XENIA — The Ohio Historical Society has chosen a Xenia local to be one of 15 members of the state’s 150th Civil War anniversary committee.
Catherine Wilson, the Executive Director of the Greene County Historical Society, has a deep passion for the Civil War. “I’ve been interested in the Civil war since I was a kid,” said Wilson, who can trace her family lineage to several soldiers who fought in the war. Being chosen as one of only a handful of Ohioans to plan the state’s remembrance of the war is something Wilson is suitable enthusiastic about. “It’s almost awe-inspiring. I am so, so excited.”
Her excitement stems from her understanding of how important Xenia is in the history of the state and the Civil War. “Xenia was a big railroad hub and a lot of troops came through here,” said Wilson. “It was a mid point for a lot of people. A number of troops were sick and died when they got here and they are buried in the Woodland cemetery.”
The number of troops who came through the city doesn’t reflect Xenia’s above average participation in the war. “Greene County had the highest percentage of residents join the war of any county, with 13.6 percent going off to fight,” said Wilson. This astonishing percentage was commemorated with a banner that was destroyed in the tornado of 1974.
“There’s a lot of history from that era around here,” said Wilson. Wilberforce University, one of the first African-American universities in the nation, was established around the time of the Civil War, and women were allowed to attend Antioch College on the same footing as men. The railroads fostered a large population boom at the same time as the war.
Ohio’s celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War will span from 2011 to 2015, with Wilson serving on the committee for the duration. “History doesn’t have to be dry and boring. It can be fun,” said Wilson. “I want to say ‘This is your town and this is why your town is so important to the Civil War and Ohio’s history.’”
Wilson is looking for input from the community on ways to celebrate the anniversary, and suggestions can be delivered to the Greene County Historical Society either in person, through their Facebook page, or through e-mail at gchsxo@sbcglobal.net. The first meeting of the committee will be on Jan. 28.
Reader Comments Posted: Wednesday, January 27, 2010 Max Terman
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