Summer 2026 OLLI Digital Catalog – under construction

JULY 1863 (G538)

G – History

The Civil War, the most violent and traumatic episode in U.S. history, resulted in some 720,000 deaths. It is the defining moment of the Republic. July 1863, the 87th anniversary of the nation’s founding, was the most significant month of the four-year conflict: Vicksburg fell to Grant, the Union Army defeated Lee at Gettysburg, racially driven draft riots erupted in New York City and the heroic bravery of the all-black 54th Massachusetts at Fort Wagner dramatically changed prejudicial preconceptions.

This offering meets for a total of 5 session(s).

INSTRUCTOR: James Patterson

PATTERSON, JAMES — B.A., history, SUNY Oswego; M.A., history, CW Post; Ph.D., history, Fordham University. Fulbright scholar to Ireland; author of In the Wake of the Great Rebellion. Research fellowship: Moore Institute, University of Galway, Ireland. Professor emeritus of history. Enjoys reading, writing, walking, and time with family and friends. (G538)

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