Unusual Civil War “Alarm Bell” recovered at Cedar Creek (SOLD,BG)

This is another interesting item being offered, it is referred to as a Civil War “Alarm Bell”. The bell itself measures 3” x 3” x 1 ½”. When dug it had the iron ring with it and was attached by a piece of wire. This rusted away so I attached a small wire to keep the two pieces together. Because of the area of recovery, it was no doubt placed with others to serve as alarms to signal those on picket duty of Confederates attempting to penetrate the lines. This was a practice used throughout the war by both sides. It was recovered years ago near a Union campsite at the Cedar Creek Virginia Battlefield.

Because of the area of recovery, it was no doubt placed with others to serve as alarms to signal those on picket duty of Confederates attempting to penetrate the lines. The Battle of Cedar Creek, fought on October 19, 1864, was the culminating battle of the Valley Campaign of 1864. Confederate General Jubal Early launched a surprise attack against the encamped army of General Philip Sheridan, across Cedar Creek, near Strasburg, Virginia.

During the morning fighting, seven Union infantry divisions were forced to fall back and lost numerous prisoners and cannons. Early failed to continue his attack north of Middletown, and Sheridan, dramatically riding to the battlefield from Winchester, was able to rally his troops to hold a new defensive line. A Union counterattack that afternoon routed Early's army.

At the conclusion of this battle, the final Confederate invasion of the North had effectively ended. The Confederacy was never again able to threaten Washington, D.C. through the Shenandoah Valley. While securing Sheridan with lasting fame, the battle ended the career of General Early. It also helped to assure the re-election of Abraham Lincoln, who needed a victory to inspire the war-weary North. Two future U.S. presidents, Rutherford B. Hayes and William McKinley served on the field at Cedar Creek, as did the future legendary General George Custer.

The bell is complete and still has the clapper inside and will ring. There is overall rust but there is no chipping or flaking, and it has been coated for preservation. It would make a great addition to any Civil War collection.