"Stonewall Jackson of the West"

This rare, one of a kind buckle, sword belt, and sash belonged to Confederate Major General Patrick R. Cleburne. Known as the "Stonewall Jackson of the West," Cleburne was born in County Cork, Ireland, on March 17, 1821 and came to America in 1849. After settling in Helena, Arkansas, he became an apothecary and later a lawyer. At Franklin, he had two horses shot from beneath him. According to an eyewitness, Cleburne "moved forward on foot waving his cap and was lost sight of in the smoke and din of battle. " Cleburne fell between the cotton gin and the Columbia Pike within sight of the Carter House, a single bullet piercing his heart. The loss of general officers in this battle was staggering to the morale of the Confederate army. General's Adams, Carter, Gist, Granbury, Cleburne and Strahl were killed, and Cockerell, Quarles, Manigault, and Scott were wounded. General Gordon was dragged over the Union breastworks by his hair and captured. Confederate President Jefferson F. Davis would remember Cleburne as being equal to Stonewall Jackson and Robert E. Lee in "ability and leadership." Cleburne's sword belt, sash and buckle were sent to his fiancé Sue Tarleton, of Mobile, Alabama after the battle.

These artifacts can be seen on display at
General Sweeny's Civil War Museum

If you have any questions feel free to E-Mail Tom Sweeny