CSS Neuse Civil War Museum

05/31/2026

05/29/2026

Fun Fact Friday: May 29, 1865, President Andrew Johnson issued the Proclamation of Amnesty and Reconstruction, along with a companion proclamation to reestablish civil authority in North Carolina. Johnson appointed William W. Holden as provisional governor of North Carolina and outlined steps for the state to hold a constitutional convention and reinstating federal courts. Exclusions to the pardon included 14 classes: High-ranking Confederate military and political officials, as well as wealthy landowners with taxable property valued over $20,000. These individuals had to petition the President directly for a special pardon. Pictured is the monument to North Carolina born presidents at the old state capital building including Andrew Johnson and a photo of William W Holden.

05/29/2026

This is the grave of John F Wheless who served as the Assistant Paymaster of the CSS Neuse from March 1864 until his transfer to the James River Squadron in the fall of 1864. He had been a banker in Nashville, TN in his civilian life before the outbreak of the war.

Before joining the Navy, he served as a Lieutenant and then a Captian of Infantry in the 1st Tennessee Infantry. He was badly wounded and left on the field at the Battle of Perryville in October of 1862. When he was eventually exchanged, he served in a number of different staff officer positions for General Polk and General Bragg in the Army of Tennessee before eventually resigning his CS Army commission and receiving a commission as an Assistant Paymaster for the Confederate Navy. His 1st duty station was Kinston.

After the war he returned to banking and became the Inspector General of the state militia of Tennessee. He married in 1866, and they had a son, but he died in his infancy.

05/21/2026

05/17/2026

Spend your Fourth of July with us at Capitol 250: NC Freedom Fest!

Join us on July 4, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., at the North Carolina State Capitol for free, family-friendly fun throughout the day. The festival highlights North Carolina’s arts, history, nature, and culture, with live performances by Tift Merritt, Rissi Palmer, and more.

Experience living history, trolley tours, special exhibits, the Carolina Hurricanes KidZone, and over 50 vendors and food trucks showcasing North Carolina creativity.

Learn more at the link in the comments below.



America 250 NC

05/15/2026

Fun Fact Friday: May 15th 1864 Battle of New Market. We could discuss the importance of Combat Tempo and CS Gen. Breckinridge's master use of it or the role of the VMI Cadets in the battle. But, were not. On the CS right flank where Gen. John Echols Brigade commanded by George S Patton on this day and made up of the 22nd VA Inf and 23rd VA Battalion inf. Events took place that were reminiscent of a Napoleonic battlefield. Let set the scene. It had been pouring rain for most of the day and was still raining. The fields and hills are soaked and muddy. Union Gen. Sigel's cavalry commander Gen.Julius Stahel launched a head on charge with his 1,500 troopers at the CS infantry and artillery ( see attached map). Lt. Col. Clarence Derrick( pic in his West Point cadet uniform) of the 23rd VA BN had his unit form a square and guard against Cavalry. (Any example is seen in a attached pic.). The muddy ground cause many horses to throw their riders as they got stuck in the mud. The massed infantry and artillery poured fire into the stumbling charge, The 1st NY lost over 100 men. Rarely did Civil war produce Cav directly attacking Infantry and very few Infantry squares were used. ex. (Manassas and Resaca ) The choice to charge across muddy fields against Infantry and artillery has never been answered. The painting is of George S. Patton. the grandfather of the famous WW2 General.

05/14/2026

Scholarship opportunity for Lenoir County seniors! 📝💰