Historical society reprints 1912 Civil War booklet
CRAIG COUNTY – The Craig County Historical Society has reprinted the booklet “Craig’s Share in the War Between the States, 1861-1865,” originally printed in 1912 by Craig Chapter, United Daughters of the Confederacy.
The reproduction of the book coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Confederate monument on the courthouse lawn in New Castle. The event was noted during the May 28 Memorial Day Celebration.
The Craig County Historical Society reprinted copies of this booklet published by the United Daughters of the Confederacy in 1912.
The book includes a protective cover with color photos, a copy of the 1912 dedication program, and historical facts about the monument.
In 1910, Craig Chapter, UDC was established and the first project was to erect a monument to the memory of Confederate soldiers from Craig County. Donations were collected and fundraisers such as oyster dinners were held to raise necessary funds, estimated to be $2000.
Mrs. N.E. Spessard, first historian of the chapter, gave talks on “Craig’s Share in the War.” It can be assumed these talks became the basis of the book and she was instrumental in its publication. The book also contains several photographs as well as a list of about 250 Craig County soldiers.
The general consensus for many years was that about 700 people from Craig participated in the conflict. Later research, such as done by the local authors of “Hard Times–1861-1865,” indicates the total was closer to 1,000.
The original book was printed by Stone Printing Co. in Roanoke. It measured 8 inches by 5-3/8-inches and was hand-tied with red-and-gold cord. The cover was a textured grey paper, die-cut to reveal the color picture of the flags of the Confederacy on the inside page. Only a few copies are known to exist today.
The reproduction is available for a donation of $5 at the Old Brick Hotel that is open every Friday from 1-4 p.m. Copies can also be purchased by contacting the society at P.O. Box 206, New Castle, Va. 24127, or dgivens29@aol.com.
– contributed by Diane Givens
