The Presque Isle Historical Society's Molly the Trolley. (File photo)
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — To learn more about the impact of the Civil War on Presque Isle, join Presque Isle Historical Society for the Civil War Trails Tour aboard Molly the Trolley at 1 p.m. on Monday, May 31.
Here are just four ways the Civil War affects us still today:
- Before the Civil War, people received health care at home. Modern medicine essentially began with the Civil War (anesthesia, surgical practice and ambulances, just to name a few).
- Summer begins with a tribute to fallen soldiers. Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and came about as a result of the Civil War.
- Abe Lincoln was fascinated with technology. In fact, he held a patent of his own. He was very interested in the idea of using balloons for war reconnaissance, rapid fire guns and the technology of telegrams.
- People are now used to seeing war up close. The Civil War was the first war with embedded journalists and battlefield photographs.
The tour departs from the Historical Fire Station on Church Street and lasts about two hours. The tour includes visits to small area cemeteries in which Civil War veterans are interred, Presque Isle’s Civil War monument, a guided stroll through the Society’s Civil War exhibit with fascinating authentic artifacts, and more.
Reservations are required by calling 762-1151 or emailing pihistoricalsociety@hotmail.com.
