Cleveland in the American Civil War

It provided thousands of troops to the Union Army, as well as millions of dollars in supplies, equipment, food, and support to the soldiers.

[2] Strongly influenced by its New England roots, Cleveland was home to a vocal group of abolitionists who viewed slavery as a moral evil.

[2][3] Code-named "Station Hope", the city was a major stop on the Underground Railroad for escaped African American slaves en route to Canada.

As the 1860 presidential election approached and impending clouds of war loomed, the rhetoric of Cleveland's local newspapers became increasingly divided.

Food, blankets, and reading material were provided by citizens to recruits at the latter two military camps "until government stores and equipment could be distributed."

The Herald and the Leader supported the proposed Emancipation Proclamation of January 1, 1863, commending Lincoln "for the stalwart blow he struck for freedom and for the peace and future tranquility of the Union."

By contrast, The Plain Dealer, which was highly critical of Lincoln, argued that the only purpose of the war was to preserve the union and that making "citizens of the entire black population" would "ruin the white race.