The Fort Sumter War memorial in the center of Lownsdale Square in downtown Portland was the location for a noontime event commemorating the 150th anniversary of the beginning of the American Civil War on April 12, 1861 with the shelling of Fort Sumter in Charleston, South Carolina. F.W.Krone, co-founder of NW Historical Perspectives and Events, led the opening benediction and the subsequent moment of silence held to honor the soldiers and civilians who died in the Civil War.
A reading of the roster of names of Civil War veterans followed, from records of battle-weary soldiers who later moved to Oregon to raise families and live out their lives in peace. Office workers visiting the plaza on their lunch break, tourists and those who came specifically to look at the Fort Sumter Memorial had their Civil War and Oregon-related questions answered by volunteers from Northwest Historical Perspectives and Events.
The Fort Sumter Memorial was a 1906 gift of two decommissioned field howitzers to the City of Portland from leading citizen and Civil War veteran, Colonel Henry Dosch. NW Historical Perspectives and Events took the initiative to hold this ceremony because they conduct historical research on all things related to Oregon, and work to preserve endangered heritage sites including pioneer cemeteries and memorials.
In the decades following the war's end, Oregon became home to over 15,000 Civil War Veterans who helped to make our state grow and prosper. All commemorative Civil War dates with Oregon connections hold great significance to us all, and are prime opportunities to learn more about the unique and rich history of our state.
