The Simsbury Historical Society continues its commemoration of the
sesquicentennial of the Civil War with another interesting lecture on April 29,
2012. “Why the Civil War?” explores the early causes of the War, the origins
beginning many years before the actual conflict. Presented by local historian
and author Richard Meyer, the lecture will trace the causes through the
Missouri Compromise, the Le Compton Constitution and the Dred Scott case. Mr. Meyer says, “The Civil War was not caused
by slavery, as some historians assert. The preamble to the War goes back many
years before 1861, and when we look at all those factors, we have a much better
understanding of the War itself. "
Mr. Meyer, a retired aerospace engineer, is active in the Simsbury
Historical Society, the Granby Historical Society, The New England Antique Arms
Society, and the Hartford Civil War Round Table. Former Simsbury residents, he
and his wife, Ruth, now live in Granby. “Why the Civil War” will take place in
the Ellsworth Visitor’s Center (10 Phelps Lane) at 2 p.m. Cost:
$7 members, $10 non-members. Reservations and more information: 860-658-2500 or
programs@simsburyhistory.org.
