Carved Wood Block

From the collections of the
Kentucky Historical Society
Accession Number 1991.69.01

Carved Wood Block, 1864

1 3/8" x 2 1/8" x 2"

In between battles and marching, soldiers spent a lot of time sitting around camp. Carving was a popular way to pass the time. Soldiers carved on wood, bones, stones, and even bullets. They made decorative or commemorative pieces, like this wooden block. Some even made game items like chess pieces, dice, and dominos. Edmund H. Parrish whittled this piece of wood as a record of where he had traveled and fought with the Sixth Kentucky Cavalry. One side shows a shield with two American flags crossed behind it and the words "NONE BUT THE BRAVE DESERVE THE FAIR." inscribed. On other sides, he carved the names of battles and campaigns, the date May 11, 1864, and "E. H. PARRISH. Co. C. 6TH KY CAV."