Author Talk with Bill Bleyer: Long Island and the Civil War

Join the Bayside Historical Society as they welcome back the talented author and historian, Bill Bleyer, for an engaging presentation on his remarkable book, "Long Island and the Civil War." 📚 This work delves into how the American Civil War significantly transformed Long Island in unexpected and impactful ways.

About the Book:

Although Long Island saw no battles, its citizens were deeply influenced by the Civil War. Over 3,000 men—both white and black—from present-day Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties bravely enlisted to protect the Union. While Confederate ships remained dangerously close to Montauk Point, local camps in Mineola and Willets Point were bustling with activity as they trained regiments. The notable actions of local women, who raised considerable funds for Union hospitals, and Long Island industries producing essential goods like uniforms, drums, and medicines provide a backdrop to this era. Additionally, the book sheds light on a lesser-known draft riot in Jamaica in 1863. This captivating narrative unfolds from the polarizing 1860 presidential campaign up to the diverse wartime experiences of Long Islanders, both on the frontlines and at home.

About the Author:

Bill Bleyer is a distinguished journalist who spent thirty-three years as a prize-winning staff reporter for Newsday, Long Island's daily newspaper, before embarking on a literary journey in 2014. His works include titles like:

• Sagamore Hill: Theodore Roosevelt’s Summer White House (2016)
• Fire Island Lighthouse: Long Island’s Welcoming Beacon (2017)
• Long Island and the Sea: A Maritime History (2019)
• George Washington’s Long Island Spy Ring: A History and Tour Guide (2021)
• The Sinking of the Steamboat Lexington on Long Island Sound (2023)

Ticket Information:

Admission is priced at $10.00 for BHS members and $15.00 for non-members. 🎟️
Grab your tickets now at: Bayside Historical Society - Author Talk.