Salem in Essex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)

The Civil War

Photographed By Craig Doda, April 8, 2023

1. The Civil War Marker

Inscription. When the Civil War broke out in 1861, an unprepared federal government was forced to rely on emergency recruits. The Salem Light Infantry was mustered into service no less than three times, while members of the elite Second Corps Cadets served as officers in numerous Massachusetts regiments.

Local citizens served valiantly both individually and their regiments. Among them, African American citizens who served in the 54th Massachusetts Infantry, also known as the "Glory Regiment." During the early days of the war, the experienced mariners of the Salem Zoaves (Company I of the 8th Massachusetts Regiment) sailed the U.S.S. Constitution to safety when it appeared to be in danger of falling into Confederate hands.

The volunteer militias of Massachusetts and Essex County played a critical role in bolstering the federal army and sustaining it throughout the conflict.

Erected by The Peabody Essex Museum.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. A significant historical year for this entry is 1861.

Location. 42° 31.35′ N, 70° 53.511′ W. Marker is in Salem, Massachusetts, in Essex County. Marker can be reached from New Liberty Street north of Essex Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map.

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Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 New Liberty St, Salem MA 01970, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Second Corps of Cadets (here, next to this marker); As The 102d Field Artillery Battalion (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named The Second Corps of Cadets (here, next to this marker); Revolutionary War (here, next to this marker); Second Corps Cadets (here, next to this marker); Veterans of The Revolutionary War (here, next to this marker); As Part of the Strategic Reserve (here, next to this marker); Colonial Militia (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Salem.

Photographed By Craig Doda, April 8, 2023

2. The Civil War Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on May 3, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 21, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. This page has been viewed 78 times since then and 19 times this year. Last updated on May 2, 2023, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 21, 2023, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.