The sesquicentennial of the American Civil War began in 2011 and will officially end in 2015. Over the four years of war there were an estimated 700,000 soldiers, sailors and marines who died from battlefield death, wounds, disease or were unaccounted for after the war’s conclusion.

The Civil War was initially fought for the preservation of the Union but soon became a war to end slavery. The Union Civil War recruit had to be convinced to fight to end the human bondage which existed in the South at the time.

We commemorate the commanders, the political leaders and the common men and women who either fought in the armed forces of both Union and Confederate. We investigate with intensity the tactics and logistics of the numerous battles and skirmishes which were engaged. We also look closely at the effects the Civil War had on those who remained on the farms and in the cities.

There are numerous study and discussion groups dedicated to investigation and the causal factors which led our republic to fight and to kill their fellow citizens for causes both sides held dear. In the 21st century we look with amazement and often sadness that a nation could deal so much death and damage over civil rights and human rights.

In Minnesota, we have various battle sites which are officially included as Civil War sites. For instance, Fort Ridgely, New Ulm, Mankato, Birch Coulee and Wood Lake. We look at the conditions of the Native Americans and the push westward by settlers and eventually immigrants and the confrontations which ensued. It is interesting to note that since the U.S.-Dakota War of 1862 the resentment is slowly being replaced with reconciliation.

There are several people in the Albert Lea area who would like to start a local Civil War Roundtable to discuss, to learn and to share more about the Civil War including the U.S.-Dakota War. If you are interested in being a part of this group, please Jim Munyer a call at 507-213-6152.

 

Jim Munyer

Albert Lea