Civil War markers installed

More than 140 years later, the U.S. Civil War remains a pivotal point in our nation's past, both for historians and the casual observer.

In an effort to capture interest in the conflict, the North Carolina Division of Travel, Film and Sports Development - with cooperation from the Caldwell County Chamber of Commerce and the Caldwell County Historical Society - commissioned two Civil War markers that were placed in the county Friday.

Called the North Carolina Civil War Trails project, more than 200 markers are being placed across the state as part of a driving tour of the historic sites.

Caldwell County Chamber of Commerce Tourism Director Brandon McCann and Caldwell Historical Society representative John Hawkins attended the installation of one of the markers at the corner of Main Street and Harper Avenue in Lenoir in front of the St. James Episcopal Church.

The marker in Lenoir details Union Gen. George Stoneman's raid through Western North Carolina in April 1865. According to the marker, St. James Episcopal Church served as a prison for approximately 900 boys, men and Confederate soldiers.

A second marker was to be placed in the Happy Valley community at the site of a former mill.

McCann said private donations of $2,200 were matched by the chamber to offset the $5,500 cost of each marker. The remaining funds were provided by the state tourism office.

A formal unveiling of both markers will be scheduled at a later date, McCann said. He added that the chamber and the historical society are seeking donations to cover the $200 maintenance fee for each marker.

For more information about the project, contact Hawkins at 758-4004 or visit www.civilwartrails.com

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