The Civil War is an event that remains alive in the American memory. It affected almost every household and family in the nation. Oshkosh and the Lake Winnebago Region were no exception. In this exhibit you can view photographs, documents, and artifacts relating to this significant event. Letters and diaries tell the story of soldiers and civilians who lived through these times.

When the Civil War began, patriotic men of Oshkosh and the region joined local companies to fight in the war. Men enlisted in the 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 18th, 19th, 21st, 32nd and 37th Wisconsin Infantry; the 1st and 3rd Wisconsin Cavalry, and the 1st Wisconsin Heavy Artillery. They represented the region in other regiments. Civilians on the homefront also recorded their thoughts and feelings.