Maine at War Blog Posts for May 2026

During May, Maine at War readers learned about a nurse uniquely honored on a Civil War monument, toured the vacated beaver pond in the Valley of Death, discovered that Gettysburg’s black and green cannons can teach history, and found out how sutlers’ high prices affected Union soldiers.

May 6, 2026: The Civil War nurse etched in bronze
Jane Davis left the very rural town of Wellington, Maine to care for sick and wounded Union soldiers during the Civil War. When Wellington residents dedicated a Civil War monument decades later, her name was first on the list of veterans, thus extending Jane an extremely rare honor.

May 13, 2026: Gettysburg’s Valley of Death beaver pond has gone “With the Wind”
After announcing in March 2026 their plans to drain the Valley of Death beaver pond at Gettysburg National Military Park over a period of two months, National Park Service officials accomplished that task by late April. The final result is a sight to behold.

May 20, 2026: Learning history from the black and green guns of Gettysburg
First-time visitors to Gettysburg encounter black cannons, green cannons, and lots of monuments. The cannons teach history to those willing to learn.

May 27, 2026: Hog wild spending at the sutler’s cost a 7th Maine soldier $50
Sutlers charged Union soldiers outrageous prices for basic food staples and personal items, and a soldier could spend himself broke on a pay day. One 7th Maine Infantry Regiment lad certainly did so!