Honoring Hartford's soldiers in the Battle of Antietam

September 17th marks the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Antietam, the bloodiest day in U.S. history. The Civil War engagement, fought near Antietam Creek in Maryland, claimed an estimated 23,000 casualties on both sides. Among those fighting for the North were 36 men later buried in Hartford's historic Cedar Hill Cemetery. You can learn their stories on Saturday, August 25, when Mary Falvey conducts a commemorative tour at the cemetery, at 453 Fairfield Avenue, starting at 10 a.m.

According to the Cedar Hill Cemetery Foundation's website, you'll learn about the bravery and valor that occurred during the battle, the anguish and suffering survivors would later endure, and the contributions the returning veterans made to Hartford history. Admission is $5 (free for Let’s Go Arts members.)

Arch photos!

If, like me, you missed the ceremonies last Saturday to mark the 125th anniversary of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Arch in downtown Hartford, there's still a great consolation gift from the State Library: a collection of vintage photos. It's fascinating to see how much the scenery around the Arch has changed over the years, with the Arch itself remaining the same, seeming to stand aloof from time.

Connecticut in the Civil War

April brings the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, so the history magazine Connecticut Explored (formerly the Hog River Journal), has dedicated its latest issue to Connecticut's role in the conflict. Articles include: "Heroes of the Home Front" (how women’s deeds honored their country); "Connecticut’s Naval Contributions to the Civil War" (Glastonbury’s Gideon Welles brings order out of chaos); "Connecticut Arms the Union" (rifles, revolvers, and shells that sound “like the shriek of a demon"); "Memorials to a Nation Preserved" (the great sacrifice remembered in stone and bronze); and "Soldier’s Heart" (possible PTSD among Civil War veterans).