When war broke out in April 1861, thousands of young men rushed to join the colors. Why were they so anxious to go off to war? Then, after the horrors of war had been exposed, why were thousands more willing to enlist in 1862? Why did men of central New York decide to join a new unit, the 126th New York Volunteer Infantry in August of 1862? Each student will receive the identity of an actual soldier from a regiment, and eventually find out what happened to him as a result of the war.
Recommended level: Upper Elementary: Third Grade through Fifth Grade
1. Why Men Enlisted: 1861 and 1862
2. The 126th New York Volunteer Infantry