Wednesday, April 2, 2008

April 2, 1865

On April 2, 1865, Union Gen. Ulysses Grant finally made it to the Confederate capital of Richmond, Va., and Gen. J.H. Wilson's cavalry made it to Selma, Ala., where one of the South's biggest and best arsenals was destroyed. It was a Sunday. Spring had arrived. Lady Banksia roses were blooming. But, the beautiful day soon turned to gunshots and smoke. Outnumbered by thousands and outgunned by the Yankees' Spencer repeating rifles, one of the last battles of America's War Between the States was short, and much of Selma burned.


According to Walter M. Jackson in The Story of Selma: "Selma lay in ashes; Selma lay at the feet of her conqueror; many of her finest sons lay from Vicksburg to Gettysburg; Selma stood at the tragic decade of American history; but the spirit of Selma was not dead. Regardless of all of these things, Selma would live again, because the spirit of her people was alive and would live on and on."

The photo was taken at a recent reenactment of the Battle of Selma.

This year's reenactment will be the weekend of April 18.

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8 comments:

Jim Klenke said...

I would love to be able of view an reenactment or even take part in one.

Troop 1309 said...

Great post. I love reading about the history of other places.

Annie said...

Are you an actor, Rambling? This is a way to honor history, to bring it to life, though war is so dreadful that I'd almost as soon it was buried away.

Halcyon said...

Do you go every year? I guess you must know the story by heart!

Janet said...

Hi Annie,
No, I'm not an actor or reenactor, but I do enjoy reenactments. They bring history to life like no history book can. The authenticity is truly amazing. Thanks for stopping by from Little Rock!

Southern Heart said...

My DS loved this photo today! Both of my kids have been to quite a few re-enactments, and DS said "wow, that's Polk's flag" in the photo. He just bought one like that this week.

Years ago, my older son attended one with my parents, and took his toy gun with him. During the battle, he took it out and "shot" one of the "Yankees"...and the re-enactor fell down and went along with it! He was a good sport.

Janet said...

Halcyon, No, I don't get to go every year, but there are several different events other than the Sunday afternoon battle. There are school tours of the living history campsites, medical tent, cannon firing, 1860's sing-a-long, flags history,, blacksmith, etc. There's an 1860's ball at Sturdivant Hall (period dress only!), memorial service at Old Live Oak Cemetery, and a skirmish on Saturday as well as shopping at the sutler tents.

Southern Heart, I didn't know whose flag that was...that's neat!

George Townboy said...

Very nice post. I love history.