Holland Land Office Museum

May 10^th, 1864, Spotsylvania Court House: The Day A Man From Genesee County Made History

by Don Burkel (president, Holland Land Office Museum)

“I will carry those works” were the words spoken on May 10^th, 1864 by a 24-year-old West Point graduate from West Batavia. He was about to become the third youngest Union Brigadier General during the War of the Rebellion.

Colonel Emory Upton, whose Second Brigade in the First Division, Sixth Corps, Army of the Potomac, demonstrated great tactical skill at the Battle of Rappahannock Station in November, 1863, was selected to lead twelve hand picked regiments of the Sixth Corps to break the lines of Confederate General Doles’ Georgia brigade, known as Doles’ Salient.

It had been decided that a column formation, made up of four rows of three regiments, 4,500 troops, rather than the old linear form, would have greater success in penetrating Doles lines. At 6:10 p.m., young Upton leading on horseback, advanced his troops double quick over 150 yards of open field, and without firing a shot advanced over the Rebel rifle pits.

His veteran troops held the enemy’s works for little over one hour awaiting support from General Mott’s division, which never came. As dusk approached, and without any reserves, Confederate General Ewell’s corps repulsed Upton’s forces. Without support Emory had no choice but to order the withdrawal of his regiments. His casualties amounted to 1,000 dead and wounded. The young Colonel, was slightly wounded, and deeply upset about the lack of support did capture several colors, a battery and 1,200 prisoners.

Captain Kidder, whose 121^st New York Volunteers (Upton’s Regulars) participated in the attack said, “the men from the Green Mountain State think that there never was such a splendid man and officer as Colonel Upton.” Grant was also impressed by this young officer’s success, and ordered General Hancock’s Second Corps, of 20,000, to follow up with the same strategy on May 12^th to assault the apex of the Mule Shoe, known as the Bloody Angle.

There was no relief for Upton as his Second Brigade regiments were called upon to assist Hancocks’ troops by advancing to fill a gap in the heavy fighting at the Bloody Angle. Due to Emory’s bravery and tactical skill, General Grant recommended that Upton receive his promotion to Brigadier General because of his meritorious and gallant service at Spotsylvania Courthouse.

The dedicated and ambitious Emory Upton was promoted to Major General of Volunteers after commanding a cavalry division in 1865. He earned a reputation for his leadership and tactical skills at the battles of Rappahannock Station, Wilderness, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, Winchester, Selma and Columbus.

General Upton’s well-known book of tactics, military policy and ideas of reform would eventually change the structure and the efficiency of the army. We should honor this noble soldier from West Batavia for having changed the course of warfare. His place in history is duly noted in fields of Spotsylvania, Va., on May 10^th.

Be sure to visit the Holland Land Office Museum and view the Upton collection.

The History Heroes Summer Program for the Holland Land Office Museum was established in 2011. It was our mission to immerse children in their local history and provide them with a foundation to understand how their hometowns fit into their history.

In four years, the History Heroes Summer Program has evolved into an experience where the youth of Genesee County can explore their roots and prepare for their futures as educated young citizens. 

The theme for the 2016 History Heroes Summer Program is Carnival Days at the museum. This year the children will work together to create a Penny Carnival. The program ends with the carnival and a multimedia musical production showcasing our local history with the children taking on the persona of a famous Batavian.

Each day of the summer program is packed with exciting and educational activities, field trips, games, crafts, and more! The program begins on Tuesday, July 19^th and runs for eight days, ending on Friday, July 29^th. The cost for the program is $25 a day for non-members and $20 a day for museum members. The program is open to children ages 7-12.

The program is staffed by Jeffrey Fischer, interim director for the Holland Land Office Museum, and Anne Marie Starowitz, a former elementary teacher, along with a certified art and music teacher, a profession photographer, along with volunteers from the community.

Please call the museum at 343-4727 for more information and to save a place for your child.

Running until 8 tonight and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. is the Batavia Antique Sale and Show in the Paddock Room at Batavia Downs. Admission is $5 dollars per person with proceeds going to the HLOM Museum. Free entry Saturday with proof of Friday admission.

Photos from Friday's opening of the Wonderland of Trees for 2015 at the Holland Land Office Museum.

Photo by Nicole Tamfer; info submitted by Diane Bonarigo.

Jackson Primary School students and staff decorate Jackson's Community Caring Tree for The Wonderland of Trees at HLOM. Jackson students created ornaments in Art class of many different people and organizations that help the school each year. Some of the ornaments included, firemen, police officers, volunteer readers, military personnel, bus drivers, dentists, Cornell Cooperative Extension reps,  and JAHA.

The students were reminded through this project how much the Batavia Community cares about the children. (First picture) Brock Bigsby, Nolan Wright, Connor Malone Wesley Fisher, Carleigh Miller, Ryan Bigsby, Lauren Nelson,  and Reese Koukides, Mrs. Bonarigo, Mr. Sloan, Mr. Calandra, Mrs. Mundell, Mrs. Koukides, Mrs. Nelson, Mrs. Clark, Mrs. Tamfer, Mrs. Bigsby, Mrs. Torrey.

The Wonderland of Trees opens tonight with a gala starting at 7 o'clock.

Yesterday, volunteers were busy preparing baskets for the auction Friday during the Holland Land Office Museum's 14th annual gala for the Wonderland of Trees.  The opening night festivities get under way at 7 o'clock. General Admission is $25 per person or $20 for Museum members. There will be live Christmas music, a 50/50 raffle, silent auction, basket raffles, catering by D&R Depot, and nearly 40 Christmas trees and displays -- thanks to the generosity of you, our community. Tickets can be purchased in advance in the Gift Shop or the night of the Gala.

Pictured are Kathy Jasinski, Mary Jo Eddy, Theresa Potter, Donna LaValle.

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum's 14th Annual Wonderland of Trees is just over one week away!

The Opening Gala will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20th. General admission is $25 per person or $20 for Museum members.

There will be live Christmas music, a 50/50 raffle, silent aucition, basket raffle, catering by D&R Depot, and nearly 40 Christmas trees and displays thanks to the generosity of you, our community. Tickets can be purchased in advance in our Gift Shop or the night of the Gala.

It is not too late to participate in the Wonderland of Trees as a sponsor! If you or your business are interested in decorating a tree or donating items for our basket raffle, please call the Museum at 585-343-4727.

Each year the Wonderland of Trees is viewed by hundreds of visitors at the Holland Land Office Museum and all proceeds from the event help fund the educational and historical programs and exhibits at the museum.

We look forward to seeing you on for our Opening Gala! If you are unable to attend, the Wonderland of Trees will be on display at the Holland Land Office Museum until Saturday, Jan. 2nd. Stay tuned for more Christmas events at the Holland Land Office!

(Submitted photo by Jim Dusen of the local band Red Creek at HLOM holding a paper replica of the museum's facade.)

Press release:

The Holland Land Office Museum in partnership with the Willow Bend Inn present their second annual Fall Festival from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 25, with live music by the band Red Creek.

The event will be held on location at the one of Genesee County’s oldest buildings, the historic Willow Bend Inn at 3489 W. Main St. Road in Batavia.

Reenactors will be there in full regalia to share the history of building as well as what life was like as a traveler in the 19^th Century. There will be a basket raffle with produce from local farms and activities and games for children. 

The Willow Bend Inn will have food and drink specials all afternoon, and live classic rock and country music by the local band Red Creek. Admission is $5 at the door for adults; FREE for children 12 or younger.

All proceeds benefit the historical and educational programs at the Holland Land Office Museum. For more information, contact Jeffrey M. Fischer, the new director, Holland Land Office Museum by e-mail hollandlandoffice@gmail.com  or phone 343-4727.

Assemblyman Steve Hawley presents a proclamation today to Jeff Donahue, director of the Holland Land Office Museum, during a rededication ceremony on the 200th anniversary of the founding of the Holland Land Office. 

Dr. Roger Triftshauser, a retired Navy rear admiral and former chairman of the County Legislature, gave the keynote address.

The History's Heroes summer educational program at the Holland Land Office Museum culminated today in historical scenes and music performed by the students who took part in the day camp at the museum. They performed in the Legislature chambers at the Old Courthouse.

As part of the History Heroes summer program, the Holland Land Office Musuem held its first penny carnival this afternoon. The kids were responsible for creating their own games. Some of the activities included a ping-pong toss, bowling, obstacle course and duck pond.

The museum has been hosting the summer history education program for five years. Museum Director Jeffrey Donahue decided to have an outdoor carnival this year to celebrate the bicentennial of the Holland Land Office building. Over the past two weeks, the kids have been learning about the history of landmarks in Batavia, firefighting and aviation.

Earlier this week, City firefighters paid a visit to the History Heroes summer education program at the Holland Land Office Museum.

Photos submitted by Jeffrey M. Fischer, assistant director.