Ohio Commemorates the Civil War

This month marks the 150^th anniversary of the Civil War coming to an end, as Robert E. Lee surrendered the Army of Northern Virginia to Union commanding Gen. (and Ohio native) Ulysses S. Grant in Appomattox Courthouse, Va.

Although Ohio wasn’t the site of much combat in the war, it played a major role in the four-year conflict – and there are many places in the state to explore that history.

The Toledo Museum of Art features an exhibit, “The American Civil War: Through Artists’ Eyes,” through July 5, featuring 50 paintings, drawings, sculptures, photos and artifacts. Some are from the museum’s own collection, and others are on loan from other facilities, including the Rutherford B. Hayes Presidential Center in Fremont. Among the artwork on display is “Battery H 1^st Volunteers Light Artillery in Action at Cold Harbor,” a six by 10 foot painting on loan from the Oregon-Jerusalem Historical Society.

There will also be movie viewings, concerts, re-enacments and lectures at the museum in connection with the exhibition.

April also marks the 150^th anniversary of the death of Abraham Lincoln, who was assassinated at Ford’s Theater in Washington D.C., less than a week after the end of the Civil War. Lincoln’s funeral train, traveling from the capital to Springfield, passed through Cleveland's Union Depot. It was the second time Lincoln’s train had come through Cleveland, as he gave a speech as president-elect in 1861.

In addition to an exhibit at the Cleveland Public Library through May, Lincoln at Cleveland 2015 is commemorating the 16^th president throughout April. There will be a wreath laying at the Soldiers & Sailors Monument on Public Square (which includes the Great Emancipator in bronze) and a re-creation of a funeral procession downtown. A historical marker commemorating Lincoln’s speech in Cleveland in 1861 will also be unveiled on April 28 at the Soldiers & Sailors Monument.

After the war ended, veterans formed groups like the Grand Army of the Republic and held regular reunions. A museum was formed out of one such group. Veterans of the 103^rd Ohio Volunteer Infantry – made up largely of soldiers from Cuyahoga, Lorain and Medina counties – incorporated and bought a farm on the shores of Lake Erie in Sheffield Lake in 1907. By that time, they had been holding reunions for more than 40 years – and continue to hold reunions on the site every August.

The grounds include a museum dedicated to the unit. Originally built as a barracks and then used as a hotel, the building was restored and became the 103^rd OVI Civil War Museum.

Relics on display include the regiment’s flags, drums that were carried into battle, and the uniform of regiment commander Col. (later Brigadier Gen.) John Casement. There’s also a library of old Civil War books and papers that can be used by students or genealogists. The museum is open by appointment only.