Vermont's Civil War
Contribution on VPT

Vermont played a significant role in the Civil War, and the latest historical documentary from Vermont Public Television explores Vermonters' lives on the battlefield and the home front. Using interviews, historic photos, re-enactments and letters, "Noble Hearts: Civil War Vermont" premieres Monday, Dec. 5, at 8 p.m.

Repeat broadcasts are scheduled for Dec. 10 at 11:30 a.m., Dec. 11 at 5:30 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 9 p.m.

When war erupted in 1861, Vermont was quick to answer the call. Determined to preserve the Union, thousands of men and boys marched into battle. Union generals often placed the Vermonters in the lead. At Gettysburg, the Wilderness and Cedar Creek, Vermont regiments were called upon because of their courage and determination.

Daily life for soldiers featured long marches, short rations, patched boots and longing for home. They endured poor rations and deadly illnesses.

Letters by Vermont soldiers such as Peter Abbott of Barnet, Chester Leach of Fletcher, Melvin Hyde of Grand Isle, Wilbur Fisk of Tunbridge and Carolus Reed of Hyde Park provide vivid glimpses of daily life.

Back home, mothers and wives organized Soldier's Aid Societies and made quilts, socks and under-drawers for the men. Vermont's growing industries also supported the war effort. Mills hummed with the manufacture of woolen blankets and uniforms. Large farms shipped apples, potatoes and hay to feed men and horses.

Authors Howard Coffin, Don Wickman, George Maharay and other Civil War specialists contribute their perspectives on this extraordinary era of American history. Footage recorded at battlefields is included.

Producer Caro Thompson said, "'Noble hearts' is a phrase used by a period writer to describe the soldiers, and I think it captures the spirit of both the battlefield and the home front."

Videos and more information about "Noble Hearts: Civil War Vermont" are available at www.vpt.org or 1-800-639-7811.