Northern Exposure

Most Americans understand the grim realities of the Civil War. Three million men under arms. Some 600,000 deaths.

But few know 50,000 Canadians fought, many to collect $200 bounties, others Shanghaied by unscrupulous characters working northern bars, borders and brothels.

Four Union generals were Canadian-born; 29 Medal of Honor winners; a Canadian was in General Grant’s honor guard at Appottomax; another was at Lincoln’s bedside as he lay dying, still another led the squad that caught John Wilkes Booth. The assassination plot began in a Montreal hotel. Confederates ran extensive operations from Toronto’s Queen’s Hotel, fostering several hostile actions, including an attempt to burn down several New York City hotels and public buildings.

From Halifax – where some businesses accepted Confederate money - sleek blockade runners helped supply the South with arms, food and clothing.

To be sure, it was an American war, but it had a profound impact upon Canada which continues to this day.