Western Civil War?

[Maj. Tubbs G.A.R.]

How far WEST did the Civil War really get? Seems like WEST of New Mexico, Colorado, Wyoming & Montana it really didn't affect them to much? How did it affect California? Thanks.

 

[gary]

Arizona! Minor skirmish at Picacho Pass/Picacho Peak (sp).

Never mind the Battle of Petaluma (California) where Unionist in Vallejo were marching to punish the Confederate sympathizers in Santa Rosa. They got to Petaluma, began quaffing a cold brewski, then another, then another, and that's as far as they advanced. Peace through brewski! Then in Gilroy (California) some loyalist intercepted some Confederacy bound Confederate sympathizers. There was intrigue to capture a gold ship in San Francisco too.

 

[Josh The Lighthouse Guy]

Not only did the Department of the Pacific remain active throughout the war, but also a brand new monitor was shipped to San Francisco to defend it. So regardless of where the westernmost battle occured between Union and Confederate (or sympathizers thereof), the soldiers in California had no way to know if they were safe from Confederates or intervention by the British on behalf of the Confederates. They had to prepare for the worst, even if they never saw the enemy. Just like countless servicemen on both coasts of the USA and in the Panama Canal Zone during 1941-1945.

Also, CSS Shenandoah attacked the USA whaling fleet off Alaska.