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Lansing and the Civil War
Explore Lansing's role in the war to preserve the Union and end slavery
When war erupted between North and South, the capital of Michigan was ready to serve. The population of Lansing in 1860 was only 3000, but by the spring of 1865, over 500 men from the Capital City had enlisted to fight. These citizen-soldiers left the farms, factories, shops and schools of their youths to fight to uphold the Union and end slavery. Many of these boys would be wounded, captured, or killed, and those fortunate enough to return, came home changed, permanently maimed, and often haunted men.
Using primary sources, including letters and personal diaries, author Matthew J. VanAcker unfolds the story of uncommon valor that offers a glimpse into the lives of the soldiers, their families, and the city they left behind.
When war erupted between North and South, the capital of Michigan was ready to serve. The population of Lansing in 1860 was only 3000, but by the spring of 1865, over 500 men from the Capital City had enlisted to fight. These citizen-soldiers left the farms, factories, shops and schools of their youths to fight to uphold the Union and end slavery. Many of these boys would be wounded, captured, or killed, and those fortunate enough to return, came home changed, permanently maimed, and often haunted men.
Using primary sources, including letters and personal diaries, author Matthew J. VanAcker unfolds the story of uncommon valor that offers a glimpse into the lives of the soldiers, their families, and the city they left behind.
176 pages, Paperback
Published February 20, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
December 16, 2025
Two things really strike me about this book. One is the quality of the paper used in the printing process. Usually, paperbacks of this nature have really crappy paper. Not this book. The paper is glossy but strong. The other thing I noticed about the book is that there were NO typos. Not a single one. A modern day miracle in our fast paced world. The book itself is what I would call a regional history study. The main theme of the book is contributions to the war effort by citizens of Lansing, Michigan. A fascinating, quick read.
October 16, 2023
I picked up this book in the docent library of the Michigan History Center. It was written by Matt Van Acker, who I'd met when touring the Capitol building recently. He mentioned that he'd recently written a book about Lansing's role in the Civil War.
What a fascinating read! I liked following the stories of the local men, women, and families who rallied behind the Union cause. So much death, disease, and physical and mental disability. So much sacrifice. Ultimate victory.
I liked reading about Lansing in the 1860s--the geography of a brand new city, enterprise, businesses, daily life. I'm glad that Matt has written this for us.
What a fascinating read! I liked following the stories of the local men, women, and families who rallied behind the Union cause. So much death, disease, and physical and mental disability. So much sacrifice. Ultimate victory.
I liked reading about Lansing in the 1860s--the geography of a brand new city, enterprise, businesses, daily life. I'm glad that Matt has written this for us.
January 29, 2024
A small book, nonetheless it lays out Lansing’s role in the Civil War in an entertaining way, clearly demonstrating the author’s knowledge, research, and writing skills.
March 29, 2023
This is a fantastic read for fans of history of Michigan, history of its Capital City, and history of the Civil War. VanAcker does a wonderful job telling the story of the city of Lansing during the Civil War. He masterfully follows not only Lansing's young men who went off to war but the people and institutions that remained in Lansing who supported those young men throughout a brutal four years. Highly recommended!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews