Tuesday, November 4, 2014
Program for the "Great Hanging" Monument Dedication
Below is a copy of the program for the "Great Hanging" Monument Dedication. Just in case, you lost yours or did not get one.
Forgotten No More
A year ago, I posted an article entitled "Gainesville's Forgotten People." At the time, I wondered why a memorial had not been placed in Gainesville to remember the men who died in the Great Hanging of 1862.
Thanks to many good people in and around Gainesville, there is now a memorial for the men who died in the Hangings. And, what a wonderful memorial it is! Those of us who have an ancestor who died in the Great Hanging at Gainesville feel deeply indebted to all who helped to make this a reality.
Below are photos of the unveiling of the monuments that were placed in the Georgia Davis Bass Memorial Park on October 18, 2014.
Note: There are still men who died in the hangings that very little is known. Each family of a Gainesville Hanging victim has a story that needs to be told and shared. If you have a "Great Hanging" ancestor, or you are just interested in history, please help by sharing stories and research about the victims of the Great Hanging and their families. There are many ways to share: write a book, start your own blog, post your family information on Ancestry.com, leave a message on genealogy message boards, start a website, donate your stories to a historical society/library in Gainesville, post the information on this blog, and/or all of the above.
What a difference a year makes!
Thanks to many good people in and around Gainesville, there is now a memorial for the men who died in the Hangings. And, what a wonderful memorial it is! Those of us who have an ancestor who died in the Great Hanging at Gainesville feel deeply indebted to all who helped to make this a reality.
Below are photos of the unveiling of the monuments that were placed in the Georgia Davis Bass Memorial Park on October 18, 2014.
Unveiling of the Monuments
Close-ups
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| Men who died in the 'Great Hanging' |
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| Memorial account of 'Great Hanging' |
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| Memorial Pavers |
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| Memorial close-up of names |
Note: There are still men who died in the hangings that very little is known. Each family of a Gainesville Hanging victim has a story that needs to be told and shared. If you have a "Great Hanging" ancestor, or you are just interested in history, please help by sharing stories and research about the victims of the Great Hanging and their families. There are many ways to share: write a book, start your own blog, post your family information on Ancestry.com, leave a message on genealogy message boards, start a website, donate your stories to a historical society/library in Gainesville, post the information on this blog, and/or all of the above.
Gainesville's "Great Hanging" Monument Dedication
The dedication of the Gainesville "Great Hanging" monument took place on Saturday, October 18, 2014, a beautiful fall day in Texas. And, it was a memorable day for those of us who were able to attend.
We started the event with an excellent luncheon at the Lions Field House of the North Central Texas College in Gainesville. The luncheon was provided by the Texas State Historical Association and the Lone Star Chair in Texas History. I was able to meet and visit with many people who previously I had only had the chance to correspond with.
After the luncheon, we attended a theatrical reading called "October Mourning" at the Center for Performing Arts on the NCTC campus. “October Mourning” was a 45 minute theatrical reading of the events of that terrible October in 1862, by local actors portraying historical characters connected to the events of the hanging. We were able to hear the story of the Great Hanging from the perspective of those who were there. The program helped all of us better understand the feelings, emotions, and fears of the time from both perspectives.
Following the reading, Dr. Richard B. McCaslin answered questions from the audience about the Great Hanging.
After the program, everyone met at the Georgia Davis Bass Memorial Park for the monument dedication. The monuments were covered when we arrived. Most took the time to check out the names on the pavers that were placed between the monuments.
Master of Ceremonies was Dr. Richard "Rick" McCaslin. Gainesville Mayor, Jim Goldsworthy, gave the welcome address and then we heard from guest speakers.
There was a reading of the names and bell ringing for each man who died in October 1862 during the Great Hanging at Gainesville.
We started the event with an excellent luncheon at the Lions Field House of the North Central Texas College in Gainesville. The luncheon was provided by the Texas State Historical Association and the Lone Star Chair in Texas History. I was able to meet and visit with many people who previously I had only had the chance to correspond with.
After the luncheon, we attended a theatrical reading called "October Mourning" at the Center for Performing Arts on the NCTC campus. “October Mourning” was a 45 minute theatrical reading of the events of that terrible October in 1862, by local actors portraying historical characters connected to the events of the hanging. We were able to hear the story of the Great Hanging from the perspective of those who were there. The program helped all of us better understand the feelings, emotions, and fears of the time from both perspectives.
Following the reading, Dr. Richard B. McCaslin answered questions from the audience about the Great Hanging.
After the program, everyone met at the Georgia Davis Bass Memorial Park for the monument dedication. The monuments were covered when we arrived. Most took the time to check out the names on the pavers that were placed between the monuments.
Master of Ceremonies was Dr. Richard "Rick" McCaslin. Gainesville Mayor, Jim Goldsworthy, gave the welcome address and then we heard from guest speakers.
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| Welcome by Gainesville Mayor Goldsworthy |
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| Reading the names |
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| Listening to the Dedication of the Monument |
Monday, September 22, 2014
Upcoming Media Coverage for the October 18th Dedication
The following information about upcoming media coverage for the Great Hanging Monument Dedication was posted on "The Great Hanging - October 1862 Civil War" Facebook page.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/40399537273/
https://www.facebook.com/groups/40399537273/
Upcoming media coverage for the October 18th Dedication!
Dr. Rick McCaslin, author of Tainted Breeze, will be guest expert for these interviews. Tune in and spread the word.....
September 30 - KGAF Radio - 1580 AM
Live interview: 7:45amhttp://tunein.com/radio/KGAF-1580-s32769/
Live interview: 7:45amhttp://tunein.com/radio/KGAF-1580-s32769/
October 8 - KTEN Television
Live interview: 11:00amhttp://www.kten.com/
Live interview: 11:00amhttp://www.kten.com/
October 5th or 12th - Dallas Morning News
Family interviews and in-depth article, photos
Make plans to be in Gainesville, Texas on October 18th!
Keep updated by checking the Facebook page or the Great Hanging 1862 website.
Family interviews and in-depth article, photos
Make plans to be in Gainesville, Texas on October 18th!
Keep updated by checking the Facebook page or the Great Hanging 1862 website.
Great Hanging Monument Dedication Updated Info
The following is the official press release from the Great Hanging Memorial Foundation:
THE GREAT HANGING MEMORIAL DEDICATION
THE GREAT HANGING MEMORIAL DEDICATION
The Great Hanging Memorial
Foundation announced today that a series of events will be held on October 18,
2014 to commemorate the historic event known as the “The Great Hanging at
Gainesville, Texas, October 1862.”
The Great Hanging is a
Texas Civil War era event of major historical significance. Due to its dramatic and controversial nature,
little has been done to memorialize those who lost their lives.
Although this event
occurred 152 years ago, scholars and lay persons still have difficulty in
agreeing on the appropriate interpretation of the incident. Some contend that the action of the civilian
and military authorities that led to the hanging of forty men and the shooting
deaths of two men attempting to escape, was justified. Others argue that the
tragic incident was nothing more than vigilante mob violence.
On December 3, 2013 the Gainesville City Council unanimously approved the placement of two large granite stones at the Georgia Davis Bass Memorial Park in Gainesville, Texas to memorialize those who died. The Great Hanging Memorial Foundation was then formed.
On December 3, 2013 the Gainesville City Council unanimously approved the placement of two large granite stones at the Georgia Davis Bass Memorial Park in Gainesville, Texas to memorialize those who died. The Great Hanging Memorial Foundation was then formed.
Funding for the purchase
of two etched granite monuments, solar powered lighting and the memorial
walkway was made possible through private donations.
The public is invited to
the formal dedication which will begin with a luncheon on Saturday, October 18,
2014 (11:30 am - 1:00 pm) at the North
Central Texas College Lions Field House, Gainesville, Texas. The luncheon will
be followed by a program “October Mourning” at the First State Bank Center for
the Performing Arts, also located on the college campus. The Monument dedication ceremony will begin
at 3:00 pm at the Georgia Davis Bass Memorial Park at 729 East Main Street near
downtown Gainesville.
Anyone having knowledge of
descendants of the Great Hanging is encouraged to contact the Foundation at
(817) 999-9551.
Those planning to attend
the luncheon need to RSVP by September 30, 2014
by calling (817) 946-4491 or send email to greathanging1862@gmail.com
Dedication Schedule
October 18, 2014
Luncheon
11:30 am - 1:00 pm
Lions Field House, Cooke
County Campus
North Central Texas
College
1525 West California St.
Gainesville, TX 76240
Luncheon provided by the
Texas State Historical Association and the Lone Star Chair in Texas History
RSVP by September 30 (817)
946-4491 or email greathanging1862@gmail.com
Directions
I 35 to Exit 497, turn West on California St. (FM 51) 0.7 mi to
Bonner St. (CR 304), Turn North 0.2 mi to the Field House on Left
Program “October
Mourning”
1:00 - 2:30 pm -Free
Admission- At the First State Bank Center for the Performing Arts on NCTC
campus, southwest of the Lions Field House
“October Mourning” is a 45
minute theatrical reading that brings life to the events of that terrible
October in 1862, by local actors portraying the contemporary characters. Hear
the story of the Great Hanging from the perspective of those who were
there. This reading will be followed by
a 45 minute Q & A session with Dr. Richard B. McCaslin, author of “Tainted
Breeze”.
Monument Dedication
3:00 pm
Georgia Davis Bass
Memorial Park
729 East Main St.,
Gainesville, Texas (parallel street to California St.)
East of Cooke County Court
House
Master of Ceremonies - Dr.
Richard B. McCaslin
Tuesday, September 2, 2014
Great Hanging Monument Dedication
The Board of Directors and Volunteers of the Great Hanging Memorial Foundation have announced details for the monument dedication in recognition of the Great Hanging at Gainesville, Texas, October 1862.
11:30am – 1:00pm Luncheon
North Central Texas College Field House
1525 W. California Lane, Gainesville TX
Luncheon sponsored - University of North Texas;
Texas State Historical Association and Lone Star Chair in Texas History
RSVP by Sept. 30 – 817.946.4491 or email: greathanging1862@gmail.com
1:00pm – 2:30pm “October Mourning”
North Central Texas College - Center for Performing Arts (on Campus, near Field House) Theatrical reading that brings to life the events of that terrible October of 1862 with local actors portraying the contemporary characters. Hear the story of the Great Hanging from the perspective of those who were there. (No charge)
3:00pm Dedication Ceremony
Georgia Davis Bass Civil War Historical Park
729 E. Main St, Gainesville TX
Master of Ceremony – Dr. Richard McCaslin
Guest speakers – to be announced soon
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| www.greathanging1862.com |
The monument dedication will be held on Saturday, October 18, 2014. Below is the schedule for the planned activities. Visit the Great Hanging 1862 Memorial website for any updates.
11:30am – 1:00pm Luncheon
North Central Texas College Field House
1525 W. California Lane, Gainesville TX
Luncheon sponsored - University of North Texas;
Texas State Historical Association and Lone Star Chair in Texas History
RSVP by Sept. 30 – 817.946.4491 or email: greathanging1862@gmail.com
1:00pm – 2:30pm “October Mourning”
North Central Texas College - Center for Performing Arts (on Campus, near Field House) Theatrical reading that brings to life the events of that terrible October of 1862 with local actors portraying the contemporary characters. Hear the story of the Great Hanging from the perspective of those who were there. (No charge)
3:00pm Dedication Ceremony
Georgia Davis Bass Civil War Historical Park
729 E. Main St, Gainesville TX
Master of Ceremony – Dr. Richard McCaslin
Guest speakers – to be announced soon
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
Great Hanging at Gainesville by Dr. Richard McCaslin
On October 24, 2013, Dr. Richard McCaslin gave an informative presentation about the 'Great Hanging at Gaineville' at the Allen Public Library. It was published on YouTube November 8, 2013.
In this YouTube video, "Dr. Richard McCaslin presents an account of a horrifying yet oft-forgotten episode in North Texas history at the Allen Public Library. History is replete with tales of tragic events that should not have happened. Pretending these never existed only increases the chances of re-occurrence; so learning about them will hopefully deter the repeat of another dismal or shameful event. What has come to be known as "The Great Hanging at Gainesville" proves this point. Unlike most of Texas, counties along the Red River, including Collin, voted against secession just prior to the Civil War. Acrimony between pro-Union and pro-Confederate forces in the state was rampant; Texan against Texan hostilities were more venomous than Northerner against Southerner."
Dr. Richard McCaslin is the author of the book pictured above, "Tainted Breeze, The Great Hanging at Gainesville, Texas, 1862." McCaslin's book, published in 1994, is the definitive source for information concerning the Great Hanging at Gainesville. He gives a "fair and balanced" narrative of the Great Hanging that took place at Gainesville, Texas in October, 1862.
Link for the above YouTube video: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AemRiECL_q4)
In this YouTube video, "Dr. Richard McCaslin presents an account of a horrifying yet oft-forgotten episode in North Texas history at the Allen Public Library. History is replete with tales of tragic events that should not have happened. Pretending these never existed only increases the chances of re-occurrence; so learning about them will hopefully deter the repeat of another dismal or shameful event. What has come to be known as "The Great Hanging at Gainesville" proves this point. Unlike most of Texas, counties along the Red River, including Collin, voted against secession just prior to the Civil War. Acrimony between pro-Union and pro-Confederate forces in the state was rampant; Texan against Texan hostilities were more venomous than Northerner against Southerner."
Dr. Richard McCaslin is the author of the book pictured above, "Tainted Breeze, The Great Hanging at Gainesville, Texas, 1862." McCaslin's book, published in 1994, is the definitive source for information concerning the Great Hanging at Gainesville. He gives a "fair and balanced" narrative of the Great Hanging that took place at Gainesville, Texas in October, 1862.
Link for the above YouTube video: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AemRiECL_q4)
Gainesville Great Hanging Website Launched
On February 21, 2014, the Great Hanging Memorial Foundation announced the launch of their new website dedicated to the Great Hanging at Gainesville, Texas 1862. Click on image below to go to the website.
The mission of the Great Hanging Memorial Foundation as explained on the website is:
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| The Great Hanging 1862 |
"The Great hanging Memorial Foundation is a 501 c3 (non-profit) organization and was created to honor those who lost their lives, as well as preserve Civil War history and educate Americans about these events."
The Great Hanging Memorial Foundation is seeking donations from individuals, private foundations, and corporations. Your financial support for the Memorial would be greatly appreciated and would help to make the proposed Memorial a reality.
You can also support the construction of the Great Hanging Memorial by purchasing a custom engraved Granite Paver. Your paver with its personal message will be placed in the walkway for visitors to see. To purchase a granite paving stone engraved in memory or in honor of someone, click here. Purchasing a paver in memory of your Great Hanging ancestor would be a wonderful way to honor those who died in the Great Hanging at Gainesville. Hopefully everyone who died during the hangings will have a paver in their memory.
Please consider making a donation or purchasing a paver so that this Memorial can become a reality!
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