Fort Snelling and the Civil War

Book excerpt: Over one hundred fifty years ago, the State of Minnesota offered the first volunteers to defend the Union in the fight against slavery. Every Minnesota soldier passed through historic Fort Snelling to the fighting. Using detailed research and first-hand accounts, Stephen E. Osman's book, Fort Snelling and the Civil War, tells the stories of the men and women who created a community in the old fort.The book explores the role of Fort Snelling as a major military post in Minnesota, and its transformation during the Civil War and the U.S.-Dakota Conflict of 1862 that followed. The fort eventually expanded to include several large camps of Native Americans, massive stock yards, huge warehouses, and secure barracks for draftees before reverting to a supply depot in 1865.Beautifully illustrated with more than one hundred photos and seven maps, it is a book that belongs on the shelf of anyone who is interested in the people and places that made Minnesota history, as well as those who are devotees of Civil War history and re-enactment, or are explorers of historic sites. The book will appeal to professional historians, Civil War devotees, and students of all ages.Ramsey County Historical Society President Chad Roberts says, "Fort Snelling and the Civil War greatly expands our understanding of the history of not only the fort, but of our community and the individuals who lived in the region. Wonderfully engaging and beautifully illustrated, this book is a pleasure to read and provides insights that will enlighten all readers, from experienced professional historians, to students first learning about this time period and our community. It is a unique offering that doesn't shy away from difficult topics. We are proud to add it to our catalog."