HAL to hear about Civil War in Western New York

Information Provided by the Historical Association of Lewiston

The Historical Association of Lewiston will welcome Steve Teeft, who will present “The Civil War in Western New York” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 24, at the Lutheran Church of the Messiah Fellowship Hall, 915 Oneida St.

New York state played a pivotal role in the War of the Rebellion, better known as the American Civil War. It had provided manpower, supplies and leadership; covering each theater of the war, and had a presence of some sort in every area of the war.

New York had also provided training areas throughout the state, including the training of hundreds of future officers who graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, to the hundreds of military training areas, camp and forts.

The supplies that New York state was able to produce and manufacture was incredible – from military arms, ammunition from our various armories and factories, to the steel foundries that produced armor and technology for ironclads. The recruitment of soldiers for the Union Army was vital, recruiting just under a half a million men for the war effort.

New York also fell victim to conspirators, riots, sabotage and rebellion – and you would be surprised that the state had its small share of those who supported the Confederacy, including a number, although small in number who served the south.

This state also would be a holder of the most prisoner of war camps, more than any other state in the union, including the controversial one in Elmira.

During the conflict, New York would also be a place for healing, medicine and medical care, through the various hospitals, medical training centers and later soldiers' home, such as the Soldiers hospital & home for Union Veterans in Bath. 

New York supplied over 400,000 men, tons of war supplies, spending nearly $38 million in resources and well over $100 million in soldiers pay, recruitment and bounties.

So much history to cover in so little time – won’t you come and join us as we cover an overview on these topics?

Local historian Teeft, director of the only Civil War museum in New York, the Echoes Through Time Learning Center & Civil War Museum, will present some interesting facts and stories about the part New York played in our American Civil War.

This community event is free and open to all, but donations are greatly appreciated to help support our museum. Refreshments will be served.