It is not too often that I get out of my little corner of the world to find new and exciting history, and even more rare when military history is involved.  This week however I was fortunate to learn about an exhibit at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park which features Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee together!  This traveling feature was put together by the Virginia Historical Society; 

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VHS Exhibition Lee and Grant Lets You Decide

Richmond, VA – On October 20, 2007, the Virginia Historical Society (VHS) opened Lee and Grant, a new exhibition that provides a major reassessment of the lives, careers, and historical impact of Civil War generals Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant. The exhibit charts the development of historical thought and popular attitudes toward these significant historical figures in the years since the outbreak of the Civil War.

…more of the press release.

For residents of St. Louis these two men were particularly important for their contributions to the early life of the city.  Lee was an engineer who tweaked the path of the Mississippi River to help the harbor of St. Louis, and Grant had family ties to the area including the now famous local favorite "Grant’s Farm" attraction/historic site.  This aspect of the display will not disappoint.

The rest of the display runs as a compare and contrast of both men, showing their similarities and differences through their early life, their wartime exploits, and their post-war endeavors.  The centerpiece of the wartime discussion focuses around the Wilderness campaign with an impressive video and follow-along-map display hanging on the wall.  The Civil War is not overdone however, and anyone interested in their lives before and after the war will find much to interest them. 

It is worth a go if you are in the St. Louis area over the next few days (it ends Sept. 14, 2008).

More information. Schedule here (from press release);

After closing at the VHS on March 31, 2008, Lee and Grant travels to the Missouri Historical Society in St. Louis (May 17, 2008–September 7, 2008); the New-York Historical Society in New York City (October 17, 2008–March 29, 2009); the Museum of Southern History in Houston (May 23, 2009–September 20, 2009); and the Atlanta History Center (November 7, 2009–February 28, 2010).

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