The June 24, 1865 issue of the New York Freeman’s Journal and Catholic Register featured a poem by “Moina” entitled “The Conquered Banner.” Capturing the mourning resignation of the Confederate South after Appomattox, the poem became an instant classic and was set to music and published in song form before the year was out.
A pro-Confederate Englishman, Henry Houghton, read the poem and, in October 1865, wrote a poetic “Reply.” The two poems articulated competing attitudes of how Confederates should respond to defeat; the yin and yang between them still resonates today.
In 1861, the state of South Carolina altered its flag to include a palmetto tree as a symbol of defense and resilience. During the American Revolution, palmettos, which are ubiquitous to the South Carolina coast, provided much needed protection from British cannon at forts. The palmetto was a reminder of the strength of South Carolina and served as a poignant connection between the American Revolution and secession.
During the Civil War, home crafts like knitting became a way to support soldiers in the field in both the North and the South. This half finished sock was started by the wife of Robert E. Lee, Mary Custis Lee.
This small space was used by Burton Harrison, Personal Secretary to Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Harrison was responsible for handling personal and governmental correspondence for Davis, and was a constant figure in the White House of the Confederacy, living just one floor above this office.
Many items of furniture in the White House of the Confederacy hide extra features. This bookcase, or secretary, on display in the library of the White House, doubles as a small writing desk, with a felt writing surface. Tours are offered daily.
Before he became one of the most prominent former Confederates to join the Republican Party and become a U.S. Government employee, Col. John S. Mosby spent the first months after the war seething under what he called “Yankee despotism” and enduring harassment from Federal authorities. In this September 1865 letter to his battalion’s former surgeon, Dr.
Happy #WhiteHouseWednesday and National Dog Day! This table, which was used by Jefferson Davis in the White House of the Confederacy, is adorned with a carved setter dog on the stretchers between the legs. Today the table is on display in the Dining Room, and the little dog watches visitors as they enter the Parlor. Say “hi” to the dog on your next tour of the house.
When the museum first opened in the White House of the Confederacy, each state in the Confederacy had a room dedicated to the artifacts from that state. This is a photograph of the Virginia room, circa 1906. Our curators use these images to track our collection throughout our long history. The White House of the Confederacy is now decorated as the Davises might have known it: as a residence and governmental headquarters.
This cannon serves as a reminder that while the White House of the Confederacy was primarily a residence for the Davis family, it also served as a military and governmental headquarters throughout most of the war. The model cannon is a replica of the Civil War ordnance type used by the Richmond Howitzers, and it can be seen atop the fireplace mantle in Jefferson Davis’ office. Tours of the White House offered daily.