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Confederate Gen. J.E.B. Stuart’s Pistol on Display at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History

KENNESAW, GA – Confederate General J.E.B. Stuart’s pistol is now on display at the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History through March 31, 2004.

Stuart was a daring and courageous cavalry officer and renowned intelligence gatherer who said, “I had rather die than be whipped” after he was mortally wounded at Yellow Tavern Crossroads near Richmond, VA, May 11, 1864. “The pistol originally belonged to Major Heros von Borcke, a German noble who came to the United States to fight for the Confederacy,” said Museum Curator George Deeming. “Von Borcke served as Stuart’s chief of staff and gave Stuart the pistol after he was severely wounded and had to retire from the army. “We’re fortunate to display such an important Civil War artifact with such a fascinating background,” Deeming said.

As a Smithsonian Institution Affiliate, the Museum may request Smithsonian artifacts to display within its collections. The J.E.B. Stuart pistol is on loan from the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History and will be displayed within the Museum’s Railroads: Lifelines of the Civil War collection.

“The pistol of J.E.B Stuart, the most famous cavalryman of the Civil War, is one of the many artifacts in the National Museum of American History’s collections that tells the story of the war that forever changed and defined America,” according to Brent Glass, Director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.

The Museum has also borrowed several other artifacts from the Smithsonian, including a Civil War Zouave uniform from the 155th Pennsylvania Infantry and a Union army surgeon’s amputation set. These items will be on display through March 1, 2006. The Stuart pistol, along with a Berdan Sharpshooter’s Kepi hat, will be on display only through March 2004. The Museum has also had some unique Confederate playing cards from the Smithsonian on display since the Museum opened March 30.

"We are proud to join the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History in giving visitors a glimpse into American life during this tumultuous period by loaning these striking objects from the Smithsonian collection," Glass said. Deeming is pleased to have the artifacts on loan from the Smithsonian. “The Zouave uniform is quite different from the Confederate uniforms we have in our collection,” he said. “It’s based on a French army uniform that featured baggy pants and short jackets. This particular uniform is blue with ornate gold trim.” A Berdan’s Sharpshooter’s Kepi from the Smithsonian is also on display. “The Kepi is a hat worn by an elite group of marksmen who would be comparable to modern special forces,” Deeming sai.

In addition to the uniform artifacts, the Museum has a comprehensive Civil War surgeon’s amputation set. “Civil War soldiers used .58 caliber Minie Ball bullets that expanded when they hit, causing extensive damage and prompting many amputations. Some doctors could amputate an arm or leg in less than three minutes.

“This Union army surgeon’s set shows the tools used during amputations. It’s hard to believe some of the tools, which look like kitchen utensils, were used,” he said. “This is definitely not an exhibit for people with weak stomachs!”

The Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History is located 20 miles north of Atlanta, just off I-75 at exit 273, Wade Green Road. Open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 AM-5:00 PM, Sunday noon-5:00 PM. For more information, visit www.southernmuseum.org or call (770) 427-2117.

To learn more about membership in the Southern Museum of Civil War and Locomotive History, please visit www.southernmuseum.org or call (770) 427-2117.

The Museum is 20 miles north of Atlanta, off I-75 at exit 273, Wade Green Road. Open Monday-Saturday, 9:30 AM-5:00 PM, Sunday noon-5:00 PM.