Civil War Sesquicentennial

AMERICAN HISTORY

Civil War Sesquicentennial

Civil War Sesquicentennial, courtesy the National Park Service.

A house divided against itself cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free. I do not expect the Union to be dissolved -- I do not expect the house to fall -- but I do expect it will cease to be divided. It will become all one thing, or all the other.

-- Abraham Lincoln in his acceptance speech for the Republican State Senatorial nomination on June 16, 1858.

The Sesquicentennial of the Civil War provides the opportunity to reflect on the importance of this pivotal period in our nation's history. Forever changing and reshaping our country; hundreds of events, re-enactments, and historical activities will take place over the four year period of 2011-2015.

In this commemoration of our country’s greatest national crisis, in which, some 620,000 men lost their lives, these many events offer the current generation of Americans an important opportunity to know, discuss, and commemorate the causes, battles, people, campaigns, and mid-nineteenth century perspectives of unionists, secessionists, African Americans, and women during the conflict.

Most of these activities are historical, focusing on a particular event, while others are solemn, memorializing the men who lost their lives in battle. A few more are celebrations including “secession balls” and “states rights” events. Though many do not agree with these types of activities, all of them commemorate history in their various ways. Yet, other activities include conferences where historians gather to continue to debate the causes and effects of the Civil War, as well as various battles and events. Lecturers will stand at podiums to enlighten their audience on history; and sometimes, personal opinions.

As people across the country remember the sacrifices Americans -- both black and white -- made to end slavery and pave the way for racial equality in the United States, it provides unprecedented opportunities to learn and reflect on the progress our country has made and the obstacles we are still working to overcome.

Though no Federal Civil War Sesquicentennial organizing committee was created, a number of other organizations, as well as state and local groups have been organized to promote Civil War commemorations. These agencies and commissions have worked hard in planning a number of events and special exhibits, to capture the spirit and memory of the Civil War.

National Organizations:

The National Park Service Civil War Sesquicentennial - The National Park Service, through the collective efforts of the superintendents at Civil War related parks, has undertaken a multi-faceted, multi-year, integrated program that simultaneously transforms and improves the interpretation of the Civil War. With over 70 Civil War Parks in the National Park System, which have resources that are related to the history of the Civil War, these parks provide opportunities to tour the real places where this struggle occurred a century and a half ago. In partnership with state and local communities, the National Park Service provides a website for the commemoration which includes a Calendar of Events, a list of Special Exhibitions, a list of Civil War Parks, and more.

The Civil War Preservation Trust - The Civil War Preservation Trust is an organization devoted to preserving our nation's endangered Civil War battlefields. The Trust also promotes educational programs and heritage tourism initiatives to inform the public of the war's history and the fundamental conflicts that sparked it. The organization has developed a webpage to commemorate the Sesquicentennial which includes Anniversary Events, Sesquicentennial News, and more.

The Civil War Discovery Trail - Affiliated with the Civil War Preservation Trust, the Civil War Discovery Trail presents the story of the Civil War and its enduring impact on America by linking more than 600 sites in 31 states, the District of Columbia, and three international destinations. The website provides information on the Sites on the Civil War Discovery Trail.

The Battle of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania was the bloodiest in the entire war. Today, the battlefield is a National Military Park.

This image available for photographic prints HERE!

Civil War Information Guide – This website provides information on the Sesquicentennial and Civil War Battles.

Civil War Navy Sesquicentennial - A blog dedicated to the dissemination of information on the history, evens, and activities surround the Civil War Navy's Sesquicentennial Anniversary.

State Sesquicentennial Organizations:

Florida

Illinois

Kansas

Louisiana

Massachusetts

Minnesota

Mississippi

New Hampshire

Rhode Island

Wisconsin

As we remember the profound events of the Civil War, contemplating the ways in which it has shaped our nation, we must embrace the sesquicentennial period as an opportunity to improve our knowledge of history and the events leading us to today.

But, the most important thing to remember, regardless of the causes of the war or the beliefs of the people of the time, are the

war’s many participants, who were ALL American heroes. Both Union and Confederate soldiers; women, whose role in society was forever changed; and the African-American soldiers who fought for the Union to achieve dignity and freedom. In the end, the history of the Civil War, be it good and bad, served a purpose in shaping the great nation that the United States is today.

More Informational Sites:

CivilWar.com

Civil War Naval Museum

Civil War Homepage

Civil War Traveler

Son of the South

Walt Whitman tended to both Confederateand Union soldiers in hospitals.

This photo taken at Fredericksburg, Virginia, May, 1864.

Arous'd and angry, I'd thought to beat the alarm, and urge relentless war,

But soon my fingers fail'd me, my face droop'd and I resigned myself,

To sit by the wounded and soothe them, or silently watch the dead.

Years hence of these scenes, of these furious passions, these chances,

Of unsurpass'd heroes,
was one side so brave? the other was equally brave.

-- Walt Whitman, from his poem The Wound Dresser

~~~~~

Walt Whitman, an adamant Union supporter and a fervent anti-slavery advocate, tended both Union and Confederate soldiers during the Civil War, which provided him with

a unique perception of patriotism and courage.

Also See:

Campaigns of the Civil War

Causes of the Civil War

Civil War Main Page

Civil War Facts & Trivia

The Confederate States of America

Timeline & Leading Events

The Union in the Civil War

Federal Soldiers of the Civil War

This image available for photographic prints and downloads HERE!

From the Rocky Mountain General Store

Civil War & Military Photographs - From our personal Photo Print Shop, you can now order prints that provide dramatic glimpses into the Civil War and other military expeditions and battles that occurred during the days of the Old West . From battlegrounds, to generals, Indian Campaigns,the cavalry, and everything in between, you'll find it here and check back often as this varied collection grows daily.