Keeping History Alive Lecture – Wilmington: Civil War Boomtown?

Join us on Saturday, March 15 at 11 am in the Banning Museum barn for a presentation by Drum Barracks Director, Tara Fansler and staff on what was happening in the Wilmington during the Civil War.

Wilmington, home to the Banning Museum and Drum Barracks Civil War Museum, is a little town with a big history. During the Civil War it was the Union Army Headquarters for Southern California, Arizona and New Mexico. Images and accounts of 1860s Wilmington are so varied. It was an economic powerhouse poised to challenge Los Angeles for dominance in the south. It was a beehive of military activity. It was a barren sandy spot on San Pedro Bay. It was a healthy, seaside retreat. It was Banning’s Hog Wallow. What was early Wilmington really like? Drum Barracks Museum Director, Tara Fansler, will use 19th century newspapers, military reports, and first-hand sources, to explore different impressions of Wilmington during the Civil War.

Ms. Fansler will be accompanied by two Drum Barracks staff members, Eric Frederickson and George Green, dressed as Union soldiers. After her lecture they will talk about uniforms, weapons, food, the soldier’s life in camp, and life on the march.

This presentation aims to bring Civil War Wilmington to life!

2025 marks the 160th anniversary of the end of the Civil War, and this is a wonderful chance to explore local Civil War history.

This lecture is FREE for Friends of Banning Museum Members and $5 at the door for non-members. Please bring cash.

CLICK HERE TO RESERVE YOUR SPOT!

Parking in on the street.