Object Record
Images
Metadata
Object Name |
Sword |
Title |
Henry A. Wise Sword |
Object ID |
1998.002.001ab |
Description |
Sword (sabre) with accompanying scabbard owned by Governor Henry A. Wise during the Civil War. Handle made of copper alloy and brass. Evidence of previous gold gilding of handle and scabbard, grip made of ray skin. Etched decorative design on blade. Wise was born in Drummondtown (now known as Accomac) in Accomack County, VA. He was the 33rd Governor of Virginia, the first from the Eastern Shore of Virginia, and held office from 1856 to 1860. Following his term as governor, Wise joined the Confederate Army as a Brigadier General. Wise surrendered the sword to his brother-in-law, Union General George G. Meade, at Appomattox Courthouse on April 9, 1865. The sword was subsequently returned to Wise as an honorable gesture. a: Sword; French import, etched with floral sprays and military motifs. b: Scabbard; of Confederate manufacture, possibly from Richmond, VA. |
Collection |
Museum Objects |
People |
Wise, Henry A. |
Search Terms |
Civil War Wise, Henry A. Governor Confederate |
Subjects |
Civil War |
Year Range from |
1860 |
Year Range to |
1865 |