Dear Descendants and Friends of the 50th Georgia Infantry
Regiment
I want to share some exciting news about the upcoming dedication of a
historical interpretive marker to honor the sacrifice of the men of the 50th
Georgia at the Battle of Fox's Gap, MD. The marker will be formally dedicated on
Friday, September 7, along a walking trail near the spot on which the 50th
Georgia gallantly fought on September 14, 1862. Although final details for the
ceremony are still being completed, the time of the dedication is tentatively
set for 10:00 AM.
I have been working for the past year on the possibility of erecting a
permanent historic interpretive marker to commemorate the role of the 50th
Georgia on the 150th Anniversary of this battle. With the splendid cooperation
of the Central Maryland Heritage League (property owners), the Living History
Association of Mecklenburg, Inc. (Joint Participant), and the Georgia Division,
Sons of Confederate Veterans (Marker Sponsor), the only historic battlefield
marker specifically dedicated to the sacrifice of the men of the 50th Georgia
will now become a reality.
In addition to the 50th Georgia marker dedication, the Living History
Association of Mecklenburg, Inc., will also dedicate a historic marker to honor
the sacrifice of the 13th North Carolina Regiment at the battle. The dedication
ceremonies will be jointly held on September 7.
Although it may be a far distance for many, several descendants have
expressed plans to attend the dedication ceremony in honor of their ancestors.
The 50th Georgia dedication ceremony is not part of any other official 150th
Anniversary activities planned by other groups. However, anyone interested in
visiting the area during the week should book lodging in advance. There are two
major reenactments occurring on Sat/Sun, September 8 & 9, and September 15
& 16, to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the Battles of South Mountain
and Antietam (Sharpsburg to us Southerners). There are also other activities
planned by the groups in the area.
Fox's Gap was one of three battles that occurred on South Mountain the day
of September 14, 1862. South Mountain is located near Boonsboro, MD. The largest
city in the immediate area is probably Hagerstown. You may want to go to the
following website: www.marylandcampaign150.org for
information on activities and lodging in area.
The bottom of the marker will read: "Dedicated by Descendants of the 50th
Georgia Infantry Regiment, CSA, Georgia Division, Sons of Confederate
Veterans"
Hope to see you there. Please feel free to pass along this information to
others who might be interested in the 50th Georgia.
Jim Parrish
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