For most Americans, when asked about the Civil War struggle, their minds drift to the fields and marshes of the South. Few would consider Northwest Indiana to be a hotbed of conflict. That being said, there was intrigue along the Kankakee River in south Porter and LaPorte counties that brought the war closer to our Hoosier homes.

In September, 1861 a tall, rather ungainly individual entered Porter County, across Eaton’s Ferry (today Baum’s Bridge in south Porter County) and made his way slowly up the old Lake-to-River Trail.

He was driving a one-horse buggy that sagged down on one side. On the seat beside him was an oblong grey canvas-covered valise, strapped loosely to the round-iron handle on the seat. He wasn’t taking any chances of losing it.

The stranger was asking locals: “What’s the people up this way thinking about the slavery question?” The answers were definitely in favor of abolition. Further along he found a few settlers who had been slave owners in the South, and they voiced no objection to slavery.

Whenever this mysterious traveler—who said he was an artist, and gave the name of John C. Brain—found someone as a likely member, Brain explained that he was an organizer for the Knights of the Golden Circle.

The Knights of the Golden Circle was a secret society founded in 1854 by American George W. L. Bickley, the objective was to create a new country known as the Golden Circle, where slavery would be legal.

In September of 1861 Brain crossed at Baum’s Bridge on a mission to carry dispatches to Confederate officials in Montreal, Canada and recruit volunteers to the southern cause along the way. Indiana Governor Morton heard of his activities and ordered the 9th Indiana to capture him. After capture, but before he could be imprisoned, he made a daring escape to rejoin Confederate forces.

After Brain’s return south he enlisted in the Confederate Navy. With his natural leadership abilities, he quickly moved up the ladder in the navy. Eventually, being promoted to the rank of Commander, Brain was ordered to the West Indies theater of operations. Although, capturing and destroying many U. S. cargo ships, Brain could tell the tides of war were shifting. His final mission sent him back to Chesapeake Bay. On March 28, 1865, Brain landed on Barren Island, Maryland where he found 30 ships at anchor seeking refuge after a two-day gale. Taking two vessels Brain armed them for Confederate service. Needing to unload the number of prisoners he had taken, Brain sailed for Port Royal, Jamaica to land them. It was at Port Royal that on June 17, 1865 Brain received word of the South’s surrender. He set sail for Liverpool and after paying off his crew Brain surrendered and was imprisoned. Brain’s release on March 1, 1869 made him the last Civil War prisoner to be released. Brain passed away on December 6, 1906 in Tampa, Florida. So ends the story of Northwest Indiana’s part in the Civil War.

To honor Northwest Indiana’s contribution in the Civil War the Kankakee Valley Historical Society is hosting “The Civil War Comes to Northwest Indiana” program. The event will be held on Saturday February 8^th, 2025 in the Open Door Fellowship Church hall: 636 S Baums Bridge Rd Kouts IN 46347. We will be open, free to the public, from 10 am to 2 pm. During the course of the program the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War-David D Porter Camp will be showing the typical kit of a Union solder in uniform.

Civil War reenactor, Thomas Wojciski, will tell the story of local valor, and discuss about the history and accomplishments of the men from Lake, Porter, and Laporte counties who served in the 9th Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry. The regiment saw combat from 1861 to 1865 and is listed in the top 15% of all Union regiments versus days in combat. The unit contained a large portion of recruits from NW Indiana, several members remained key figures in the region after the war. I invite people to come hear the journey of this group of soldiers and see what they wore and used in their years of service.

Also participating is Erin Egnatz with her extensive antique Civil War collection. Erin’s collection includes weapons, uniforms, photos, letters and more!

In conjunction with the “The Civil War Comes to Northwest Indiana” program, the Kankakee Valley Historical Society will be holding the Yankee Bake Sale–including original Civil War era recipe baked goods!

In order to have enough seating available, we ask that you reserve your seat in advance.