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From now until 30 JUN 2013 – Add an author autographed copy of the book to your library

Why?  With over 200 timeless historic photographs, it features a note from Abraham Lincoln, first published in the book that highlights the connection between the 16th President and Major General Amiel Weeks Whipple

Select FREE SHIPPING and in days your “Personalized”  book will be in your hands and the adventure will begin to provide you with the first one hundred years of this historic US Army Post with origins during the US Civil War when it began as Fort Whipple.

Learn about military aviation’s beginnings, the National Weather Service,  and…

NOTE

One Dollar $1.00 of your purchase price will be donated to the Army Historical Foundation to help build the National Museum of the US Army.

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The post HAPPY BIRTHDAY – IMAGES of AMERICA – FORT MYER! appeared first on Historic Fort Myer VIRGINIA.

The acres have changed much in those century and a half. The drill field where hundreds of horses with mounted riders rode, kicking up dust or where the Wright Flyer flew overhead, the rustic trails where the troopers practiced their saber charge and trenches were dug to train for WW I and later where the Jeep from Bantam Car Company was tested and approved, are gone.

Where Rodney retired and a tribute to the US Army Remount Service was made with the movie “Keep ‘Em Rolling” – The first commercial movie filmed on Fort Myer, including the first instance of “caisson drag racing” on the drill field.

South Post – Fort Myer where during WW II nearly 2000 WACs (Women’s Army Corps) lived and a complement of Soldiers who worked in the newly built Pentagon. Also the site of the “Troop Chapel” dedicated by Chief of Staff George Marshall – and then was duplicated 500 times across the US Army. The Military Police school called South Post home from the beginning.

US Army units that have called Fort Myer home have included numerous Cavalry Regiments – Capped off by the 3d - “Brave Rifles” and squadrons of the 9th and 10th – The “Buffalo Soldiers”. Home to the Signal Corps School where General Albert J Myer continued the use of the acres after the Civil War was over to teach the wig-wag system of signaling as well as the heliograph. The National Weather Service was born and developed on these historic acres with the needs promoting the exploration into aerial flight.

Alexander Graham Bell’s invention saw its first use among the US Army Signal Corps as the first long distance line ran between Fort Myer and their headquarters across the Potomac in Washington.

The mark of Patton … among each of his tours on Fort Myer,  General George S. Patton, Jr., he left an imprint that affected the US Army and or the Post, from the Society Circus, to the iconic “Old Post Chapel”  - the design borrowed by the US Navy.   Patton Hall, known to most as “the O Club” is a standing tribute recognizing his contributions to Fort Myer.

Even the US Navy left an imprint upon the acres when it erected the first radio towers, “The Three Sisters” which enabled communication with the fleet and capability to communicate with Europe and across the United States.

Fort Myer is home to the US Army Band “Pershing’s Own” since the 1940s.  The other long time resident unit is the 3d Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard”.   Together. they form a partnership to perform all the ceremonial duties and events within the National Capital Region – the most honorable among those duties and events is the support for the final honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

Whipple, Myer, Patton, Marshall, Pershing are only a few of the names that are among those who over the years set their mark on the Arlington Heights acres.

Happy Birthday Fort Myer!

PS …  You too can own an autographed copy of the book “Images of America – Fort Myer” … The First Book About this Historic US Army Post.  It contains over 200 “timeless historic photographs” which chronicle the first 100 years of the Post.

The post Happy Birthday Fort Myer – Defending the Capital for 150 Years appeared first on Historic Fort Myer VIRGINIA.

Images of America
Fort Myer

It’s coming… the kindle version …  the book “Images of America – Fort Myer” is in the queue to be converted and released in  the Kindle
version.   Arcadia Publishing has sent an alert that it will be available soon.   Watch this space for an announcement of its availability.  Historic Fort Myer began in 1863 as Fort Whipple, one of the nearly 70 forts that formed the Defenses of Washington.  Since the 1940s, it’s been the home of The US Army Band “Pershing’s Own” and the 3d Infantry Regiment, “The Old Guard”  (named by General Winfield Scott).

For those of you who still prefer a paper copy – especially if you would like an autographed copy –  it’s time to head to  BUY THE BOOK and select your choice.

In either case, you’ll be presented with over 200 timeless photographs complemented by interpretive text that will capsule the first one hundred years of this US Army Post –  1860s to 1960s.   It is the only remaining fort from the Civil War era that is still “ON POINT” – it’s also where the famed Buffalo Soldiers – the 9th and 10th Cavalry had squadrons posted twice.   And forgotten ways of transportation – the trolley lines – one which began as a horsecar that came out of Rosslyn , Virginia and ultimately electrified was extended to Nauck area of Arlington County, Virginia.

So whatever version you choose, the kindle version or the regular paper book, you’ll be getting an excellent book that presents such historic events such as: the first military aviation flight, the showcase for the US Cavalry, the little known “Society Circus” – begun during Patton’s second of four postings to  Fort Myer, impressive photos of  the South Post of Fort Myer,  the “Fort Myer and Arlington National Cemetery” connection and most of all the first time published note from Abraham Lincoln which was discovered during the research for the book.

Don’t have a Kindle yet?    Here’s where you can get one direct from Amazon…

   want to know when the Kindle version is available?   Sign up below …  provide your name and email address and you’ll be alerted.

The post KINDLE VERSION – SOON! appeared first on Historic Fort Myer VIRGINIA.

ARMY Magazine -
April 2013

It came as a pleasant surprise.  In the April 2013 issue of ARMY Magazine, the premier publication of the Association of the US Army, there was  a review of  ”Images of America – Fort Myer.”

“Images of America: Fort Myer pays tribute to those who served there… the images reveal the changing history of a national landmark affected by world events, advancing technology and evolving demands.”

A telephone call announced the news.  It was a surprise to hear the words that a review of the book  was in the April 2013 issue of this respected publication. It is truly an honor to have the book featured in this great magazine of the Association of the US Army.   The entire review is located on the AUSA website or on pages 76-77 in the magazine.

With over 200 historical photographs, the book chronicles the first one hundred years of this Civil War era  fortification. Then it was known as Fort Whipple – one of the Defenses of Washington. Named for General Amiel Weeks Whipple. The book – the FIRST BOOK about Fort Myer –  also contains a previously unknown, handwritten note from Abraham Lincoln. It’s published for the FIRST TIME on page 15 of “Images of America – Fort Myer.”

Purchase an author autographed copy at Buy the Book    <====  

The post ARMY Magazine Reviews the Book appeared first on Historic Fort Myer VIRGINIA.

When he developed the Wig-Wag System of signaling, it became a revolutionary concept that improved communications especially in time of battle.  It was used by both the North and the South during the US Civil War.

After the war, he continued his work and first established the Signal Corps School at the downtown offices in Washington DC.  Practical use and training was difficult for two reasons:  lack of space for the students, which included both US Army Soldiers, and students from the US Navy.  the second was sufficient space to practice using the signal flags and or torches (they comprise the US Army Signal Corps branch insignia)

General Albert J Myer then sought out a place outside the city confines of Washington.  It was Fort Greble , another of the Defenses of Washington during the Civil War.   It was found to be unsatisfactory. So his search continued.  It was on Arlington Heights where he found the best location – Fort Whipple – the location would later carry his name and become Fort Myer.

Since the surrounds about all the fortifications which numbered nearly 70, were clear-cut of trees for line of sight and line of fire for the artillery,  it was best suited to have wig-wag students stand on the heights and a complement down at the Washington Monument to practice their signaling.

A book was discovered published in 1870 by General Albert J. Myer, the First Chief Signal Officer of the US Army, entitled “Extracts from the Manual of Signals.”  It was clear that an US Army Signalman was provided the correct equipment to “Get the Message Through….”  The kit was wrapped in what appears to be canvas that included straps for securing it and pouches on the interior to contain the staffs.  Each contained one each of the two types of wig-wag flags,  three staffs to raise the flags (or torch) high enough to be seen by the recipient.  In addition, a haversack was included to hold the two torches for night signaling and a canteen filled with fuel for the torches.

Signalmen also marched in formation when assembled as a unit. Their kits hoisted and carried on their shoulder as if it were a weapon.  Kits were also subject to inspection. They also had a manual of kits and flags similar to a manual of arms that a Soldier would have in carrying their weapon.

The book also contains information about “field telegraph trains” and how they were used to assist in the placement of telegraph wire strung on lances.  These trains consisted of a battery wagon, and a combination of wire wagons and lance wagons.

For more interesting history about Fort Myer including over 200 historic timeless photographs,  Buy the Book, an author autographed copy is available.

The post A Book by Albert J Myer Discovered appeared first on Historic Fort Myer VIRGINIA.

Thanks to my extensive network, a video clip which was made in 1934 surfaced of these troopers exercising their mounts with sabers drawn on the drill field on Fort Myer.  This joins the other three items that I’ve found that were filmed on Post:

• the 1909 flight of the Wright Flyer with Orville Wright & LT Frank Lahm
• the 1934 Movie “Keep ‘Em Rolling”  that introduced the Caisson Song
• the 1957 segment of The Big Picture with TUSAB* & TOG** on Summerall Field

For your viewing pleasure,  I present below  to you the Brave Rifles on Fort Myer

* TUSAB = The US Army Band

**TOG = The Old Guard  - 3d INFANTRY Regiment

The post 3d US Cavalry Saber Drill on Fort Myer appeared first on Historic Fort Myer VIRGINIA.

It was an honor to present to The Lincoln Group of Washington DC and provide them an insight to The Lincoln – Whipple Connection…

General Amiel Weeks Whipple and President Abraham Lincoln had a great
friendship that most people are unaware.

Whipple was summoned East when the US Civil War broke out and became assigned to General McDowell’s staff as an engineer.   His career continued to rise from the major accomplishments this move initiated.

More will be shared on the Lincoln – Whipple connection in 2013.

In the meantime a hats off and thank you to the Lincoln Group for having me address their distinguished group!

The post Lincoln – Whipple Connection appeared first on Historic Fort Myer VIRGINIA.

We’re going to another re-printing of the book!   To all of you who have bought and supported the work… it’s most appreciated!   FREE SHIPPING will continue through 31 AUGUST 2012…  It’ll also give you a chance to help build the National Museum of the US Army!  Please share this post and tell all your friends …  Thank you

For a limited time only,  an autographed copy of “Images of America – Fort Myer” can be had …  FREE SHIPPING and $1.00 of your purchase price is donated to the Army Historical Foundation -  They’re building the National Museum of the US Army —

The post FREE SHIPPING HELD OVER – AUGUST!! appeared first on Historic Fort Myer VIRGINIA.

“ … Fort Myer includes over 200 timeless photographs. It is definitely worth a perusal.”

-  BG Creighton W. Abrams, Jr USA (Ret.) in “ON POINT”  The Journal of Army History

The Army Historical Foundation publishes an outstanding magazine – “ON POINT”   Each issue is packed with great articles and information about the history of the US Army.  The purpose of the foundation is to build the National Museum of the US Army which will be located outside of Washington, DC within the US Army’s Fort Belvoir acreage off of Interstate 95.

The Summer 2012 issue of “ON POINT”  contains a fine review of “Images of America – Fort Myer”  (the links will open in a new window) written by BG Creghton W. Abrams, Jr. USA (Ret.), the Executive Director of the Army Historical Foundation.   It is truly an honor to be selected to appear and have a rewiew of the book  in this noted magazine.  Thank you!

And while you’re here, please consider purchasing a copy of the book.  You can also get an autographed copy inscribed by the author.  The book contains over 200 historical photographs as mentioned in the review -  “ … Fort Myer includes over 200 timeless photographs. It is definitely worth a perusal.”   You will also get a first time published note from Abraham Lincoln discovered  during the two plus years of research.

Also please consider joining the Army Historical Foundation and support the building of the National Museum of the United States Army

The post On Point Magazine Reviews the Book appeared first on Historic Fort Myer VIRGINIA.

•  Fort Myer Military Clothing Sales Store
• 106 Stewart Road
• Bldg 313
• Fort Myer, VA 22211
•  
• 703-696-7196
•  

For more information,  you can download the Event Flyer.

Can’t make the event?  

Want to purchase an autographed copy?  

CAN DO … right here on the website… 

BUY THE BOOK 

gives you several other options also!

The post MEGA EVENT: Meet the Author/Book Signing appeared first on Historic Fort Myer VIRGINIA.