Civil War history comes alive in Winsted

WINSTED — Laurel City residents who want to know more about Winsted’s place in American Civil War history will be happy to know the Winchester Historical Society has hundreds of items and documents dating back to the beginning of the war between the states, which broke out 150 years ago this week.Historical Society Director Milly Hudak said Tuesday that Civil War historians have been in and out of the old Solomon Rockwell House (home of the Historical Society on Prospect Street) in recent weeks, and that events commemorating Winsted’s participation in the Civil War will include a Civil War re-enactment at Forest View Cemetery on June 5 and a visit from Civil War historians in September.“I have also been working on a project for local students,” Hudak said, noting that she has been in touch with Superintendent of Schools Blaise Salerno about an essay-writing project for students in grades five through 12, in which savings bonds are to be awarded. Hudak is planning to get local students to pick a subject from the Civil War and write about it from a Winsted-Winchester point of view. The details of the program are still being discussed.In a special Civil War room at the Winchester Historical Society, Winsted residents can see rifles used by the young men who signed up for the war in the early 1860s. “Lincoln originally called for a small number of men and he said the war would only last a few months,” Hudak said. “We now know it lasted much longer, of course.”Noteworthy soldiers from Winsted include the legendary Samuel B. Horne, a state legislator who received the Medal of Honor for his service in the war. Horne was ordered to deliver a message to the front lines in September 1864. While riding to his destination, his horse was hit by a cannonball and the animal landed on him, breaking three ribs and causing internal injuries. Horne went on to deliver the message on foot before fainting at the front line. Dozens of ribbons and buttons collected by Horne during his storied social travels are featured in the Civil War room.There are remembrances of Col. Elisha Strong Kellogg, a tough-as-nails commander of the 2nd Connecticut Heavy Artillery who died in the Battle of Cold Harbor in June 1864, and the actual musical notebooks and drums of Charles Pine, a musician who served in the 2nd Connecticut Heavy Artillery Band. There is also a saddle and bridle used by Lt. Col. W. T. Batcheller, who would become a state legislator and later comptroller of Connecticut.Uniforms, pistols, ammunition and written notes from Winsted Civil War soldiers are displayed alongside photographs, paintings and sketches that help bring this town’s Civil War history to life.In Hartford this week, cannon blasts roared in recognition of this historic anniversary, kicking off a four-year remembrance of America’s bloodiest war, which left more than 620,000 men dead and another 400,000-plus wounded. Gatherings and programs recognizing the anniversaries of major Civil War events will be held throughout the state and across the country in the coming weeks and months, until we reach the 150th anniversary of the end of the war, on April 9, 2015.The Winchester Historical Society is open by appointment. Call 860-379-8433 for information.