The Museum of the Confederacy in Richmond, Virginia

Within hours of my arrival in Richmond, I learned an interesting tidbit. Our local tour guide was at the microphone, giving us an overview of the city. His words were matter-of-fact and carried the proper southern cadence. “We don’t call it the Civil War around here. That’s because there was nothing civil about it. We prefer to say, the recent unpleasantness.” That was a comment I would not soon forget. Although there are many aspects to the city, Richmond may be best known for its role in the Civil War.

The Museum of the Confederacy (MOC) is popular even among those who have only a mild interest in the conflict. On the other hand, if you’re a Civil War buff, this is heaven. It’s comprised of two buildings, the White House of the Confederacy and the museum itself.

Jefferson Davis and his family lived in the mansion from 1861 to 1865, making it the official residence of the first and only President of the Confederate States of America. The Davis family fortunes peaked and plummeted depending on the course of war. So much human drama played out within those walls! Five Davis children, no doubt made it a lively place.

No longer noisy with the sounds of children or the footsteps of servants, time came to a standstill in this dwelling. It is considered to be one of the nation’s premier historic home restorations, due to its furnishings and decorative arts.

The house is accessible via guided tours which last roughly 40 minutes. Our small group toured the eleven rooms and learned the tragic fate of five-year old Joe Davis who fell some 15 feet from the grand portico to his death. I had to wonder if his essence still lingers in the place he called home.

The adjoining museum contains the world’s most comprehensive collection of artifacts from the short-lived Confederate States of America. Three floors display memorabilia. The war becomes far more personal when you see black mourning attire or read a soldier’s letter.

A major claim to fame – they possess one-third of the known Confederate flags in existence. While some of the flags came from private donations, others were captured flags entrusted to the museum. The collection ranges from regimental flags to national flags. In order to preserve these rare specimens, the MOC initiated a long-term conservation program in 1993. The silk flags are especially fragile and are kept within a custom-built flat storage system.

The photo collection of 6000 original images portrays southern life during the war years. Unlike photos from our time period, these faces appear so reserved, even severe, with few smiles to be seen. It occurred to me that perhaps they couldn’t find much to smile about. A country divided is not a pretty picture.

The MOC Is located at 12th and Clay Streets in Richmond’s historic Court End neighborhood, two blocks from the State Capitol and Capitol Square.