Upstate Legends! He Was First Civil War Officer to Die!

This begins a series of articles about amazing facts of Upstate New York.  There are just way too many fascinating stories to keep track of concerning our Upstate region.  These "DYK" (did you know) galleries will highlight many amazing, unusual, and unique stories from all corners of our region.

This first story relates to the Civil War.  Did you know that the first officer to be killed in the Civil War was a 24-year old young man from Mechanicville, New York (Saratoga County)?

The story of Col. Elmer E. Ellsworth is an inspiring tale of courage and patriotism that needs to be told (and re-told).  In this gallery you will here of his beginnings, his deep, personal relationship with President Abraham Lincoln, his daring but fateful act in May of 1861 that led to his death, and you will learn of the remarkable national outpouring of grief showed by fellow Americans once his death was revealed.

And, there is also a curious question to be asked in this gallery.  Regarding Ellsworth's funeral.  You will find it, scratch your head, and maybe be encouraged to try and find out the answer yourself.  It is a puzzler for sure, and it is in this gallery..

So this is the first in a series of great stories about people, places, and things that all have their foundation in Upstate New York.  We hope you will save these galleries in a separate personal online folder so eventually you will have a full journal of these items, many of them small, but all of them important to Upstate New York.