Lucius Hubbard

Title: Sword and Scabbard
Type: Object
Date: 1898
Source: Minnesota Historical Society

Description: This sword and scabbard was given to Hubbard by the citizens of Red Wing.

Activities:

1. This sword was presented to Hubbard by the citizens of Goodhue County. Why might they have done this?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: Hubbard was a prominent member of the Fifth Minnesota Regiment, and this was a way to honor him.
2. The hand guard on this sword is designed for a right-handed soldier. What do you think you would have to do if you were left-handed?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: Almost all swords and muskets at this time were made for right-handed use. Left-handed soldiers would most likely just have had to adapt or learn how to fight with their right hand.
3. The tip of the scabbard for this sword appears to have been damaged or worn down. How do you think that could have happened?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: When wearing a sword, the tip of the scabbard is often likely to drag on the ground, which could have caused the damage over time. It's also possible that the tip was broken.
4. Do you think Hubbard might have actually used this sword in battle?
   
   
   
   
   Answer: We can't know for sure, but often comemorative swords like this one were leftat home as keepsakes and not used in battle. This is not a regulation sword that would normally be used by a cavalry soldier. The detailing is too ornate and the design more decorative than would be used for actual fighting.