A Hidden Gem

[Woods-walker]

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No matter where you go across this magnificent land, whether it's one of America's millions of small towns, or one of our large cities; there's always a hidden gem known mostly to locals. One such little know gem, based in Oxford Mississippi. is Miller's Civil War Tours.

Miller leads an Oxford/University Civil War Tour at College Church at College Hill (Hotty Toddy 4/4/17) Photo Newt Rayburn 2/16

Starke Miller provides tours of Oxford, The University of Mississippi (Ole Miss), Shiloh and Holly Springs. His specialty are Ole Miss at Shiloh and the University Grey's, Company A – 11th​ Mississippi Infantry Regiment at Gettysburg and Antietam.

Miller leads an Ole Miss at Shiloh group (Hotty Toddy 4/4/18). Photo Newt Rayburn 2/16

I discovered Starke in 1997 after my wife and I purchased a farm just one and a half miles from the Spotsylvania Courthouse Battlefield. Naturally, I was interested in finding out if our new home played any part in the second Grant – Lee meeting. As I became intrenched in my research, I found there was indeed action on the property on May 10, 1864 when Southern forces led by Major General Henry Heth attacked and repulsed a part of Hancock's II Corps. One of Heth's Brigades was led by General Joseph Davis, which included the 11th​Mississippi. As I researched the 11th​ Mississippi, I found Starke and he soon mailed about a foot-thick set of documents on that regiment. I will post details of that engagement at a later time.

Starke and I have since become close friends as we toured battlefields in Virginia and Mississippi together. He is passionate about his work and gives details many guides overlook. If you are considering a tour of any of the places Starke offers, you need to consider him as your guide. More information can be found in The University of Mississippi's Hotty Toddy Newsletter of April 4, 2017 https://www.hottytoddy.com/2017/04/04/ole-miss-musings-starke-miller-wealth-history-ole-miss-oxford/ ; The Local Voice of February 28, 2017 https://www.thelocalvoice.net/oxford/oxford-historian-starke-miller-offering-civil-war-tour/ ; or his Facebook Miller Civil War Tours.

Miller (left) and Ted Alexander, Antietam National Battlefield Park Historian, at a Civil War show

 

[UCVRelics]

I Love Oxford. My dad got his master at Ole Miss and been to many a game there and the Grove is awesome. Hottie Tottie Its a beautiful town with a LOT of History, paging @Ole Miss

 

[Ole Miss]

This jewel, I reckon that Starke's ears are burning, is offering tours of College Hill Presbyterian Church and cemetery. He knows where all the Confederates and other local historical persons are buried. I wish my ailing back would allow me to participate!
Regards
David

 

[Woods-walker]

I m fortunately going to meet him at Shiloh at 6am on April 6 I can hardly wait! Then we're coming your way David for an Oxford tour included Ole Miss playing The Tide

 

[Ole Miss]

Well my wife and I are faithful Ole Miss baseball fans are going to be at the game! Holler when you and the Jewel get together!
Regards
David

 

[UCVRelics]

I m fortunately going to meet him at Shiloh at 6am on April 6 I can hardly wait! Then we're coming your way David for an Oxford tour included Ole Miss playing The Tide

Don't forget we have the CW show in Corinth April 8 & 9

 

[Woods-walker]

Don't forget we have the CW show in Corinth April 8 & 9

Thanks- I'll remember to try to make it. We're under a tight schedule. We have tickets to a Rebel- Tide baseball game on the 8 th (I think in the PM and will be heading back to the Old Dominion on the morning of the 9th.
We'll try to stop for a few minutes on our way north.