union army

Smith Co. copy of the Emancipation Proclamation-001

1800s

The Emancipation Proclamation: Read the text, and what it meant

President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, as the nation approached its third year of bloody civil war.

Unidentified African American soldier in Union uniform at Benton Barracks, Saint Louis, Missouri

1800s

Fighting for the Union: 20 African American soldiers from the Civil War

‘Let us always be willing to give them whatever credit is their due.’ 186,000 men of African descent fought for the Union in the Civil War. Here are some antique portraits showing just a few of these soldiers.

1800s

The Civil War nears its end: Lee surrenders to Grant (1865)

Lee has surrendered! Domestic treason is utterly suppressed and punished — freedom extended to all the people — the South conquered — the rebellion at an end — and peace with a Union restored and purified nigh at hand.

1800s

Civil War recruitment posters (1861-1864)

Fourth Regiment New Hampshire Volunteers Concord, New Hampshire (1861) The Eagle and the Harp – Irish recruitment poster from the Civil War Come with

1910s

Lincoln’s sister-in-law casts first vote at 103 (1914)

Abe Lincoln’s sister-in-law casts first vote at age of 103 “I’m old enough to vote, ain’t I?”‘ jestingly asked “Grandma” Sarah Todd, 103, sister-in-law of