Did you know that more than 6.000 Norwegian immigrants fought in the American Civil War? Norwegian historian Karl Jakob Skarstein presents the background on the Norwegian Immigrant Soldiers at the Smithsonian, Mon., Nov. 7, 6.30 pm.
Norwegian Immigrant Soldiers in the American Civil War
It is little known that more than 6,000 Norwegian immigrants fought in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Some 1,000 were killed in battle or died of disease in wretched hospitals, but because most of their letters and diaries were written in Norwegian, their story remained unheard until now.
Norwegian historian Karl Jakob Skarstein is writing a book based on their stories.
In this lecture, he describes the soldiers’ background and their reasons for joining Lincoln’s army. Providing fascinating glimpses of their experiences on the front, Skarstein tells of the Norwegian 15th Wisconsin Infantry, which fought desperately against hopeless odds at Stones River and Chickamauga. He also relates the dramatic tales of Norwegians who fought at Chancellorsville, at Gettysburg, and in Sherman’s southern campaign.
Where: The Smithsonian Institution. Location indicated on ticket.
When: Monday, November 7. 6.30 pm
Tickets: Resident Members $15; Senior Members $13; Gen. Admission $18.