Judy Ondina
Members of the Robson Ranch Gun Club had heard that the Texas Civil War Museum located in Fort Worth would be closing at the end of the year. Therefore, a trip to see it one more time was planned. Over 40 members and guests gathered in early December to visit the museum one more time. Fortunately, we were informed that the board of directors had met recently and decided to keep the museum open. The main contents in the museum are privately owned and open to the public to view and enjoy.
Our docent provided informative tidbits about Texas’ involvement in the War Between the States. Following this, we watched a video that provided more details. The setup in the museum is very bipartisan, as what is shown for the Southerners is located on one side and also presented for the Northerners on the opposite side. Authentic uniforms, hats, boots, shoes, ranks, letters sent home, diaries, and photos were displayed in an almost story-like succession. The authentic weaponry that survived was impressive. Among them were many smoothbore and rifle muskets, carbines, and many handguns. The museum collection includes many artillery pieces as well.
Statistical causes of war death were surprising, as intestinal disease, syphilis, and infection resulting from surgery and amputation were prevalent among the troops. The ammunition used during the battles would enter soldiers, tear up the area where it entered, but seldom would exit. Thus, the doctors had little options except to amputate the limbs that were hit or attempt to dig out the bullets and stitch up the wound. Cleanliness and disinfecting instruments prior to using them each time was relatively impossible due to the location of the battles.
Another wing of the museum is Judy Richey’s Victorian Dresses Collection. The style of everyday dresses, sporting and swimming attire, dresses for travel, and elegant ball gowns are shown with detailed explanations. From corsets, crotchless undergarments, bustles, petticoats and tops, and high button shoes, getting dressed was a time-consuming procedure.
Several authentic treasures in the museum are Grant’s jacket worn during his meeting with Lee at Appomattox and the hat supposedly made from draperies and worn by Vivien Leigh in Gone with the Wind. There are objects, information, and history that will pique the interest for everyone.
The Texas Civil War Museum is a hidden jewel and well worth the journey to visit.