An Overview of Religion in the 1860s

Contrast in the Northern and Southern denominations of Christianity, the primary religion of the United States in the 1860s. The country was extremely religious, with many denominations of Protestantism emerging from the Second Great Awakening of the 1830s, and a rising number of Catholics. Women played an immense role of keeping piety in the house and Sunday School, allowing the religion to become a critical part of the American culture. 

However, there was a slight tear in ideals between the slaveholding and free states. Although few Black people were allowed to go to church, many created all-Black churches that created its own autonomy. 

The divide religiously was fueled by "church governance, an investment in missionary work both at home and abroad, and a literalist approach to reading the Bible, during the 1820s and 1830s they increasingly grew apart because of their positions concerning slavery." 

In this exhibit, we will explore the role of religion in culture, war, justification, and the Lost Cause.