Civil War Comes to Wheaton

The Center for History, known for its in-depth displays and keeping the history of Wheaton alive, continues this tradition with the opening of its new Civil War exhibit, War of the Rebellion: On & Off the Battlefield, this summer. The exhibition examines the lives of past Wheaton residents and their time during and after the Civil War along with outlining the general history of the Civil War across the country. The artifacts and documents help educate museum goers on the broad image of America during this disturbing time while bringing a specific focus to the community of Wheaton.

Visitors will be transported back to the Civil War era beginning with a life size camp scene. The conflict between the states, brother against brother, comes to life in this 2,000 sq. ft. exhibition showcasing the museum’s Civil War and GAR (Grand Army of the Republic) collection. Each document and artifact helps tell the story of individuals who fought during this conflict between the states. Letters, war documents, accoutrements, medical instruments, period clothing, weapons, carte de vistes and tintype photographs, along with Captain Henry W. Chester’s hand painted 9’ map of his cavalry campaigns present a unique view of the hardships, bravery, and loneliness of a soldier and those left at home.

Intriguing tales of men from DuPage County including Marcellus Jones, Merritt Mott, Royal T. Morgan, E. S. Kelley, Frank Drummond, Herbert Cooley, Solomon Jewell, Judge Thomas Drummond, and Wheaton College students are highlighted throughout the sections. DuPage County was well represented in the 8th Illinois Cavalry with over 130 men and was the only cavalry regiment to serve the entire war in the Army of the Potomac. Known as “Farnsworth’s Abolitionist Regiment”, they aided in the hunt for John Wilkes Booth and served as honor guard while President Lincoln lay in state under the rotunda. Marcellus Jones, Merritt Mott, and Elisha S. Kelly were part of Company E in the 8th Illinois Volunteer Cavalry and their names are engraved in history. Jones is accredited with firing the first shot at the battle of Gettysburg; Mott was killed during a brawl on voting day in 1867 over the “removal of the county seat from Naperville to Wheaton”; and Kelly had the distinction to have the Wheaton GAR Post named after him.

Students from Wheaton College joined the cause in Illinois as well as in their home states. Some entered as 100 days men, others for three years, while some served through the end of the war. A unique section in the exhibition covers U S Colored Troops, slavery and abolition. Men from Wheaton College volunteered to lead the Colored Troops and Edward Sellers who was born a slave with light complexion enlisted in 132nd Illinois. An authentic Muster Out Roll of the 29th U S Colored Troops identifies a high percentage of that regiment from Chicago. Letters from Frank Drummond mentions the “negro regiment” joining his near Paducah. Archival materials include a rental agreement and freedom paper from the era documenting conditions of the enslaved men and women.

Each display case is filled with relevant items that help tell the stories of the Civil War while illustrating Illinois’ role during the war. Letters sent home by the soldiers offer a glimpse to life on the front and the heartache when a fellow comrade died. Hundreds of letters have been transcribed and are available to the public. Come explore this troublesome era in America as interpreters provide tours through the gallery in the Center for History’s new Civil War Exhibit!

War of the Rebellion: On & Off the Battlefield goes beyond the displays with programs for kids and school field trips. Evening presentations will be held throughout the year including Marshall Krolick, renowned Marcellus Jones historian, and Jesse L. Martinez, Civil War reenactor.

The Center for History is privately funded non-profit museum which relies on donations and fees for its operations. The museum is located at 315 W. Front Street, 2nd floor (above Gino’s East Pizza) in Wheaton. For more information email info@wheatonhistory.com or call 630-871-6601. To receive event and program updates send your email address to info@wheatonhistory.com.