Civil War Snake buckle, recovered at Ft. Henderson, Alabama

This is another nice piece being offered, it is an excavated portion of a Confederate Snake Buckle. When attached, it measures 1 ¾” x 7/8”. Most of these snake buckles came from England on blockade runners. It was dug years ago at Fort Henderson, Alabama (see pictures).

Fort Henderson was built in 1863 by federal forces occupying Athens. The fort, situated on Coleman Hill, was a five-sided earthen fort with some frame buildings and underground bomb-proofs. Abatis lined the 15-foot deep perimeter ditch, a small portion of which is still visible today.

On September 24, 1864, after a brief fight and a clever ruse orchestrated by Confederate Gen. Nathan B. Forrest, the fort and its 900-man garrison, mostly troops from the 110 U.S. colored infantry, were surrendered. After moving the prisoners and captured supplies South, Forrest's campaign followed the railroad North to the Union fort at Sulphur Creek Trestle which he took the following day. Federals re-occupied Athens shortly after Forrest's departure.

This style of buckle was used mainly by Confederate soldiers during the Civil War, but photo evidence has shown that some Union troops also wore these buckles. They were intended to be worn by infantry troops. It remains in very solid condition with a beautiful untouched brass patina. It comes in the glass top display case pictured.