The death of compromise, Henry Clay's funeral -- The death of union and the martyrdom of Elmer Ellsworth and Stonewall Jackson -- George Peabody, Robert E. Lee, and the boundaries of reconciliation -- Charles Sumner and Joseph E. Johnston: mourning, memory, and forgetting -- Extraordinary demonstrations of respect: Frederick Douglass, Winnie Davis, and standards of public grief.
Summary:
"This illuminating book examines how the public funerals of major figures from the Civil War era shaped public memories of the war and allowed a diverse set of people to contribute to changing American national identities. These funerals featured lengthy processions that sometimes crossed multiple state lines, burial ceremonies open to the public, and other cultural productions of commemoration such as oration and song. As Sarah J. Purcell reveals, Americans' participation in these funeral rites led to contemplation and contestation over the political and social meanings of the war and the roles played by the honored dead"-- Provided by publisher.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.