03 - Civil War Pittsburgh // Make+Matter // Abjuration's 2nd Anniversar

In this episode of The Slaw: Staying on top of Pittsburgh, we talk to Rich Condon who runs the Civil War Pittsburgh website.  Through events and social media, Rich shares the stories and places around Western Pennsylvania that were significant to the Civil War. Our collaboration segment spotlights the Make+Matter shop in Lawrenceville and our event selection is the Abjuration Brewing 2nd Anniversary Party on November 30.

Meet Civil War Pittsburgh

Stephanie talks with Rich Condon about how he first became interested in Civil War Pittsburgh and some of the sites around Pittsburgh that are significant to the Civil War. 

The Aviary & Civil War History

The National Aviary on the North Side sits on the site of the Western State Penitentiary (1826-1882). The penitentiary housed confederate prisoners during the Civil War. 

The American Civil War: Beyond the Battlefield September 17, 1862: Allegheny Arsenal Explosion

On September 17, 1862, there was an explosion at the Allegheny Arsenal that killed 78 people. Last year, the Lawrenceville Historical Society published a story featuring the only known photograph of the victims of the explosion. 

https://www.facebook.com/ClaraBartonMSO/posts/2127310624390

Check out the Lawrenceville Historical Society’s website here for more Lawrenceville history. 

African American History of the American Civil War

The United States Colored Troops were one of the first times that you have organized regiments of soldiers that included former slaves in the armed forces.   

https://www.facebook.com/usnationalarchives/videos/vb.128463482993/10156433869117994/?type=2&theater

During the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War, the Heinz History Center honored the 200+ members of the United States Colored Troops who are buried in Allegheny Cemetery. 

The Heinz History Center produced this video about Martin Delaney an African American Pittsburgher who became the highest-ranking African American in the U.S. Army, for their 2013 exhibit “Pennsylvania’s Civil War.”

https://youtu.be/zhnu51kQtSo 

Civil War & Night of the Living Dead

The opening scene of George Romero’s “Night of the Living Dead” features the grave of a Nicholas Kramer, a veteran of the 134th Pennsylvania Infantry. 

https://www.facebook.com/civilwarpittsburgh/posts/2484659128297846

The one Civil War historic site in Pittsburgh you should not miss: Allegheny Arsenal.

Allegheny Arsenal site is located in Lawrenceville in what is now Arsenal Park. The explosion took place on what is now the baseball field. The only existing building from the arsenal is the stone building where the bathroom is located today. 

While you are there, stop at Arsenal Cider House, located across from the Arsenal site for a drink. 

December 7: Civil War Pittsburgh Event @ 25 Arsenal

• Civil War Camp Reenactment
• Tintype photography
• Civil War-themed dinner

Find more information about the December 7 event here. 

Show & Tell with Civil War Pittsburgh

Letter from mother who lived in Oakland to her son who served i