Lincoln Shrine, University to Host Civil War Symposium

As part of the ongoing commemoration of the sesquicentennial of the American Civil War, the Lincoln Memorial Shrine is proud to collaborate with the University of Redlands to present a special symposium, “1863: The Turning Point.” The two-day event will take place Saturday, Sept. 21, and Sunday, Sept. 22, at the University of Redlands Casa Loma Room, with a special reception and dinner on the evening of Sept. 21 at the Lincoln Memorial Shrine and A.K. Smiley Public Library in Redlands. Founded in 1932, the Lincoln Memorial Shrine is the only museum in the West dedicated to Abraham Lincoln and the Civil War. “The passage of 150 years has not diminished the importance of the dramatic events of the American Civil War,” observed Lincoln Shrine Director Don McCue. “The secession of 11 Southern states in early 1861 sparked the worst crisis in the history of the nation. After two years of costly battles, President Abraham Lincoln was seemingly no closer to his goal of restoring the Union. In 1863, however, the war reached its turning point. First, Lincoln changed the moral basis of the war by issuing his Emancipation Proclamation, a crucial step in putting slavery on the path to extinction. Second, during the first three days of July, a decisive Union victory at Gettysburg repulsed Robert E. Lee’s invasion of the North. The following day, Gen. Ulysses S. Grant forced the Confederate bastion of Vicksburg to surrender, thereby securing Union control of the strategically vital Mississippi River. These twin triumphs were the beginning of the end for the Confederacy.” A roster of some of the nation’s finest Civil War scholars, including Craig Symonds, Frank Williams and J. David Hacker will discuss both the battles and the important political developments that profoundly altered the course of American history. In addition they will examine the conflict through groundbreaking new research on casualties, as well as how the war has been depicted in cinema. The two-day event is $115 for members of the Lincoln Memorial Association and $135 for non-members who pay by Sept. 1. From Sept. 2 through Sept. 14, the price is $150 for members and non-members alike. The price includes two continental breakfasts, one lunch, and one dinner, plus access to all sessions. Full-time undergraduate or graduate students with student ID may attend the full program for $85. “Civil War enthusiasts and history buffs should be sure to join us in September for what is certain to be a very memorable event,” McCue concluded. Reservations can be obtained by calling 909-798-7565.