Charles Saalmann facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Capt. Charles Saalmann
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| Born | April 25, 1836 Breckerfeld, Prussia |
| Died | February 21, 1909 (aged 72) Mullica Township, Atlantic Co., New Jersey |
| Place of burial |
Egg Harbor City Cemetery,
Egg Harbor City, New Jersey |
| Allegiance |  USA (Union) |
| Years of service | 1862–1865 |
| Rank | Captain Acting Commissary of Subsistance |
| Unit | Army of the Potomac, XI Corps Army of the Cumberland, XX Corps |
| Battles/wars | American Civil War Cross Keys Freeman's Ford Second Bull Run Chancellorsville Gettysburg Wauhatchee Resaca Pumpkinvine Creek/ New Hope Church Kolb's Farm Peach Tree Creek Siege of Atlanta Savannah Campaign Carolinas Campaign |
| Other work | Vintner Township Elected Official |
Charles Daniel Saalmann (born April 25, 1836 – died February 21, 1909) was a captain in the Union Army during the American Civil War. He was injured during the famous Battle of Gettysburg. Later, he helped manage supplies for General William Tecumseh Sherman during his famous March to the Sea.
After the war, Saalmann started the Black Rose Vineyard near Egg Harbor City, New Jersey. He became a successful vintner (someone who makes wine), and his wines even won awards at international competitions!
Early Life and Family
Charles Saalmann was born in a small town called Breckerfeld, in Prussia, on April 25, 1836. His father was a surgeon. Charles was the youngest of nine children.
In 1860, Charles married Emilie Schulte. Soon after, he moved to America, settling in Philadelphia. Emilie joined him later, living in New Jersey while Charles served in the Civil War. They had three children, all born after the war ended.
Serving in the Civil War
Charles Saalmann joined the Union Army as a private on August 9, 1861. He joined the 75th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment, which was mostly made up of German-speaking soldiers from Philadelphia. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a second lieutenant just a few weeks later.
His regiment was sent to defend Washington D.C.. They spent the winter there, preparing for battles to come.
Early Battles in Virginia
In 1862, Saalmann's regiment moved into Virginia. They faced tough marches and sometimes didn't have enough food. On April 15, 53 men from his regiment drowned in a ferry accident on the Shenandoah River.
On June 8, they fought in the Battle of Cross Keys near Harrisonburg, Virginia. The regiment suffered losses and had to retreat. In August, Saalmann was promoted to first lieutenant. His regiment also fought in a skirmish at Freeman's Ford, where their former commander, General Henry Bohlen, was killed.
Second Bull Run and Illness
On August 29, 1862, Saalmann's regiment was in a fierce fight at the Second Battle of Bull Run. Many officers in his company were wounded. The next day, they were driven back and suffered heavy losses.
After this defeat, Saalmann became very sick with typhoid fever and had to take a month off.
Chancellorsville and Gettysburg
By February 1863, Saalmann was back with his regiment. In March, he was promoted to captain. At the Battle of Chancellorsville on May 2, his regiment was surprised by a flank attack from General Stonewall Jackson. Many of Saalmann's men were killed or captured.
On July 1, 1863, Saalmann and his company were rushed to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. During the battle, a Confederate attack caused heavy losses. Saalmann was shot in his upper left arm, breaking the bone. He lay on the battlefield until the Confederates retreated on July 3. He was treated in a field hospital and then sent to Philadelphia to recover. By September, he had rejoined his regiment.
Moving West: Chattanooga and Atlanta
In late 1863, Saalmann's unit was transferred to Chattanooga, Tennessee, to help Union troops who were under siege. It was a long train journey across several states.
On October 29, they fought a rare night battle near Wauhatchie, Tennessee. Saalmann was wounded again, but he stayed with his regiment. They also played a supporting role in the Battle of Chattanooga.
In January 1864, Saalmann was given a new important job: Acting Commissary of Subsistence for his brigade. This meant he was in charge of getting and distributing food and supplies for his troops.
His brigade then joined General Sherman's Atlanta Campaign. They fought in many battles, including Resaca, New Hope Church, Kolb's Farm, and Peach Tree Creek. After a five-week Siege of Atlanta, Union troops finally entered Atlanta on September 2, 1864.
Sherman's March to the Sea
On November 15, 1864, Sherman's Army began its famous March to the Sea towards Savannah, Georgia. As Commissary of Subsistence, Saalmann's job was crucial. He managed the food and supplies that were gathered by "foragers." These were groups of soldiers who would go out ahead of the main army to find food and supplies from the countryside.
The army marched through many towns in Georgia, reaching Milledgeville, Georgia, the state capital, on November 23. They continued east, facing some skirmishes. On December 21, 1864, the Confederates left Savannah, and the Union Army took control.
The Carolinas Campaign and War's End
After reaching Savannah, Saalmann took a short break to visit his wife in New Jersey. His brigade continued north into South Carolina for the Carolinas Campaign. Saalmann rejoined them in North Carolina.
They fought a major battle at Bentonville, North Carolina, on March 19, 1865. This was the last big battle of the war. By April 13, Saalmann's brigade reached Raleigh, North Carolina. There, they heard the news of President Abraham Lincoln’s death and the end of the war.
On May 23, Saalmann officially resigned his commission as an officer. The next day, he marched in the Grand Review of the Armies in Washington, D.C., celebrating the Union victory.
Life After the War
After the war, Charles Saalmann and his wife moved to Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, a town known for its vineyards. In July 1865, they bought land and Saalmann started his own business: the Black Rose Vineyard.
Community Involvement
Saalmann was an active member of his community. He was part of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), a group for Civil War veterans. He gave speeches at Memorial Day events and even measured rainfall for the government. He was also involved in local politics, serving as Treasurer and other elected roles for Mullica Township, New Jersey.
The Black Rose Vineyard
In the late 1800s, wine-making became a big industry around Egg Harbor City. The area was known for its unique red wines. Saalmann's Black Rose Vineyard became very successful.
He grew several types of grapes, including 'Norton,' 'Ives,' and 'Clevner.' He used special methods to care for his vines, making sure they were well-fed and healthy. His most famous wine was 'Black Rose,' a dry, full-bodied red wine made mostly from the 'Norton' grape.
Saalmann's 'Black Rose' wine won medals at important events, including the Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia in 1876 and the Exposition Universelle in Paris in 1878. This showed that his wines were among the best in the world!
Saalmann built two large brick and stone wine cellars to store his wines. These cellars were very advanced for their time, designed to keep the wines at the perfect temperature. He stored about 15,000 gallons of wine, worth a lot of money!
Around 1900, Saalmann retired and gave the vineyard to his sons, Charles and William. However, his son Charles became involved in the temperance movement (a movement against alcohol). Because of this, the brothers stopped making wine and turned the vineyard into a vegetable farm instead.
Death
Charles Saalmann passed away on February 22, 1909, at the age of 72, after developing pneumonia. He was buried in Egg Harbor City Cemetery in New Jersey. His wife, Emilie, passed away a few years later in 1915.
