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Tracy Mumford

Remembering Minnesota's role in the Civil War

Civil War-era flag from Minnesota
The large encircled star is meant to represent Minnesota on this handmade Civil War-era flag. It was sewn by a group of women from St. Anthony, Minn. in 1861, and presented to the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment. The flag itself is made of pieced silk with gold-painted stars.
Courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society

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This weekend, to mark the 150th anniversary of the end of the Civil War, several hundred reeanctors will gather at Fort Snelling in St. Paul.

But there won't be any battle — instead, they will stage a homecoming.

"This event recreates the coming home of Minnesota veterans," said Matthew Cassady, Program Specialist at Fort Snelling. "You can go to lots of battle reenactments — Gettysburg, Antietam, things like that. But no one is doing an event about coming home."

When the Civil War broke out in 1861, Minnesota was the newest state in the union, having only become a state three years prior. About 24,000 Minnesota soldiers joined the war, including free black men, Native Americans and at least one woman, according to the Minnesota Historical Society.

The events at Fort Snelling this weekend will recreate the homecoming of the 2nd Minnesota Volunteer Infantry. The regiment was mustered into service in 1861, and the more than 1,000 men served for four years, fighting in Tennessee, Mississippi, George and other southern states.

When the first Civil War veterans returned to Minnesota, they were not met with fanfare. Many returned with nothing and ended up living on the streets of St. Paul. Appalled at this, Minnesotans formed a committee to welcome them and "honor the men who saved the union," Cassady said.

On Saturday, reenactors will follow the actual path of returning soldiers. They will board a paddle boat in downtown St. Paul and ride down the river to Fort Snelling. At the fort, they will be greeted by hundreds of people and a brass band playing the actual songs the soldiers heard. Actors portraying the mayor of St. Paul and the governor of Minnesota will recite the historic speeches. On Sunday, they will recreate the final mustering out ceremony.

"It's the process by which they went from soldiers to civilians," Cassady said. "Turned in their equipment, turned in their flag, received their final pay and discharge papers, and then they went home."

Over 250 volunteer reenactors from around the country will participate in the festivities, which are open the public.

Gallery
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Civil War reenactors at Fort Ridgley, 1974
A non-profit organization, called the the First Regiment of Minnesota Volunteer Infantry, was formed to honor Minnesota's efforts in the Civil War. Here, members are dressed in Civil War uniforms near Fort Ridgely in 1974.
Courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society
1 of 7
Knute Nelson
A photograph of Knute Nelson in his Civil War uniform, from approximately 1862. Nelson went on to become a U.S. senator and the 12th governor of Minnesota.
Courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society
2 of 7
Depiction of Minnesota regiment at Gettysburg
A depiction of the 1st Minnesota Volunteer Infantry Regiment charging at the Battle of Gettysburg.
Courtesy of the Minnesota Historical Society