As we approach the sesquicentennial anniversary of the American Civil War (2011-2015), it is important to note the nature of how we will celebrate and commemorate the most trying and turbulent period in our country's young history.  Commissions and organizations, both official and unofficial, are currently in their planning stages.  What then will be commemorated? Accounts of soldiers fighting against each other under the leadership of Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant will likely arise.  The experience of “Billy Yank” and “Johnny Reb” in battle on the hallowed grounds of Gettysburg, Antietam, and Chancellorsville will enrapture the hearts and minds of the American populace.  Yet this does not paint a complete picture to the entire scope of the war.  One must think in broader terms, well beyond the fight on land, to the myriad conflicts waged by sea and river between Union and Confederate navies.  Accordingly, the Civil War Navy Sesquicentennial Committee seeks to commemorate the men, machines, and memory of this often overlooked aspect of the American Civil War. 

Under the direction of the Naval History and Heritage Command (NHHC) in Washington, D.C., the Civil War Navy Sesquicentennial Committee seeks to disseminate information and activities connected to the ships, men, and organization of opposing fleets during the 150th anniversary.  Although Union and Confederate navies comprised only five percent of fighting forces in the American Civil War, their role nonetheless deserves much needed attention in the years to come.  From the waters of the Chesapeake to the Mississippi River, the Civil War navy touched all theaters of conflict, oftentimes in coordination with major land offensives. 

Commemorative events will encompass a nationwide effort to satisfy four core areas of the NHHC enterprise: education, exhibits, research, and promotion.  Joint cooperation with various museums, institutions, and historic sites throughout the United States offer ample opportunities for enthusiast and general public alike to celebrate the Civil War navy.  Furthermore, public programs and academic symposia complete the outline to the Sesquicentennial Committee's main objectives.  It is the overall goal of the Civil War Navy Sesquicentennial Committee to generate awareness and interest of this often overlooked aspect of our country's most trying time. 

Currently, the Civil War Navy Sesquicentennial Committee is tracking events and activities relevant to Civil War naval operations through various social media outlets such as Facebook and Blogger.  The Sesquicentennial Blog ( http://www.civilwarnavy150.blogspot.com) is the official source for up to date information.  The utilization of popular social media and digital networks to promote, inform, and educate the general public is indeed mission critical.    Events within the command are already underway.  The Hampton Roads Naval Museum, one of twelve official U.S. Navy Museums within the NHHC enterprise, will host an annual commemorative Civil War navy-related speaker each commemorative year.  The official "kick off" to these events occurred earlier in June with a spirited and informative lecture by Dr. Craig L. Symonds, author of the acclaimed Lincoln and His Admirals in Norfolk, Virginia.  The engendering power of iron-wielded ships and cannon fire will be as alive today as it was 150 years ago.

The road to Appomattox was not paved by soldiers alone.  Civil War sailors helped shape the outcome of war through nautical waterways and foreign waters around the globe.  The rivers and oceans of the United States , like veins leading to the Confederate heartland, will set the stage for years to come.  Abraham Lincoln said it best in a speech entreating listeners to remember that “Uncle Sam’s web-feet” should not be forgotten, for “wherever the ground was a little damp, they have made their tracks.”  Full speed ahead!   

For more information, visit the  Navy History Foundation website- navyhistory.org or contact us at 202-678-4333.