Iowa in the American Civil War facts for kids

The state of Iowa played a very important part during the American Civil War. It helped the Union army by providing food, supplies, soldiers, and leaders.

Iowa Before the War

Iowa became the 29th state in the United States on December 28, 1846. Many new settlers came to Iowa, both from other parts of the country and from other countries. Only the far northwestern part of the state was still a frontier area.

In the 1850s, new railroads like the Illinois Central were built. These railroads connected Iowa's rich farmlands to places in the East. This meant that farmers and factories in Iowa could easily send their products to the Union army when the Civil War started.

Iowa During the Civil War

Changes in Politics

The Civil War brought big changes to Iowa's politics. Before the war, the Democratic Party was strong in Iowa. But they had problems and didn't always meet the needs of Iowans.

Soon, people in Iowa started to support the new Republican Party. This party was against slavery. It also supported land ownership, banks, and railroads. Iowans voted strongly for Abraham Lincoln and other Republican leaders throughout the war.

However, some people, especially new settlers from the South, did not support the war. They were sometimes called "Copperheads". The Democratic Party remained strong in some areas, like Dubuque, where many German immigrants lived.

Iowa's Soldiers and Support

When the Civil War began, Governor Samuel J. Kirkwood worked hard to get volunteer soldiers ready. The 1st Iowa Infantry was one of the first groups. They helped protect an important railroad in northern Missouri. They also marched a lot and fought bravely in the Battle of Wilson's Creek. Two Iowans even received the Medal of Honor for their courage there.

There were no big battles fought in Iowa itself. But the state sent huge amounts of food to the armies and cities in the East. A total of 76,242 Iowa men served in the military. This was a very high percentage of the state's male population.

Sadly, 13,001 Iowans died during the war, mostly from disease. About 8,500 Iowa men were wounded. Many Iowa soldiers are buried in cemeteries across the South. The largest number are at Vicksburg National Cemetery. Some also died in Confederate prisons, like Andersonville prison.

Iowa provided 48 groups of infantry (foot soldiers). It also sent 1 group of black infantry. There were 9 groups of cavalry (soldiers on horseback) and 4 artillery batteries (soldiers who use cannons).

Besides these, Iowa also had local defense groups called home guards or militia units. These included the Northern Border Brigade and Southern Border Brigade. They mostly protected Iowa's borders. Sometimes, they could even cross into Missouri or Minnesota to chase Confederate or Native American raiders.

Native American groups like the Ho Chunk and Santee Sioux sometimes threatened Iowa's northwestern border. The Sioux City Cavalry, a local militia, was later sent to Dakota Territory. They helped General Alfred Sully in campaigns against some Santee Sioux. These soldiers knew the area and the Sioux people well. Other Iowa troops, like the 6th Iowa Cavalry, also helped in these campaigns.

Raids on Iowa

Sometimes, Confederate partisans and bushwhackers (small groups of fighters) raided Iowa. In the fall of 1864, one group caused trouble near the Missouri border. In this area, some Iowans supported the Confederacy.

On October 12, 1864, about a dozen raiders pretended to be Union soldiers. They went into Davis County. They stole things from homes and harmed three Iowans near Bloomfield.

Remembering the War

After the war, the Keokuk National Cemetery was created. It was a place to bury soldiers from five local army hospitals in Keokuk. Over 600 Union soldiers and 8 Confederate prisoners of war are buried there.

Many groups for veterans, especially the Grand Army of the Republic, helped former soldiers. They organized social events and gave financial support. They also helped remember those who served. The G.A.R. helped build places like the Iowa Soldiers' Home in Marshalltown. These homes and hospitals helped veterans, and some even helped orphans.