Today, I took a walking tour and followed the footsteps of men and women who walked these streets over 150 years ago.
Our first stop was Wilson Park, where soldiers from the battle of Shiloh planted sycamore trees that had stopped growing there.
Our second stop was the site of the Synodical College, a school for young women.
Dr. William H. Mitchell, who served as Pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Florence, also served as the college's president until 1871.
He was taken prisoner of war for praying for the Confederate soldiers during his sermon.
The building was torn down and replaced by the US Post Office and Federal Courthouse.
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| Dr. William H. Mitchell |
We walked down the street to the former Masonic Lodge, which burned down during the Civil War.
We walked about a block to the rebuilt Masonic Lodge, where we were greeted by members.
We were seated, told the history of the lodge, and served hot chocolate and cookies.
We thank the members and walk up the street to the home of Edward OO'Neal, a member of the Confederate Army who later served as governor of Alabama.
Confederate soldiers were guarding Coby Hall.
Our next stop was Courtview/Rogers Hall, the home of Sallie Foster, who read from her journal about her life during the Civil War.
In addition, we were shown how to load and unload a g in front of her home.
We were shown how to shoot and carry a gun.
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| Confederate Soldiers & their guns |
We walked to Wesleyan Hall, which was used by both Union and Confederate Soldiers during the Civil War.
General Sherman said, “War is hell!"
We listened to many different bugle calls.
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| General William T Sherman |
Our next stop was Pope's Tavern, where brother against brother and friend against friend fought one another during the Civil War.
Many wounded were brought here. We waved to the two soldiers standing on the front porch of Pope's Tavern, one was dressed as a Confederate Soldier and the other as a Union Soldier.
If they died, they were buried in the Florence Cemetery at Soldiers' Rest.
We did not visit this site.
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| Pope's Tavern |
Our final stop was the home of Richard Picket, who served as a Captain in the 35th Cavalry under General Philip Roddey. We met Captain Richard Pickett and his wife, who were standing on the front porch of their home.
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| Home of Captain Richard Pickett and his wife. |
The tour lasted over two hours, was very informative, and we met many characters along the way.
General Sherman, Governor Edward O'Neal, Sallie Foster, General Pickett, bugler, and many Confederate Soldiers
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| Route of the walk |
