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RESOURCES

Like many Americans, New Yorkers are fascinated by the Civil War.  Thousands travel widely to participate in battle re-enactments. Others collect Civil War memorabilia, research their Civil War ancestry, and join Civil War Roundtables.  At the same time, never-ending debates associated with the war continue.  Was John Brown a martyr or a terrorist?  What is the legacy of slavery?  What if Lincoln had lived?  How do we define American freedom?  Does government guarantee or threaten that freedom?  How do Americans resolve their differences and maintain a strong union?  Was the Civil War “an irrepressible conflict,” or could it have been prevented? 

The NYS Library and NYS Archives both provide a wealth of information and resources regarding the Civil War in New York State.

Support for this program is provided by RBC Wealth Management.