Civil War Sesquicentennial

March 03, 2011

When Johnny Comes Marching Home
When Johnny comes marching home again, Hurrah, Hurrah,
We'll give him a hearty welcome then, Hurrah, Hurrah,
The men will cheer, the boys will shout, the ladies they will all turn out,
And we'll all feel gay when Johnny comes marching home.

Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye
While on the road to sweet Athy, Hurro, Hurro,
While on the road to sweet Athy, Hurro, Hurro,
While on the road to sweet Athy,
A stick in the hand a drop in the eye,
A doleful damsel I heard cry,
Oh Johnny, I hardly knew ye!

Both of these songs, When Johnny Comes Marching Home, and Johnny I Hardly Knew Ye, are sung to the same tune, and would have been sung during the American Civil War. They both contain imagery of young men coming home. In the first, Johnny is victorious, and in the second, Johnny has been wounded greatly.

This April marks the 150th anniversary of the American Civil War. This war cost more American lives than any other war, and Missouri was the third bloodiest state with only Virginia and Tennessee having more casualties.

Missouri is rich in Civil War history; the paintings of George Caleb Bingham depict rural life during the war and such acts as Order Number 11, when the soldiers were ordered to take the war to supporting civilians. Two blocks within walking distance from my home, there's a plaque telling about the battle that took place right there.  Quantrill and the Confederates had trapped the Union command in one of the buildings and threatened to set it on fire if the commander did not surrender. Knowing Quantrill's reputation, surrender followed shortly.

There are stories and memories to share everywhere you look; come and join your local library as we remember this important time in America's past and see what lessons we can learn to help America today. Visit our Civil War events page here.

Ethan C.
Raytown Branch