However one refers to the Civil War—the “War to Preserve the Union,” “War of the Rebellion,” “War to make Men Free,” “Freedom War,” or the “War Between the States”—it preserved the United States as one, indivisible, nation.

In an 1889 study, performed by Union soldiers William Fox and Thomas Livermore, it was reported that approximately 620,000 soldiers died in the Civil War. Included in that number are two notable Oregon citizens—Colonel Edward Dickinson Baker and Captain James W. Lingenfelter.

In civilian life, James Lingenfelter was a successful lawyer in Jacksonville, Oregon. While visiting in the East, the war started and he enlisted to serve with Colonel Baker. In time, Lingenfelter became the Captain of Company B, 71st Pennsylvania Infantry. In September, 1861, Captain Lingenfelter was shot in the head while on picket duty, and the first Oregonian to die in the Civil War.

On October 21, 1861, one month after Captain Lingenfelter, Colonel Edward Dickinson Baker was killed while leading Union troops at the Battle of Ball’s Bluff near Leesburg, VA. Colonel Baker was a close friend of Abraham Lincoln, and served as a U.S. Army Colonel during the Mexican-American War, as well as the Civil War. Baker was Oregon’s second United States Senator. He was the only sitting senator to be killed in the Civil War.

On July 8 and 9, Cascade Civil War Society will team-up with Southern Oregon Historical Society to present “Living History Days” at Hanley Farm. When you visit the Civil War encampment, you’ll get a feel of the life of a soldier, learn what a soldier ate, how they treated their wounded and much more. Costumed interpreters will help you experience 19th century life through stories, barn tours, reenactments, Hanley House tours, and music.

We hope you will join us as we commemorate the Civil war and how it shaped our country.

Living History Days at Hanley Farm—Blacksmithing demonstrations, wagon rides, old-time chores and games, Hanley Farmhouse & Civil War-era barn tours, Civil War encampment, reenactments, storytelling, food and refreshments, and MORE! July 8 & 9, 11:00am-4:00pm. 1053 Hanley Road, Central Point. Admittance: Adults/$7, SOHS Members & Children, ages 4yrs-12yrs/$4. Hanley Farmhouse Tours/$3. Purchase tickets at the gate, or online at www.sohs.org.