Memorial Day 2023

As we enter the Memorial Day Weekend to remember and honor the men and women who have died while serving in a branch of the United States Armed Forces, we look at items from our collection which highlight the 24^th Regiment of the Connecticut Volunteers.

A number of Haddam and Higganum men served in the 24^th during the Civil War, which was organized in Middletown on November 11, 1862, under the command of Colonel Samuel M. Mansfield. Colonel Mansfield was the son of the well-known Major General Joseph Mansfield of Middletown, who was shot riding into battle at Antietam and died shortly thereafter. The 24^th Regiment served primarily in Louisiana including the siege and assault of Port Hudson and the Bayou Teche Campaign.

At least five Haddam/Higganum men from the 24^th died participating in battle. Russell Spencer died during the Port Hudson Siege and Harrison Brainard was only twenty when he died from wounds, he also sustained at Port Hudson. Aaron Dickinson, age 23, died on Ship Island “after having served in the siege and taking of Port Hudson”. Two more casualties of Port Hudson included Cyrus Spencer and George Wetmore (age 21). These men were young and had their entire lives ahead of them or had young families who relied on them. We remember them and the sacrifice they made.