F O R T F I S H E R
S T A T E
H I S T O R I C S I T E The Powder Magazine W I N T E R 2 0 1 1 - 2 0 1 2 V O L U M E 4 , I S S U E 1
S P E C I A L
P O I N T S O F
I N T E R E S T
New in Museum
Store (page 2)
FF Holiday Open
House (page 3)
Walk of Honor
Project (page 4)
I N S I D E T H I S
I S S U E :
From the Site
Manager’s Desk
2
Civil War Medicine
Braxton Bragg
5
FF Marketing Plan
Presented
6
Meet the Friends
Board
8
New Friends of
Fort Fisher
8
Join the Friends of Fort Fisher
9
Lights of the Great Armada: 147th Anniversary
of Battle of Fort Fisher set for Jan. 21-22 The first phase of the Union
land assault on Fort Fisher in
January 1865 was carried out
by a contingent of United
States sailors and Marines who
attacked the fort’s northeast
bastion. Marines provided
covering fire while the sailors
charged across the beach to-
ward the fort, armed with only
pistols and cutlasses. Though
beaten back by the Confeder-
ate defenders, this attack shift-
ed attention away from the
main focus of the Union assault
and the army entered the fort
at the River Road sally port.
Join us on Saturday and Sun-
day, January 21 and 22, 2012,
as we remember the naval ele-
ments of the Second Battle of
Fort Fisher during the 147th
anniversary program “The
Lights of the Great Armada.”
Union and Confederate Navy
and Marine Corps reenactors
will be on hand to showcase the
role the naval services played at
Fort Fisher and during the Civil
War in general. Each day’s
schedule will include small arms
tactics and firing demonstra-
tions, artillery demonstrations
featur in g a 12 -pounder
Friends hold 2nd annual meeting in November
Dahlgren boat howitzer, bayonet
drill, cutlass drill, and children’s
activities. Featured displays will
include Confederate torpedoes,
steam engines, and naval uniforms
and equipment. The United
States Marine Corps Historical
Company will be on hand with
exhibits dedicated to the history
of the Corps during the Civil
War, particularly at Fort Fisher.
A number of guest lecturers will
be giving presentations on both
days, and the site will unveil a new
temporary exhibit of artifacts
from blockade runners as well.
The free program will be held
from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday
and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. on Sunday.
Fort Fisher programming is made
possible by support from the Friends
of Fort Fisher and through the sup-
port of sustaining members Mike
McCarley of Wilmington and James
M. Taylor of Durham, NC.
Among the speakers at the event will be Dr. Robert M. Browning, Jr.
Chief Historian, USCG
The 2d Annual Meeting of the
Friends of Fort Fisher was
gaveled into history on No-
vember 12, 2011 and with it
some impressive accomplish-
ments to support and en-
hance the battlefield site.
Friends board chair R. James
MacLaren reviewed the high-
lights, chief among them the
completion of the site’s 10
year comprehensive strategic
plan, noting that, ultimately,
the site will be positioned to
take its rightful place as a leading
Civil War site in the nation with
significantly improved facilities
and programs.
Members also enjoyed an engag-
ing presentation by NC Deputy
State Archaeologist Dr. Mark
Wilde-Ramsing who chronicled
the birth of underwater archaeol-
ogy in North Carolina with the
operation in 1962 to recover
artifacts from the cargo of the
Civil War blockade-runner Mod-
ern Greece run ashore near pre-
sent day Kure Beach. Mark also
shared some exciting plans for
highlighting the anniversaries in
2012 and beyond as well as an
upcoming conservation field
school at Fort Fisher.
A sneak peak at developing plans
for a fundraising campaign was
shared with attendees by board
member Jim Carper who distrib-
uted a new brochure entitled
”Telling Their Story” and a pro-
ject to gain supporters and their
Continued on page 10
By Andrew Duppstadt
P A G E 2
From the Site Manager’s Desk
T H E P O W D E R M A G A Z I N E
Dear Friends:
Thank you for making another great year at Fort Fisher State Historic Site. The Friends of
Fort Fisher and NC Historic Sites can look back with pride on 2011, the first year of the
Civil War sesquicentennial in North Carolina. As I write this, since January Fort Fisher has
presented five major programs, countless small programs, hosted nearly 600,000 visitors, and opened two new
exhibits. And these are only a fraction of the good things that happened here this year. Fort Fisher is truly the
crown jewel of North Carolina’s historic sites, and I speak for all of my coworkers when I express gratitude for
your continuing support of our mission.
For 2012, look for more great programs, beginning with “The Lights of the Great Armada: The 147th Anniversary
of the Battle of Fort Fisher,” on January 21-22. This living history event will focus on the Naval and Marine experi-
ence at Fort Fisher, feature renowned scholars of the Union naval blockade and Confederate blockade runners,
and of course we will fire the big cannon! Commemorate Confederate Memorial Day at Battle Acre on May 12,
and enjoy three Fort Fisher 2nd Saturday programs in the summertime. We will close out the year with a fall festi-
val in October and a holiday open house in December, so stay tuned. 2012 will be another great year for North
Carolina’s Civil War 150, and move Fort Fisher along the path to becoming the premier Civil War battlefield in
the nation.
Thanks again for all you do and please come visit us here on Pleasure Island.
Happy Holidays, Jim
In this winter edition of the
Museum Store Corner ---we
are giving our readers some
updates on a few items and a
potential new item for the
museum store here at Fort
Fisher.
First, the much anticipated
Federal Point Lighthouse Or-
nament – after some tweaks
and small revisions to the de-
sign –ornament is now due in
the Fort Fisher Museum store
by February 1st. Instead of
the two image design – we
decided to simplify the orna-
ment by focusing on the Cap-
tain Tait sketch of the 2nd Fed-
eral Point Lighthouse. The
history behind the 2nd Federal
Point Lighthouse ornament
will be found on the back of
the box. Estimated retail
price will be $5.50 + tax.
The Battery Buchannan Blend
coffee seems to have been off
to a good start as a new addi-
tion in our store. For a lim-
ited time – if you purchase
one bag of Battery Buchannan
Blend – you get any regular
priced coffee mug – 50% off.
The coffee is available in Reg-
ular and Decaf. Price is
$12.95 plus tax – remember
all proceeds from our store
go directly to our site.
We get numerous requests
about lighthouses here at Fort
Fisher and to help solve this
dilemma – we are looking
into adding a new item to our
store –Southeast Lighthouses:
Illustrated Map & Guide. Pub-
lished by Bella Terra Maps –
same company that printed
the National Geographic Civil
War Battlefield Map (1961
edition) also available in our
museum store. The South-
east Lighthouses Map & Guide
provides the lighthouse seeker
with information and history
regarding lighthouses from the
North Carolina coast all the
way down to Georgia. The
map will retail for $6.95 plus
tax. Of course, all seven of
the North Carolina lighthous-
es are featured but also some
discontinued or “lost” light-
houses are mentioned includ-
ing the Federal Point Light-
house and the Price’s Creek
Range Light.
This is the perfect gift for any-
one with an interest in light-
houses. Be sure to check out
our Museum Store during the
upcoming 147th anniversary
program on January 21-22nd
and hopefully you will see
some new changes to the
store.
Museum Store Corner ...by Becky Sawyer
The Lowdown on Lighthouses like Federal Point
P A G E 3
T H E P O W D E R M A G A Z I N E
An estimated 800 visitors enjoyed the sounds of the holiday
season at Fort Fisher’s Holiday Open House on December 6.
Leading off the day’s performances was the fifty voice Leland
Christian Academy Elementary Choir under the direction of
Ms. Vickie Byrd-Jones. These first-fifth graders displayed the
stage presence of a seasoned touring choir without the slightest
hint that this was their first year singing as a group.
Children and grown-ups alike next enjoyed the storytelling and
dramatic interpretations of Ms. Joyce Grear, a professional ac-
tor/interpreter specializing in African-American storytelling and
history. The overflow crowd then took part in sing-alongs and
the stories of Civil War blockade-running by noted entertainer
John Golden in the guise of 19th century ships’ skipper Captain
Roberts.
Capping off a wonderful afternoon were the cool rhythms by
the twenty piece Murray Middle School Jazz Band directed by
Mr. David Tyson. These talented musicians showed the audi-
ence why they are in high demand for area functions through-
out the year. The jazz had everyone swaying and toe tapping as
MMSJB laid down a string of holiday favorites with their own
special sound.
What’s an open house without refreshments? Special thanks go
out to the Friends of Fort Fisher’s Open House partner, Fort
Fisher Chapter 2325, United Daughters of the Confederacy, for
providing all the delicious treats for the public throughout the
day. The event was coordinated by Chapter President Mrs. Pat
Bolander without whom the Open House wouldn’t have the
panache’ we’ve all come to enjoy.
By Paul Laird
Above: Murray Middle School Jazz Ensemble led by David Tyson Below: Leland Christian Academy Chorus led by Vickie Byrd-Jones
John Golden Joyce Grear
P A G E 4
T H E P O W D E R M A G A Z I N E
The Friends of Fort Fisher Board of Directors has been planning a
campaign to provide critical funding for site programs and projects
that will otherwise be reduced or eliminated. State budget reduc-
tions have provided urgency for the non-profit support organization
to raise the funding not only to make capital improvements at the
site but to also provide enhanced educational programs and exhibits
as we head in to the sesquicentennial of the Civil War.
The Board is assigning priorities and developing costs estimates be-
fore announcing campaign goals but the Friends does want to imme-
diately invite public support for a new project - the Walk of Hon-
or – to allow everyone to pay tribute to someone special in a visible
and permanent manner that will be seen by over 600,000 annual
visitors to Fort Fisher State Historic Site.
The new Walk
of Honor
greets visitors
at the entrance
to the Fort
Fisher Museum
and Visitor
Center. Three
different sizes
of engraved
brick pavers
are available to
honor family,
friends, veter-
ans, military
units, businesses, etc. The pavers range in size from 6”x9” ($100),
9”x9” with small logo/emblem ($350), 9”x9” large corporate logo
($500) to 12”x12” with extensive engraving ($1,000).
As part of the Telling Their Story campaign to be announced in
the spring of 2012, details and order information for the Walk of
Honor may be obtained at the front desk in the Visitor Center
or by emailing a request for the informational brochure from Paul
Laird at [email protected] or calling him at 910-612-
7067 to request the brochure be mailed.
Please provide a tax deductible gift in someone’s honor or
memory and help Fort Fisher by supporting the Telling Their
Story campaign.
By Paul Laird
Development Director
Friends of Fort Fisher
Walk of Honor Pays Tribute and Supports Fort Fisher
P A G E 5
T H E P O W D E R M A G A Z I N E
At the conclusion of the Alabama project, Bragg moved to
Galveston, Texas where he accepted a job as Inspector of a
large railroad. While walking alongside a roadbed on 27
September 1876, Bragg suddenly fell and was carried to a
nearby drugstore where he died. An inquest determined
the cause of death to be “fatal syncope possibly induced by
organic heart disease.” Braxton Bragg was buried in Magno-
lia Cemetery in Mobile, Alabama.
In life, Bragg carried a sickly cadaverous appear-
ance. He was stooped and extremely thin
with an almost emaciated physique. Bragg
seemed to be obsessed with work and he
endlessly labored in a constant state of
stress. Throughout the Civil War,
Bragg was hampered by numerous
painful and stressful medical ailments.
He suffered frequent migraine head-
aches that were often accompanied by
nausea, vomiting, and distractive excru-
ciating pain. Chronic dysentery, gastri-
tis, and reflux esophagitis contributed to
his poor general health, lack of appetite,
insomnia, and persistently emaciated appear-
ance. Owing to long periods of time spent in
the saddle, Bragg was also plagued with painful
boils.
American doctors at that time had little understanding of
medical diseases and their causes. Treatment wasn’t stand-
ardized, and instead was often whimsical. The Confederate
medicine chest contained an odd assortment of chemicals,
tinctures, and powders such as arsenic oxide, oil of turpen-
tine, strychnine, and numerous mercury compounds – the
favorites being blue mass and calomel.
For 70 years after his death in 1813, Dr. Benjamin Rush,
who was a chemist as well as a physician, influenced Ameri-
can medicine. Rush was George Washington’s personal
physician, a close friend of Benjamin Franklin, a Revolution-
ary War veteran, and a signer of the Declaration of Inde-
pendence. Everyone considered Dr. Benjamin Rush to be
America’s finest physician. Regardless of the illness, the
mainstay of his treatment regimen consisted of blistering,
bloodletting, purging, and the liberal use of mercurial com-
pounds. Although blistering and bloodletting were no long-
er popular, Civil War doctors followed Rush’s practice of
using “heroic doses” of a mercurial compound such as blue
mass and calomel for whatever ailed. Blue mass was availa-
ble in the form of blue or gray pills or syrup. Its name
probably derives from the use of blue dye or blue chalk in
some of the formulations. The ingredients of blue mass
varied, as each pharmacist prepared it himself, but they all
included mercury in elemental or compound form, often
as mercury chloride, which was known as calomel. Blue
mass and calomel contained large amounts of mercury,
which were over 3000 times more than what today’s
EPA considers to be a toxic dose. The mercurial
compounds were used for a wide range of ail-
ments including dysentery, gastritis, reflux,
syphilis, yellow fever, depression, tuberculo-
sis, typhoid fever, toothaches, migraine
headaches, and even childbirth pain. Brax-
ton Bragg no doubt received large doses
of calomel for his numerous ailments.
In 1863, U.S. Army Surgeon General Wil-
liam Hammond recognized the dangers of
calomel and had it removed from the
Army’s medicine chests. Union military
doctors were so outraged that they con-
vinced Secretary of War Edwin Stanton to
court martial Hammond and restore calomel,
which he did.
Abraham Lincoln used blue mass for depression. In
1858, he began to show signs of mental instability and out-
bursts of rage. His erratic and bizarre behavior often led
to fights. Fortunately, Lincoln realized that the little blue
pills were causing his erratic behavior and he subsequently
stopped taking the medication. As is the case with all
heavy metals, mercury in any form is extremely toxic to
life.
Poisoning and death from blue mass and calomel can be
horrific. Bleeding disorders develop, wounds don’t heal,
and emaciation occurs. Excessive mercurial salivation de-
stroys teeth, gums, and jawbones. Damage occurs to the
brain, kidneys and lungs. Neuropsychiatric symptoms such
emotional lability, memory impairment, and insomnia are
not infrequent.
General Braxton Bragg was most likely introduced to calo-
mel during the Seminole Wars for his “Florida liver condi-
tion.” Until the Civil War, there are no reports of his
experiencing significant medical problems.
Civil War Medicine , Part 2 of 2
Genera l Braxton Bragg, CSAGenera l Braxton Bragg, CSAGenera l Braxton Bragg, CSA By Jack Hisley, MD
Continued on page 10
P A G E 6
T H E P O W D E R M A G A Z I N E
Some of the challenges facing Fort
Fisher Historic Site include a lower
than desired level of awareness of, and
appreciation, for the Site’s historical
significance on a national level among
Civil War enthusiasts, and a general
lack of awareness of its place in history
among a good portion of those who
live closest to it. There is also a strong
desire on the part of management to
improve the educational experience of
tourists and school groups alike, and to
significantly increase membership in
the supporting organization, The
Friends of Fort Fisher.
To address these issues, our classes
broke the target audience into 4 dis-
tinct groups; Civil War enthusiasts,
families and locals, students, and tour-
ists. Each of these groups will be re-
sponsive to distinct messages, and can
be reached via unique media vehicles.
We then conducted research and de-
veloped recommendations in the fol-
lowing areas: Message Development;
Improving the Visitor Experience; In-
ternal Recognition and Reward; Mem-
ber Retention and Recruitment; Web-
site, Newsletter and Social Media; Pub-
lic Relations, and Advertising.
One of the concepts the class devel-
oped for an overall message theme
was ‘More than’, which implies that
there is so much more to Fort Fisher
than what might be obvious. Possible
ways to use this message include:
Tourists: More than just an-
other day at the beach
Civil War Buffs: More than
just blockade runners and batter-
ies
Students: More than another
day behind a book
Families: More than just an-
other family outing
While acknowledging that funding is
tight throughout all state agencies, the
plan also provides some specific rec-
ommendations for improving the visi-
tor experience, such as signage and
audio tours.
Other areas examined by teams of mar-
keting students resulted in detailed new
membership and retention incentives,
the use of social media, improving the
website and looking at public relations
and advertising needs and opportunities.
UNCW marketing students present their Strategic Marketing Plan to the Friends of Fort Fisher by Tori Jones
The next phase of the project will be as-
sisting the Friends prioritize its needs and
resources against a timetable for imple-
mentation in 2012. Stayed tuned for fur-
ther developments.
Students from UNCW’s Cameron School of Business present their Strategic Market-ing Plan to the Friends of Fort Fisher in an on-campus class session led by their in-
structor Tori Jones..
P A G E 7
T H E P O W D E R M A G A Z I N E
…. at Fort Fisher State Historic Site. Through our special event rental program, allow us to host your wedding or special event
amongst the gnarled live oaks and scenic views of the Cape Fear River and the Atlantic Ocean. Last year, Fort Fisher State Histor-
ic Site hosted over 3,000 people and nearly 60 special events.
Choose from multiple locations to host your event.
We have two ocean front gazebos, one beach area, and two
maritime forest groves. To accommodate requests for site
usage, tours can be scheduled of the locations offered to as-
sist in choosing the right place for the special moment. These
tours walk the grounds and discuss the information needed to
ensure that the location will fit your wants and needs. The
largest majority of events at Fort Fisher are couples choosing
us as a wedding location. Many couples have chosen the
North Gazebo for its spectacular view of the ocean and the
convenience of their guests to the visitor center. The South
Gazebo, located at the southern end of the historic site, of-
fers opportunities for couples wishing for more of a beach-
front wedding atmosphere. Couples generally use the Ocean
Grove area as it provides a maritime forest grove area that
brings shade during summer weddings and includes an ocean-
front bluff. Those couples seeking a more secluded area and
an amazing view of the Cape Fear River, especially at sunset, recommend the Fort Grove area behind the fortification’s earthen
walls. Site specific permits are required for any special events conducted on Fort Fisher’s property or to use the facilities. The
dollars generated by the permits will ensure that Fort Fisher State Historic Site will be able to support its mission to visitors for
years to come. To receive a copy of Fort Fisher’s permit, site usage guidelines, or to schedule a tour, contact John Moseley at
(910) 458-5538 or [email protected]
Create a new chapter in your family history... For the ultimate in wedding destinations
By John Moseley, Special Events Coordinator
Congratulations to Cole Smith of Pittsboro, Indiana for winning the reproduction Palmetto Armory 1842
Musket and Bayonet raffled off by the Friends of Fort Fisher at our Holiday Open House held in De-
cember. Out of 1077 tickets sold, a determined Ben Laird, shown above, picked Mr. Smith’s name out of the raffle ticket box. Good work, Ben, and
congratulations Cole!
Jan. 21-22, 2012: The Lights of the Great Armada
May 12, 2012: Confederate
Memorial Day
June 9, 2012: 2nd Saturday
July 14, 2012: 2nd Saturday
August 11,2012: 2nd Saturday
P A G E 8
T H E P O W D E R M A G A Z I N E
Richard & Berit Adams Leland, NC
B Real Photo
Suzanne Brewer Four Oaks, NC
Steve Channell Trenton, OH
Russell Clark
Wilmington, NC
Ray Donation Wilmington, NC
Michael C.L. Hauser
Raleigh, NC
Johnny Hipps Nebo, NC
John A. Moore
Wrightsville Beach, NC
Sue Morrell Leland, NC
Eric L. Russ
Rocky Mount, NC
David A. Spetrino Wilmington, NC
James M. Taylor
Sustaining Member Durham, NC
Welcome New
Friends of Fort Fisher
The seeds of imagination grow strongest in fertile minds. So with roots in the Con-
federate capital of Richmond, Virginia and two privates from General “Stonewall” Jack-
son’s “foot cavalry” present in the
ranks of the family tree, there is
little wonder that Dr. Brian Nun-
nally would generate an interest in
the Civil War. As a child this curi-
osity of and appreciation for Unit-
ed States history was fostered by
his mother. Together they made
numerous treks cross fecund fields
of battle where America’s ancients
had reaped a harvest of death and
glory. It was on one of these peri-
patetic adventures many years ago
that he first explored Fort Fisher.
Obviously, it made a lasting im-
pression on Brian. Now he has
returned with a purpose - to pass
the laurels and wreaths of Ameri-
ca’s greatest struggle to his own
offspring and the next generation.
Partly inspired by Chris E.
Fonvielle, Jr.’s The Wilmington Cam-
paign: Last Ray’s of Departing Hope,
the good Doctor’s not just talking
the talk, he’s walking the walk.
About a year and a half back, de-
spite the demands of work, family
and church activities he took time
out of his busy schedule to bring
his children to Fort Fisher’s annual
“Park Day”, a volunteer day of site
beautification. There he was intro-
duced to Development Director,
Paul Laird and soon after was in-
vited to join the Friends of Fort Fisher’s Board of Directors. A year later and Nunnally
is most definitely on board. His contagious enthusiasm for the site and future improve-
ments resonates. He’s excited about the “Walk of Honor” project (see related article
page 4) that will offer visitors an opportunity to honor loved ones, friends, veterans or
organizations with a permanent marker; acquiring a reproduction Armstrong Rifled
Cannon; and expanding interpretation with the goal of setting Fort Fisher State Historic
Site on equal footing with the major national Civil War sites.
An employee of Pfizer (the world’s largest research and pharmaceutical company),
Brian holds two degrees in Science and Chemistry from the University of South Caroli-
na and a Ph.D. in Chemistry from Duke University. Dr. Nunnally is a multifaceted man
whose vocation and avocation afford an interesting dichotomy: At work, his research
involves seeking present solutions for prospective problems; while on the other hand,
his love of history compels him to examine the past while pursuing his vision for the
site’s future. It promises to be smooth sailing with Dr. Nunnally on board.
Ray Flowers Curator of History
Meet our board: Dr. Brian Nunnally
Dr. Brian Nunnally
P A G E 9
T H E P O W D E R M A G A Z I N E
MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES
Individual Membership $25
Family Membership $40
Military/Student Membership $20
BENEFITS
Members receive subscriptions to The Powder Magazine
quarterly newsletter, membership card, notice of educational
programs and special events, a 15% discount in the Fort Fisher
Museum Store, and invitations to special Friends of Fort Fisher
events throughout the year.
SUSTAINING MEMBERSHIP $500 and Up
All of the benefits above, plus acknowledgement in The Powder
Magazine quarterly newsletter, VIP acknowledgement in all
special programs and recognition on the museum’s permanent
donor board.
BUSINESS MEMBERSHIP $100 and Up
Benefits will be extended to a designated representative of the
business. In addition, the business shall be entitled to one free
display advertisement (business card sized) in the next edition
of The Powder Magazine.
ARMSTRONG SOCIETY MEMBERSHIP $500 and Up
Gifts are placed into a restricted fund for capital improvements.
Benefits include membership for the year in which the gift is
received, permanent recognition on the museum’s donor wall
and at the annual meeting of the Friends of Fort Fisher.
OTHER WAYS TO CONTRIBUTE
Memorial & Honor Gifts
Artifact Donations
Volunteers
Named Gift Opportunities
Bequests
MEMBERSHIP ENROLLMENT FORM
Name__________________________________________
Address_________________________________________
________________________________________
City___________________________________________
State________________ Zip________________________
Telephone_______________________________________
Email___________________________________________
□ New □ Renewal
All contributions are tax deductible, less the fair market value
of goods and services received.
If you choose to waive your membership benefits, your contri-
bution is fully tax-deductible.
□ I wish to waive my membership benefits
□ My employer has a matching gift program.
Proper forms are enclosed
Membership Categories
Individual $25 ____________
Family $40 ____________
Military/Student $20 ____________
Sustaining $500+ ____________
Business $100+ ____________
Armstrong Society $500+ ____________
Payment □ Cash □ Check □ Credit Card Make checks payable to Friends of Fort Fisher
□ VISA □ MasterCard
Name on Card____________________________________
Account #_______________________________________
Expiration Date_____________3-digit security code_______
Signature___________________________Date_________
Join the Friends of Fort Fisher
Mail to: Friends of Fort Fisher
P.O. Box 169 Kure Beach, NC 28449
Not
valid
with
T H E P O W D E R M A G A Z I N E
Friends of Fort Fisher Board of Directors:
R. James MacLaren, Chairman Jerome Fennell, Vice Chair
Earl Lane, Secretary John Coble, Treasurer
James Carper Dan Hickman
Jack Hisley,MD Earnestine Keaton
Michael E. McCarley Brian Nunnally, Ph.D. Jim Steele, Ex-Officio
Paul Laird, Development Director
Web: www.friendsoffortfisher.com
E-mail: [email protected]
This newsletter was proudly produced with support from the Friends of Fort Fisher
Fort Fisher State Historic Site 1610 Fort Fisher Blvd. South P.O. Box 169 Kure Beach, NC 28449 Phone: (910) 458-5538 E-mail: [email protected] www.nchistoricsites.org/fisher
After his Pensacola assignment during the Civil
War, Bragg began experiencing medical prob-
lems for which he received calomel. Mercury toxicity could
well explain his bizarre behavior and melancholy, as well as his
poor interpersonal relationships and his pervasive distrust of
others. Although General Braxton Bragg was vilified during the
Civil War, he served with distinction and earned the admiration
and respect of his fellow men during the years prior to and fol-
lowing the Civil War. Fort Bragg, North Carolina, the home of
the 82nd Airborne, bears the name of a “brave, resourceful, hard
bitten fighting man…a soldier’s soldier…a fighting man who saw
action in three wars and won distinction in each of them.” Was
the nemesis of General Braxton Bragg mercury toxicity?
Gen. Braxton Bragg Continued from page 5
recognition on a new paved plaza in front of the visitor center.
Capping off the afternoon was election of directors to the
board as follows: Michael E. McCarley – 1 year term; James
Carper, Jerome Fennell, Dan Hickman, and Earl Lane -2 year
terms. Following the Annual Meeting the Board convened to
elect corporate officers: R. James MacLaren, Chair; Jerome Fen-
nell, Vice Chair; Earl Lane, Secretary; John Coble, Treasurer.
Friends Annual Meeting Continued from page 1