Washington County, Maine in the Civil War: 1861-66

An account of a uniquely located county’s involvement in the Civil War – unique because of its connections to Canada and access to the ocean. The "Home Front" chapter outlines the politics, attitudes toward the war, recruitment successes and failures, effects on home life, and relations with Canada. Army regiments containing 50 or more county soldiers are briefly followed through the war. Soldiers’ wartime experiences, from mundane to tragic to glorious, are recounted. Navy life and operations are outlined, and effects of the war on coastal seafaring. Whenever possible, county participants’ names are connected to the battles and other experiences of the war. An appendix lists some 4,700 names of soldiers and sailors – more than 10% of the county’s population – and their assignments and fates. In light of the information offered herein, the reader is invited to consider (as does the author) the eternal questions of the meaning of this great conflict and what lessons it may carry for our present and future. The book includes 45 photographs over four chapters, 6 tables, and an extensive appendix of soldiers listed by town of origin and including their age, regiment, rank and fate.