Key items belonging to renowned Civil War figure William T. Sherman, including personal artifacts and wartime memorabilia, were auctioned at Fleischer’s Auctions in Columbus, Ohio, drawing high interest and showcasing the continued relevance of Civil War-era artifacts in preserving historical connections.
William T. Sherman’s belongings, including his wartime saber, childhood books, and personal artifacts, were auctioned at Fleischer’s Auctions in Columbus, Ohio, on May 14, 2024. Sherman, renowned for his “March to the Sea” and the “hard war” tactics against the South in 1864, has remained a significant historical figure.
Key items in the auction included Sherman’s annotated copy of Ulysses S. Grant’s memoirs, his childhood algebra book from 1829, and a family Bible. Bidding for these items showed high interest: Grant’s memoirs reached $19,000, the algebra book attained $1,500, and the family Bible was among the highly coveted artifacts.
The wartime saber and its sheath were the top draw, fetching $71,500. The auction also featured other military artifacts and memorabilia reflecting Sherman’s life and legacy.
The Sherman House Museum in Lancaster, Ohio, where Sherman was born, sought donations to acquire some of these items. Despite raising about $100,000, the museum faced challenges in securing all the artifacts due to the high bids.
This auction highlighted the ongoing interest in Civil War-era artifacts and their significance in connecting generations to historical events.
