Ringgold Lodge #27

Ringgold Lodge #27 as charted in 1845. Named after Major Samuel Ringgold who was killed at the Battle of Palo Alto, the first officer killed in the first battle of the Mexican-American War, serving under (future president) Zachary Taylor. Shot through both legs by cannon fire, refused to leave the battlefield, directing his "flying artillery" to victory over the larger Mexican force, succumbed to his injuries 3 days later.

Artwork featuring his wounds on the battlefield was numerous and he became famous for his contributions to the war, his bravery, and his actions (refusing to leave the battlefield even after being mortally wounded), resulting in the naming of towns, streets, buildings, and of course Lodges in his name.