The Civil War was not fought in New York, but the state, including Long Island, did contribute significantly to the war with men, supplies and related events.
Contemporary talks and ceremonies associated with the period have received a lot of recent attention as the nation commemorates, through 2015, the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. Last May, the Civil War Round Table of New York (CWRT/NY) celebrated its 60th anniversary. Also early last year, a donation of Civil War-era letters, invitations and documents was presented to the Oyster Bay Historical Society.
During February and March, the Syosset Library (225 South Oyster Bay Road – 516-921-5897) will contribute to the sesquicentennial commemoration by featuring two Civil War presentations by CWRT/NY past-president Bud Livingston.
- Monday, February 13, 1 p.m. – Some Little Known Facts About Abraham Lincoln
Discussions will include information about Lincoln’s sister, the president’s patent (the only U.S. president to hold one), his duel, his peculiar relationship with his father and the dislike that his law partner (Billy Herndon) had for Mary Lincoln.
Livingston also will talk about Herndon’s attitude toward the Lincoln children, Lincoln’s alleged love affair with Anne Rutledge, his trip to New Orleans, his first-hand experience with slavery, his broken engagement and his error in the Gettysburg Address.
- Thursday, March 1, 1 p.m. – The New York City Draft Riots of the Civil War
Few people realize the extent of the violence that occurred in Manhattan during July 1863. Spurred by the inequities of the conscription laws, conflict between Democratic cities and the Republican administration, and the problem of states’ rights, street fights erupted as police battled with civilians. A few days after the riots started, troops that fought in Gettysburg (including a contingent from Minnesota) helped restore order. Many people were killed and buildings were burned, including the armory in lower Manhattan and an orphanage for black children near 42nd Street and Fifth Avenue.
Livingston will explain the reasons for the riot and he will identify the men who paid cash to dodge the draft. He also will talk about the involvement of a man who later would become Winston Churchill’s grandfather.
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