Cedar Trees: Caught at Codori Thicket
Handcrafted products from Gettysburg Sentinels are also made out of cedar. Cedar is a type of wood that's typically reddish-brown in color and has a pleasant smell. Similar to sycamore and walnut, it also has a straight grain and even texture. Since it's a softwood and resistant to rot and insects, cedar is often used for cabinets and chests. Magnifying glasses, bottle stoppers, and pens can also be purchased using cedar wood.
From Tragedy to Legacy
The cedar wood in some of these products comes from Battlefield trees found at Codori Thicket. This area is notable due to the sacrifice of the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment, which faced a Confederate brigade four times its size. The 1st Minnesota charged the Confederate troops with bayonets due to a gap in the Union line, which, if breeched, would have split up parts of the Union army.
While 215 of the 262 men were killed or wounded, the 1st Minnesota bought valuable time for Union reinforcements to reinforce the gap. The Codori Farm and the thicket later became the center of Pickett’s Charge on July 3rd.
Oak Trees: Honoring Mighty Generals
Oak wood is also used by Gettysburg Sentinels to make their handcrafted products. There are several different types of oak, including red and white oak. Oak is durable, has a grain pattern, and is resistant to moisture and insects. This is why this wood is a popular medium for furniture, flooring, and outdoor items. Key fobs, desks, and cigar cases made of wood from both Witness and Battlefield trees can be purchased from the shop!
Some of the oak wood used to make these items actually come from two oak Witness trees: General John Buford’s Oak and General James Longstreet’s Oak. The Union army’s General Buford is a notable figure in the Battle of Gettysburg because he and his men were the first to encounter Confederate troops at Gettysburg. Buford and his men held the high ground while they waited for reinforcements to arrive, which ultimately prevented the area from falling into Confederate hands. Confederate General James Longstreet is similarly notable due to his reluctance to support General Robert E. Lee’s frontal assault on Gettysburg on July 3rd, which led to the devastating rebel defeat known as Pickett’s Charge.
History in Your Hands
You can explore handcrafted wooden products made with sycamore, walnut, cedar, and oak woods here. While wooden items are a handsome addition to any home, knowing that these objects come from trees like Abraham Lincoln’s Sycamore, General John Buford’s Oak, and James Longstreet’s Oak that were witnesses to history brings another level of pride and understanding that few other things can compare to.
Take a look at our unique hand-crafted items made from the wood of the Battle of Gettysburg. Each piece is made with care and attention to detail and is a perfect addition to any history enthusiast's collection. They also make wonderful gifts!
Order now and own a piece of history!