Saving History Saturday: Ed Bearss Memorial Unveiled
One of the great champions of battlefield preservation in our own era was Ed Bearss. His research, tours, and storytelling were legendary, and he tirelessly advocated for saving the places where history happened.
Last year on October 30, 2021, a public, posthumous dedication in Bentonville, North Carolina memorialized his life and legacy and celebrated the preservation work that has been accomplished in the Civil War Carolinas Campaign. The day began with a tour of highlights of the Bentonville Battlefield led by Mark Bradley and the Bentonville staff. Three generations of the Bearss family gathered for the ceremony which was held adjacent to the visitor center.
More than 40 excited and emotion attendees came to pay their respects and share memories on this core battlefield that had been preserved in Ed Bearss honor in June 2020. Later, inside the visitor center, a special plaque was unveiled, honoring his legacy and serving as a reminder that preservation heroes lead and inspire.
I never had the honor of meeting Civil War Historian, Ed Bearss. But I did visit the relic he fished out of the Yazoo River: USS Cairo, on display at Vicksburg NMP. The following link is to one of Mr. Bearss’ last interviews, of about six minutes, in which he discusses the raising of torpedo victim, USS Cairo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91kZZalwRhM
Vale Ed Bearss.
Mr. Bearss joined us many years ago when we dedicated the marker for the 39th Illinois Veteran Volunteers on Darbytown Road about 12 miles southeast of Richmond. He also helped me with the manuscripts of the first three books I wrote. His generosity and service should be an inspiration to us all.
Perfect tribute. Ed and I had a lot of fun times together. He never got tired of ribbing me about this and that. Miss him.
What was the final tour Ed led?