April 2016 Final Web

Hidden History Bus Tour Planned
By Kathy Waters
Attention history lovers! The Washington County Historical Society is sponsoring a Hidden History
Bus Tour in conjunction with their 26th Annual Living History Weekend. On Friday, April 22nd and
again on Saturday, April 23rd, the tour hosted by local historian, Jimmy Hardison, will leave sharply at
1 p.m. on a bus adjacent to the Port-o-Plymouth Museum on the beautiful Roanoke River. The threehour
tour will be a reservation event with limited seating on the bus both days. The cost per person
is $30 or $50 per couple and is expected to sell out quickly. These tours will be held regardless of the
weather. Call the Museum to make your reservation today – 252.793.1377.
Jimmy Hardison is perfectly suited to lead this tour. He has been a long-time historian and a
former Confederate re-enactor. He still competes on the national level in black powder events with
the North/South Skirmish Association. Jimmy shares: “I can’t remember a time I wasn’t interested
in history. When I was really young, growing up in Dardens, James Fenimore Cooper material was
running on Disney – things like Daniel Boone. That was probably my original interest. My mother let
me play with a bayonet that she had received as a gift from a veteran of the Civil War. In school I was
always interested in history. I remember writing a poem in the 7th grade at Washington Street School.
One of my classmates gave it to our teacher, Mr. Inabinett, and he gave me a grade on it even though
it wasn’t homework. In high school, Mrs. Louise Fleming (later Spruill) got me really interested. She
was probably the person most responsible for my interest.”
According to Jimmy Hardison, “Though we had something similar in the past, this tour will be longer
and more extensive. The tour will trace the route that General Robert F. Hoke of the Confederate
Army took on the morning of April 17th, 1864 when he traveled from Foster’s Mill (now known as
Big Mill) in Martin County to Plymouth. We will retrace the original route as much as possible. A lot
of people don’t realize the importance of the Battle of Plymouth. Hoke held history in his hands here,
and they pulled him away because General Lee needed him. Lee said, ‘I absolutely could not survive
without Hoke’s Army.’ The Confederate Army could have been in control of everything all the way
to the ocean. The theme of the tour will be Hoke’s entry into and exit from Plymouth and the capture
of the town that had been occupied by Union troops for some time. There will also be highlights of
additional historical sites as the tour proceeds. There will be much more history that just the Battle of
Plymouth. Also the role of the CSS Albemarle will be included. Had it not been for the success of the
Albemarle, Hoke would not have been successful here. He could not have held the town without the
success of the Albemarle due to the Yankee gunboats in the river. This is one of the most
important and most unusual battles of the war involving the army, navy, and cavalry with both
artillery and infantry on both sides. That was almost unheard of. Hoke was an extremely smart
fellow. General Lee had designated him as his successor. Hoke was extremely modest even after the
war. Anybody who really likes to study personalities should read “General Robert F. Hoke, Lee’s
Modest Warrior” by Daniel Barefoot. Barefoot is from Lincolnton, NC as is General Hoke. Hoke
was known for his dark (nighttime) offensives. He did not recklessly sacrifice his men.”
Jimmy continues: “Highlights of the tour include the historical point of view and should be appealing
to those who may not be familiar with the Battle (of Plymouth) and what it meant to North Carolina.
It should also be of interest to local people who don’t know the history here. I will be sharing
information that hasn’t been divulged previously. It’s unfathomable to me how much publicity
Plymouth has gotten through Living History connections. A number of people have even moved to
the area after experiencing our historical events.
Still there are a lot of people in town who don’t know our history.”
18 Albemarle Tradewinds April 2016 albemarletradewinds.com