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In April, 1861 Confederate soldiers fired the first shots of the American Civil War on Ft. Sumter
in Charleston, South Carolina. Shortly after this incident, President Abraham Lincoln called for 75,000 volunteers to help fight in this
rebellion. The call was heard all across the country, even in the fledgling territory of Nebraska. In June and July, 1861 companies were
raised throughout the territory and surrounding states, and by August the 1st Nebraska was marching off to war. The regiment fought in the
famous battles of Ft. Donelson and Shiloh along with other minor engagements in Missouri and Arkansas. In October, 1863 the regiment was
changed from infantry into cavalry, and was transferred to the frontier to battle the Plains Indians. The regiment was finally mustered out of
service in 1866. By war's end, the Territory of Nebraska had offered more than one third of her eligible male population to the war, a ratio
even greater than the Union's most populous states.
Today's 1st Nebraska is a reenacting unit whose purpose and goal is to ensure that the memories of those Nebraskans who served in the Civil War will be remembered and
honored. Members of the unit hail from Nebraska, South Dakota, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, and Kansas. Through displays, living history, and
battle reenactments the public is able to learn of the sacrifices that Nebraska made during this horrible conflict.
To contact us, we have monthly business meetings
the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm in the basement of the VFW Hall at 33rd and
Leavenworth in Omaha, Nebraska. You can also contact
Lloyd Coates in Omaha at 402-498-0837 or Larry Angle in Lincoln at
402-435-0638.
The 1st Nebraska is a member of the
Muddy River Battalion.
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