Sagerat Scribbles

• Sep. 21, 2009 - Our First Civil War Site

Posted in Uncategorically Speaking

One reason our family was excited about moving to Kentucky was all the historical sites we could now visit--budget allowing of course. After all, you aren't going to find too many Civil War historical sites in Oregon.

We have wondered what it would be like to visit some of the Civil War sites though, because depending on what state and which sideof the war that area was for, it could possibly tell the events with their own slant. Which is true for all moments in history, but we are from Oregon and while we care about what the Civil War was really all about, we weren't raised or educated to still harbor deep seated feelings about the events. If we have any family members that fought on either side of it then it's a well-kept family secret.

Now Bluejane has never really liked American History, except for some of what the west coast took part in, like the Lewis and Clark trail. She wasn't certain she wanted to go to a Civil War historical site. We all went anyway (minus Eyebright who was sick), because it was FREE and right now free is all the budget allows for.

We had seen some signs stating that there was to be a Civil War canon shoot, so on the appointed day we ventured off and found the Civil War Fort at Boonesboro:

After a short hike, all uphill--and we pondered about those poor soldiers having to hike down to the Kentucky River to get water, and then back up--we reached the top of where a fort used to be. The 12th USCHA was there to demonstrate how a Napoleon canon worked. They had named their particular canon Josephine.

Putting the powder in

Inserting the fuse

The canon is shot

Removing the tinfoil that held the powder

The men of the 12th USCHA (United States Colored Heavy Artillery) were lots of fun, friendly, and answered all of our questions, some with a great deal of teasing. It was a great event and we all enjoyed it! Even Bluejane said that Civil War history was very exciting. See, it pays to take field trips.

If you'd like to find out where the 12th USCHA will be next, visit their events page.

• Sep. 21, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by ohiomom

Looks like a wonderful mix of fun and educational! We visited a Civil War battlefield last weekend- our day wasn't quite as pleasant as yours (you can read about it on my blog if you're interested). Have you been to Cumberland Gap National Park? Beautiful! And you can stand in 3 states at once. We stopped by right in the middle of the Mountain Man Festival several years ago and it was really fun. Blessings,
Tonya

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• Sep. 22, 2009 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Bluejane

No, no, no. I didn't like American history because all it was for me was Lewis and Clark, or covered Wagons. I have always like Civil War history!

Out of the Blue:jane

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• Sep. 22, 2009 - Very cool!

Posted by tn3jcarter

I went to a few different Civil War reenactments as a kid, but haven't taken the boys yet. (Bad mom, bad mom) I just love field trips that bring history to life.

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