Richard Hurley has produced an informative and entertaining look at the impact of the Civil War on California and Californians’ impact on the war. He intriguingly explores Golden State warriors’ active roles throughout the Southwest and in the Eastern Theater, where their cavalry skills were desperately needed. Hurley’s humor and frank insights enhance the enjoyment of reading this unique study.

—Edward Bonekemper, author of six Civil War books, including The Myth of the Lost Cause: Why the South Fought the Civil War and Why the North Won

California’s Civil War impact was one of unquestionable significance, yet relatively few books have explored the state’s many contributions to Union victory. Into this void steps Richard Hurley, his California and the Civil War serving as a fresh reminder of a rich wartime history largely unknown to today’s citizens. Hurley’s lively and highly accessible narrative ranges far and wide, examining topics as diverse as the triumph of Union politics in the state, the indispensability of California gold in financing the war and the outsized contributions of Californians to aid societies that assisted soldiers and their families. The state’s military contributions were also far from nominal. During 1861–65, California volunteers replaced army regulars throughout the Far West. Flocking to the colors in large numbers, they engaged numerous native tribes hostile to the expansionist United States, protected isolated settlements, ensured that the great western trails remained open, and kept a watchful eye out for pro-Confederate activities. Some Californians even traveled clear across the country to directly confront Rebel armies in Virginia. Addressing important military and homefront topics like these along with many others, California and the Civil War is a fine popular-style introduction to the state’s fascinating and multi-faceted Civil War history.

—Andrew Wagenhoffer, editor, Civil War Books and Authors

Although the Civil War’s titanic battles all took place far to the east, California was roiled by the conflict too. In this book, Richard Hurley brings the stories and colorful characters of the Civil War–era Golden State to vivid life. Anyone who thinks the Civil War didn’t affect the Pacific Coast will come away with a whole new perspective.

—Christopher L. Kolakowski, author of The Stones River and Tullahoma Campaigns: This Army Does Not Retreat and The Civil War at Perryville: Battling for the Bluegrass

Once I started reading California and the Civil War by Richard Hurley, I couldn’t stop. History is my passion and my profession, and this is the first book I’ve read that accurately interprets California prior to and during the Civil War, as well as its role in that great conflict. Richard’s rich, moving narrative not only kept my attention, but my enthusiasm. I highly recommend this book to anyone who has the slightest interest in history or California or reading in general. Everyone who reads it will enjoy it.

—Ralph Gibson, museums administrator, Placer County Museums