Hartford in the Civil War Quest
Click on the links to see the resources the students used to write the quests along with lessons and worksheets. An overview of the entire process is available here.
There are three types of clues:
- Movement Clues (italics)
Serve to move questers from one place in the cemetery to the next. - Teaching Clues (bold)
Share information that students learned through researching both primary and secondary sources. - Puzzle clues (red)
Add an extra challenging and entertaining element to both the writing of the quest and the quest itself.
Setting: Hartford, Vermont, winter 1860.
The fields have been put to sleep, and in November President Lincoln is elected under the banner, “We cannot be a nation divided, half slave and half free.” As southern states secede, President Lincoln calls for 75,000 troops. This quest begins at the stone of Allen Gilson, one of the first to answer the call.
Pass one gate, pass two,
Turn where the drive waits for you.
Allen P. Gilson, you will see,
Who rode in the First Regiment Cavalry.
The last letter of this soldier’s name: N
Between the two trees, hydrangeas are these,
On through two Hazens, move on if you please.
On four stones shaped like a steeple,
You will find some Fenno people.
Of the plants which decorate this plot,
Which of them are native, which are not?
Look left, a tall trio you will see,
One served in the war, revered was he.
The last letter of this veteran’s last name: Y
Leave this old tomb that’s marked with a shield –
At Ed Blaisdell’s stone a rusty star feel.
Ed Blaisdell enlisted at age 24,
And went down to Washington ready for war.
His company built strong fortifications,
Compared to bloodshed, this was vacation!
When called to Virginia, that duty ended.
On company H, the Union depended.
Ed’s second wife survived him by almost 4 years.
Put the 3rd letter of her first name here: A
Beside Amanda Blaisdell lies Ed’s comrade Charles,
Who fought for the Union in the 11th Vermont Vols.
Tired, hungry and scared, they marched into battle,
Those shots whizzing by made their weary bones rattle.
One private’s canteen was shot from his side –
That bullet just missed him, but not very wide!
Sweet letters from home brought them news and concern
That to vices like drinking and gambling they’d turn.
But the sinful temptations kept cold fear at bay,
As the fiddler, the drummer and the piper would play.
What’s the 4th letter of Mr. Davis’ first name? R
East of Mr. Davis, many spires you will see,
Seek the one that’s shrouded in stone drapery.
With many tall shapes reaching up toward the sky,
Nature’s art will sure catch your eye.
What is the first letter of Berkley, Maude, Anna and Mira’s last name? W
Turn round and walk past a family of Boyd,
On past the Brooks family returned to the void.
Look at two stones and you’ll see on the right,
Civil War Soldier Orin Watkins, his name barely in sight.
Last letter of Orin’s last name: S
Further east; pass the cloth on the obelisk top,
There are some figures on the ground where you should stop.
Marguerite did not serve in the Civil War,
But fought for freedom in the Marine Corps.
The 5th letter of our vets; first name is? U
Now, look around for a log that’s carved out of stone,
Private Pinney survived, from the war he came home.
The letter between Private Pinney’s middle initial and his last name: O
Toward the rusty stone walk, and stop on your way,
To linger with Sylvia, but don’t read all day.
What is the 1st letter of Sylvia’s 2nd husband’s 1st name? R
Take twenty steps east, passing two B’s,
Stop and ponder the weeping trees.
The 8th letter of Emily’s husband’s first name: P
Off to the left, a small column you’ll spy,
Go discover where Nash’s old dry bones lie.
The 3rd letter of the organisms growing on this stone: C
Albin Nash signed up for the Mass Volunteers,
Not knowing his regiment would fight far from here.
To Louisiana went all the men,
To wonder if they would see New England again.
They missed the fresh air and cool summer water,
For summer down south got hotter and hotter.
That trip, eleven died from wounds and from shot,
But one hundred and one from diseases they got.
While facing old Albin (that’s East don’t you know)
Take 10 skips forward then right you will go.
Move past all the tablets of Baileys and Browns,
At left are the Allens all close to the ground.
SJ Allen served his country and his friends in Hartford in more ways than one,
It seems he was both a doctor and superintendent when not carrying his gun.
Leave SJ behind you and study the land,
The tallest of markers a nice pinkish tan.
There is but one other its color and height,
It blends with the trees and it’s up to the right.
Go see Mr. Lyman and learn what he’s done,
At Petersburg, Ed last laid down his gun.
If you take a moment to look round this plot,
A stone for each story, their own special spot.
All except Julia’s a letter they share,
Read them and you’ll find it, you’re answer’s right there. E
Retreat to Gilson, who lies in the west,
Head north to discover what’s next on your Quest.
Past the stone wall, and over your shoulder,
March up to salute the old granite soldier.
Place your letters in order and see,
The end of this Veterans’ Day mystery.
N O R W A Y
1 2 3 4 5 6
S P R U C E
7 8 9 10 11 12
Population of Vermont in 1860 = 315,098
Soldiers who volunteered to fight = 34,238
Number who died = 5,224
Civil War veterans buried in Hartford cemetery = 100
© 2007 Vital Communities