Civil War

By now, many people know how Mentor’s own President James A. Garfield served in the Civil War, but how did he feel about the war and its causes?

Garfield catapulted to national fame because of his role in the impressive victory during the Battle of Middle Creek in 1862. Even before he donned a soldier’s uniform, though, Garfield had strong convictions and opinions about the events which led to the Civil War. Ranger Alan Gephardt of James A. Garfield National Historic Site will discuss Garfield’s private and public sentiments about the war and the cause for which millions fought.

Our Civil War series with our friends from Lawnfield continues during a special online program at noon on Wednesday, Sept. 9. The topic will be on the role Civil War veterans like Sherman and Sheridan played in the Indian Wars. The talk will be hosted via Zoom. Registration is required, and you can sign up on our website.

By the way, if you’re interested in Civil War history, several talks in our Civil War series can be viewed online in their entirety, including:

• Antietam: The Deadliest Day in US History
• The Atlanta Campaign
• Gettysburg
• The Fourteenth Amendment
• The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
• Life & Legacy of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain

Our Civil War series continues with a spotlight on The Battle of Middle Creek, a lesser-known conflict with local importance because Mentor’s own James A. Garfield led the Union into the fray. Discover how what happened in Kentucky set Garfield on the path to the presidency.

Our Civil War series continues at noon on Wednesday, Feb. 12 at our Main Branch. We’ll discuss the life of Abraham Lincoln. As always, the talk is free and open to all.

By the way, if you’re interested in Civil War history, several talks in our Civil War series can be viewed online in their entirety, including:

• Antietam: The Deadliest Day in US History
• The Atlanta Campaign
• Gettysburg
• The Fourteenth Amendment
• The Assassination of Abraham Lincoln
• Life & Legacy of Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain