The Civil War was one of the darkest times in American history. Our nation was torn apart by itself. We needed to change the way we did things in our country... We needed to treat people equally. This would be a hard road and something not just anyone could handle. We needed some ordinary people to step up and do extraordinary things. And they did! 

I know I'm missing a few, but our country wouldn't be here if it weren't for these American heros!

Harriet Tubman 

Harriet Tubman helped free slaves through people's homes and hideouts along the Underground Railroad. She was known for being fearless and willing to help anyone striving for freedom. Even after she was freed; she dedicated her life to getting other enslaved people out of those evil situations. She could be described as a conductor. A true American Hero! 

“I had crossed the line. I was free; but there was no one to welcome me to the land of freedom. I was a stranger in a strange land; and my home after all, was down in Maryland; because my father, my mother, my brothers, and sisters, and friends were there. But I was free, and they should be free.

- Harriet Tubman

Scenes in the Life of Harriet Tubman By Sarah Hopkins Bradford

Abraham Lincoln 

Abraham Lincoln was our president during the Civil War and he may be the most important one we've had. He led the Union in a time of great depression and difficulty.  He stood strong in his faith and did what was right for all people. On January 1st 1863, President Lincoln passed the Emancipation Proclamation. Which freed all enslaved people in America. They wouldn't be let go until after the war but Lincoln made it happen. 

"Every man is said to have his peculiar ambition. Whether it be true or not, I can say for one that I have no other so great as that of being truly esteemed of my fellow men."

-Abraham Lincoln