Minnesota history: The Civil War and training at Fort Snelling

It was 150 years ago this month when hundreds of young Minnesota men began their training at Fort Snelling as the United States entered into a war with itself.

The Civil War started in April of 1861. Minnesota was the first state to offer troops for the Union effort. At the Minnesota Capitol Wednesday, those who fought will be honored during Minnesota's Civil War Sesquicentennial Day.

Historian Annette Atkins and Morning Edition host Cathy Wurzer take a look back at Minnesota's role in the Civil War and how the conflict changed the state.

Atkins, who teaches history at St. John's University and the College of St. Benedict, says by mid-May of 1861, there were 10 companies of men at Fort Snelling. Besides their training, those young soldiers were feted with picnics, parties and parades.

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