How an Illinois Music Store helped win the Civil War

Program Type:

History, Presentation

Age Group:

Everyone
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Christian McWhirter, research historian at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum in Springfield, presents of fascinating program about the Chicago-based music publishing firm of Root & Cady.

During the American Civil War, the company rose quickly to become the most successful and influential in the nation, providing the Union with some of its most popular and meaningful patriotic anthems, such as “The Battle Cry of Freedom” and “Just Before the Battle, Mother" during the American Civil War (1861-1865). 

Christian McWhirter is the author of Battle Hymns: The Power and Popularity of Music in the Civil War (University of North Carolina Press, 2012).

The free, hour-long program is opened to all ages.