23 Jun 2014

Lost Capitol Hill: Arsenal Memorial Rededication

On June 17, 1864, a huge explosion ripped through the D.C. Arsenal, killing 21 young women who were putting together rifle cartridges. In spite of the carnage of the Civil War raging around them, this tragedy touched many, and within a year, there was a memorial to them installed over their tomb in Congressional Cemetery. However, the planned dedication fell in the mourning period following President Lincoln’s death, and thus was not properly carried out. Thus, last Saturday, the memorial was rededicated, with a new, more permanent stone added.

Although it looks threatening, the fact that I brought an umbrella (just below and to the left of the memorial) ensured that it didn't rain.

The scene at the Cemetery. On the right, the tall stone is the arsenal memorial. If you’re looking for it, it’s along the western wall of the cemetery, just north of the main road leading from the chapel.

It's not a thing unless C-Span is there.

Paul Williams welcoming the guests. The crowd was a bit smaller than at the original service, when even President Lincoln came to pay his respects.

Posting of the colors

Posting of the colors

Erin Bergin Voorheis tells the story of the explosion, as researched by her father and author of the Washington Arsenal Explosion, Brian Bergin.

Erin Bergin Voorheis tells the story of the explosion, as researched by her father and author of the Washington Arsenal Explosion, Brian Bergin.

The weather was a bit blustery, but no rain. However, the color guard did have to hold onto their flags to keep them from falling over.

The weather was a bit blustery, but no rain. However, the color guard did have to hold onto their flags to keep them from falling over.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians, along with the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War chipped in to add a new stone engraved with the name of all victims of the explosion.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians, along with the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War chipped in to add a new stone engraved with the name of all victims of the explosion.

An ancestor of Kate Brosnaham pays his respects at her grave.

An descendant of Kate Brosnaham pays his respects at her grave.

 

 


Not all of the victims are buried under the memorial. Four are at Mt. Olivet, and a few other are in family plots. such as this, in Congressional Cemetery. There is an effort to get the VA to pay for a proper tombstone here.


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