Very many of the colored citizens of Ohio and other states have had a great desire to assist the government in putting down this injurious rebellion. Since they have heard that the rebels are forming regiments of the free blacks and compelling them to fight against the Union as well as their slaves, they urged me to write and beg that you will receive one or more regiments (or companies) of the colored free States to counterbalance those employed against the Union by Rebels. We are partly drilled and could wish to enter active service immediately.
~ From a letter by William A. Jones, Oberlin, Ohio,
to U.S. Secretary of War, Simon Cameron
The Battle of Chancellorsville, Virginia began on May 1, 1863. The Union Army under General Joseph Hooker was on hundred and fifteen thousand strong; the Confederate Army under General Robert E. Lee was just over half of that size. But Lee's brilliant tactics, along with General Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson's brave advances, proved formidable, and the battle ranks as one of the Confederacy's greatest victories.
Robert E. Lee resigned his commission to the United States Army on April 20, 1861. He stated: "I cannot raise my hand against my birthplace, my home, my children." Lee went to Richmond, where he accepted command of the military and naval forces of Virginia.
Confederate General Richard Taylor was the son of the twelfth president of the United States, Zachary Taylor. General Taylor was known for his training techniques and instilling discipline in his troops.
!! We Have a New Meeting Location !!
Orchard View Church of God
2777 Leffingwell Ave. NE Grand Rapids, Michigan
Located at the southwest corner of 3 Mile Road NE and Leffingwell Avenue NE
The Grand Rapids Civil War Round Table welcomes the return of Marie LaPres and her presentation on "Education During the Civil War." Her talk will be on education slightly before and during the war, and how education was changed because of the war. She'll also talk about how we can learn about education through primary sources.
Marie LaPres is a middle school social studies and theology teacher who lives in Grand Rapids. She has always enjoyed reading and writing, and with her love of history and God, she has incorporated all four loves into her writing. Erica has written 10 historical fiction novels, including the Civil War ‘Turner Daughter’ series and the ‘Key to Mackinac’ time-travel series. When not working on and researching her books, Erica can be found coaching middle and high school sports, being a youth minister, preparing for talks, and spending time with her friends and family, especially her beloved nieces and nephews.
Wednesday
April 17, 2024
Marie LaPres
Education During
The Civil War
We Meet At:
Orchard View Church of God
2777 Leffingwell Ave. NE
Grand Rapids, Michigan
Located at the southwest corner of
3 Mile Road NE and Leffingwell Avenue NE
Doors open at 6:30 p.m.
Program begins at 7:00 pm
Membership fees for the 2023-2024 season are $30.00.
Unfortunately, expenses are such that we could not survive without an increase in our membership fees.
Checks can be made out to GRCWRT.
Get your membership/renewal form on our website
membership page or at one of out meetings.
Dues are based on the meeting year, September - June.
We are always looking for new speakers. If you would like to give a presentation to the GRCWRT, or can recommend someone, please contact our program director.
Civil War Notes
Our Next Meeting
Special Announcements:
Author and Historian
Marie LaPres
