Too far north, the great state of Maine did not witness any Civil War battles. However, Mainers contributed to the war in many important ways. From the mainland to the islands, soldiers bravely fought to preserve the United States in all major battles. Men like General Joshua Chamberlain, a hero of Little Round Top, proudly returned home to serve as governor. Maine native Hannibal Hamlin served as Abraham Lincoln's first vice president. And Maine's strong women sacrificed and struggled to maintain their communities and support the men who had left to fight. Author Harry Gratwick diligently documents the stories of these Mainers, who preserved "The Way Life Should Be" for Maine and the entire United States.

Harry Gratwick is the author of Mainers in the Civil War, " "Hidden History of Maine, " "Penobscot Bay" and "Stories from the Maine Coast." He spends his summers on Vinalhaven Island and is a member of the Vinalhaven Historical Society. He writes for two local publications, "Island Journal" and "Working Waterfront, " and holds an MA in history from Columbia University."