CW Eagle Button

[txkickergirl]

The month was May, the year 1865, 300 Union troops crossed under darkened skies to fight the last battle of the civil war at what is now an undeveloped beach where the Rio Grande river meets the Gulf of Mexico. Around 2am they hunkered down in a thicket of weeds alongside the banks, exhausted, half sick from days at sea, and hungry, they tried to rest in the bug infested wilderness that surrounded them. A few hours later they marched onward to engage in the battle of Palmito, only to retreat back to the banks 3 days later with numbers diminished, surrounded by Confederates the Union troops finally succumbed to surrender.

Just northeast rising from the fog condos dot the shoreline of South Padre Island, showing progress over 140 years in the making, yet a small strip still exists much like it did decades ago, little grows in the area where sand blows restlessly across the plains and the sun can be relentless. When in this area it is not hard to imagine the hardships of American troops. A few hours detecting I crawl back in my SUV, thankful of the A/C going at full blast as I pull back on to the highway and leave the past once again behind. Well at least until next time when I can shift through the sands of time and discover another small treasure from this area. I must say it brings the words respect and fortitude to whole new meaning after days like this and it reminds me of how grateful and lucky I am living in today's modern world.

Note: I am not a historian so above facts could be a bit jumbled, but it gives you a better picture of time.

 

[Ronin9868]

Very cool button but the story was great! Thanks for posting.

Ronin9868

 

[Roger Mn.]

Very good story and nice button.Thanks for sharing.

 

[SPWalker]

Txkickergirl:

Good post.

Ed was telling me about a local gal that runs the guys in the ground MDing. Give Ed and me a call for a hunt, weather is perfect to get outside and dig some holes.

See ya around.

Later

SPWalker
Mc Allen

 

[weasel606]

great story and cool find ! congrats

 

[TN-Joe]

Wonderful post... I felt like I was watching it happen in front me... a historical snapshot.

Thank you for posting, and for the button picture, which of course is awesome.

Well done!

Yes I felt the same way. Excellent!!
Joe

 

[Dman]

Nice story. Great button.
Dman

 

[bootstrap vinn]

Great story and alot of history there,now go back and get some more!!! Bootstrap

 

[texan connection]

I am always amazed when civil war relics are found this far south and have found a few, but still It sets the imagination wild, Good find

 

[txkickergirl]

I am always amazed when civil war relics are found this far south and have found a few, but still It sets the imagination wild, Good find

Ok I must admit that I remember staring at the pics in the school history books, thats about all the attention I paid, and I never thought about the civil war making it to Texas at all. Now that I got into metal detecting I have to say I wish I had paid more attention in school, because I find myself consumed by hours of research and history now. It is one cool thing to hold a button or bullet in your hand that you know happend that long ago. History comes to life.

Thanks everyone for your comments I am glad you liked the little story with the post. I will come up with another one the next time I make it out.