Cherokee County Confederate remembered
Jimbo Richeson Contributing Writer

First-Lieutenant Moses Blackwell served honorably with Company "F" of the North Carolina Troops in their quest to achieve southern independence. This regiment was part of Pender's Brigade in A.P. Hill's Division. The 16th NC troops fought gallantly at Mechanicsville, Malvern Hill, the Peninsula Campaign, at Sharpsburg, Chancellorsville, and at Gettysburg.

Along with the Army of Northern Virginia, the 16th NC Troops surrendered with General-in-Cheif Robert Edward Lee at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865. Blackwell was paroled at that time. Having bought a farm in the Unakaarea, he cultivated the soil, and raised a large family there. A Christian of the Baptist of 1927.

Area members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV), the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC), and the Children of the Confederacy (COTC), civic organizations commemorating their lineal Confederate heritage, held a memorial service at the Unaka CHurch Cemetary on Sunday, April 6, 2008, where they dedicated a new headstone for Blackwell.

April is Confederate History and Heritage Month celebrating the history and achievements of the short-lived Christian republic, styled the Confederate States of America. There are several area SCV Camps and UDC Chapters ready to assist anyone desiring to research their Confederate ancestor. During this years Confederate History and Heritage Month join with us to preserve th noble sacrifices of our Confederate ancestors.