Friday, March 18, 2022

A Tennessee Civil War adventure: 'It's not a bus, it's a casino'

Tommy Roberts at the "Elmore Town Casino & Spa."

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So we head deep into the woods of moonshining country in Middle Tennessee, intent on finding the graves of two Civil War soldiers killed in the obscure Battle of Dug Hill. My guides are Tommy Roberts, retired Air Force, and his daughter Angela, retired intercontinental nuclear missile officer. (Truth.)

“Are there snakes back here?” someone in our group asks. “Oh, yes,” comes a reply. Gulp. 😗 And then we discover “it.” No, not that remote cemetery. “That,” says Tommy, pointing to a contraption abandoned near Mine Lick Creek, “is the “Elmore Town Casino & Spa.’” It looks like an old bus to me. Back in the day, the locals gambled and got liquored up at the “spa.”

Yes, we eventually find the graveyard but not the old homestead site nearby. This adventure also included a death-defying trip along a slippery, muddy path to a Unionist’s cave hideout; moonshining talk; a discussion of why local Republicans are raccoon hunters while Democrats are fox hunters (or was it the other way around?); and lava cake to die for at Cole’s Country Store. But the quote that sticks with me is ...

“It’s not a bus, it’s a casino.”

I’ve been invited back. Perhaps we’ll gamble in the spa and sip a little moonshine. Thank you, Angela and Tommy.

Much more to come about this adventure. Now, we're off to Andersonville, Ga.

Gulp!
I can’t believe we made it to the cave hideout of a Union soldier, an ancestor of my guide,
Tommy Roberts.
Guides Tommy Roberts and his daughter Angela at the remote gravesite of two Union soldiers who were killed at the Battle of Dug Hill.
Our objective: The graves of two 5th Tennessee Cavalry soldiers.

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3 comments:

  1. Rob Grant1:25 AM

    G'Day John,

    A pair of high top boots and loose baggy-legged trousers should protect you from the nip of a local "rattle bug" or copperhead. Besides, compared to our Taipan or Death Adder, you should have plenty of time to complete your will and seek out medical attention. :)

    Were those two dead Yanks brothers by chance (same last name)?

    Thanks for sharing the adventure.

    Cheers,

    Rob

    Far North Queensland, Australia

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. John Banks10:25 AM

      Hello, Rob: They were not brothers. So cool to see that out-of-the-way cemetery in moonshine country.

      Delete
  2. Anonymous1:13 AM

    November 9,1864 chicago Conspiracy Camp Douglas Civil War Camp.Fayette County 15 to 20 people arrested.Thomas J Prater said Meeting held near Ramsey illinois(schoolhouse) John Lorenz Meyer (Myer) said He came with Prater He lived 11 places near Ramsey/Bingham Fayette Co & Christian Co Taylorville & chicago conspiracy its meetings secret society Golden Circle. Other Names included: Thomas J Prater,Thomas J Sears, John L Meyer (Myer),George Beale, Easton Casey,Jas Sharp, J. Robinson (all fayette co) and James - Evan -Josesph Baker ShelbyCo.These Copperheads want Democrats to win and release confederate prisoners camp douglas.So were all apart of Clingman Band Gang? Rebel officer Thomas CLingman or Quantrill Guerrillas?

    ReplyDelete

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