The American Civil War

In 1861, an event occurred that would forever have an impact upon America, and it would forever shape the face of history. On April 12, 1861, Confederate General Beauregard opened fire upon Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina, which began the American Civil War.

It was one of the bloodiest wars in history, perhaps the most notorious and brutal war in the history of America, with horrendous loss of lives and disastrous consequences. Waged upon American soil, it was the Blue against the Gray, the North against the South, and it has forever left its imprint upon the history of the world, and the history of America. It was a war that was unlike no other, where families fought against their own, a war in which brothers were against one another.

Over 620,000 Americans tragically died within a short span of only four years, in this war that represented a fight for freedoms and rights, a fight for ideals, and that all may be free.

Some of the most well known military commanders and other respected historical figures came into recognition as a result of this war, including General Robert E. Lee, leader of the Confederate army; the opposing Ulysses S. Grant, leader of the Union army; and the beloved President Abraham Lincoln, whose speeches, such as The Gettysburg Address and the Emancipation Proclamation, touched upon the heart of divided America and soothed her during this time when she was ailing and crippled.

Endview, the living Civil War history museum in Newport News, Virginia, pictured above, is a window to the history of the Civil War. It was a Confederate hospital in 1862, and during the Battle of Williamsburg, it was a temporary headquarters for General George McClellan, who was appointed by Abraham Lincoln as general-in-chief of all Union forces

Endview offers a present day glimpse into history with Civil War re-enactments, educational programming and living history.

I would like to thank J.L. Williams, Development and Marketing Coordinator of the City of Newport News, Division of Museums and Historic Services, for allowing me to use a picture of Endview, the historical Civil War museum.

For more information, visit their Website at www.endview.org