The American Civil War
A 150th Anniversary Exhibit of Military Memorabilia
August 12 - October 9, 2011
The
American Civil War:
A 150th Anniversary Exhibit of Military Memorabilia
features over 200 objects used on the battlefield as well as
medals, official documents and personal letters that relate to
the war.
A number of the displays focus on individual soldiers from east
central Ohio. Photos, discharge papers, personal letters and
documents accompany objects such as telescopes, cap pouch, fife
and GAR hat. One such item is a portable field desk used by
Major T. J. Platt from Coshocton County. Although resembling a
battered gray box, the front board is hinged at the base so that
when opened the board can be used as a writing surface. Inside
are nine cubby holes filled with army records including expense
ledger, handwritten general and specific orders, and personal
correspondence. Major Platt, a quartermaster, issued supplies to
the soldiers, kept camp ordinances and reports, and carried out
general orders. His muzzleloader will also be displayed.
Of special interest to Civil War collectors is a Medal of Honor
awarded to Principal Musician John T. Patterson, a native of
McConnellsville, OH. The medal is engraved with the honoree’s
service vitae. Another unusual piece is a Remington 44 Army
Revolver with the owners name inscribed on the grip. The
revolver comes with leather belt and plate, cartridge box and
cap pouch.
JHM’s Civil War exhibit will thrill collector, history buff and
all who are interested in people—their loves, antipathies and
sorrows. Artifacts illustrate the human story. The surgeon’s
instrument kit, for example, not only reveals an interesting
slice of medical history, but it reminds us of the horrible pain
war inflicts. The American Civil War produced about 1,030,000
casualties (3% of the population), including about 620,000
soldier deaths—two-thirds by disease. The War Between the States
accounted for roughly as many American deaths as all American
deaths in other U.S. wars combined. Related to the costs are
objects that conferred honor to soldiers like the ornate
presentation sword made in Germany and awarded in 1864 to
1st Lt. Philip P. Grosehart, a member of the 107th
Ohio Volunteer Infantry.
The American Civil War exhibit is sponsored by the John Bando
VFW Post 1330. In addition to this special exhibit, the museum’s
permanent collections are displayed in three galleries: Historic
Ohio, American Indian and Asian. A display celebrating
Coshocton’s bicentennial is currently on display in a fifth
gallery.
