August Light

Gr 9 Up—Wilson's Creek was the second major battle of the American Civil War, leaving nearly 2,500 men killed, missing, or wounded. As the first battle west of the Mississippi River, it also encapsulates the pivotal struggles that took place in this burgeoning region of the country. Missouri was viewed as strategically valuable to both sides of the conflict for its rail and river ways, and the state's populace was deeply divided in its choice to align with either camp. Told through the voices of soldiers, politicians, and homesteading families, the film's narrative effectively demonstrates a diverse spectrum of socio-political opinion. Archival photographs, interactive maps, and detailed reenactments complement these individual stories. By focusing on the events taking place from St. Louis to what is now Kansas City, this production illuminates an often marginalized facet of American Civil War history. Special features include a video tour of the Wilson's Creek Civil War Museum and the actual battlefield. Recommended for high school history classrooms and media centers.—Vincent M. Livoti, Sherrill Library, Lesley University, Cambridge, MA