Civil War Fortification Study Group

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The Civil War Fortification Study Group is dedicated to the study, preservation and dissemination of information of the most visible reminders of the sacrifices made during the American Civil War, the fortifications.

The CWFSG also known affectionately as the "Trench Nerds". was founded in 1993. Membership is comprised of historians, NPS personnel, preservationists, lecturers, other professionals and avocationals.

The CWFSG holds an annual meeting and seminar, in the Spring.

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Cumberland Gap from the overlook towards Cumberland Mountain and Ft. Farragut on the peak. Also visible is the powerline cut and road to Battery #7. Fern Lake is in the background

Members at Fort Pemberton Park, Mississippi

Memphis meeting 2008

This park is adjacent to the location where the "Star of the West" finally saw her end, blockading the river for the Confederates.

2009 Spring Meeting

The seventeenth annual meeting of the Civil War Fortification Study Group will be held the second weekend in March, at Cumberland Gap National Historical Park and Mills Springs. Three and a half days of wonderful fortifications, ranging from the heavily traveled tourist forts to some real out of the way regimental camps and fortifications where only the bear and deer roam.

We will also be heading to Mill Springs for an exciting day on the 1862 battlefield with dinner to follow. Our guide for Mill Springs will be Bill Neikirk.

Guiding the Cumberland Gap section will be David " the professor" Lowe, assisted by his T.N. in training, Jeff Grigg. Who recently completed a GPS/Gis survey of the CW resources for the park.

Be prepared for a lot of hiking, some off the trail climbing and cool weather. Hiking boots, not sneakers are recommended! Small backpacks, for water and lunch are also recommended, we will probably be lunching on the trail at least one day.

2009 Meeting Itinerary

Please note: this trip does involve quite a bit of hiking on park trails and some off path hiking. Please wear appropriate hiking shoes and a lightweight backpack or sling pack for lunch and water. You may also want to pack a poncho and extra socks. There is a Wal-mart across from the hotel for any needed supplies.

CIVIL WAR FORTIFICATION STUDY GROUP

November 29, 2008

Dear CWFSG Member,

The seventeenth annual meeting of the Civil War Fortification Study Group, scheduled for March 11 - 15, 2009, will be held at Middlesboro, Kentucky. Activities will encompass three days of field trips to explore fortifications preserved in and around Cumberland Gap and Mill Springs, Kentucky. It should be a good time to take a break and enjoy the companionship of fellow trench nerds as we stomp around a selection of western theater fortifications. The sites associated with Cumberland Gap will require considerable walking to ascend steep elevations over rugged mountainous terrain. The hikes will be arduous, but greatly rewarding for the opportunity to explore these well preserved and little known extensive fieldworks.

As a convenience, a room block has been arranged at the Holiday Inn Express, 1252 N. 12^th Street, Middlesboro, Kentucky 40965, for the nights of March 11-14 (departure on Sunday the 15^th). The standard rate for a room will be $76.95 per night (plus tax). Please call 606-248-6860 to reserve a room. The room block is listed under “The Civil War Fortification Study Group,” therefore be sure to inform them you are with the group to get the special meeting room rate and count the room against our group block, which will be held for reservations until March 1^st.

The registration fee for the 2009 meeting will be $110 per person for the full meeting, along with annual membership dues of $25 per member. For those who may not be able to attend the entire meeting, the daily registration will be $35 per day. More information about the itinerary will soon be posted on the webpage at http://www.cwfsg.org/.

Sincerely,

Stacy D. Allen

President, CWFSG

Members of the CWFSG during the St. Patrick's Day Blizzard, Winchester, Va. meeting 2007, 1st day in the sleet!