Frank H. McClung Museum - Civil War Lecture Series - January-April

2012 marks the second year of the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. In support of the Knox Area Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission’s on-going efforts to bring the story of Knoxville’s complicated history to our community,   the Frank H. McClung Museum Civil War Lecture Series will be offered again this year.  All lectures will be given on Sunday afternoons at 2 pm.  Mark your calendars for April 22.  The programs will all be presented in the McClung Museum Auditorium. 

April 22:  Knoxville’s Civil War Legacy

         Dr. Earl Hess of Lincoln Memorial University, nationally recognized expert on

         Civil War military history, will present the fourth lecture. Dr. Hess’s new book

         on the Knoxville Campaign will be out in 2012 and this lecture will preview

         some of his research.

This lecture is free and open to the public

April 28: Knoxville Civil War Gateway Opening—Saturday

The new Knoxville Civil War Gateway located at the corner of Gay Street and Hill Avenue will open on Saturday, April 28, 2012 at 11 AM. A downtown walking tour of Civil War Knoxville will be introduced to the public.  While the tour is designed to be self-guided, local Civil War enthusiasts will be available on opening day to lead groups along the route, discussing places, people and events of the 1861-1865 which are all defining elements in our community’s past.  Tours are on a first come first served basis and will leave every half hour from the front door of the Gateway 11 AM until 4 PM.

Beginning May first the Civil War Gateway will be open Tuesday-Saturday, 11 AM-

4 PM, providing maps, walking tour brochures, videos, troop information, and graphic presentations of the Civil War story here in East Tennessee.   Saturday guided tours will be announced and conducted regularly. 

Brought to East Tennessee by the Knox County Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission

April 28: Unveiling of New Civil War Marker at Admiral Farragut Birthplace

The public is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony and dedication of a Civil War Trail Marker at Admiral Farragut's Birthplace on April 28, 2012.

The dedications will be made by the two co-chairs of the Tennessee Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission: Tennessee Tourism Commissioner Susan Whitaker and Executive Director of the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area Dr. Carroll Van West. Knox County Mayor Tim Burchett and other Knox County officials will also be present at the dedication.

Date: April 28, 2012
Where: Admiral Farragut Park, 9950 S. Northshore Drive
When: 9:00 - 11:30 AM (event will be held rain or shine)
Unveling Time: 10 AM
Directions: Take I - 40 (Pellissippi Pkwy) to Northshore Drive exit. Travel west on Northshore approximately 1/2 mile. The sign stating Admiral Farragut Park will be on the left. If you pass Carl Cowan Park you have gone too far.

David G. Farragut was born at Lowe's Ferry (originally called Farragut's Ferry) on July 5, 1801. He spent his early childhood there before his family relocated to New Orleans. He claimed Tennessee as his home state throughout his life. Soon after moving from Knox County, Farragut's mother died, and Farragut became the foster child of Navy Commander David Porter. Farragut entered the Navy at age 9 ½. He took part in his first battle at sea at the age of 11 while serving in the War of 1812. He remained active with the Navy throughout his life. Coming from a long line of seamen, Farragut was named the first Admiral of the American Navy in honor of his significant contribution to ending the Civil War. He led the effort to close the Confederate port at Mobile Bay. It was at this battle that he uttered the often-quoted words, "Damn the torpedoes… full speed ahead!"

A little known fact is that Farragut had Hispanic heritage. His father, Jorge Ferragut, was a merchant from Menorca (Spain) who fought in the Revolutionary War. He bought land when Knoxville was established, and operated a ferry at the site that today is in Admiral Farragut Park at Northshore Dr.

The Tennessee Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission, Knox County, Farragut Folklife Museum, and HoLa Hora Latina (Hispanic non-profit organization) are sponsors of this Civil War Trail marker. The Civil War Trail Program has installed more than 1,000 interpretive markers at Civil War sites in Virginia, Maryland, Tennessee, West Virginia, and North Carolina. Driving tours following major campaigns have been created, and a series of regional brochures and maps is available online at http://www.civilwartraveler.com/about/maps/TN-map.pdf.

Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP to cwkch@cwkch.com no later than April 24. For further information: www.holaknoxville.org or call 865-335-3358.

 

May 12-13, 2012 Ramsey House Plantation - "Skirmish on the Holston"

Address: 2614 Thorngrove Pike Knoxville, TN 37914

"Skirmish on the Holston", May 12-13, 2012, Knoxville, TN, Civil War Battle Reenactments & Living History Encampment. Re-creation of skirmish near this site occurring Feb. 20, 1864. Historic reenactments and presentations, meet General Robert E. Lee and his horse, Traveler, President Abraham Lincoln, and General William T. Sherman. Have your portrait taken by 19th Century photographers, Ladies Tea & Fashion Show. The 2011 National Dulcimer Champion will be performing, and be sure to take a tour of the famous Ramsey House built in 1797.

Saturday 10AM to 4PM, Sunday 12PM to 4PM. Adults $5, Children 12 and under free. Mom admitted free on Sunday (Mother's Day). For further information please contact Ramsey House at (865)546-0745 info@ramseyhouse.org or http://www.ramseyhouse.org/ Cost: $5 adult, children under 12 free.

To submit information, please include the following information in this order:

Date, Event Name, Location, Times/Costs, Special Speakers etc, and website.

Please email information to Joan Markel @ jmarkel@utk.edu or Calvin Chappelle @ mabryhazenhouse@gmail.com