An independent nonprofit 501c3 history center.
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A Brief History of Andover
A Brief History of Andover
1861-1865 American Civil War
While the Revolutionary War of 1776-1783 created the United States, the Civil War of 1861-1865 determined what kind of nation it would be.
The war resolved two fundamental questions left unresolved by the revolution.
Was the United States to be a confederation of sovereign states or an indivisible nation with a national government?
Would this nation, born of a declaration that all men were created with an equal right to liberty, continue to exist as the largest slaveholding country in the world?
Andover in the Civil War
599 Andover men served in the Civil War. 53 soldiers from Andover died, many from wounds received during battle, some from disease, and others while prisoners of war. People on both sides of the conflict believed that the war would last a short time, but it raged on for five years.
The seminal event for Andover was the battle at Spottsylvania, Virginia on May 19, 1864. Andover troops had until this time served guarding Washington DC and had little or no battle experience when they marched to Virginia to face seasoned Confederate troops.
Of the 80 Andover men who fought in the battle, 8 died on the battlefield, 18 were wounded, 3 died in hospitals, 3 were taken as prisoners of war. Only 1 of the 3 prisoners survived. 2 died in the notorious Andersonville prison.
Reference: Juliet Haines Mofford, Andover Massachusetts: Historical Selections from Four Centuries
Drum belonging to Andover Civil War Drummer Boy George Smart is in the collection of the History Center.
Drum belonging to Andover Civil War Drummer Boy George Smart is in the collection of the History Center.
George Smart's drum tells its story
George Smart's drum tells its story
Preserving the pastEducating for the future
Connecting with our community
Preserving the past
Educating for the future
Connecting with our community
Andover Center for History & Culture
97 Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
978-475-2236
Andover Center for History & Culture
97 Main Street
Andover, MA 01810
978-475-2236
The History Center is funded by individual, foundation, and corporate donations and receives no Town of Andover funding.
Show your commitment to Andover's history by donating today.
The History Center is funded by individual, foundation, and corporate donations and receives no Town of Andover funding.
Show your commitment to Andover's history by donating today.
Show your commitment to Andover's history by donating today.
