Full Duty

The Civil War Collection of Howard Coffin presents the first-ever exhibition from the private collection of Vermont's foremost Civil War Historian

Ora Paul, Woodstock VermontWhen the rebellion began, President Lincoln called on the loyal states for support of the Union cause. From the hills and valleys of Vermont, people came forward to face the challenge: farmers, carpenters, machinists, housewives, teachers, shopkeepers, students, doctors, lawyers--all became involved in the war effort, each in his or her own way.

Historian Howard Coffin has spent 40 years collecting artifacts that demonstrate the contributions of Vermonters to the war effort. This exhibition shows the best of his collection. It includes letters written under fire; the epaulets, hat, writing desk, and shaving kit of a Vermont officer; the blood-stained diary of a man who died at Gettysburg; the pistol carried by the first Union soldier over the wall when the siege of Petersburg was broken; a map of Northern Virginia, used by General George Stannard; a painting of the Battle of Bull Run, painted by a Vermont soldier who fought there. Containing more than 100 artifacts in all, the exhibition weaves a vivid story about Vermont’s response to the crisis of civil war, and about Vermont’s role in preserving the Union.

All images in this article, including the thumbnail image of the drum used in the right column, are by First Light Studios.