Learn how the home state of Gettysburg contributed iron and ammunition along with soldiers to the Union army and navy
Overview of Pennsylvania's role in the American Civil War.
© Civil War Trust (A Britannica Publishing Partner)
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Transcript
My name's Doug Douds. I'm a native of Pennsylvania, and I'm here to explain to you about Pennsylvania's contribution to the Civil War. It's really in three efforts. It's people, it's material, and it's will. Over 360,000 Pennsylvanians will serve the Union Army during the Civil War. Most of them will fight in the Eastern Theater.
Another 40,000 will join the Union Navy. Such notables as General George Gordon Mead, John Reynolds, Winfield Scott Hancock, and on the Naval side Admiral David Dickson Porter, and John Dahlgren will serve. But those are just a few. Many more will serve, including a 187 medal of honor awardees will fight for the Union side.
Now on the material piece, Pennsylvania will contribute to the economic and industrial might of the Union. It will be from forge's around Pennsylvania that will contribute 80% of the iron used for everything from railroad rails to iron for iron flags. There will be armories and arsenals from across the state that will produce everything from artillery, to muskets, to equipment, to uniforms. In fact, the Allegheny Arsenal alone will produce 40,000 rounds of ammunition every day.
Now the Philadelphia shipyard will contribute to the Navy side, producing ships and also Naval supplies. And the fertile fields of Pennsylvania, well that'll supply the grain and the fruit and the meat that will feed not only the armies in the field, but that population back home. For the political will that supports Lincoln's policies, well that stems from war Governor Andrew Curtin. Many follow his lead, including influential congressman Thaddeus Stephens.
Now there are many engagements across Pennsylvania. However, the most famous, the largest and bloodiest battle the Civil War takes place in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. And if ever you visit the field, you'll see that the Pennsylvania monument reflects Pennsylvania's contributions to the Civil War. Now, what you can see is that Pennsylvania lives up to its nickname is the Keystone state. It provides necessary talent, the material needed, and the political will. So be mindful of Pennsylvania's contributions as you study the Civil War.
Another 40,000 will join the Union Navy. Such notables as General George Gordon Mead, John Reynolds, Winfield Scott Hancock, and on the Naval side Admiral David Dickson Porter, and John Dahlgren will serve. But those are just a few. Many more will serve, including a 187 medal of honor awardees will fight for the Union side.
Now on the material piece, Pennsylvania will contribute to the economic and industrial might of the Union. It will be from forge's around Pennsylvania that will contribute 80% of the iron used for everything from railroad rails to iron for iron flags. There will be armories and arsenals from across the state that will produce everything from artillery, to muskets, to equipment, to uniforms. In fact, the Allegheny Arsenal alone will produce 40,000 rounds of ammunition every day.
Now the Philadelphia shipyard will contribute to the Navy side, producing ships and also Naval supplies. And the fertile fields of Pennsylvania, well that'll supply the grain and the fruit and the meat that will feed not only the armies in the field, but that population back home. For the political will that supports Lincoln's policies, well that stems from war Governor Andrew Curtin. Many follow his lead, including influential congressman Thaddeus Stephens.
Now there are many engagements across Pennsylvania. However, the most famous, the largest and bloodiest battle the Civil War takes place in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. And if ever you visit the field, you'll see that the Pennsylvania monument reflects Pennsylvania's contributions to the Civil War. Now, what you can see is that Pennsylvania lives up to its nickname is the Keystone state. It provides necessary talent, the material needed, and the political will. So be mindful of Pennsylvania's contributions as you study the Civil War.
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