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WELCOME to the official National Park Service Civil War Web Site. The approaching Sesquicentennial of the American Civil War (2011-2015) offers the current generation of Americans a most important opportunity to know, discuss, and commemorate this country's greatest national crisis, while at the same time exploring its enduring relevance in the 21st century.

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In some respects, the Sesquicentennial of the Civil War has already begun. The state of Kansas, for example, is commemorating the events which began with the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854 and ended only with the establishment of the state in 1861. This period has been known as the Border Wars. Read about the 150th anniversary commemorations at historic sites (HS) in Kansas. With the assistance of partners in Missouri, we hope to present information on Missouri sites in the near future.

Fort Scott National HS Goodnow House State HS
Kansas Museum of History John Brown State HS
Constitution Hall State HS Marais des Cygnes Massacre State HS
First Territorial Capitol State HS  


Purchase Civil War-related books and merchandise.
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Brotherton Cabin at Chickamauga Battlefield

Tour the Civil War
Planning a trip? Get out and explore history. Learn about Civil War battlefields around the country, or near your home.
Explore with the National Geographic

Displaced Civil War era African-Americans

For Teachers:
War For Freedom:
African Americans in the Civil War Era
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1861 U.S. flag with 33 stars

Museum Exhibits

Camp Life at Gettysburg

Civil War Flags

Frederick Douglass

Arlington House

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