Civil War Innovation & Technology

The Civil War was a turning point not just in American history, but in the advancement of technology. Civil War Innovation & Technology explores the groundbreaking developments that reshaped medicine, transportation, communication, daily life, and warfare. From battlefield surgery and the rise of anesthesia to the expansion of railroads and the introduction of the telegraph, these innovations changed the way people lived and fought. The war also drove advancements in farming tools, household necessities, and military weaponry, including the emergence of ironclad ships and rapid-fire guns. Through artifacts, interactive displays, and historical accounts, this exhibit highlights how necessity and ingenuity during the Civil War laid the foundation for many modern technologies.