East Montpelier in the Civil War
On April 12, 1861, Confederate batteries fired on Fort Sumpter in Charleston harbor. This followed several months of action by South Carolina and other southern states to vote to seceed from the Union and establish the Confederate States of America. The attack precipitated the American Civil War and prompted President Lincoln, on April 15, to call Congress into session and issue a call to the states for militia to restore the Union. A telegram was sent to His Excellency, Erastus Fairbanks, Governor of Vt. for one regiment for immediate service. Governor Fairbanks called the legislature into emergency session and it quickly voted to respond to the President's call and muster the militia and ask for volunteers for service.
One of the first East Montpelier residents to volunteer was Joseph Hill, on 1 June, 1861. Dwight Kelton tried to enlist on the same day but was rejected for being under age. He later served in a New York regement. In all, some 136 men were credited as coming from East Montpelier.
For more information on those who served from our town go to: East Montpelier soldiers.
There is an excellent website for Civil War information at:
Vermont in the Civil War.
The Latest Publication The brochure published by the Bicentennial Committee has been updated and reprinted in booklet format. It features the old schools,vintage houses, churches, cemeteries and special structures such as the Town Hall and Fairmont Station. Price: $3.00 - by mail, add $1.00 for postage and handling. Click on "Order Form" to order from the Society Order Form | ||||||||||
