A new Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) Camp was formally organized in Lampasas on Saturday, August 10th. The First United Methodist Church played host to the chartering event, which was attended by 35 people. A meal of BBQ brisket, beans and cornbread was served before the ceremonies. SCV Texas Division Commander, Michael Hurley of Tyler, formally presented the charter to Camp Commander Michael R. Oliver. Commander of the Trans-Mississippi, John McCammon of Boerne, also addressed the group.
The men of the camp formally adopted the “ Saltworks Camp,” which was taken from the old nearby Confederate Saltworks site located near Bend. During the War for Southern Independence (1861-1865) a great deal of salt was mined for the Confederate Army from this location, which was abandoned after several post war attempts at private operation (See Texas Historical Marker in Lometa on US 190 in 55 mph zone).
Saltworks Camp No. 2353 has already been busy in the Lampasas County community. The camp formally adopted the Nix Cemetery, has cleaned it and is now maintaining it. Research is also being conducted for the Lampasas Cemetery where already 10 CSA graves have been identified. The Oak Hill Cemetery has numerous such gravesites and is also being indexed with the assistance of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC).
The next camp meeting will take place in San Saba County at the CS Farm on Saturday, October 5th, where an invitational Black Powder Turkey Shoot will also take place. The safety briefing will begin at 9:00 a.m. followed by several rounds of competition. Extra black powder rifles will be available for those who do not possess a period weapon, ammunition or powder. A lunch of fried catfish, French fries and red beans will be provided at noon, followed by a short business meeting and final competition.
Membership in the SCV is open to all male descendants of any veteran who served honorably in the Confederate armed forces and be documented genealogically. The minimum age for membership is 12 years. For more information about the SCV Saltworks Camp, contact Commander Michael R. Oliver at 254-432-0322 or by email scvlampasas@yahoo.com.