Charlotte CWRT

By Matthew Borowick · Originally published October 2017 · p. 2

Charlotte CWRT Many round tables meet throughout the year; others skip December because of the holidays, while others take the summers off. I recently had the opportunity to visit a North Carolina round table that interrupted its summer hiatus to welcome this Yankee guest speaker. That round table is the Charlotte Metrolina Civil War Round Table which serves a large part of the Carolinas. It meets five times a year: September, November, January, March, and April. Its 150-member group was founded in the 1970’s to “provide a forum for non-partisan study, education and discussion of the American Civil War,” as noted on its web site. Several months ago, I was put in contact with round table president Jim Sasser. Jim offered to experiment with their meeting calendar to welcome this traveler and his presentation on “The

Battle of Second Manassas and Court Martial of Fitz John Porter.” What a wonderful round table meeting location! Jim’s group meets at the Charlotte Museum of History, which was built in 1999. The exhibits are fascinating for young and old alike. The meeting rooms are spacious, the technology state-of-the-art. A private, nonprofit organization runs it. It is also the steward of the 1770’s-era Hezekiah Alexander home, a National Register of Historic Places site. It’s the last surviving home of a framer of North Carolina’s 1776 Constitution and Bill of Rights and the oldest surviving house in Mecklenburg County. There is also a reproduction log kitchen, reconstructed two-story springhouse and log barn. The docent-led tour was entertaining and incredibly interesting. Jim has been a member since the 1970’s and is a Civil War expert himself. A retired college history professor, Jim admitted he wasn’t quite sure just how many members would attend the meeting. Trickling in and on time, about 40 members and guests joined us on a Saturday afternoon to learn about Fitz John. “We don’t normally hold July meetings, but I decided to give it a try,” says Jim. “I was pleased with the attendance, plus, our guests were able to learn a bit about one of the lesser-known battles and outcomes of the Civil War.” Proud of his home state, Jim and wife Shelia treated me, my wife and daughter to dinner. This bit of southern hospitality really made an impact. It was a wonderful way for the five of us to get to know each other and learn what makes the round table so successful: a dedicated leader, helpful volunteers, a fascinating meeting location, and kind hospitality. For more information, visit http://charlottemetrolinacivilwarroundtable.com or contact Jim Sasser at 704-552-0579 or [email protected]

Next up: Georgia on my mind

Matthew Borowick can be contacted at [email protected]