TENNESSEE: Funding Available to Preserve Civil War Battlefield Sites
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) – Two Tennessee commissions are taking applications for the Tennessee Civil War Sites Preservation Fund.
The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation says the amount of grant funding available for 2017 is expected to be $375,000. Applicants must be 501(c)3 nonprofits, and only projects associated with the 38 most significant Civil War battlefields in the state as defined by the National Park Service report or Underground Railroad sites are eligible.
The grants will pay a 50 percent match, with recipients providing the remainder.
The Tennessee Wars Commission and the Tennessee Historical Commission announced recently that applications are being accepted and must be submitted by Jan. 8.
Grant applications can be obtained by contacting Timothy Hyder at tim.hydertn.gov, (615) 770-1095 or via mail at 2941 Lebanon Pike, Nashville, TN 37214.
–wwbbj.com
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TEXAS: Commissioners Take No Action on Marker
GEORGETOWN, Texas – A 100 year-old Memorial for the Confederate Soldier currently stands in front of the Williamson County Courthouse – a behemoth of our past.
“Our confederate heroes were men of honor and valor whose dedication to principle, kin and country represent the ideals of the American character,” says Shelby Little.
But there are some in the community who want to change the way the memorial looks.
“The statue is not about the Civil War. That is about the fervor and nostalgia for the Civil War,” says Susan Wukasch.
A nostalgia which some say has no place in the 21 century. The group of advocates says the memorial ought to have an additional plaque with a narrative which would hold the state accountable for its role in the Civil War.
Supporters argue the plaque would provide more historical context, opponents said the plaque would ultimately divide the community.
“I, as a member of this community, am tired of being labeled a racist or a white supremacist or a supporter of Jim Crow laws simply because I want to honor the history and heritage of our communities,” said Teresa Chapman to the Williamson County Commissioners Court.
The efforts died, at least for this year, with the three commissioners on the dais. They say they need more time to vet the information before its submitted to the historical commission.
“It’s about us showing that Williamson County looks like this. And that we’re trying to push forward and be better and we’re trying to include all of our people,” said plaque supporter Jaquita Wilson.
Recognizing the state’s role in the Confederacy, for better or worse.
–twcnnews.com
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Troops Re-Enact Battle of Parkers Crossroads
PARKERS CROSSROADS, Tenn. — All weekend long guest got a peek into the Civil War era as reenactors brought history to life, right here in West Tennessee.
“One of my artillery commanders probably says it best, everyone loves to hear the big booms,” Brigadier General Billy Altom said.
The sound of cannons and smell of gun powder filled the air as the Battle of Parkers Crossroads was recreated.
“Rifle Springfield 1861 model that I stole off a Yankee,” Civil War re-enactor Tyler James Stark said. “He didn’t have no further use for it he was dead.”
Union and Confederate reenactors exchanged gun fire, putting on a show for hundreds who came to experience history.
“Support these troops and what these guys do and relive what happened here,” spectator Tracy Salmon said. “It’s an amazing event.”
Reenactors say the goal was to make this battle as realistic as possible. Some troops even mounted horses to invade enemy territory.
“We try to look like what the ancestors looked like to give a true portrayal to the ‘John Q’ public,” Altom said. “And hopefully give them a little bit of what occurred here on these grounds.”
Even though Sunday’s battle was a history lesson, folks say it was an exciting one.
“No matter if you’re the blue or the gray, it’s just part of your heritage and its really neat to see it come alive,” Salmon said.
Reenactors say they appreciate so many people being interested in West Tennessee’s Civil War history.
“I really like the thank the people that let us come out here today, preserve history,” Stark said. “A lot of people don’t know it anymore.”
“Every time you place your foot on the ground, you’re walking in the footsteps of history,” Altom said. “Someone has been here before you and honor their memory and their sacrifice.”
Although during the Civil War this battle ended in a draw, the general says Sunday afternoons reenactment was a win, because so many kids got to learn about the important battle fought in West Tennessee.
–wbbj.com
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