The Newsletter of the Salt Creek Civil War Roundtable Vol. XLXVI No. 2 October 2011 444th Regular Meeting On Friday October 21, 2011, the Salt Creek Civil War Round Table will be the scene of a discussion of the great what-ifs of the Civil War. This meeting is intended to be a discussion among the attendees. They are encouraged to come with their favorite what-ifs and contribute to the dialogue. The discussion will be led by Ron Carlson and Steve Horton who will present what they consider to be the most significant what-ifs of the conflict that we all study. Attendees will have the opportunity to comment on those what-ifs as well as contribute their own to the discussion. Ron Carlson has a BS degree from the Illinois Institute of Technology, an MBA from Northwestern University and an MA from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He has taught American history at the College of DuPage for twenty years. He is a long-time member of the Chicago and Salt Creek Civil War Round Tables and has presented three talks over the years to Salt Creek. Steve Horton has a BA for the University of Chicago and an MA form Northeastern University. He is a long-time member of the Chicago Civil War Round Table and multiple attendee of the Civil War Institue at Gettysburg College. This event promise to be thought-provoking and resembles the "Old Days" of round table discussions. The Outpost DATE: Friday, October 21, 2011 PLACE: Oak Trace Downers Grove, IL 60516 TIME: 8:00 p.m. SPEAKER: Ron Carlson and Steve Horton TOPIC: Panel Discussion- “GREAT WHAT-IFS OF THE CIVIL WAR” JUNE MEETING BY JAN RASMUSSEN Jan Rasmussen was a last minute fill in for the meeting. She presented "The Minnesota Dakota Uprising of 1862". Using information and illustrations from white and Indian participants and observers she gave an account of this tragic conflict. Since the time of Thomas Jefferson, traders were urged to force the Indians to generate large debts so they would have to repay by selling their lands. As settlement in the region expanded there was a demand for Indian land. The Indians that occupied the land were the Eastern or Santee Sioux led by Little Crow. In 1851 the Santee ceded their lands in southern and western Minnesota for cash and annuities with the signing of treaties. The signing opened 24 million acres to settlement. The Indians, numbering about 7,000,were given two reservations each 20 miles wide and 70 miles long bordering the Minnesota River. In 1858, the reservation was cut in half. A former trader, Joseph Brown who had an Indian wife was named Indian agent. He tried to make the Indians self sufficient farmers. This divided the Indians into two groups, the "cut hairs", who took up the white ways and the "blankets", who refused. In 1861 Joseph Brown was replaced by an insensitive political appointee, Thomas J. Galbraith. There was a poor corn crop followed by a harsh winter. Food and game were scarce and annuity payments were late. The traders refused to give credit. At a meeting Trader Andrew Myrick told the Indians "If you are hungry, eat grass or your own dung". The Indians left, but several weeks later on August 17th, four young braves killed five white settlers and the war was on. Little Crow tried to stop the bloodshed. When he was accused of being a coward, he acquiesced although he had no faith in victory. The Lower Agency was the first target. Andrew Myrick was found mutilated with grass stuffed in his mouth. The war raged along the Minnesota valley with the Indians sweeping down on isolated farms and settlements. On August 20 & 22 the Indians tried to attack Fort Ridgely, the poorly designed local fort. Cannon fire repulsed the attacks. On August 19 & 23 the Indians attacked the town of New Ulm. The settlers held them off, but the town was destroyed. Soldiers arrived from St. Paul. A group of soldiers were ambushed at Birch Coulee on September 2nd. The troops withstood a 31 hour siege. Losses were 17 killed and 47 severely wounded. All 90 horses were also killed. More soldiers arrived and drove the Indians off. There were a total of 17 actions ending with the Battle of Wood Lake on September 23rd. The hostile Indians were forced to flee Minnesota or surrender. Over 300 Indians were tried for their crimes. Thirty Eight were hanged on December 26, 1862. Little Crow escaped, but was killed by a farmer near Hutchinson, Minnesota on July 3, 1863. The Minnesota Dakota Uprising was one of the bloodiest in U.S. history. The exact number of settlers killed will never be known, but reasonable estimates put the number between 400-600. Military causalities totaled about 140 killed and wounded. The Indian causalities are impossible to determine, but one can consider the many who died while in confinement. Although overlooked due to the nation's focus on the Civil War, the Minnesota Uprising launched a series of wars on the Plains that did not end until the Massacre at Wounded Knee. PRESERVATION REPORT BY LEN OVERCASH SR National parks, including Shenandoah National Park, are facing historically high maintenance backlogs, say experts at the National Parks Conservation Association. “It’s been a problem for awhile,” said Pamela Goddard, a program manager for the association. “But this year, it’s worse.” The park system as a whole has a nearly $11 billion maintenance backlog — which includes maintenance of roads, buildings, the parks themselves, historical sites, educational programs and more, said John Garder, a budget analyst for the association. Tag Archives: Germany Scores of Germans Reenact Civil War Battles A story published recently in PRI certainly knows how to grab a reader’s attention: ”On a warm spring morning about 50 miles north of Berlin, Union troops and their Confederate rivals prepare for battle.” Seems there is a burgeoning battalion of Germans keen on reenacting the American Civil War. The Gettysburg National Military Park announced its most recent property acquisition Wednesday afternoon, the Josiah Benner House in Straban Township. Purchased in May, GNMP took possession of the nine-acre, 980 Old Harrisburg Road property Monday. In 2001, the park purchased the three-acre parcel next door, which includes the Josiah Benner barn, but this $405,000 purchase of the farmhouse and springhouse completed the package. Source: Civil War Interactive (Chattanooga, Tenn.) – During a ceremony Fairyland Club on Lookout Mountain, the Civil War Trust, a national battlefield preservation organization, will recognize three outstanding historic preservation advocates with its Chairman’s Awards for Achievement. The awards, presented by the Trust’s chairman, Henry E. Simpson, will honor Alabama historian Daniel Fulenwider, Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park historian James Ogden and Tennessee Civil War Preservation Association executive director Mary Ann Peckham. Will you please help get one step closer to the complete preservation of two key Tennessee battlefields? What if, for these two urgent transactions (landowners want to close as soon as possible, no later than November every $1.00 you donate today turns into $7.22 and $4.00, respectively? That is exactly the opportunity and challenge today at the battlefields of Parker's Cross Roads and Franklin, both in Tennessee. Source: Civil War Trust VACANT CHAIR With great sadness, I must report the loss of Rick Benson. Rick passed away September 20, 2011. He was a valuable member and great friend to Salt Creek CWRT. Rick was a frequent presenter of Andersonville Commandant, Captain Henry Wirz. Besides his local performances, Rick's presentation has been done at Andersonville National Historical site for the National Park Service. This past May he participated in the annual Capt. Henry Wirz Memorial Service in Washington, DC at Mount Olivet Cemetery. His passion and enthusiasm will be greatly missed. Rick was currently Vice President and a contributor to the newsletter, writing the summary of the speaker's program. His smiling face was always present at the Civil War Shows. His untimely loss creates empty positions that need to be filled in order for the round table to remain viable. We are approaching our 50th Anniversary in 2012. Our round table has provided informal meeting platforms for members to share their favorite subjects of the Civil War. While sharing our passion for the Civil War we have also been able raise funds for battlefield preservation and various Civil War related projects. In order to continue to exist we need to have more ACTIVE members to help share the load. Salt Creek CWRT allowed me to meet many great kindred spirits and has given me many fond memories of accomplishment and adventure. If you feel the same, please step up. We currently need to fill positions for president, vice president and someone to write the summary of the speaker's program. Step up and volunteer. Now is your chance to give back to the round table and provide much needed support. If you wish to contribute to the round table please contact me, Jan Rasmussen, by phone 630-830-7614 or email jrbarns@sbcglobal.net. ALL FOR THE UNION Thanks to Rob Girardi, Rick Zarr, Roger Bohn, Bill Sell, Don Sender, Cindy Intravartolo, Paula Walker & Jan Rasmussen for their participation at the Civil War Collector's Show. The Annual Auction is Nov. 18, 2011 at the Glen Ellyn History Center. Donations of Books, Magazines, DVD's, are gladly accepted & appreciated. December 16th is Memorabilia/Show & Tell Night. Volunteers are needed. Contact Jan at 630-830-7614 Oct. 2011 thru March 20, 2012 Stephen A. Douglas Exhibit Kenosha Civil War Museum www.thecivilwarmuseum.org UPCOMING CIVIL WAR EVENTS OCTOBER 18, 2011 LINCOLN DAVIS CWRT Speaker: Dave Hirsch & Dan VanHaften Topic: "Abraham Lincoln and the Structure of Reason" Country House Restaurant Alsip, IL Lincolndavisroundtable@yahoo.com OCTOBER 27, 2011 SOUTH SUBURBAN CWRT Speaker: Bob Miller Topic: "Confederate Christian Warrior: Father James Sheeran of 14th LA" ED & JOE’S Pizza 17332 S. Oak Park Ave, Tinley Park, IL russelltarvid@hotmail.com NOVEMBER 4, 2011 NORTHERN ILLINOIS CWRT Speaker: George Thomas Topic: "History Will Do Me Justice" Arlington Heights Memorial Library 500 N. Dunton Arlington Heights IL www.nicwrt.freehostia.com NOVEMBER 8, 2011 MCHENRY COUNTY CWRT Speaker: Jerry Allen Topic: "General George H. Thomas" Woodstock Library 440 West Judd Street NOVEMBER 11, 2011 CHICAGO CIVIL WAR ROUNDTABLE Speaker: Gale Stephens Topic: "Early's 1864 Invasion of Maryland" Holiday Inn Mart Plaza Chicago 350 North Orleans Street Dinner 6:30 p.m. (630) 460-1865 to make reservations chicagocwrtdinner@earthlink.net FUTURE MEETINGS 2011/2012 (3RD FRIDAY OF THE MONTH) November 18 Annual Battlefield Preservation Auction (Glen Ellyn History Center) December 16, 2011 Memorabilia/Show & Tell Night January 20, 2012 Art Foley/ "James Blunt" February 17, 2012 Leslie Goddard/ "Mary Chestnut" THE SALT CREEK CWRT www.saltcreekcwrt.org President: Jan Rasmussen Vice-President: Vacant Treasurer: Jean Cairns Secretary: Rick Zarr Historian: Cindy Intravartolo Meeting Liaison: Mary Lord Newsletter Editor: Jennie Warner Newsletter Staff: Len Overcash Sr, Rick Zarr, Jan Rasmussen Webmaster: Stephen Munier