Broadway, N.C.

August 24, 2015, 10:57 pm

North Carolina, Lee County, Broadway

Town in Lee County, settled in 1870, incorporated in 1907. Named for a broad level opening in the vast pine forest which covered the area.

(Settlements & Settlers) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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68th Indiana Infantry

August 25, 2015, 12:32 am

≫ Next: 33rd Ohio Infantry

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Georgia, Catoosa County, near Fort Oglethorpe

Text on the Front Side of the Monument:

68th Regiment Indiana Infantry.
2nd Brigade - King, 4th Division - Reynolds.
14th Corps - Thomas.
Text on the Back Side of the Monument:

Indiana's Tribute
To Her
Sixty-Eighth Regiment Infantry.
Captain Harvey J. Espy, Commanding.
Second Brigade (King).
Fourth Division (Reynolds.)
Fourteenth Corps (Thomas).
Near noon September 19th, this regiment was severely engaged 200 yards east of Lafayette Road, southeast of Brotherton's House.

Sunday, September 20th, the regiment was engaged at 10 a.m. on the line where this monument stands, repulsing a prolonged attack. After the withdrawal of the brigade it was ordered soon after sundown to Snodgrass Hill where it remained until the Union troops were withdrawn.

Engaged 356; killed 17; wounded 108; missing 12; total loss 137.

(War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 9 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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33rd Ohio Infantry

August 25, 2015, 2:19 am

≫ Next: Crawford Settlement Burying Ground

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Georgia, Catoosa County, near Fort Oglethorpe

Text on the Front Side of the Monument:

33rd Ohio Infantry.
Colonel Oscar F. Moore, Commanding.
Scribner's Brigade, Baird's Division.
14th Army Corps.
Text on the Back Side of the Monument:

Organized at Camp Morrow, Portsmouth, Ohio, August 27th, 1861, Joshua W. Sill, Colonel, Oscar F. Moore, Lieutenant Colonel, Joshua V. Robinson, Major.

The Regiment on September 19th, 1863, with its Brigade, was engaged about a mile a little South of East of this position, first with Wilson's Brigade, and then with Liddell's Division, taking some prisoners. About 12:00 M., after the withdrawal of those troops, it was struck by Jackson's Brigade of Cheatham's Division, and was forced to retire and was not rallied until it reached the State Road, where being reformed, it advanced with the Brigade to the left of General Johnson's Command, near Reed's House, and took part in the night fight.

September 20th, it occupied this position throughout the battle, repulsing all assaults upon its front. Near sundown, while attempting to execute the order to retire, while an attack of the enemy was in progress, a portion of the regiment was captured. Loss 160.

(War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 7 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Crawford Settlement Burying Ground

August 25, 2015, 6:10 am

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Michigan, Macomb County, Meade

Revolutionary War veteran John Crawford and his wife, Ann, founded this cemetery in 1837. Ornate headstones exhibit trends in funerary art over two centuries, and the German script on markers reflects the migration of European immigrants after the Erie Canal opened in 1825. Veterans of every major war since the American Revolution are buried here. The community was named Meade in 1863, but remained locally known as the Crawford Settlement.

(Cemeteries & Burial Sites) Includes location, directions, 7 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Law's Brigade

August 25, 2015, 12:23 pm

≫ Next: Site of a Sawmill

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Georgia, Catoosa County, Fort Oglethorpe

Law's Brigade.
Hood's Division, - Longstreet's Corps.
Colonel James L. Sheffield.
September 20, 1863, 11:30 a.m.
4th Alabama, - Colonel Pinckney D. Bowles.
15th Alabama, - Colonel W.C. Oates.
44th Alabama, - Colonel William F. Perry.
47th Alabama, - Major James M. Campbell.
48th Alabama, - Lieutenant Colonel William M. Hardwick.
This Brigade led its Division as the second line of Longstreet's Corps. It moved about 11:15 a.m. from a line about 800 yards east of the Lafayette road. Upon reaching the road it inclined to the right and followed by Benning's and Robertson's Brigades attacked the right of Brannan's Division forcing it to the rear. Upon entering the Dyer field south of the Blacksmith's shop it was attacked by Harker's Union Brigade and forced to the rear. McLaws' Division then replaced Hood's at the front line and the latter remained in the forest east of the Dyer field.

(War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Site of a Sawmill

August 25, 2015, 12:33 pm

≫ Next: Pilot Hill

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Wyoming, Sheridan County, Banner

As explained in No. 1 of this series, wood was the life blood of Fort Kearny. The founding soldiers had carried into this wilderness a sawmill. It was set up without the walls of the stockade as here illustrated. And here, as supplied by logs carried in wagon trains returning from the “Pinery,” were sawed the boards from which the Fort’s structures were built.

(Forts, Castles) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Pilot Hill

August 25, 2015, 12:55 pm

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Wyoming, Sheridan County, Banner

Pilot Hill – overlooking Piney and Little Piney Creek Valleys, the Bozeman Road, the Sullivant Ridge with its wood roads was a constantly manned lookout. From this post the sentry signaled to the Fort news of events as they occurred – how the wood detail progressed, what travelers fared the Bozeman Road, where and how a skirmish was developing, who was in desperate need of reinforcements.

(Forts, Castles • Wars, US Indian) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Cemetery Site

August 25, 2015, 1:40 pm

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Wyoming, Sheridan County, Banner

Because of a healthy climate plus a short existence, Phil Kearny’s cemetery might have remained an almost vacant place. But warfare prevented that idea. Here rested eighty-one victims of Fetterman’s impetuosity; three heros of the masterful Wagon Box defense; and a few casualties of less celebrated incidents. On June 24, 1896 all bodies not previously exhumed were removed for re-interment in Custer National Cemetery.

(Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Forts, Castles • Wars, US Indian) Includes location, directions, 7 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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The Gettysburg Address

August 25, 2015, 1:49 pm

≫ Next: The Bozeman Trail

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Colorado, Boulder County, Boulder

Fourscore and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent a new nation, conceived in liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. Now we are engaged in a great Civil War, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived and so dedicated, can long endure. We are met on a great battlefield of that war. We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. It is altogether fitting and proper that we should do this.

But, in a larger sense, we cannot dedicate - we cannot consecrate - we cannot hallow - this ground. The brave men, living and dead, who struggled here, have consecrated it far above our poor power to add or detract. The world will little note nor long remember what we say here, but it can never forget what they did here. It is for us, the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced. It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us - that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion - that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain - that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.

Presented By
The Woman's Relief Corps, Auxiliary to the Grand Army
of the Republic, Department of Colorado and Wyoming
1934
Nettie Killingsworth, Pres. Margaret Colstadt, Sec.

(War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 2 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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The Bozeman Trail

August 25, 2015, 1:51 pm

≫ Next: The Fort Kearny Sawmills

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Wyoming, Sheridan County, Banner

As shown above, so ran, through treaty guaranteed Indian Land, a white man’s route of commerce. Like any road it was an environment and ecology disturbing intrusion. Which, in this case, made it a challenge bound to produce a redman’s reaction – a resort to arms. Thus the white man’s government, supporting its citizens in violation of its own treaty, found justification to found a Fort Phil Kearny.

(Forts, Castles • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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The Fort Kearny Sawmills

August 25, 2015, 2:15 pm

≫ Next: John W. Powell

≪ Previous: The Bozeman Trail

Wyoming, Sheridan County, Banner

Before you lies the frame of a LANE & BODLEY sawmill. This was one of two steam-driven sawmills brought west for Colonel Carrington’s command. The sawmills were used to cut lumber into boards for construction of buildings, furniture and other items. Logs were also edged for stockade construction or cut up for firewood.

The sawmills had an extensive history at the fort. One was initially located at the fort while the other was located at the Piney Island wood-cutting area in present-day story. (A third mill, horse powered, was broken and never set up.) Both mills were eventually set up near the fort where the steam whistle was used to sound Indian alarms. One mill was burned by Indians and although it was never rebuilt at this fort, its parts were transferred to Fort C. F. Smith for use there.

The two steam sawmills were 25 and 15 horsepower, the more powerful one built to run two saws. Although initially poorly managed and maintained, the sawmill eventually produced over 400,000 board feet of lumber for post construction. Close examination of the frame shows numerous repairs including cold chisel cuts, babbiting and wrought iron welds.

(Forts, Castles) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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John W. Powell

August 25, 2015, 2:37 pm

≫ Next: Gracie's Brigade

≪ Previous: The Fort Kearny Sawmills

New York, Livingston County, Mount Morris

John W. Powell
rank of Maj. - fought in Civil War,
led first Grand Canyon Exped.
in 1869 - helped start U.S.
Geological Society & Nat.
Geographic Society.

(Environment • Exploration • War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Gracie's Brigade

August 25, 2015, 2:58 pm

≫ Next: High Side Freight Wagon

≪ Previous: John W. Powell

Georgia, Catoosa County, near Fort Oglethorpe

Gracie's Brigade.
Preston's Division - Buckner's Corps.
Brigadier General Archibald Gracie, Jr.
September 20, 1863, 4 p.m., 1st Position
43d Alabama - Colonel Young M. Moody.
1st Alabama Battalion - Lieutenant Colonel John H. Holt.
2d Alabama Battalion - Lieutenant Colonel Bolling Hall, Jr.
3d Alabama Battalion - Lieutenant Colonel John W.A. Sanford.
4th Alabama Battalion - Major John D. McLennan.
63d Tennessee - Lieutenant Colonel Abraham Fulkerson.
Between 3 and 4 o'clock the Brigade having been brought from the vicinity of Hall's Ford was formed on this ground across the LaFayette road facing north with Kelly's Brigade in a second line and Trigg's at Brotherton's supporting Williams' Artillery. In this position Gracie's Command was subjected to a heavy artillery fire from Union batteries in the Kelly field. At 4 p.m. the Brigade was dispatched to Snodgrass Hill to the assistance of Kershaw's Brigade which had been assaulting that position since 1:30 p.m.

(War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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High Side Freight Wagon

August 25, 2015, 3:46 pm

≫ Next: Robertson's Brigade

≪ Previous: Gracie's Brigade

Wyoming, Johnson County, Buffalo

Before you is the “eighteen wheeler” of the 1860’s. It could haul 2000 lbs. to 5000 lbs. of weight depending on the grades of the trail. This model of the wagon was powered by oxen. Anywhere from 3 yokes (a yoke being two oxen) to 10 yokes, depending on the load and the trail or road. Notice that there is no seat on the wagon. This is because the teamster or bullwhacker walked on the left side of his oxen.
He would swing a long bull whip and out to the left, then back over his head and forward, to haze or discipline the oxen into the direction he wanted them to go. Because of this whip motion the bullwhackers drove their oxen from the left side. Wagon trains coming into a town or settlement passed each other on the left. Wagons being pulled by mules or horses passed ox drawn wagons on the left. This may be the reason that you operate a motor vehicle from the left seat.
Oxen were preferred by freighters over the western trails because the oxen cold subsist on grass, without having to haul additional forage. In addition, the oxen could be used for food on the trip or sold for beef at the end of the trip.
Notice the pioneering tools on the wagon. Breakdowns and upsets were frequent. Tools were needed to repair wagons and to make short stretches of trail passable. Remember there were no improved roads or bridges. 10 to 20 miles were all the wagon trains could make in a long day. Oxen and mules needed grass and water to sustain themselves, hence wagon trails followed the streams and rivers.
Wagons, oxen, mules and horses; the trucks and diesels of an era past.

(Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Robertson's Brigade

August 25, 2015, 4:34 pm

≫ Next: Pioneers of Radio

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Georgia, Catoosa County, near Fort Oglethorpe

Robertson's Brigade
Hood's Division, - Longstreet's Corps.
Brigadier General Jerome B. Robertson.
September 20, 1863, 11:30 a.m.

3d Arkansas, - Colonel Van H. Manning.
1st Texas, - Captain R. J. Harding.
4th Texas, - Captain R. H. Bassett.
4th Texas, - Captain James T. Hunter.
5th Texas, - Captain J. S. Cleveland.
5th Texas, - Captain T. T. Clay.
This Brigade forming the second line of Hood's Division moved about 11:15 a.m. from the low ground beyond the first crest east of the Lafayette road and inclining to the right crossed the road and its right tok part in the attack upon the Union line which was forced to the rear. It followed Law's Brigade to the Dyer field moved by the right flank and changing front advanced to the top of the hill from which it drove the enemy. After holding the hill a few moments a fire from the rear on both flanks forced it to retire. At this point McLaws' Division replaced it on the front line and the brigade was ordered to remain in the forest east of the Dyer fields.

(War, US Civil) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Pioneers of Radio

August 25, 2015, 5:07 pm

≫ Next: Homesteader Cabin

≪ Previous: Robertson's Brigade

Iowa, Page County, Shenandoah

Radio stations KMA and KFNF put Shenandoah on the national map during the 1920's.

Sending their powerful signals across all 48 states, these two pioneer stations had a profound impact on rural America.

Henry Field's KFNF began broadcasting in 1924, and Earl May started KMA one year later, in 1925. These two rivals, each a born salesman, promoted their own seed and nursery products along with entertainment. Spurred by radio advertising, both mail order and retail business skyrocketed. These stations brought news, weather forecasts, and farming advice into the homes of isolated farmers and ranchers throughout the Midwest.

Thousands of visitors flocked to Shenandoah to buy merchandise at Field's Spanish style shopping center and to see the live broadcasts at KMA's magnificent Mayfair Auditorium. The two stations attracted a flood of itinerant musicians and entertainers, all eager to make it big in the new world of radio.

A carnvial atmosphere prevailed in Shenandoah, with May and Field each trying to outdo the other. Huge promotions such as May's "Jubilee Days" advertised free pancakes and non-stop entertainment to all who came. And come they did - by the thousands.

Less flamboyant but perhaps more influential were the radio homemakers. These remarkable women provided advice and companionship to generations of Midwestern housewives. Throughout the depression, World War II, and into the 1970's, radio was the great communicator for women.

The heyday of live radio ended with the advent of recorded music and network programming. KFNF closed, but KMA continues the long tradition of Shenandoah radio.

(Communications • Industry & Commerce) Includes location, directions, 5 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Homesteader Cabin

August 25, 2015, 5:11 pm

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Wyoming, Johnson County, Buffalo

This cabin was moved here from the George Schreibeis ranch on the Tongue River. It’s made of hand hewn cottonwood logs. As you can see the cabin builder was not a practiced log home builder. He used the materials that were readily available and cost the least, as did most homesteaders. The small paned windows are original and the glass shows the imperfections of the glass of the 1890’s. Nevertheless, the window was expensive and therefore a luxury. Many cabins simply had openings with oiled paper over the openings, to let in light.

Men and women of the homestead era worked from “kin see to can’t see”. Living in a cabin such as this meant hauling water for washing and cooking, chopping and splitting wood for heating and cooking, tending a garden and milking a cow. Most of this was done by the women. As one woman wrote of her life, “All I can remember about those days is being tired, no tired woman should be a mother.”

(Notable Buildings) Includes location, directions, 4 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Civil War Memorial

August 25, 2015, 5:46 pm

≫ Next: Big Horn Mountains

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Iowa, Page County, Shenandoah

Our Defenders of the Union

[Honor Roll of Veterans]
——————————
To all those who served
with pride and courage.

So that we never forget our
veterans' sacrifices.

[Newer marker]

(Patriots & Patriotism • War, US Civil • War, World I • War, World II) Includes location, directions, 7 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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Big Horn Mountains

August 25, 2015, 5:48 pm

≫ Next: Early Settlers of Southwestern Iowa

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Wyoming, Johnson County, Buffalo

The high country backdrop on top of the Big Horn Mountains encompasses much of the Cloud Peak Wilderness area. This 195,000 acre area was designated as wilderness by Congress in 1984.

The highest point in the wilderness area is Cloud Peak, which can be seen by looking through the peep hole on the right hand side of this sign. Cloud Peak is 13,165 feet high. The peaks to the north are the Black Tooths which are 13,005 feet high. The peak immediately to the South is Bomber Mountain, 12,436 feet high. It is named for a B-17 bomber that crashed there on June 28, 1943 with the loss of 10 lives.

There are 256 fishing lakes and 49 miles of fishing streams in the wilderness area. They feature Rainbow, Cutthroat, Brook, German Brown, California Golden, Mackinaw and Grayling fish species. Big game animals found in the wilderness area include elk, deer, moose, mountain sheep and black bear.

A closer look at Cloud Peak wilderness area and the beautiful Big Horns can be had by taking US Highway 16 to Worland or by taking Crazy Woman Canyon/Pole Creek loop tour.

(Natural Features) Includes location, directions, 3 photos, GPS coordinates, map.

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