...it's an annual event honoring those who have served our nation; always around the memorial observance, Veteran's Day in November. Among this, there is some 'play acting' at an historical cemetery here where I live! Bud and I attended the self guided tour on the hallowed grounds of the oldest federal cemetery in the state of Texas....The Old Bayview Cemetery. The cemetery itself was created when Brig. Gen. Zachary Taylor and his troops were here in the bay on the eve of the Mexican War. On September 13, 1845 a steamer, "Dayton" burst a boiler killing several soldiers [among the dead...officers] and the sidewheel steamer sank in the bay. Taylor [eventually becoming a president of the United States] obtained a burial site. Old Bayview Cemetery in Corpus Christi...on a bluff. Taylor wrote:
- "On September 14, a military funeral took place at the burial ground which I selected. It is on the brow of the hill northwest of camp, and commands a view of the Nueces and Corpus Christi Bays. It is a beautiful spot."
As the two of us, among hundreds, walked the historic grounds, we were surrounded by several 'reenactments' of those who are buried here...regaling their life's stories. Some of the 'featured' Veterans and Pioneers:
George Owens - died in 1879- Veteran of 9th U.S. Cavalry "Buffalo Soldier" [a bit of history here: He was most likely one of the troops of the F Company guarding the Rio Grande area during the Mexican War--his wife, buried next to him was a mulatto and laundress in Corpus Christi. After George's death, she remarried and outlived her 2nd husband]
Lillian Anderson [baby] ---The baby died the very day it was born prematurely. Mr. and Mrs. Anderson are buried at Rosehill Cemetery
William Mitchell - first pastor of Corpus Christi - died of Yellow Fever
Gentleman in Black/red ascot --a prominent grocer for 30 years. Immigrated from Switzerland
Thomas [in black] and Matthew Nolan. Thomas was Nueces County Deputy and brother, Matthew, was Nueces County Sheriff. Both were Confederate soldiers [Matthew an officer]
Rachel Parker - Early Pioneer along with her husband, supplied Taylor's Army
Maria Von Blucher - Wife of Corpus Christi's surveyor and music teacher [a city park is named after this family]
...this is part one. More to follow. Stay tuned!
How fun, it's a lot like being there. I like to attend these as well. There are so many that we can see around here, at different times of the year too. Reenactments have been the thing in recent years. I went on a Ghost Walk in Galena, Illinois a few years ago and afterwards the girl that led us on the walk sat down and chatted about history, then she explained that she is involved with a Civil War Reenactment group, and I was really amazed, because she was quite young. Great pictures, they sure are acting their parts well!
ReplyDelete...thanks Karen. Sounds like an incredibly interesting young gal.
Deletethanks for sharing, I love these reenactments. we have them here a couple of times a year.. ours are Civil war also.
ReplyDelete...glad you enjoyed it Sandra.
DeleteWonderful pictures! I look forward to the next installment. :-)
ReplyDelete...thanks DJ
Deleteoh how much fun. I love seeing a glimpse into the past like this. Can you imagine living back then? And a hundred years from now will people look back on us and think how difficult life was in our time.
ReplyDeleteI've come to realize over the years just how 'spoiled' we all are. But, for the fact that some of our ancestors actually invented things to improve our way of life, I commend them. And, wonder too.
DeleteI loved seeing this, reenactments are such fun... and educational to boot. Can't wait for part two!
ReplyDelete....thanks Jacqueline
DeleteWow, this is totally cool!!! Wish I could have one with you. Now for these people, they will not be forgotten! And interesting stories of their lives, too.
ReplyDelete...thanks Ginny
DeleteWhat a wonderful place and so interesting!! Terrific captures! Thanks for sharing, I'm also looking forward to part two!! Have a great new week, Anni!!
ReplyDelete...thanks Sylvia
DeleteExcellent!! Thanks so much for sharing the stories!
ReplyDelete...thanks Terri
DeleteI went though an cemetery of our local one. Found it quite interesting. Learn about different symbols on grave markers.
ReplyDeleteEven got me thinking what I might want on mine. Just not a birth date and death date.
Coffee is on
I want to be cremated.
DeleteLooks like an interesting event. I enjoy visiting cemeteries often and often wonder about the stories of those who are buried in them. Thanks for sharing this piece of history!
ReplyDelete...thank YOU Bethany.
DeleteWhat an event. Re-enactors are strange people but I love them.
ReplyDeleteIndeed...strange!!! Why, that "Mrs. Anderson" with the baby was prowling eerily around the graveyard like a lost soul. She was scary a bit.
DeleteInteresting post, thank you for sharing and I'll look forward to the next installment.
ReplyDelete...thanks Paula
DeleteI would love to go to a reenactment. Your pictures are well done and will have to do for now. :) Such interesting historical facts along with the pictorial. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDelete...happy that you enjoyed this post Gail! Thanks.
Deletethanks...your feedback is much appreciated Felicia
ReplyDeleteThese re-enactments are fascinating! Great pics, Anni! I would have enjoyed the tour.
ReplyDelete