Extremely Rare Southern Military Academy Buckle
(Fredonia, AL) – Dug near Mobile, Alabama
Begun in Fredonia, Alabama by Gibson Flournoy Hill and Nathaniel Walker Armstrong. Major N.W. Armstrong commanded the Battalion State Cadets, South Carolina Local Defense Troops (Charleston) during the War. He was teaching at the Citadel Academy during the War.
From Cadets on Campus: History of Military Schools of the United States, pp. 55:
“Nine military schools are known to have been established by Citadel alumni… In Alabama, Gibson Hill was assisted by N.W. Armstrong, Citadel Class of 1851. In establishing Southern Military Academy in Fredonia [Alabama] in 1851.”
“The Southern Military Academy was founded in 1851, with Gibson F. Hill, Esq., Principal and Proprietor, Major N.J. Armstrong, graduate of State Military Academy, South Carolina, a Dr. Putnum and J.S. Parker were instructors. In 1854, by special act of the Legislature, a bill was passes providing for a lottery to be held to raise funds for the Southern Military Academy. $60,000 was given in prizes in this lottery and the Academy received $25,000. The Academy was located one mile west of Fredonia on the Left side of the road. This Academy is believed to be the beginning of Alabama Polytechnic Institute.”
Fredonia “was known as a center of cultural and educational interest. An alert state legislature, not unmindful of these things, chose Fredonia as the site of an institution of higher learning. It was the Southern Military Academy and would flourish until the financial collapse of the Civil War Days.” No doubt cadets served in the War.
Interestingly, there is an 1865 stereoview of the Citadel which reads: “The Citadel and the Southern Military Academy, Charleston, S.C.” Since N.W. Armstrong went to the Citadel Academy, it is possible the Southern Military Academy joined the Citadel after its closure in Alabama, due to the War.
Absolutely great buckle. Massive research on Gobson Hill and Nathaniel Armstrong, the principal operators of the SMA.
Comes housed in 12 inch x 16 inch riker display case with red velvet backing and descriptive card.
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Inventory Number: CON 250