Thursday, March 14, 2013

History Of "Old Abe"...!

For all the folks out there that like a little obscure history from time to time, this might be right up your alley!

It's this kind of fact that keeps us searching all around the web for the less known trivia we feed on. Learning something new, especially something no one else seems to be aware of, is a very satisfying past time!

Old Abe
1861



Mascots are a long standing military tradition. Soldiers have adopted dogs, cats, goats, donkeys, monkeys, pigs, birds—but the 8th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment topped them all with the emblem of America itself, a tame bald eagle. The eaglet was taken from the nest and eventually made her way to the 8th Regiment, where she was named Old Abe after President Abraham Lincoln. She became a very popular patriotic symbol of the Union cause. She had a special shield shaped perch, but would walk through the camp stealing food.

Old Abe flew over battlefields—39 in total—and although the Confederates had orders to capture her if possible, the eagle got through the war unscathed. After 1865, she was retired from the Army and given a new home in Madison, Wisconsin, in the State Capital building. Unfortunately, in 1881 after suffering smoke inhalation during a fire, Old Abe died. Some controversy exists regarding the bird’s sex, and whether “Old Abe” was one bird or several. That the eagle existed isn’t in doubt due to ample photographic evidence.

You can read more about Old Abe right here!

This is the kind of story that would have made history class so much more interesting in school! Don't you agree?

Another day pretty enough to have our coffee out on the patio. That's OK, isn't it?

9 comments:

Phyllis (N/W Jersey) said...

You ALWAYS find the best stories for us Mr. Hermit! Thanks for the link to the article, too. Never, ever knew about this one.
It's 29 here, so your patio sounds wonderful. I'll bring warm crumb buns and butter for all to share.

Sixbears said...

Why is it that History class left out all the interesting stories?

Fresh dusting of snow this moorning, so the coffee is going to hit the stop.

Baby Sis said...

Bubba -
Coffee on the patio with you is always fine! And yeah - why didn't we learn more fun stuff like this in school? Maybe it would have left us coming back for more, huh?

Big hugs -

linda m said...

This is sad. I am born and raised in Wisconsin and I never remember hearing this story in school. You would think that school in WI would at least teach a little state history. Thank you for this piece of my history. Coffee outside sounds good - 19 degrees here.

Dizzy-Dick said...

I enjoy your "history class" a heck of lot more than the one I had back in school. Back in school - wow, that was a long time ago. . .

Stephen said...

I'm trying to imagine the taste of smoked eagle.

JO said...

Never knew this story and yes it would have made history in school much more exciting.

It is almost warm enough here to have coffee on the porch but not quite. So your patio it is and not a problem at all.

HermitJim said...

Hey Phyllis...
I love to find and share stories like this.

Learning new things is always fun to me.

Thanks for coming over this morning.


Hey Sixbears...
Sure would have been less boring had they thrown some of thee stories in, wouldn't it?

Oh well, that's why the hermit is here!

Thanks, my friend, for stopping by today!


Hey Sis...
I certainly would have paid more attention, that's for sure!

Thanks for the visit today!


Hey Linda...
So often we have to learn the interesting stuff out for ourselves. That's too bad, I think.

Happy that you came by this morning!


Hey Dizzy...
Maybe I should start getting paid for teaching, ya reckon?

Actually, I'm just happy to share what I find!

Many thanks, buddy, for coming over!


Hey Stephen...
Must taste like chicken! Isn't that what they always say?

Thanks for stopping by, my friend!

HermitJim said...

Hey Jo...
I thought you might like it, being a history buff and all!

Warming up pretty nicely here in Houston.

Thanks, sweetie, for coming over!