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You are here: Home / Museum Exhibits / [FEATURED EXHIBIT] Frock coat of Confederate General Francis M. Cockrell

[FEATURED EXHIBIT] Frock coat of Confederate General Francis M. Cockrell

December 9, 2017 By James Mitchell Varnum

Francis Marion Cockrell
Francis Marion Cockrell

This frock coat was worn by Brigadier General Francis Marion Cockrell. Recognized as one of the finest military commanders in the American Civil War on both sides of the war, he gained fame during the Siege of Vicksburg and, following promotions to brigadier general in 1863, went on to fight in the Atlanta Campaign and Tennessee Campaign. Following the war, Cockrell returned to civilian life and served five terms as a U.S. Senator from Missouri. He died in Washington DC in 1915 at the age of 81. There is some debate as to whether this was ever worn by him in war time or whether it was used by him as a veteran in post-war times only. The buttons have all been replaced at some point with period buttons.

An interesting aside, museum visitors often note how small people were back in the 19th century. Today, the standard dress form size for displaying American Civil War uniforms is a 12-year-old boy!

Donated to the Varnum Memorial Armory Museum in 1928 by the Cockrell family.

Frock coat of Confederate General Francis M. Cockrell
Frock coat of Confederate General Francis M. Cockrell
Frock coat of Confederate General Francis M. Cockrell
Frock coat of Confederate General Francis M. Cockrell
Frock coat of Confederate General Francis M. Cockrell
Frock coat of Confederate General Francis M. Cockrell
Frock coat of Confederate General Francis M. Cockrell
Frock coat of Confederate General Francis M. Cockrell

Join the Varnum Continentals for $50!

At only $50 per person annually, membership keeps you in the Varnum loop and supports our efforts to preserve U.S. history and educate the public. Members get a monthly newsletter and can also attend our monthly dinner programs that feature authoritative and engaging speakers on historic and military topics. CLICK HERE TO JOIN NOW!



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Filed Under: Museum Exhibits, Varnum Memorial Armory Tagged With: 19th century, civil war, museum exhibit, varnum memorial armory

[DEC. 12 DINNER MEETING] Speaker Greg Banner on The Halifax Disaster

December 3, 2022 By James Mitchell Varnum

In December 1917, a World War I ammunition ship blew up in Halifax Harbour, Nova Scotia. This massive event was listed as the largest man-made explosion in human history prior to atomic weapons and totally devastated the city. Thousands died. Our December speaker, Varnum Member Greg Banner, will describe the background, event, response, and results and discuss aspects of military, nautical, local, and emergency response history.

About the Varnum Continentals

The Varnum Continentals are committed to the preservation of the historic heritage of our community, our state, and our nation. Please take a virtual tour of our museums to learn more about our mission to encourage patriotism. You can participate with us through active membership and/or philanthropic support in our non-profit organization. Donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. Museum tours are welcomed and our facilities may be rented for suitable events.

Our Mission

The Varnum Continentals are committed to encourage patriotism through the Varnum Armory Museum, the Continental Militia, and the James Mitchell Varnum House and thus to preserve, support, and communicate the military history of our community, our state, and our nation.

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