Fascinating and enjoyable story! This is a prime example of how a community’s contributions shape public historical narratives, and thus “history” itself!
Thanks, Ryan! I think I could have done a better job tying the two parts of this post together -- not only do the community's donations to the museum determine the story in positive ways, but Murray's drive to get that CSA monument is an example of how a small number of community members can influence the picture negatively.
This will tie in to the some of the current events I'm writing about in the book--a small but well-funded and obnoxious group (like Moms for Liberty) can create the impression that many support their extreme and bigoted positions, but they're really only representing themselves. (Much like the fabricated "community" resistance to the Pride Prom at your library a few years ago.) When the narrative is distorted in these ways, propaganda takes hold so much more easily.
I see the history is lost on you. I am from Barren County. Barren County provided around 1200-1500 confederate troops. The only union-leaning area was Etoile. Near the Metcalfe County border. Men from this county nearly made up the entire 6th Kentucky Infantry. Not to mention, general Joseph H Lewis, who commanded the 6th KY, was from Barren County. And is buried in the Glasgow cemetery. When he died it was the biggest parade in Glasgow. His body was packed to the grave followed by a massive crowd. Confederate flags were hung out of buildings. His former soldiers from Barren County were his pallbearers.
Barren Countians also filled 2 companies with the 4th Kentucky Infantry. Led by Barren County native Col. Joseph Nuckols. And 1/3rd of Morgan’s 2ndKY cavalry came from Barren County. Morgan never “raided” Glasgow. There was a union garrison here from Michigan. Morgan came here to let his men stay at home for a while for Christmas. They skirmished with a union garrison until they ran off to cave city. Leaving Morgan’s men to assimilate with friends and family.
John Murray put the monument up to remember the men he served with from Barren County. And as a way to grieve.
He would frequently tell children “that could be your pappy up there”. Oh, and by the way. When it was unveiled a massive crowd was also there to see it and celebrate. It became a tradition to place a reef on Johnny Reb every christmas.
Barren county was devastated by the war. Many young men never came home. The statue was a way to grieve and reconcile. Not celebrate slavery, or white superiority.
To act like the monument was put up because a “minority” of people like John A Murray and other like-minded individuals. Wanted others to feel their “bigoted world view” Is just false. Barren County was confederate leaning area.
I think the snapshots of history taken through a local lens is the best way to get a feel for time/place/circumstance. This museum seems like it runs the gamut, much like the rest of my home state. We have very different identities here, dependant upon the region you're in (much like our "mother" Virginia.) This was certainly the case in Civil War and Reconstruction Kentucky, where loyalties did not always indicate one's desire for freedom for all. The family narrative on my maternal side was dipped in the pride of having "all Union" soldiers (not accurate, by the way.) This fact was always brought up in discussions about enslavement or civil rights. What I know now is that many who fought for the Union Southern States and Border States were enslavers themselves and it was and is too complicated to consider it "settled." Josie Underwood's diary is a good view into Civil War Kentucky and how very complicated the whole Border State agreement became. https://www.kentuckypress.com/9780813125312/josie-underwoods-civil-war-diary/ Nutso. Enjoying reading about your journey so far!
Fascinating and enjoyable story! This is a prime example of how a community’s contributions shape public historical narratives, and thus “history” itself!
Thanks, Ryan! I think I could have done a better job tying the two parts of this post together -- not only do the community's donations to the museum determine the story in positive ways, but Murray's drive to get that CSA monument is an example of how a small number of community members can influence the picture negatively.
This will tie in to the some of the current events I'm writing about in the book--a small but well-funded and obnoxious group (like Moms for Liberty) can create the impression that many support their extreme and bigoted positions, but they're really only representing themselves. (Much like the fabricated "community" resistance to the Pride Prom at your library a few years ago.) When the narrative is distorted in these ways, propaganda takes hold so much more easily.
The American Historical Association is not pleased with the extremist soccer moms. MFL (or, the "twatzis," as I heard them referred to recently) are holding an event at the Museum of the American Revolution as part of their "Joyful Warriors National Summit." I struggle to control my eye-rolling, pretty much daily. Here's a blurb about that mess: https://www.historians.org/news-and-advocacy/aha-advocacy/aha-sends-letter-opposing-museum-of-the-american-revolutions-hosting-of-moms-for-liberty-event-(june-2023)
I see the history is lost on you. I am from Barren County. Barren County provided around 1200-1500 confederate troops. The only union-leaning area was Etoile. Near the Metcalfe County border. Men from this county nearly made up the entire 6th Kentucky Infantry. Not to mention, general Joseph H Lewis, who commanded the 6th KY, was from Barren County. And is buried in the Glasgow cemetery. When he died it was the biggest parade in Glasgow. His body was packed to the grave followed by a massive crowd. Confederate flags were hung out of buildings. His former soldiers from Barren County were his pallbearers.
Barren Countians also filled 2 companies with the 4th Kentucky Infantry. Led by Barren County native Col. Joseph Nuckols. And 1/3rd of Morgan’s 2ndKY cavalry came from Barren County. Morgan never “raided” Glasgow. There was a union garrison here from Michigan. Morgan came here to let his men stay at home for a while for Christmas. They skirmished with a union garrison until they ran off to cave city. Leaving Morgan’s men to assimilate with friends and family.
John Murray put the monument up to remember the men he served with from Barren County. And as a way to grieve.
He would frequently tell children “that could be your pappy up there”. Oh, and by the way. When it was unveiled a massive crowd was also there to see it and celebrate. It became a tradition to place a reef on Johnny Reb every christmas.
Barren county was devastated by the war. Many young men never came home. The statue was a way to grieve and reconcile. Not celebrate slavery, or white superiority.
To act like the monument was put up because a “minority” of people like John A Murray and other like-minded individuals. Wanted others to feel their “bigoted world view” Is just false. Barren County was confederate leaning area.
I think the snapshots of history taken through a local lens is the best way to get a feel for time/place/circumstance. This museum seems like it runs the gamut, much like the rest of my home state. We have very different identities here, dependant upon the region you're in (much like our "mother" Virginia.) This was certainly the case in Civil War and Reconstruction Kentucky, where loyalties did not always indicate one's desire for freedom for all. The family narrative on my maternal side was dipped in the pride of having "all Union" soldiers (not accurate, by the way.) This fact was always brought up in discussions about enslavement or civil rights. What I know now is that many who fought for the Union Southern States and Border States were enslavers themselves and it was and is too complicated to consider it "settled." Josie Underwood's diary is a good view into Civil War Kentucky and how very complicated the whole Border State agreement became. https://www.kentuckypress.com/9780813125312/josie-underwoods-civil-war-diary/ Nutso. Enjoying reading about your journey so far!