Civil War era Hampton Sidney College Cadet belt buckle

Description

In May of 1861, as the Civil War and secession gained momentum, a company comprised of Hampden-Sydney students was formed with President J.M.P. Atkinson as their captain. This company which was known as the "Hampden-Sidney Boys" saw action at the Battle of Rich Mountain, and on July 11, 1861, were captured and paroled by Union General George B. McClellan. It is reported that, upon their capture, Gen. McClellan delivered this message to the Hampden-Sydney outfit, “Boys, secession is dead in this region, go back to your college take your books and become wise men.”
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