The Uniformed Historian

Memorial Day, originally called “Decoration Day,” is about honoring the memories of the men and women who are no longer with us, especially those who died in service to our nation. Today we honor their lives across the country. I spent all afternoon yesterday visiting graves and placing flags, then ended my day with a moment of reflection at the Union Soldiers monument at the WV State Capitol. This memorial, sculpted by Roy H. Stewart, has stood proudly on the statehouse lawn since it was placed in 1930.

Also worth mentioning, he is facing the correct direction. “What do you mean by that, Uniformed Historian?” This very ground was part of the battlefield at Charleston fought in September 1862. The Confederate force advanced up the river coming from the direction of Belle and Marmet, thus placing this soldier facing the direction his enemy was approaching from. Also worth noting: a Union officer named Samuel A. Gilbert was not happy to be in West Virginia because he basically felt there wouldn’t be any glory to be won here. In a strange twist of fate, Cass Gilbert, his son, designed the Capitol that now stands on a battlefield where his father served the Union.



Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War - National Organization