Completed just before the Civil War, by the end of the conflict’s first year Mount Olivet Church’s original structure was reduced to its foundations, variously used and abused by the United States Army as – possibly– a hospital, storehouse, picket post, and stable. Cherrydale neighbor and local historian Michael Schaffner will explore the likely actual uses of the building before focusing on the soldiers camped nearby from September 1861 till May 1862. Their story reveals surprising connections to some of the war’s great battles, the United States Colored Troops, and the Army’s early efforts at graves registration.
This is an in-person only event at Mount Olivet Methodist Church. Please let us know you are coming so we know how big a room to prepare: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdekVbpJb3H7hoQFHa1TwSNKQNgsJrle5fIaNwNDr7kk0x-SA/viewform?usp=dialog
This is a free event. Parking is plentiful and also free.
The Arlington Historical Society is proud to partner with Mount Olivet Church, Arlington’s oldest church and help share their rich history with the community as part of the county’s commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
Image: Oliver Willcox Norton of the 83rd Pennsylvania (camped near the church) in the fancy French uniform the regiment received for their performance on the drill ground. He would soon become brigade bugler, later help General Butterfield compose “Taps,” and ultimately receive a commission in the 8th USCT.
