Just Before the Battle Mother: A Visit from a Civil War Soldier - O.J. Fargo

On Monday, May 8th at 6:30pm, Iowa Civil War historian and re-enactor OJ Fargo will visit the Library. Mr. Fargo will discuss the events leading up to the American Civil War and Iowa's role in the war itself.

In the program, "Just Before the Battle Mother: A Visit From a Civil War Soldier," Mr. Fargo will also show off the full uniform, weapons and regalia of the typical Iowa Union soldier and, informed by years of research and study, answer questions about his "service" in the character of the soldier.

Mr. Fargo dresses in full Union Army regalia and focuses the first person presentation on an individual Iowa soldier’s Civil War experience. After a brief overview of the state’s involvement, the audience is introduced to a returning Civil War veteran (played by O. J. Fargo). He will detail the experiences of an Iowan during the conflict. During and after the presentation, the audience is encouraged to ask questions and engage in a dialogue with the “soldier,” who stays in character. The speaker will bring an artifact display and full electronic Civil War roster of all men who served in and from Iowa. It can be searched by name, city, county and/or birthplace.

This Program is presented by Humanities Iowa.

Attend in-person or via ZOOM.
To Register for the ZOOM link click here.

About:

O.J. Fargo is a retired Director of Media Services and Social Studies consultant. He is the author of two books on Iowa history on the everyday life of a Civil War soldier and Iowa in the Civil War, as well as 27 booklets on Iowa and Western US history. In addition to researching, writing, lecturing and public appearances, he is also president of an Iowa regiment of Civil War re-enactors.