Spotsylvania Civil War Blog: Gallant Pelham Remembered

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Gallant Pelham Remembered - December 13, 2013

On the one hundred and fifty-first anniversary of the Battle of Fredericksburg, the Central Virginia Battlefields Trust dedicated a replica Napoleon 12-pounder at the site of Confederate Major John Pelham's fabled stand against the Federal advance during the early, fog-enshrouded morning of December 13, 1862. Pelham's guns boldly delayed that advance for several hours, buying critical time for the bolstering of the southern defensive position along Prospect Hill. Click any image for larger viewing. A previous post regarding Pelham's position can be found here.

The ceremony commenced shortly after 11:00 AM along the preserved acre in front of Family Dollar.

Dr. Michael P. Stevens, president of the CVBT, commanded the ceremony.

The gun crew from the Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park wheels their piece into position for a commemorative round.

The proud gun crew from F&SNMP listen to the presentation after their opening salute.

Park historian Frank O'Reilly provided the background of Pelham's bold actions.

O'Reilly is the author of one of the best volumes on the Fredericksburg Campaign.

The new, silent sentinel, guards the intersection at 10744 Tidewater Trail, Fredericksburg, VA.

No comments:

Post a Comment

Why I am here:

I am the owner of Spotsylvania Commemorative. For over 20 years I provided battlefield guide services, but as of January 1, 2022, I have retired from that aspect of my work. I continue to conduct historical research and assist and advise fellow historians. Living on the Spotsylvania battlefield has its advantages. The most important to me is that I am right on the ground that played an important but usually disregarded role in the campaign. The actions of May 14, 1864 resulted in the near capture of General George Gordon Meade while it also helped to anchor a new Federal left wing. Known as the battle of Myer's Hill, it focused on what was until recently a wooded summit, one half mile southeast from my driveway. There remains close to 75 acres of land which includes the Myer house site. In 1864 it was a 400 acre farm. I advocated for 20 years to influence the preservation of this property. During this time I sadly witnessed the destruction of some of the cultural resources on the site by deforesting, including what was a beautifully preserved trenchline built by the Federal 6th Corps. Seeing an imminent threat to the house site, I personally negotiated with the logging company and minimized the damage, while the surrounding acres were clear cut.
I have come to know the story of John Henry Myer and his family and the struggle for the farm site they called home. Myer, conscripted into the 40th VA Infantry, watched helpless from the Confederate trenches on May 15, 1864 as his home was destroyed by the Union occupants. It had been intended as a sanctuary from the ravages of war.
Their story, and those of countless others, is my inspiration. Thankfully, in 2018, the Central Virginia Battlefields Trust did purchase, and now aims to interpret, the Myer's Hill battlefield. I shall continue to advocate and assist where I can.

Battlefield Guide Services

Sunday, December 15, 2013

Gallant Pelham Remembered - December 13, 2013

No comments: