The stone observatory on the Bloody lane is now finished and ready for visitors. The view from this point alone is worth a visit to the famous Bloody lane as you can take in the entire right to the left nearly four miles. There will be, when all planted, nearly four hundred markers, giving one a good idea of the entire battle field with the advantage of the good roads. Every body ought to visit it and make a study of this great battle.
Let the Games Begin
I moved to Western Maryland about ten years ago in anticipation of the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War. Well, it's here and I am very excited.
First, let me say that I am very impressed with how the community has stepped up with great events and accompanying ephemera. Stephen Bockmiller made a great map of Civil War Hagerstown and gave a wonderful tour of Rose Hill Cemetery a few months back in which I learned about a memorial podium to Reno Post #4, G.A.R. The reason I mention him, though, is that he was the brainchild of the exhibit at Washington County Museum of Fine Arts. Last night I went to one of the lectures in their series associated with the exhibit. It was Edie Wallace presenting “The Dignity of Free Men: The Story of Tolson’s Chapel.” I really learned a lot. But almost as fun was seeing a bunch of my friends who are doing events tied to the 150th.
This event was the kickoff of a couple of crazy weeks for me. This morning at 10am the new museum at Antietam is having an opening. I was invited to attend because the new museum includes a case of my Antietam reunion ephemera. Right after that I jump in my car to drive to Kenosha for a talk Saturday morning. Then its right back to Maryland for a run of two weeks with at least one event a day.
Also exciting is that so many new books are coming out. This week I expect t pick up Tom Clemens' new volume of the Carman manuscript, which is probably the one I am looking forward to the most. I hope to talk about that and others as the weeks progress, but right now I have to pack.
BTW, the above photo is my son Henry taking me on a walk along Mumma's Cornfield.