the Scottish Chief

Not much going on in the news this week relating to North Carolina and the War. I did find this item of interest. Recently, divers found the remains of a couple of Blockade Runners in the Hillsborough River near Tampa, Florida. Having grown up re-enacting in the Sunshine State, I often like to take note of events related to the war years. So what does this have to do with North Carolina and the war? One of those recently found blockade runners was a 124-foot oak and pine steamer named the Scottish Chief. It is thought that this vessel was built in North Carolina in 1855. During the war, the vessel carried cotton and beef hides to Cuba, and returned with ammunition, wine, and maybe a cigar ortwo to Florida. The Scottish Chief and another blockade runner, the Katie Dale, were damaged and later sunk during a Union raid in October 1863. The Katie Dale has also been found, along with a barge. Once again, just one of those small pieces of the war. There are numerous articles on the Scottish Chief and the Katie Dale all over the internet. Check a few of them out.

On a different note, I’ll be attending the Banner Elk Heritage Festival tomorrow. The festival is held at the Banner House, built by a Union soldier in 1865. Stop by and say hi.