One hundred fifty years ago, the United States was in the midst of the great Civil War. Unlike the Revolution or the War of 1812, there would be no blood spilled on Ocean County soil or in its waters, but its young men would rally to the flag. Unlike the other two conflicts, for the most part the county and all of the state were united in the defense of the union.

In April 1861 after the firing on Fort Sumter, President Lincoln had called out 75,000 militia for 90 days to put down the rebellion.