Civil War presentation Sept. 1

DOVER-FOXCROFT — Civil War author and historian Brian Swartz will speak at the Dover-Foxcroft Historical Society meeting on Wednesday evening Sept. 1. The talk will be about local hero Calvin Douty and the 1^st Maine Cavalry: Combat at Brandy Station and Aldie. The time is 7 p.m. at Central Hall.

Forty-year-old Douty was a Piscataquis County sheriff before he became major of the 1^st Maine Cavalry in early October 1861 and, showing bravery and leadership skills, was elevated to regimental command. He “led from the saddle” as the 1^st Maine Cavalry battled at Brandy Station and Aldie in Virginia in June of 1863.

Swartz’s PowerPoint program will feature photos, maps and illustrations to highlight Douty and the 1^st Maine Cavalry’s role in the run-up to Gettysburg.

Swartz, who writes the weekly Maine at War blog, has published two Civil War books “Maine at War, Vol. I: Bladensburg to Sharpsburg” and “Passing Through the Fire: Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain in the Civil War.” The Chamberlain biography has just been released by Savas Beatie. The author will have copies of both books for purchase.

We hope you can join us. All are welcome.