760 Jim Wright Freeway
White Settlement, TX 76108
USA
Texas Civil War Museum
Summer 17 Speaker Series
JUNE 2017
FREE
Saturdays, 1:00 p.m. in Museum Theater
(Fee for entrance to museum galleries)
Saturday, June 3 Presenter: Cynthia L. Harriman
“Overwhelmed, Unprepared, and Remembrance”
Death and dying was the new normal during the Civil War. Using the percentage of death from ’61-’65, if the war was fought today there would be 7.5 million casualties. This type of slaughter is hard to wrap one’s mind around—much less deal with the logistics. But that horror was the reality for our ancestors. Medical conditions primitive, transportation limited, and aftermath gruesome. From this destruction America grows up and one of the most sacred holidays, Memorial Day, is born.
Saturday, June 10 Presenter: Jack Dyess
“History of the Texas Navy”
Most individuals, including native Texans, do not know that Texas had its own Navy-let alone two. Of those who are aware of its existence, few know that it was instrumental in Texas’ victory over Mexico or that it almost single-handedly prevented Mexico from invading Texas during a period of nice years and eight months between the victory at San Jacinto and annexation into the United States. Even few know that the Texas Navy was the only navy in history to defeat steam-driven warships with sailing vessels. Only a small number of otherwise extremely knowledgeable historians are
aware of the connection between the Texas Navy and the most popular handgun in the War Between the States; the 1851 Colt Navy Revolver.
Saturday, June 17 Presenter: Donald Barnhart, Jr.
“Battle of Palmito Ranch”
On April 9, 1865, Lee surrendered to Grant in Virginia. However; that only ended the war for the Army of Northern Virginia. The Army of Tennessee surrendered April 26—while the Army of the Trans-Mississippi was not surrendered until May 26. This explains why the last battle of the war was fought in Texas and Palmito Ranch was the only battle involving international troops. The Confederates, fighting under R.I.P. won the battle but lost the war. A truce would be negotiated a few days later to end the fighting in Texas. The Lone Star state would once again begin its new chapter in history.
Saturday, June 24 – Presenter: Company E, 15th Texas Cavalry
Living History on the front lawn
Are you hot in those wool uniforms? Life of the soldier will be presented from 10:00 to 4:00. Throughout the day, soldiers will drill, present firing demonstrations and be available to answer questions about life in the ARMY during the Civil War. (The answer is yes)
Saturday, June 24 Presenter: Jack Dyess
“The Battle of Sabine Pass”
What type of event causes the Stock Market to fall? The answer involves a 25 year-old Irish Bartender in the Battle of Sabine Pass. In September 1863, perhaps the most surprising battle in the history of warfare took place in the little Texas town of Sabine Pass when 47 men armed with 6 small cannons defeated more than 5,000 men in 6 naval warship and 19 other vessels. The Battle of Galveston will be briefly discussed as it led up to the Battle of Sabine Pass, and the amazing coincidences that resulted in the unpredictable victory.
