Nearly 100,000 Philadelphians entered the military service, 20,000 of whom never returned. This was an enviable record of service and sacrifice few other cities could equal. Philadelphia could also claim some of the greatest commanders of both North and South, including the redoubtable Victor of Gettysburg, Gen. George G. Meade, Confederate General John C. Pemberton as well Union Generals and Naval commanders: McClellan, Humphreys, Gibbon and Crawford; Admirals Porter and Dahlgren, along with fallen heroes such as Koltes, Greble, the Ellets, Bohlen, and Birney to name just a few all also can be claimed by the City of Brotherly Love..
This discussion about Philadelphia in this period will retrace a journey through time to the large number of sites that are most closely identified with the Civil War era, including forts, training camps, recruiting stations, hospitals, arsenals and depots. Also of importance will be a review to the fortifications that were hastily erected to guard against the Confederate invasion of 1863 that was halted at Gettysburg. Other sites covered include the homes of war heroes, cultural institutions, and of locales associated with the home front, such as the Southwark Refreshment Saloon movement.
Date: Thursday July 10, 2025
Instructor: Dr. Anthony (Andy) Waskie
Time: 6:30-8:30 pm
Fee: $20.00