10
Throwback Thursday 10 MAR 2022 – Coffee Mill Gun
Coffee Mill Gun?
Ordnance Innovation During the Civil War
The Civil War marked a tipping point to new innovations to fight a war.
One of those was the Agar gun developed by Wilson Agar from its appearance, it resembled a coffee mill. The bullets were inserted into steel sleeves which were reusable.
ABOUT THE BOOK:
In 1864, residents of Washington, D.C., mourned together at the largest funeral the district had ever seen. In the midst of the Civil War, the poor Irish neighborhood of the Island lost twenty-one mothers, sisters, and daughters. On June 17, dangerous working conditions and a series of unfortunate events led to the deadly explosion of a Federal arsenal at Fort McNair, where the young women made cartridges to assist the war effort. In the wake of the horrific event, a monument was erected at Congressional Cemetery to honor those who were lost. Author Brian Bergin similarly memorializes these women through his book, detailing the poor working conditions, the investigation into the avoidable events leading to the tragedy, and the reaction of a community already battered by the Civil War.
The Washington Arsenal Explosion:
Civil War Disaster in the Capital
Paperback
Washington Arsenal Demonstration
President Abraham Lincoln attended a demonstration of what some consider one of the first machine guns at Washington Arsenal. Lincoln was so impressed with the gun, that he bought ten of them on the spot. Several Union Generals also purchased the gun, but it was hardly used since the Ordnance Department thought it used too much ammunition.
Coffee Mill Gun Replica in action
Use During the Civil War
Ager “Coffee Mill” gun in the hands of the 96th Pennsylvania Volunteer Regiment, Camp Northumberland, northern Virginia, February 1862
OVER 200 HISTORICAL IMAGES, MAPS & ILLUSTRATIONS
The book, Images of America – Fort Lesley J. McNair contains over two hundred historical photographs, images, and illustrations that chronicle the two hundred plus years of history among the acres of this US Army Post.
The book “Images of America – Fort Lesley J McNair” is “a walk down memory lane” as one reader called it after he turned the last page. Go beyond
Images of America – Fort Lesley J. McNair augment the website and read more of the history with your own copy – BUY THE BOOK offers the opportunity to get either a personalized & autographed copy from the author or purchase the book from one of the major resellers.
BUY SOME OMAHA STEAKS
YUMMY … STEAKS!!!
22
Fort McNair’s 140-year-old building slated for renovation
By Leah Rubalcaba
Bldg. 17, located on the Fort McNair portion of the base, is one of the three oldest Bldgs. on Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall and is slated for a well-deserved renovation this year.
This 1 ½-story brick structure was constructed in 1881 using reclaimed brick from the former Washington Penitentiary that was built between 1825 and 1831. The only part of the penitentiary Bldg. that remains today is Fort McNair’s Bldg. 20.
Bldg. 17 first served as the guardhouse of the Washington Barracks — today’s Fort McNair. Fort McNair originated as a military post in 1791, when Pierre L’Enfant designated 28 acres of what was then known as Greenleaf Point as a military post, named the Washington Arsenal. The post was transferred to Quartermaster Corps in 1878, becoming the Washington Barracks, and in 1948, the barracks was named for Lt. Gen. Lesley J. McNair.
The Washington Arsenal Explosion:
Civil War Disaster in the Capital
Paperback
The only Washington Barracks buildings that exist on Fort McNair today include Bldgs. 17 and 20, along with Bldg. 21, known as the Model Arsenal, built in 1832.
From its beginnings as a guardhouse, Bldg. 17 was converted to housing around 1900 and served as officers’ quarters.
After Fort McNair opened a 9-hole golf course in 1972 in the field just north of Roosevelt Hall, between C and D Streets, Bldg. 17 housed the golf pro-shop for many years. According to Andy Finnerty, a recreation specialist with Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation, when he arrived at Fort McNair in 1995 to serve as the golf course manager, Bldg. 17 still housed the pro-shop and included a deli that was frequented by golfers and National Defense University students alike. The golf course eventually closed in 2003.
The Africa Center for Strategic Studies moved to Fort McNair in 2004 as a regional center affiliated with NDU. Some of the center’s personnel were housed in Bldg. 17 and, in April 2009, the building came to be known as the Africa Center for Strategic Studies Annex.
The nearly $3 million design-build contract for the Bldg. 17 renovation was awarded to XL Construction LLC.
According to project engineer Elihu Hirsch, with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Baltimore District, interior demolition work has already begun to expose the original ceiling of the building.
“The 1 ½ story of the building is based on the fact that, historically, the building had an exposed structure that allowed for natural interior lighting through the use of clerestory windows,” said Hirsch.
In architecture, a clerestory is a high section of the wall that contains windows above eye level to admit light and fresh air.
“We are planning on restoring the interior of the building, much as it looked originally, by removing much of the interior ceiling to expose the building roof structure and benefit from natural light from the three arched windows,” said Hirsch. “We are now above a drywall ceiling.”
Hirsch added that while the original windows will remain, damaged wood trim at the windows will be replaced. The floor and wall finishes will be updated, with the finishes inside the building restored to the way they existed in the 1800s.
Renovation work will also replace the building’s HVAC and electrical systems, including lighting. Bldg. 17 will benefit from a new access ramp installed at its entrance, as well as an Americans with Disability Act of the 1990-accessible restroom and a secure room for classified communication.
“We will also be removing a non-historic addition on the east side of the building that is being used for a storage room,” said Hirsch.
When asked if he had any reservations about working on the 140-year-old building, Hirsch replied, “We do not anticipate any issues with historical preservation. We are working closely with Kelly Whitton (cultural resources manager for Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall), and it is our intent to provide minimal exterior changes and restore the interior to look like it did historically.”
The anticipated completion date is Jan. 23, 2022.
NOTE: Leah Rubalcaba is the Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Community Relations Officer
OVER 200 HISTORICAL IMAGES, MAPS & ILLUSTRATIONS
The book, Images of America – Fort Lesley J. McNair contains over two hundred historical photographs, images, and illustrations that chronicle the two hundred plus years of history among the acres of this US Army Post.
The book “Images of America – Fort Lesley J McNair” is “a walk down memory lane” as one reader called it after he turned the last page. Go beyond
Images of America – Fort Lesley J. McNair augment the website and read more of the history with your own copy – BUY THE BOOK offers the opportunity to get either a personalized & autographed copy from the author or purchase the book from one of the major resellers.
BUY SOME OMAHA STEAKS
YUMMY … STEAKS!!!
7
Pentagon Event – 07 JUN 2018 Part One
A Milestone Event – Years in the Making!
Washington DC area is home to a few military installations. Most of which are very historical and significant in their role over time. Two of the US Army installations (Fort Myer and Fort Lesley J McNair) have been researched — and under additional research! Numerous historical photos, complemented by facts, events, and people that begin to tell the story of their history and contributions. Those stories have been chronicled in two books of over 200 telling and historical photos with annotated descriptive text.
At The Pentagon
As a way to announce the re-introduction of these books into the military clothing sales store, On 07 JUN, 2018, a milestone day, The Military Clothing Sales Store at the Pentagon hosted a first-time event – Meet the Author John Michael – featuring both books:
It was a delightful day for the military history enthusiasts, for they were able to meet the person behind the books and collect some additional insights into the history of these outstanding US Army Posts. Among the visitors during the day were some very interesting people who had long ties to each of these historical 
posts.
For those of you who missed the event, John Michael autographed several books of the store’s inventory for you to purchase so stop by and get yours.
Missed the Pentagon Event?
Didn’t make the event?
Want to purchase a personalized autographed copy?
CAN DO … right here on the website…
gives you several other options also!
BUY THE BOOK
Images of America – Fort Myer is a pictorial chronicle of the first one hundred years of history containing over two hundred photographs, maps, and images. Beginning in the 1860s and carrying through the 1960s it provides a view of what was over time. An autographed copy of the book can be purchased at BUY THE BOOK.
4
A Slain President is Honored – Lincoln in Springfield
PRESIDENT JOHNSON CLOSES THE GOVERNMENT
Lincoln’s Funeral Train
The body of Abraham Lincoln, slain president of the United States reached Springfield, Illinois by train. On 04 MAY, 1865 he was laid to rest in Oak Ridge Cemetery. This was after the 1,500-mile trip passing through 180 cities along the way that began on 21 APR 1865 in Washington, DC.
President Andrew Johnson issued an order to close down the United States government to honor the slain president.
THE WAR DEPARTMENT CLOSES –
MINUTE GUNS ORDERED
The War Department also issued an order to close on that day. Also, at Washington Arsenal, minute guns would be fired from noon until sunset to honor the slain president.
These orders appeared in the 04 MAY 1865 issue of the Washington Star newspaper. The excerpt is below:
Honors to the Memory of the Late President
OFFICIAL
Executive Mansion
Washington, May 4, 1965
This being the day of the funeral of the late President Abraham Lincoln, at Springfield, Illinois, the Executive Office and the various departments will be closed at 12 n to-day.
Andrew Johnson
President United States
——
War Department
Washington City, May 4, 1865
Ordered, 1. That the War Department and Bureaus and Offices connected with it be closed at 12 o’clock meridian, and remain closed during the day, in respect to the memory of our late beloved President, Abraham Lincoln, over whose mortal remains funeral services are to be performed this day, at his former residence in Springfield, Illinois.
2. That minute guns be fired every half hour at the Washington Arsenal, commencing at 12 o’clock, and continuing until sundown, and closing with a national salute.
By order of the Secretary of War.
Jas. A. Hardie, Brevet Brig. Gen’l and Inspector General, U.S.A.
——–
The Navy Department issues the following order to the commanders of the various Navy Yards by telegraph:
Navy Department, Washington, May 4, 1865
Have guns fired every half hour with a national salute in honor of the late President, whose funeral is now taking place at Springfield, Ill.
Gideon Weller,
Secretary of the Navy
1865 MAY 04 – Minute Guns fired at Washington Arsenal
honoring slain President Abraham Lincoln
Washington Star
National Salute Fired
The 21-gun salute was adopted as the standard salute for royalty in 1808. The United States fired a “national salute,” on special occasions and during times of mourning, of one gun for each state in the union until 1841, when the salute was standardized at 21 guns.
OVER 200 HISTORICAL IMAGES, MAPS & ILLUSTRATIONS
The book, Images of America – Fort Lesley J. McNair contains over two hundred historical photographs, images, and illustrations. They chronicle the two hundred plus years of history among the acres of this US Army Post.
The book “Images of America – Fort Lesley J McNair” is “a walk down memory lane” as one reader called it after he turned the last page. Go beyond the website and read more of the history with your own copy – BUY THE BOOK offers the opportunity to get either a personalized & autographed copy from the author or purchase the book from one of the major resellers.
Images of America – Fort Lesley J. McNair
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