Exploring Local History

We went to the county courthouse yesterday to take advantage of early voting. Mr. FixIt and I studied the sample ballot so we would be sure we knew exactly who we were voting for. I wish I could say we voted early so we could avoid the crowds on Election Day but that’s a farce. We live in the country. The county seat, sure. But there are never more than three or four people in line to vote at any given time around here.

As we came out, I asked Mr. FixIt to wait for a minute. I wanted to take time to photograph the cannons on the front lawn. They’ve intrigued me for years but I finally felt compelled to dig a little deeper.

We have a friend here who is knee deep in the history of this area. He lives in a beautiful red brick home across from the courthouse. It used to belong to the town doctor in the late 1800’s, I believe. I was sure if there was anyone who would know about the cannons, it would be Richard.

I sent him the first picture. I had no idea what the GAR was or why they would have the cannons on cement pedestals. Turns out, GAR stands for Grand Army of the Republic. The GAR was a Fraternal Brotherhood who provided a social network and support system to veterans of the Civil War who had survived the trauma and injuries. Its purpose was to help these soldiers bond and heal from the ravages of war.

The GAR successfully campaigned for expanded pensions for disabled veterans, widows, and orphans helping to establish the framework for modern American Veteran entitlements.

The two cannons once stood on their field carriages however, the inclement West Virginia weather soon rotted the wood away. Those ugly cement bases replaced the original field carriages somewhere along the way.

Here’s a little known fact. If these are indeed authentic Revere Copper Company bronze Napoleons, the barrels alone could fetch between $40,000 and $75,000…each…if sold at a high end historic arms auction. If the barrel was paired with a fully restored, period accurate wooden field carriage and limber chest, the value could easily soar past $100,000 to $150,000+ per unit. And there they sit.

The GAR formally dissolved in 1956 following the death of its last member, Albert Woolson.

I love learning more about our little hole-in-the-wall town. It is rich in history…some of it quite colorful.

Picture 1: The GAR has permanently loaned these two cannons to the citizens of our county.

Picture 2: A photo of the courthouse during an event, likely taken in 1915. You can see the same cannon on the left is still mounted on its field carriage. The original of this photo hangs in my friend’s living room.

Pictures 3, 4, and 5: These were all taken inside the bell tower by our friend, Richard. I love being in town when the bells chime the hour.

Picture 6: This was taken at the courthouse during the Centennial celebrations.

We talked about the long history of oil and gas exploration and development in our area the other day. I have really come to love and appreciate this little burg!

Till tomorrow, dear ones…

Ginny

“We can make our own plans, but the LORD gives the right answer.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

#grandarmyoftherevolution #civil #war #civilwar #history













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