July 18, 2014

**Antietam Friday**

 

This photo of the Piper farm, taken from the Bloody Lane observation tower, shows an interesting contrast of historic and modern. The farm has some interesting stories surrounding it, including being used as a headquarters by Confederate Gen. Longstreet and later being put to use by Federal troops. The Antietam National Battlefield has so much natural beauty; check out the mountains dipping gracefully in the far distance. I’m sure the farmers who settled this land knew how fortunate they were to have such sights literally right outside their doorsteps.

**HONORED TODAY**

PVT. WILLIAM F. NELMS

Co. B, 5^TH Texas Infantry

Born 1842 --- Died July 09, 1863 at age 21

Pvt. Nelms had been wounded at 2^ND Bull Run/Manassas before Gettysburg, but while he survived the first wound, he succumbed to the second after undergoing a leg amputation. He was later buried at Hollywood Cemetery in Richmond, Virginia.


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