Stockton Springs Community Library (SSCL) will host a talk by author Mac Smith on Sunday, July 24th at 2:00 PM. Smith will speak about his new book Siege at the State House.
Siege at the State House tells the true story of a coup that was attempted between Maine’s governor and the leaders of a new political party, almost plunging the United States into its second Civil War. With the Maine State House under siege for several weeks by a confederate force, the occupation culminated in a showdown between armed rebels and Civil War hero General Joshua Chamberlain, with Chamberlain standing on the State House steps, exposing his chest, and daring any man present to settle the standoff with violence, if they dared. It was an event the war hero called “Another Roundtop.”
In light of recent national events, this piece of Maine history is a timely and cautionary tale brought to life by historian Mac Smith. Elements of the story include a Christmas Day raid on Maine’s weapons arsenal, missing election results, and seven jackasses.
A Navy veteran of the first Gulf War and former reporter for The Bar Harbor Times, Mac Smith now lives in Stockton Springs, Maine, in the village of Sandy Point. He is also the author of Mainers on the Titanic and Peyton Place Comes Home to Maine.
Following the talk Mac Smith will sign copies of the book which will be available for purchase. Light refreshments will be served. All are welcome.
SSCL is located at 6 Station St. in the heart of Stockton Springs. For more information please contact the library at 207-567-4147.