Newton Martin Curtis: American Hero

Canton: An Ogdensburg statue stands in honor of General Newton Martin Curtis, a DePeyster native, who distinguished himself during the Civil War and won a Congressional Medal of Honor 150 years ago this week. On January 15, 1865, General Curtis successfully led the Union forces at the Battle of Fort Fisher, North Carolina. Find out more about the life and accomplishments of this true American hero at a special lecture and exhibit on Saturday, January 17th, from 11a.m. to 4 p.m. at the St. Lawrence County Historical Association at the Silas Wright House, 3 East Main St., Canton. This event is part of the North Country Civil War Round Table and the St. Lawrence County Historical Association’s Commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, which was fought from 1861-1865. Around 7,000 men from St. Lawrence County enlisted to fight for the Union during the Civil War. Beginning on January 17th, the SLCHA will host a special winter exhibit about General Curtis and the Battle of Fort Fisher. Artifacts on display will include a portrait of Curtis which used to hang at the St. Lawrence State Hospital and Curtis’ Medal of Honor. Shortly after noon on January 17th, Stanley Maine will give a presentation on Newton Martin Curtis’ life and career, and the Battle of Fort Fisher, NC. Stanley Maine, who lives in Pierrepont, serves as a trustee for the St. Lawrence County Historical Association, is chairman of its Building Committee, and is active with both the SLCHA’s Civil War Roundtable and the SLCHA’s Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission.