The American Civil War: Beyond The Battles

By Pete Mazza, Instructor, Continuing Education division, Shoreline Community College at Lake Forest Park

Did you know that Lincoln came very close to assassination BEFORE he took office?

In December of 1860 there were very few Federal troops in Washington DC. There were, however, many private militia companies being formed in the Capital as was allowable at that time. Charles Stone was in Washington working on a contract for the Mexican government. He saw that many of the militias were led by men with “southern sympathies.” He contacted his old boss from the Mexican War, General Winfield Scott, to convey his concerns for the safety of the Capital AND for President Elect Lincoln. Scott saw to it that Stone was appointed Inspector General for the D of C. As such Stone was able to control any officer commissions, their promotions and limit requisitions for arms and ammunition of any militia company He also raised 33 militia companies and 2 cavalry troops. So when Lincoln and Buchanan rode to the inauguration in their carriage, they were surrounded by tall cavalrymen on larger than usual horses shielding Lincoln. 


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From Cynthia Johnson, Director, SCC Center for Business and Continuing Education

The class, The American Civil War: Beyond the Battles, is offered at our Lake Forest Park Campus, in the Lake Forest Park Towne Centre, next to Third Place Books on the upper level of the center at the junction of Ballinger Way and Bothell Way. The class runs 8 Tuesdays, March 30 through May 18, from 1-3 pm. People can register up until the class begins.

There are no books associated with the course and the fee is $129. This is a non-credit only class, but K-12 instructors can receive 16 Clock Hours. We do not charge for Clock Hours. Pete Mazza brings over 40 years avocation of the history of the Civil War and has taught this course in numerous settings. To register see our website and search for the course title, or call us at 206-533-6700. The item number is 7080.

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And now ... back to Pete Mazza

Did you know that a college professor from Maine saved the Union Line at the Battle of Gettysburg?   Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain was a professor of logic and rhetoric at Bowdoin College. He was commissioned a Colonel and commanded the 20th Maine Regiment. On July 2nd when it was discovered that Little Round Top was undefended, his regiment was ordered to occupy it in what became the extreme left of the Union line. They arrived and took positions just before an attack by Col Oates 47th & 15th Alabama who had also seen the hill was unoccupied. After turning back repeated assaults the 20th had expended nearly all its ammunition. Chamberlain ordered fixed bayonets and led a charge down the slop attacking the surprised Confederates and taking 400 prisoners which secured the high ground and the entire Union line.

Photo of Pete Mazza courtesy of Steve Shay, West Seattle Herald

Photo of Lincoln and Union Troops by Rennett Stowe