The 30th North Carolina
in the Civil War
Drawing on letters, journals, memoirs and personnel records, the 30th North Carolina in the Civil War follows these Tar Heel civilian-soldiers from their mustering-in,
to the war's final moments at Appomattox.
The 30th had the distinction of actually shooting at Abraham Lincoln on July 12, 1864, as well as firing the last organized regimental volley before the Army of Northern Virginia's final surrender.
Father & Son joined the
30th NC -
William & John Howey
At the outbreak of the Civil War,
the men of the 30th North Carolina rushed to join the regiment, proclaiming, "We will whip the Yankees, or give them a right to a small part of our soil --
say 2 feet by 6 feet."
The 30th NC fought at Gaines Mill, Malvern Hill, Sharpsburg (Antietam), Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Kelly's Ford, Spotsylvania, Cold Harbor, the Shenandoah Valley, Cedar Creek, Petersburg, and at Appomattox.
The 30th North Carolina In the Civil War
The war's brutality changed the men's attitudes. By 1865, the regiment's survivors reflected upon their experiences and wondered,
"when and if I return home--
will I be able to fit in?"
