the war was between two Independent countries. Like many Southerners, I oft refer to it as the “War of Northern Aggression’.
No matter what you choose to call it, it was a troubled and defining time in our country. One that continues to fascinate and intrigue many people (including me); for that reason I attend many battle sites and events around this topic.
This was my first time attending the reenactment of the Battle of Forks Road; although this was the seventh annual celebration and reenactment. The history is always the best part; unfortunately it was difficult to hear much of the explanations. What we did learn is that the US Colored Troops were a part of the original battle. Here’s my video of them firing their cannon (I love the cannons):
As a long standing rebel it was painful to have the best view of the Yankees, but as in all of life, you take what you get! I did take some video of the Confederates. You can see it here. Now you know what I mean when I say the best view was of the yanks!
There is an exhibit of 127 drawings from the Becker Collection which are original first hand drawings from the war. We were fortunate enough to arrive inside the museum in time to take a tour of the drawings with the museum director, Anne Brennan. The collection is amazing and the information from the tour was beyond my hope.
I snapped a couple of photos before I learned photography was not allowed. I hope you’ll enjoy my ignorance. However, I really recommend going to see these in person! The exhibit continues through May 6, 2012.
The Becker Archive contains approximately 650 hitherto unexhibited and undocumented drawings by Joseph Becker and his colleagues, nineteenth-century artists who worked as artist-reporters for Frank Leslie’s Illustrated Weekly observing. A visit to the Becker Collection’s Website allows a searchable index of the drawings. A person can search by state, date, battle, or Military Officer. Quite naturally I searched for the Battle of Fort Fisher. If you love history this is a must see. If you like history, this is a must see. If you hate history, what’s wrong with you?
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