California in the American Civil War facts for kids

California played an important role during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Even though it was far from the main battles in the East, California helped the Union Army in several ways. The state sent lots of gold to the East, which was vital for the Union to pay for the war. California also recruited many volunteer soldiers. These volunteers replaced regular army troops in the Western United States. This allowed the regular soldiers to go fight in the East. California also built and maintained many military camps and fortifications.

While California's own military units did not travel East, many citizens from California went there on their own. They joined the Union Army to fight for the North. California's volunteers also carried out operations against Native American groups within the state and in other Western territories.

After the California Gold Rush, many people moved to California. Most were farmers, miners, and business people from the Midwest and the South. The Democrats were the main political party in California for a long time. Some Southern Democrats supported the Confederate States of America, which had left the Union. However, these people were a smaller group in California. Business leaders in California were also very powerful. They controlled mines, shipping, and money. They were part of the Republican Party, which was a smaller party until the war began.

California Becomes a State

When California became a state in 1850, it was part of a deal called the Compromise of 1850. Californians had already decided they wanted to be a free state, meaning slavery would not be allowed. In 1849, a special meeting to write California's constitution voted to end slavery.

Because of this, Southern politicians in the U.S. Congress voted against California becoming a state. But Northern politicians pushed for it, pointing out California's large population and its valuable gold. Northern California, with its busy mines, shipping, and businesses in San Francisco, strongly wanted to become a state. In the 1856 United States presidential election, California voted for James Buchanan, who won the election.

Southern California's Attempts to Separate

After California joined the Union, some people in Southern California tried to separate. These were often Californios (people of Spanish or Mexican heritage) and Southerners who supported slavery. Southern California was mostly rural and had fewer people. They tried three times in the 1850s to become a separate state or territory.

The last attempt was called the Pico Act in 1859. The California State Legislature passed this law. The state governor, John B. Weller, signed it. Voters in the proposed Territory of Colorado (which would have been Southern California) overwhelmingly approved it. The idea was sent to Washington, D.C.. However, the country was heading towards the Civil War after Abraham Lincoln was elected in 1860. Because of this, the proposal was never voted on in Congress.

In 1860, Abraham Lincoln won 38,733 votes in California. This was only 32% of the total votes, but it was enough for him to win all four of California's electoral votes.

California Volunteers Join the Fight

On July 24, 1861, the United States Secretary of War asked California's Governor for volunteer soldiers. These volunteers were needed to protect the Butterfield Overland Mail route, which was a mail delivery service. They also needed to guard Fort Laramie.

At first, the request was for five companies of cavalry (soldiers on horseback) and one regiment of Infantry (foot soldiers). On August 14, more soldiers were requested: four more regiments of infantry and one more regiment of cavalry. These soldiers were to report to General Edwin Vose Sumner. These California volunteers took the place of regular army troops. The regular troops were sent to fight in the East before the end of 1861. This meant California had to protect itself using its own people during the Civil War.

The Battle for California's Resources

Both the Union and the Confederacy wanted California's gold. Ulysses S. Grant, a famous Union general, once said, "I do not know what we would do in this great national emergency if it were not for the gold sent from California." The Confederates also needed ports that were not being blocked by the Union Navy. If they could control Southern California, they would gain access to these important ports.

Southern California had many people who had moved there from the South during the Gold Rush. While they were a smaller group, they wanted Southern California to leave the Union and join the Confederate states. At this time, Northern California was very loyal to the Union.

Some groups that supported the Confederacy were formed in Southern California. These included the Los Angeles Mounted Rifles and local groups of the Knights of the Golden Circle. This was a secret organization that supported slavery.

The Union used several forts and camps in California to keep control. One well-known place is Alcatraz Island. Before it became a famous federal prison, it was used as a prisoner of war camp for Confederate prisoners. The Drum Barracks is another important site. It was the main headquarters for the Union Army in Southern California and the Arizona Territory.

Images for kids

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  The J. P. Gillis Flag

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  Company Guidon, Company A ('California' 100), raised in Massachusetts