Civil War History in Lombard, Illinois

The Lombard Historical Society is set to unveil its latest exhibition, "Camp Douglas and the Civil War at Home," on Saturday, June 6, during the annual Civil War Days: Living History at the Homestead event at the Sheldon Peck Homestead.

 

This exhibition, running through November 28, delves into the history of Camp Douglas, a pivotal Civil War site in Illinois.

 

Located on Chicago's South Side, Camp Douglas initially served as a training ground for Union soldiers and later became a prisoner-of-war camp for Confederate soldiers.

 

Although little physical evidence of the camp remains today, its history continues to shape our understanding of the Civil War in Chicago and the nation.

 

At the Sheldon Peck Homestead, the story of Camp Douglas is connected to local people and places.

 

Visitors will learn about General Benjamin Sweet, who commanded Camp Douglas and later helped shape early Lombard; Ada Celeste Sweet, a pioneering federal official and reformer; Sanford Peck, son of Sheldon and Harriet Peck, who served in the Union Army; and men from Babcock's Grove who answered the call to serve.

 

The exhibit opens as part of Civil War Days: Living History at the Homestead, a free public event held from noon to 4 p.m.

 

Living history interpreters will bring the 1860s to life through demonstrations and conversations about military and civilian life during the Civil War era.

 

As the nation approaches America 250, this exhibition invites visitors to consider the power of place and the ways national history is remembered through local stories.

 

For more information or to register, visit the Lombard Historical Society's website.  visit www.lombardhistory.org or contact  director@lombardhistory.org.