Texas Civil War Museum Begins Its Second Decade

Originally published April 2016 · p. 43

Texas Civil War Museum Begins Its Second Decade FORT WORTH, Texas — The Texas Civil War Museum began its second decade on Jan. 25 with new exhibits. U.S. Maj. Gen. Phillip H. Sheridan’s sword, scabbard, saddle blanket and one of his headquarters’ flags joined the collection of artifacts from Gens. U.S. Grant, Benjamin Butler, Robert E. Lee, J.E.B. Stuart and Joseph Shelby. In addition to the new exhibit, more than a dozen flags, many from Texas Confederate units, will rotate on display. Sheridan has a connection to Texas. In May 1865 he assembled 50,000 men to patrol the U.S.-Mexico border. The Army’s presence helped induce the French to abandon their claim to Mexico. In March 1867, Sheridan was appointed the military governor of the Fifth Military District (Texas and Louisiana). Shortly after Sheridan dismissed Texas Governor James W. Throckmorton, a former Confederate, on July 30, 1867, President Andrew Johnson removed him. Sheridan was unpopular in Texas. In 1866, he reportedly quipped: “If I owned Texas and Hell, I would rent Texas and live in Hell.” In its first 10 years the Texas Civil War Museum conducted over 1,250 school field trips involving 51,000 students. More than 200,000 visitors came from all 50 states and 105 countries. Over 100 volunteers donated 32,000 hours at the museum which is a popular educational venue and tourist destination. National Park Service Chief Historian Emeritus Ed Bearss on a recent visit said, “The Texas Civil War Museum is one of the finest museums in the nation.” Information is available at 817246-2323 and www.texascivilwarmuseum.com