Why stuff a horse?

[NH Civil War Gal]

Why "Stuff" A Horse? - Emerging Civil War

I’ve been reading the book entitled Confederate Exceptionalism by Nicole Maurantonio, and it has a chapter about “relics” connected to Stonewall Jackson. The prime “relic” discussed in the chapter is Little Sorrel’s taxidermy hide which the author clearly did not relish seeing. The chapter had...

emergingcivilwar.com

Go to the link to read about the taxidermy of both "Little Sorrel" and "Winchester." They both had the same taxidermist!

Circling back to the idea that decisions to preserve objects or places from the past tells something about legends, historic cultural values, and tangible memory, stuffed Winchester does just that. At some level, he proves that the legendary ride from Cedar Creek happened — albeit not quite the way the poetry claims. The culture of the 1870's was looking to preserve objects connected to Civil War victories, and when Winchester died he became an object to add to the Union collection. As time passed, the old black warhorse became more entrenched by memory. Undoubtedly more people wander by Sheridan's horse in the Smithsonian today than purposely visit Sheridan's grave in Arlington National Cemetery on an average day. The man is gone, but the horse's hide is enshrined and visible, ensuring that a piece of tangible memory still stands to remind generations about the Union victory day at Cedar Creek.

In an interesting contrast between the two preserved Civil War horses (ones preserved with fully intact hides), one is often framed as the horse that carried "Stonewall" Jackson on his fateful ride at Chancellorsville and the other is the horse that carried Sheridan to victory at Cedar Creek. Whether intentionally or not in its current museum display, Little Sorrel is often associated with aspects of the Lost Cause and the night the Confederacy lost Jackson as a battlefield commander. By contrast, Winchester is an icon of a Union victory. Also, both horses are connected to the Shenandoah Valley and could possibly be seen as visible representations of the 1862 and 1864 Campaigns in that region, though to my knowledge they are not generally interpreted together or in that way.

Whether you think its cool, weird, or just a mote point that Jackson and Sheridan's famous horses were "preserved," these "artifacts" of war do offer an opportunity to stop and ponder aspects of Civil War memory. Memory takes twists and turns as time goes on, sometimes good, sometimes bad, and sometimes just very strange. And it's okay to wonder about or acknowledge that along the way!

 

[JOHN42768]

I don't see any collation of good and bad with the horses anymore then any of the hundreds of statues of the Generals. As to stuffing a dead horse makes any sense, the jury is out on that subject. Most all members have some relic from either or both sides and I highly doubt they associate good or bad no more then what already is in what they have heard or read. iMHO.

 

[Nathan Stuart]

The taxidermy of these famous horses for preservation purposes highlights that there are varied and interesting (at least for some) ways to present Civil War history for posterity.

 

[1SGDan]

a horse is horse unless of course the name of the horse is Mr. Ed. Otherwise they have no historical value.

 

[UCVRelics]

Little Sorrel is often associated with aspects of the Lost Cause and the night the Confederacy lost Jackson as a battlefield commander. By contrast, Winchester is an icon of a Union victory.

That might be one way to look at it but I believe they were just famous horses that belonged to famous riders.

 

[lupaglupa]

It strikes me as an odd monument to the memory of the War. But if it's special to some folks - why not?

 

[Bonny Blue Flag]

Mr. Ed would have his own point of view on this one!

--BBF

 

[BarryR]

Roy Rogers horse Trigger died in 1965 which was stuffed and placed in a rearing position on display in the Smithsonian..Seems a bit over the top for me...

 

[Kathy the history sleuth]

Why "Stuff" A Horse? - Emerging Civil War

I’ve been reading the book entitled Confederate Exceptionalism by Nicole Maurantonio, and it has a chapter about “relics” connected to Stonewall Jackson. The prime “relic” discussed in the chapter is Little Sorrel’s taxidermy hide which the author clearly did not relish seeing. The chapter had...

emergingcivilwar.com

Go to the link to read about the taxidermy of both "Little Sorrel" and "Winchester." They both had the same taxidermist!

Circling back to the idea that decisions to preserve objects or places from the past tells something about legends, historic cultural values, and tangible memory, stuffed Winchester does just that. At some level, he proves that the legendary ride from Cedar Creek happened — albeit not quite the way the poetry claims. The culture of the 1870's was looking to preserve objects connected to Civil War victories, and when Winchester died he became an object to add to the Union collection. As time passed, the old black warhorse became more entrenched by memory. Undoubtedly more people wander by Sheridan's horse in the Smithsonian today than purposely visit Sheridan's grave in Arlington National Cemetery on an average day. The man is gone, but the horse's hide is enshrined and visible, ensuring that a piece of tangible memory still stands to remind generations about the Union victory day at Cedar Creek.

In an interesting contrast between the two preserved Civil War horses (ones preserved with fully intact hides), one is often framed as the horse that carried "Stonewall" Jackson on his fateful ride at Chancellorsville and the other is the horse that carried Sheridan to victory at Cedar Creek. Whether intentionally or not in its current museum display, Little Sorrel is often associated with aspects of the Lost Cause and the night the Confederacy lost Jackson as a battlefield commander. By contrast, Winchester is an icon of a Union victory. Also, both horses are connected to the Shenandoah Valley and could possibly be seen as visible representations of the 1862 and 1864 Campaigns in that region, though to my knowledge they are not generally interpreted together or in that way.

Whether you think its cool, weird, or j

That might be one way to look at it but I believe they were just famous horses that belonged to famous riders.

ust a mote point that Jackson and Sheridan's famous horses were "preserved," these "artifacts" of war do offer an opportunity to stop and ponder aspects of Civil War memory. Memory takes twists and turns as time goes on, sometimes good, sometimes bad, and sometimes just very strange. And it's okay to wonder about or acknowledge that along the way!

 

[Kathy the history sleuth]

I read this on Emerging Civil War today.
I enjoyed seeing Little Sorrel at VMI. I was surprised at how small he was, as he is always described. I suppose since these horses become so famous it's fun to see them "in the flesh' I put coins on Traveler's grave while I was in Lexington too.

 

[UCVRelics]

Now if they had stuffed one of the 29 horses that was shot out from under Gen Nathan B Forrest, That would be something I would pay to see.

 

[Story]

There is an emotional connection between horse and rider that can not be fathomed by those who have not experienced it.

Civil War Horse Sculpture, Middleburg, Virginia

Bronze depiction of a saddled, sad Civil War steed pays tribute to the war's 1.5 million fallen horses and mules.

www.roadsideamerica.com

 

[FarawayFriend]

There is an emotional connection between horse and rider that can not be fathomed by those who have not experienced it.

Civil War Horse Sculpture, Middleburg, Virginia

Bronze depiction of a saddled, sad Civil War steed pays tribute to the war's 1.5 million fallen horses and mules.

www.roadsideamerica.com

Good point!
To me the horses are a more "vivid" connection to these important generals than, let's say a sword. When these horses were still alive both Stonewall Jackson and Sheridan would have spoken to them, petted them, have an affectionate relationship with them. They were more than just "tools", they were four-footed-friends, so that makes them priceless mementos.
Although if the grade of decay of the hide becomes a shame, it is better to take them away from public viewing than to insult the memory of their service and that of their famous riders.

 

[Cavalier]

I was very impressed with Sheridan''s horse when I saw it at the Smithsonian many years ago. I would very much like to see it again. I feel a connection to the historical character I am familiar with when I can view a possession of theirs like Stuart's gloves or Sheridan's horse, especially if it is also associated with a historical event. But there was definitely something kinda special about seeing that horse.

Not sure if Keogh's horse Comanche is stuffed anywhere, but if he is, I'd like to see him too.

John

 

[Gary Morgan]

Roy Rogers horse Trigger died in 1965 which was stuffed and placed in a rearing position on display in the Smithsonian..Seems a bit over the top for me...

I remember reading an interview with Roy Rogers back in the 80's or so, where he joked that when he died, he wanted to be stuffed, too, and sat up on Trigger for all eternity (he was not!).

Trigger's wikipedia page has some interesting stories about him (The Denver Bronco's mascot is apparently based on him). It says his stuffed remains were sold for over a quarter of a million dollars by someone who plans to display him in a Western Museum (May or may not be true; it is Wikipedia, after all). But if it is true, the money that he brought would be a heck of a reason to taxidermy a famous horse!

Trigger (horse) - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[7thWisconsin]

I met Roy Rogers in the early 70s and I remember him saying that even then!
I first saw Sheridan´s horse, Winchester, in a Smithsonian visit when I was about 12. I had been reading about the Civil War for a couple years by that point and knew instantly what horse I was looking at. It was a very exciting moment. You can read about how that little man sat on top of a big horse, but you really see how big when you see him in person (Winchester, not Sheridan.) Winchester was restored a few years ago. I was very pleased with the work. He still looks like he´s ready for a spin around the block!

 

[Tony Z]

Why stuff a horse?

To hide the "gamey" flavor?

 

[Kathy the history sleuth]

I think they should have stuffed Sherman's horse Duke or Johnston's horse Fire Eater. We know them all by heart. I don't think I've ever seen a picture of Fire Eater, unless there is a painting.

 

[UCVRelics]

General Nathan B Forrest had 30 horses shot out from under him during the CW. I would pay money to see a stuffed Roderick as he was of the same mind set as the General. At least there is a monument to him and it has not been removed and relocated as his owner was At the March 1863 Battle of Thompson's Station, Tenn. Roderick had been shot three times and removed from the front, but he jumped three fences to return to his master's side, where he suffered a fourth and fatal wound. As the legend goes, Forrest knelt and wept beside his dying steed.