Museum’s Sherman Event a Success

The cool, crisp air of March 6, 2010 was a perfect setting for commemoration of 145th anniversary of the invasion of Robeson County by Sherman’s troops. The day’s events were held at the Robeson County History Museum and co-hosted by the Robeson Rifle Guards Camp No. 216 of Sons of the Confederate Veterans.

After Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman’s Union Army devastated Atlanta, he began his infamous march through the South in early January 1865. By March 7, his troops had reached North Carolina and begun their reign of terror on Robeson County.

While Sherman himself passed through the Laurinburg area on his way toward Fayetteville, his troops were spread all across neighboring Robeson County. Some of the county’s residents left detailed accounts of encounters with the troops during what turned out to be the final weeks of the war.

A typical Civil War camp was set up on the grounds of the museum including a troop area and an area operated by the Carolina Citizens reenacting a Ladies Benevolent Society, which practiced needle work and cooked for the camp. Kirt Jarrett of Olde Smith Blackmiths from Goldsboro set up a period blacksmith shop demonstrating his skills.

Nearly 200 people gathered at 2:30 that afternoon to watch the Yankees reenacted their burning of the railroad depot and tracks. They also encountered Greg Price and Erin Elizabeth Stanton portraying Rev. and Mrs. George Washington Chaffin. They stole his horse, a vital part of his job as Methodist circuit riding preacher and her watch.

Blake Tyner, Museum Curator, presented a historical talk entitled “Sherman in Robeson County” in the main gallery of the museum following the reenactment. The program highlighted the events that happened all around the county. In addition to the damage done in Lumberton Sherman’s men raid many homes and Floral College. They made their camp at the Lumber Bridge Presbyterian Church which they dismantled and burned to stay warm using the remaining lumber cross the swamps.

“The day was a great success. Everyone seemed to enjoy the event. said museum president Jan Tedder Rogers.

“We had lots of people that this was the first time they had visited the museum. We try and host a wide variety of events to attract people from different backgrounds and with different interests,” said museum curator Blake Tyner.

More information about Sherman's Troops in Robeson click here.

Photos from the Event
(may click on photograph for larger version)