Not too long ago someone asked me if there was a memorial for Civil War horses. Yes, I had seen one when we visited the National Sporting Library in Middleburg. Here it is! Inspired by the book Cavalry Battles of Aldie, Middleburg and Upperville, philanthropist and horse-enthusiast Paul Mellon commissioned the bronze horse in memory of the million-plus horses that fell during the war. The horse was deliberately made to look hungry and exhausted.
Read about the history of this sculpture.
Also on the grounds of the sporting library is a Civil War Trails marker about the Battle of Middleburg, which took place in 1863 as Lee's army marched toward Gettysburg.
Those horses provided a great service to our men. I like that they are honored with a memorial.
ReplyDeletea touching monument to a part of war we often don't think about.
ReplyDeleteIt's hard to believe that horses were involved in our battles, helping us. An important monument of their sacrifice.
ReplyDeleteHeartbreaking sculpture.
ReplyDeleteNow that's an interesting monument!
ReplyDeleteI was going to say that the poor horse looks exausted... then I read what you wrote.
ReplyDelete