HAL Monthly Program - The Civil War in WNY

The Historical Assoc. of Lewiston is pleased to present Steve Teeft with our Oct. 2024 program: “The Civil War in Western New York”. This presentation will be at 7:00 PM Thursday, Oct. 24,2024 at the Lutheran Church of the Messiah Fellowship Hall, 915 Oneida St., Lewiston, NY. New York State played a pivotal role in the War of the Rebellion, better known as the American Civil War.

New York State 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 State had also provided training areas throughout the state, including the training hundreds of future officers, whom graduated from the US 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 which 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 State also fell victim to conspirators, riots, sabotage, and rebellion; and you would be surprised that NY State had its small share of those who supported the Confederacy, including a number, although small in number who served the south.

New York State also, would be a holder of the most Prisoner of War camps, more than any other state in the union, including the controversial POW camp, Elmira. During the conflict, NY State 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, NY. 

New York State 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 Steve Teeft, director of the only civil war museum in NY State, the Echoes Through Time Learning Center & Civil War Museum, will be presenting some interesting facts and stories about our part New York State 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. Come on out and join us and enjoy learning more about our part in the Civil War.