05/18/2026
Know a wonderful way to spend a few hours on a pleasant Monday
morning? The current Junior Class from McEwen High School, accompanied by teachers/sponsors, had the answer – a fun, informative, and interactive tour of the Humphreys County Museum and Civil War Fort structures and grounds was
the place to be!
It was the perfect beginning of their “field trip” day on May 11 th .
Curator Ted Rice welcomed the group which included fifty-six (56) bright and enthusiastic students to be guided through the Butterfield House, the Slayden War Building, the old Denver Post Office, the fort grounds, and structures. Ted, with assistance from museum volunteers, shared the rich history of the Butterfield House, the purpose of the earthen mounds fort, and explained the
importance of its location during the Civil War.
To ensure as much information was shared and displays observed as possible, the students were divided into two groups - one beginning with the two-story Butterfield House and the other group beginning with the old Denver Post Office and the Slayden War Building. Each rotation lasted approximately 40-45 minutes, then groups switched areas until the entire location has been observed.
The entire in-depth tour of the Butterfield House included: artifacts of the Civil War, World War I (and other conflicts participated in by the US), local items of interest including discovery that natives or “transplant” residents of the area became individuals notable in our country’s music, politics, movies, education, poetry, and even an “outlaw” or two!
Some of the students were quite entertained when they discovered the collection of Year Books from many years
ago – “I found my dad’s picture when he was in the 5th grade”, one student observed, followed by a great deal of laughter! That also applied to locating pictures of some of their teachers from many years past!
The Slayden War Building houses a variety of World War II artifacts, uniforms, helmets, letters, photos, newspapers, and a display of weapons from that period. The soldier’s equipment from that time period seemed to be of particular interest – a good deal of “what’s that?” and “what did they use that for?” questions!
The old Denver Post Office, which in addition to the interior Post Office Boxes, the Teller window needs, and storage areas, also houses a variety of ”aged” farm implements. It was quite impressive to discover several of the students were familiar with them and what they were used for – including those designated for working animals. The switchboard, not an original part of the Post Office but
placed in the entrance after being donated, was quite puzzling to most students – “how did you call 911 on this?” was asked.
After completing the tours, getting a group picture on the front porch of the Butterfield House, and completing questions and comments, the Junior Class continued their outing by heading to New Johnsonville.
“It was a delight having these young ladies and gentlemen come for a tour” Ted Rice stated, “and all are encouraged to check out the activities at the Museum during our July 4th Celebration, as well as court square activities.”
Please visit our page, The Butterfield House & Humphreys County Museum, and like and follow us to stay updated on our latest endeavors. For any questions concerning scheduling tours for any groups, renting our space, etc.
please contact Curator Ted Rice at 931-622-2118.
