Happy Sesquicentennial! 2011 marks the beginning of the 150th Anniversary observances of the War to Prevent Southern Independence. North Carolina has established a Sesquicentennial Commission ( http://www.nccivilwar150.com/default.htm ) to commemorate the years 1861 to 1865, during which the state sent nearly 140,000 of her sons to defend the state and its fledgling young country, the Confederate States of America. Over 40,000 North Carolinians died on battlefields such as Gettysburg, Sharpsburg, Chancellorsville, Bentonville and many more.
In 1896 the Sons of Confederate Veterans ( http://scv.org/ ) was established to remember the Cause and those who had fought "The Second American Revolution" for Southern independence. Lt General Stephen D. Lee gave the organization it's charge: "To you, Sons of Confederate Veterans, we will commit the vindication of the cause for which we fought. To your strength will be given the defense of the Confederate soldier's good name, the guardianship of his history, the emulation of his virtues, the perpetuation of those principles which he loved and which you love also, and those ideals which made him glorious and which you also cherish."
In 1997, Yadkin County was able to obtain a charter to establish a camp to recognize and remember the many thousands of Yadkinians who served in North Carolina's Infantry, Cavalry and Artillery forces. The camp chose as their name the "Yadkin Gray Eagles," ( http://yadkingrayeagles.yadkinstars.org/ ) a company raised early in the war that was eventually designated as Company B of the 21st North Carolina Infantry Regiment. Later, when their excellent shooting ability became well recognized, they were designated the "1st Battalion, North Carolina Sharpshooters," and were hard fighters until the Army of Northern Virginia was surrendered at Appomattox on April 9, 1865.
In 2006, an infantry reenactment unit was established in Yadkin County. The 28th North Carolina Troops ( http://yadkinstars.org/ ) chose to represent the "Yadkin Stars" and "Yadkin Boys," who became Companies I and F respectively. As members of the famed "Branch-Lane Brigade" of the Army of Northern Virginia, they fought in every major engagement of that glorious Army.
On February 12, 2011, the Yadkin Gray Eagles will host their annual "Lee-Jackson Banquet" at the Windsor's Crossroads Community Center in Hamptonville, NC. This year's observance will be very special for those of us from Yadkin County! We are very honored to have Dr Allen Paul Speer, distinguished professor of history at Lenoir-Rhyne University, and author of the acclaimed book "Voices From Cemetery Hill," the biography of his ancestor, Colonel William Henry Asbury Speer of the 28th North Carolina Troops. Hailing from Boonville, Colonel Speer became the first captain of the "Yadkin Stars." He perished in battle at the Battle of Reams Station in 1864.
The evenings festivities will begin at 6:00 PM and will include a boston butt chopped BBQ dinner, prepared on site, with potato salad, cole slaw, baked beans and dessert. An auction of books, relics and coins from, and related to, the War era will also be held to raise funds for the camp. Tickets can be purchased from any member of the camp for $12.50 each, $7.50 for children under 12. For more information, or to reserve tickets, please contact Camp Commander Greg Cheek at 336-849-0068. Space is limited, so act quickly! All are welcome!
Directions to Windsor Crossroads Community Center:
From Winston-Salem, take US 421 North past Yadkinville and then just past I-77. Then take the Windsor Road Exit (first exit after I-77). At the top of the exit ramp take a left on Windsor Road. Go about 5 miles, and the community center will be on the right at the intersection of Buck Shoals Road. It is a large square building with a red roof and steeple.
From Charlotte, go north on I-77. Take the US 421 Exit (#73B) and go towards Boone. Then almost immediately take the Windsor Road Exit. At the top of the exit ramp take a left on Windsor Road. Go about 5 miles, and the community center will be on the right at the intersection of Buck Shoals Road. It is a large square building with a red roof and steeple.
A Navy Arms black powder pistol will be awarded at the banquet to some lucky person who has made a donation to our camp and received a ticket from us as a receipt. A minimum donation of $2 is required to receive a ticket, or 3 for $5.