Civil War Museum
Exhibits
Stephen A. Douglas: From the Shadow of Lincoln
Through March 20, 2012 - John M. Antaramian Gallery
A powerful politician and controversial legislator, Stephen A. Douglas was Abraham Lincoln's political and popular rival. Yet history remembers them differently. Through paintings, lithographs, sculptures, personal artifacts, campaign posters and cartoons from the George Buss Collection, see Douglas in a new light.
The Fiery Trial Exhibit
Civil War Museum
The Fiery Trial tells the personal stories of the men and women of the Upper MIddle West - specifically Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa, Minnesota, Indiana, and Michigan. Through state-of-the-art museum technology, life-size dioramas, and interactive engaging exhibits, visitors travel back in history to the social, political, and economic influences that contributed to the Civil War.
From the home front, to the railroad and waterways, to the battlefront and back home again, the Civil War is seen through the eyes of soldiers, nurses, spouses, children, clergymen, slaves, tradesmen, and the others who lived it. Experience the battlefront, the incredible logistics and resources that were required to mount the war effort, and the deep emotions that tore families apart.
Medical care for Civil War soldiers in the field was extremely difficult.
See a surgeon's kit and a medicine chest.
Board a train car and listen to the personal stories of men
and women as they ride "The Iron Road to War."
Surviving the winter was a trial for Civil War soldiers.