Maine in the American Civil War

As a fervently abolitionist and strongly Republican state, Maine contributed a higher proportion of its citizens to the Union armies than any other, as well as supplying money, equipment and stores.

Maine was so eager for the cause that it ended up contributing a larger number of combatants, in proportion to its population than any other Union state.

If the doom of slavery is not sealed by the war, I shall curse the day I entered the Army, or lifted a finger in the preservation of the Union.

Congressman James G. Blaine was a powerful voice on Capitol Hill and dominated post-war politics during the Reconstruction period.

The highest-ranking officer was Maj. Gen. Oliver O. Howard of Leeds, who commanded the XI Corps in several major battles, including Chancellorsville and Gettysburg.

In the Battle of Chattanooga, Howard's corps helped capture Missionary Ridge and force the retreat of Gen. Braxton Bragg.

His subordinate officers, including Ellis Spear and Holman S. Melcher, and the men of the 20th Maine successfully repulsed a series of charges made by Alabama troops of the Confederate Army of Northern Virginia.

He led the successful assault in the Second Battle of Fort Fisher (commanding the 2nd Division, XXIV Corps), accompanying his men into the formidable coastal fortress as most of his staff were shot down by Confederate snipers.

[12] James G. Blunt, a fiery abolitionist born in Trenton, won a victory at the Battle of Honey Springs, bringing much of the Indian Territory into Union control.

[16] Brothers Francis and James Fessenden, members of a prominent Maine political family, were both generals in the Union Army.

Cuvier Grover of Bethel commanded a division in the XIX Corps during the capture of Baton Rouge and the siege of Port Hudson.

Others, including William Googins of Old Orchard Beach, and John F. Chase of Chelsea, Maine served as private soldiers.

Henry K. Thatcher of Thomaston commanded the West Gulf Blockading Squadron in a combined arms action against Mobile, which surrendered April 12, 1865.