Batavia, New York: One Small Town's Big Contribution to the Union

Sarah Duval

University at Buffalo Honors Program

    The American Civil War is often looked upon as our nation's darkest hour. That fateful morning in April 1861 when shots were fired at Fort Sumter marked the beginning of the bloodiest of all American wars. In fact, in only two days at the Battle of Shiloh, more Americans fell than in all previous American wars combined. Four years later the death toll stood at 620,000, over 2% of the nation's total population at the time. Even today, more American died in the Civil war then from all American wars from the Revolution to Vietnam combined. Two and a half million men fought for the Union alone. Of all the states, Confederate or Union, none equaled New York's contribution in participation or casualties incurred. New York sent 450,000; 46,534 never returned. Where did these men, some only boys, come from? Some came from cities like New York and Buffalo, but many came from small towns. One town which made an exceptional contribution was Batavia, New York. In 1860 Batavia had a total population of 5,815. Over the next 5 years, 830 would serve in the Union Army, approximately 15% of the total population and 30% of the total male population. Of those who served, three rose to national prominence and changed the course of history. Captain Charles F. Rand, Maj. General Emory Upton, and Col. Ely Parker all went above and beyond the call of duty in their outstanding contributions to America. [Editor's note: Parker was born in Indian Falls , New York , when it was still part of the Tonawanda Indian Reservation. He was a Mason, “raised” in Batavia Lodge No. 88, later affiliated with Valley Lodge No. 109, and the founder of Akron Lodge No. 527. As a child, he lived nearer to Batavia than Buffalo .] These three brave men fought to keep our country together.

 

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