GENERAL HOOKER ENTRANCE. June 4th 2008

Intriguing sign at the Massachusetts State House. Who is General Hooker? And what did he do to deserve his own entrance? Anyone?

COMMENTS

1. Ah, young Tim, how quickly you Yankee souls forget. Though he made quite a pest of himself at Sharpsburg, General Joseph Hooker's greatest achievements consisted of getting his arse -- and those of the many blue-coats he commanded -- roundly whupped at Fredericksburg and Chancellorsville. Why them Brahmin's decided to dignify this particular entrance with his name escapes logic. Unfortunately for the South, your Mr. Hooker resigned command of the Union Army 3 days before Gettysburg, and -- well, you know the rest. With reference to the intrigue alluded to in your caption, you will no doubt be tickled to know that General Hooker's field headquarters were described as a combination of a "bar-room and a brothel". A source no less esteemed than Wikipedia goes on to say: "Despite Hooker's reputation as a hard-drinking ladies' man, there is no basis for the popular legend that the slang term for prostitutes is derived from his last name because of parties and a lack of military discipline at his headquarters. Some versions of the legend claim that the band of prostitutes that followed his division were derisively referred to as 'General Hooker's Army' or 'Hooker's Brigade.' However, the term 'hooker' was used in print as early as 1845, years before Hooker was a public figure. The prevalence of the Hooker legend may have been at least partly responsible for the popularity of the term." Yours in rebeldom, David
   – David at 23-09-2008 18:15
2. Thanks David! I did try to connect the name to the etymology of the slang term for a prostitute - which I must admit was the first thought that crossed my mind (maybe that says something about my mind... oh, nevermind). Anyway, I came up only with the same Wikipedia source - and a number of derived ones. I always think it is interesting to know sources of/reasons behind such signage. In this case the story is better than most. Thank you again for sharing!
   – Mads Pedersen at 23-09-2008 18:55
3. He was my Great Great Great Grandfather. and dont forget a great generial in the civil war hero that can't ever be changed.If you would like to talk to his pround family:PLEASE FILL FREE. carif46@gmail.com
   – cari mccarty at 03-06-2010 10:38
4. Cari, are you for real? I hope - and will assume - that you are because this would be infinitely more interesting than the alternative. First, I hope you understand that no I mean no disrespect by posting the photo of this sign. That said, how interesting to hear from you! I'd love to know about how it is to be related to an important historical person. I mean, how did you first learn about your famous GGG-Grandfather? Is this something you often talk about in your family? What does it mean to you? ... and so on. Thanks for taking the time to comment on my photoblog. Kind regards, Mads
   – Mads Pedersen at 03-06-2010 19:13
5. Cari, are you for real? I hope - and will assume - that you are because this would be infinitely more interesting than the alternative. First, I hope you understand that no I mean no disrespect by posting the photo of this sign. That said, how interesting to hear from you! I'd love to know about how it is to be related to an important historical person. I mean, how did you first learn about your famous GGG-Grandfather? Is this something you often talk about in your family? What does it mean to you? ... and so on. Thanks for taking the time to comment on my photoblog. Kind regards, Mads
   – Mads Pedersen at 03-06-2010 19:13

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