During the American Civil War from 1861 to 1865, over two million soldiers served in either the United States or Confederate States armies. It’s estimated that 250,000–420,000 boys under the age of 18 and as young as 12 were involved on both sides and about 100,000 United States Army soldiers were 15 years of age or younger. Women who disguised themselves as men also served in combat, with conservative estimates putting the number between 400 and 750.
A.J. Schenkman’s book Unexpected Bravery: Women and Children of the Civil War (Globe Pequot, 2021) tells their story.
The Saratoga County Historical Society has announced “Unexpected Bravery: Women and Children of the Civil War,” a free program with Schenkman set for Saturday, June 10th, at Grant Cottage in Gansevoort. His book will be available for purchase, and a book signing will be held at the conclusion of the program.
Schenkman is a contributor to New York Almanack and the municipal historian of the town of Gardiner in Ulster County, NY.
This program will begin at 4:30 pm. Grant’s Cottage is located at 1000 Mt McGregor Road, in Gansevoort.
For more information about the Saratoga County History Center, visit their website.
Photos, from above: Civil War drummer boys off duty playing cards in camp during the winter of 1862 (Library of Congress); and tent life of the 31st Pennsylvania Infantry at Queen’s farm in vicinity of Fort Slocum near Washington DC during the Civil War (Library of Congress).
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