Civil War

This Week in the Civil War

00000174-b11b-ddc3-a1fc-bfdbb1a20000The Schreiner University Department of History is honoring the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War with a series of short vignettes focusing on events from 1861 through 1865. The Civil War was the most destructive conflict in American history, but it was also one of our most defining moments as a people and as a nation. Let us know what you think about "This Week in the Civil War." E-mail your comments to Dr. John Huddleston at jhuddles@schreiner.edu.Airs: Weekdays at 5:19 a.m., 8:19 a.m., 4:19 p.m. on KTXI and 4:49 a.m., 9:29 p.m. on KSTX.

This Week in the Civil War - 795

Texas Public Radio | By Texas Public Radio

Published March 26, 2014 at 4:26 PM CDT

Pro-Southern, Copperhead activity occurred in all states of the North to some degree during the American Civil War. However, on Monday, March 28, 1864, anti-war activity even came to Illinois, the home state of President Abraham Lincoln.

At Charlestown, Peace Democrats were conducting an anti-administration, political rally when approximately 100 Copperheads, personally fortified with generous amounts of alcohol, suddenly fired on Federal troops who both happened to be present and unfortunately were disarmed. In a matter of minutes, approximately 25 soldiers had been killed or wounded.

Rumors of continuing violence brought 2000 additional Union troops from Illinois and Indiana to Charlestown. Many Copperhead leaders and followers were detained but eventually pardoned by Abraham Lincoln for their involvement in what is known to history as the Charlestown [Illinois] Riot.