Folsom History presents “Revealing Folsom: California’s Civil War”

While the Civil War is often viewed through the lens of battles fought east of the Mississippi, a new program coming to Folsom this month aims to challenge that narrative by revealing California’s unexpected ties to the conflict—including those connected to the city of Folsom itself.

As part of its ongoing Revealing Folsom speaker series, Folsom History will host a special presentation titled “California’s Civil War” on Thursday, May 15 at the Folsom History Museum. The evening will feature historian and researcher Louisa Brandt, who will share discoveries from her master’s thesis that shed light on California’s surprising and often overlooked role in the Civil War.

Attendees will learn about the impact of California gold in financing the Union effort, the war’s influence on national perceptions of the state, and Folsom’s own historical ties to the conflict—including stories and claims of Civil War activity near Volcano, California.

“California’s role in the Civil War is a story that’s often left out of the history books,” said Zachary Vaccarezza, Museum Engagement Manager at Folsom History. “We’re excited to bring Louisa Brandt’s research to our community and shine a light on the local connections to this national conflict. It’s a reminder that history isn’t just something that happened far away—it happened right here, too.”

The event is a rare opportunity to view the Civil War through a fresh perspective—one that reaches far beyond the traditional Eastern battlefields and connects the national conflict to local ground.

The program takes place at 5:30 p.m. at the Folsom History Museum, located at 823 Sutter Street in the heart of Historic Folsom. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $12 for members, and $5 for students. Guests are encouraged to RSVP in advance at FolsomHistory.org/Events.

Folsom History is a nonprofit organization supported by local donors, members, and a dedicated group of volunteers. Through educational events, exhibits, and historical preservation, the organization continues its mission to connect the past to the present and inspire a deeper understanding of Folsom’s place in history.

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