| Charles H. Olmstead papers, 1861-1921 (MS 599) This collection contains Charles Olmstead's memoirs, which detail his military career, five articles, and correspondence. Most of the collection pertains to his Civil War experiences, including the surrender of Fort Pulaski, being a prisoner of war, and raising the U.S. flag on Tybee Lighthouse in November, 1861. The collection also includes an article written by Olmstead about life in Savannah in the 1840s.  | | Fort Pulaski after the siege. |
Charles Hart Olmstead (1837-1926) was born in Savannah, the son of Jonathan Olmstead (1798-1854) and Eliza (Hart) Olmstead (1802-1881). He was educated in private schools in Savannah and at the Georgia Military Institute, Marietta, Ga., where he graduated in 1856. At the outbreak of the Civil War he, as Adjutant of the 1st Ga. Vol. Regt., was ordered to seize Fort Pulaski in January, 1861. He was Colonel in command of the Fort on its surrender to Federal forces in April 1862. He was taken prisoner, sent first to Governors Island, N.Y. then to Johnsons Island, Ohio. He was exchanged in Vicksburg, Miss., and again served with Confederate forces in and around Charleston, S.C. and Savannah. He assumed command of the 3rd Military District of S.C., but was soon ordered to take command of the 1st Ga. vol. Regt, which joined the Army of Tennessee for the remainder of the War. In addition to his "Memoirs" and articles on the Civil War, Olmstead wrote a book and articles on Savannah history. Click here to search the GHS Online Catalog. |
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