The Lindsey Rail Museum in downtown Texarkana hosted a presentation Thursday about Ambrose Burnside, a figure from American history known for his many roles as well as his impressive facial hair.
Brandy Aaron, co-curator for the museum, even had "moustache cookies" prepared for the occasion.
Aaron laid out the highlights of Burnside as to why he had been picked for this presentation.
"This is Movember (a combination word for moustache, "mo," and "November"), where many men grow out facial hair to draw attention to men's health issues, so we thought his impressive facial hair fit that theme," she said. "Plus, this being ours second first Thursday, we thought the intersection of that and his well-known traits would work."
Ambrose Burnside was born May 23, 1824 in Liberty, Indiana, fourth in nine children. He began his education in seminary, where he was noted for his scholarly abilities.
Later, he became a tailor's apprentice and eventually a partner, even started his own shop but realized he really didn't like the business.
So he eventually attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he was classmates to George McClellan. Out of a class of 38, Burnside placed 18, with especially high performance in infantry studies and skills. His instructors thought he could have done even better, but he had a reputation for pranksterism during his time there.
Also, his instructors at the academy noted he was inventive. And after some time in the range wars against the Apaches while serving in the cavalry, Burnside had ideas for a breech loading rifle that would be far easier to load and fire from horseback. He even started a manufacturing company for weapons, but it unfortunately burned down.
After that, he did some time with the railroad, and after that, was picked to lead the Army of the Potomac after President Abraham Lincoln relieved McClellan, his former classmate.
Burnside was the first president of the fledgling National Rifle Association during the founding of the organization in 1871.
Eventually, Burnside ended up in politics, being elected to the governorship of Rhode Island and eventually a senator, where he died in office.
"First Thursday is our new program for Texarkana, introducing topics of historical and cultural interest to Texarkana," said Aaron. "It is also an attempt to answer the question some Texarkanians as, is there anything to do in this town? We say 'yes, there is,' and this is our community engagement."
Up next for the Lindsey Railroad Museum is their annual Christmas event, the "Edwardian Progressive Dinner."
"This is going to be a classy event on Dec. 5, which will also be December's 1st Thursday event," said Aaron. "It will be a three-course meal provided by Verona, complete with wine and chamber music from Marc-Andre' Bougie. Rumor has it, there will also be an appearance by Mr. and Mrs. Claus, aka the Texarkana Toy Man."