Monday, August 6, 2012

Descendants and Friends of the 50th Georgia Infantry Regiment

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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