Northern Exposure - Canadians in the Civil War

Most Americans understand the grim realities of the Civil War. Three million men under arms. Some 600,000 deaths. But few know 50,000 Canadians fought, many to collect $200 bounties, others Shanghaied by unscrupulous characters working northern bars, borders and brothels. Four Union generals were Canadian-born; 29 Medal of Honor winners; a Canadian was in General Grant’s honor guard at Appottomax; another was at Lincoln’s bedside as he lay dying, still another led the squad that caught John Wilkes Booth. The assassination plot began in a Montreal hotel. Confederates ran extensive operations from Toronto’s Queen’s Hotel, fostering several hostile actions, including an attempt to burn down several New York City hotels and public buildings. From Halifax – where some businesses accepted Confederate money - sleek blockade runners helped supply the South with arms, food and clothing. To be sure, it was an American war, but it had a profound impact upon Canada which continues to this day.