Virtual Exhibitions

~ Bridgeport and Civil War ~ Bridgeport War Machine ~ Union Cause Supported ~ End Notes & Bibliography ~

On February 18, 1861, Texas was the seventh state to secede from the Union.  South Carolina, Mississippi, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, and Louisiana had each passed state ordinance for secession and began to coalesce as their own autonomous nation.  On April 12, 1861, the first engagement of the American Civil War took place.  A skirmish lasting thirty-four hours ended with the Union garrison stationed in Charleston Harbor, South Carolina surrendering Fort Sumter to the Confederates.  The American Civil War had begun.

In a world of political unrest and domestic upheaval, the security of the family and the cohesion of the community were suddenly assaulted by the overwhelming necessity of supplying the continually increasing war machine with food, arms, uniforms, and medical supplies, as well as moral support.  Thousands of men throughout the north were called to arms, and the citizens of Bridgeport and the surrounding region banded together to support the Union cause.

Proceed to Bridgeport War Machine.

Visit the Virtual Exhibits for objects from the Barnum Museum's collection.