The Robert E. Lee

Camp 1640


Sons of Confederate Veterans, Inc.
of Memphis/Germantown, Tennessee

Camp Activities

The Lee camp participates in many activities including local festivals, memorials, reenactments, living histories, and parades. We recently sponsored the Historical Tour of Germantown, which was enjoyed by several hundred people interested in the rich local history of Germantown that many don't know is even there. Currently we are installing period-authentic cannon at Fort Germantown and marking with honors the graves of Confederate Veterans (named and unnamed) in two local cemeteries. We are also heavily engaged in the fight alongside Citizens to Save Our Parks regarding the City of Memphis's attempt at changing of the names of Memphis's historic Nathan Bedford Forrest, Confederate, and Jefferson Davis Parks.

The Lee Camp sponsors two local re-enactment groups, the Bluff City Grays (154th Tennessee Sr. Infantry Regt. Co. B), and Bankhead's Battery (1st Tennessee Light Artillery Regt., Co. B). We were also the driving force behind creating the Memphis Brigade Color Guard , a ceremonial unit that presents colors at parades, funerals, memorials, and other events.

We also participate in events put on by the City of Germantown, other municipalities in the area and other historic societies and organizations such as:
We enjoy Southern Christian family fellowship gatherings and historical entertainment.

Recent Activities


Fort Germantown TN

April 1, 2017

April 1st was "Park Day" sponsored by the Robert E Lee Camp Sons of Confederate Veterans and the Civil War Preservation Trust which brought out history buffs, preservationist, men, women and children to help clean up Fort Germantown.  This was the third year they have worked on the Park.  Park Day attracted volunteers of all ages and abilities bound by their dedication to serve our community at historic sites.

Even doctors and lawyers pitched in
to helpcut and clear the brush.
Dentist Bruce Lynch got in the act.
Not cold just a loud chainsaw
operated by Tarry Beasley
        
Volunteers L-R Bill Singleton, Brian Elliott, Conner
Singleton, Tarry Beasley, Jessica, Mike, Fletcher and
Marilyn Ellicottgather around one of the Parks cannons.

The R. E. Lee camp SCV hosted Park Day and refreshments were provided by Jody's Donuts & Bakery on Germantown Parkway. The Lee camp meets on the 2nd Monday of each month beginning at 7:00 pm at the Regional History and Genealogical building 7779 Poplar Pike.  The meetings are open to the public and you are invited to the next one on May 13th.  Check us out on face book or the internet Robert E Lee 1640 SCV.

Flags for 17 Unknown Soldiers





Members of the Lee Camp planted flags for 17 Unknown soldiers of Price's Brigade at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Bartlett. There was a Southern Cross in place but it was badly placed so we re-placed it. We will hold a Memorial Service for these compatriots on May 31.



Members of the Lee Camp attended the Tennessee Division Reunion in Union City, TN on April 12 and from there to the Ft. Pillow 150th Anniversary event. Some important business taken care of and good to spend some quality time with other compatriots.




It is with great pride that I announce that our Brigade Commander and former Camp Commander, Mark Buchanan, was presented with the Jefferson Davis Award at our Camp Meeting on April 14th. This is the Tennessee Division's highest individual honor, presented to a member of the Tennessee Division who has rendered outstanding service to the organization or contributed to the maintenance of our Heritage. Mark has certainly done that, many times over and on a continual basis in the last year. Well done, and well deserved, Mark. Congratulations.



Jeremy Elkins of the Lee Camp produced a video in honor of Confederate Decoration Day which is nothing short of outstanding. This is posted on our Facebook page as well, but for quick and easy access I have posted it HERE as well.




On May 31, 2014, the Lee Camp held a Memorial service for 17 unknown Confederate Soldiers at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Bartlett. The photos from this event are being posted on our Flickr page and a few on the Facebook page, but this was a great, well attended event, and we hope to do this every year on the Saturday before Confederate Decoration Day. Hope to see you there next year.



On 6/21/2014, the Lee Camp held a dedication ceremony for 2 12-pound Mountain Howitzer cannon that we placed in conjunction with the City of Germantown at Ft. Germantown Park, which was followed by the Memphis Brigade Dixie Day Family Picnic. Another well-attended event and a good time was had by all. More photos on our Digital Scrapbook and on Facebook.

   




Many of our members attended Gen. Forrest's Birthday Celebration at FORREST PARK, 7/13/2014. Very hot day, but well attended event. Good speaker, great fellowship, nice breeze in the shade.






At our September 2014 meeting, we presented 4 of our members
with War Service Medals.

Upcoming Events

Saturday, Sep. 13 - Confederate History and Heritage Rally, Franklin, TN
Saturday, Oct. 18 - 50th Anniversary of Jefferson Davis Statue, CONFEDERATE PARK, Memphis

Photo Gallery

Our "Digital Scrapbook" is being updated frequently, both with newer and older photos and videos. Please view online at http://www.flickr.com/photos/120652884@N05/sets/

Re-Enactments


Battle Re-Enactments are a fun and exciting way to get a taste of what things were really like back during the War for Southern Independence. Walk through authentic camps full of living historians from both Blue and Gray and get the real story that they don't tell you in textbooks. We are well-studied, understand how the Confederate foot soldier lived and what he fought for, and seek to replicate that in our camps and in our actions on the battlefield. There are other activities to enjoy as well, such as historians taking on the role of characters of the time providing background information as to the battle or what was going on at the time from their perspective. There's a lot to learn and a lot to be seen. For the upcoming re-enactment schedule, visit the Facebook page of either the Bluff City Grays or Bankhead's Battery and we'll look forward to seeing you out there.
Activities