[vc_row][vc_column][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/4″][vc_single_image image=”10197″ img_size=”medium” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][vc_single_image image=”10198″ img_size=”medium” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”3/4″][vc_column_text]Animals held important roles during the Civil War—from transportation and hauling supplies to communication and serving as morale-boosting mascots. This spring, Eastern National released a new line of Civil War Mascot products that helps to tell the stories of these mascots to kids.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]To create this kid-friendly line of educational Civil War products, Eastern National’s product development team worked closely with the interpretive staff at Stones River National Battlefield. The products feature a coloring and activity booklet, titled Civil War Mascots, about many of the different animal mascots of the Civil War, along with plush finger puppets that represent four of the mascots from the booklet.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]The four finger puppets include Cincinnati, the horse who carried General Ulysses S. Grant during the Civil War; Old Abe, the eagle of the 8th Wisconsin Color Guard, who was named after President Abraham Lincoln; Traveller, General Robert E. Lee’s favorite horse; and Sallie, the bull terrier who was the mascot for the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry Regiment. The Civil War Mascots product line is available at several America’s National Parks® stores and has been featured in theme-based events at parks including one at Petersburg National Battlefield in July.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]Sallie’s story is told in Allison Crotzer Kimmel’s new children’s book The Eternal Soldier: The True Story of How a Dog Became a Civil War Hero. A diverse group of park visitors attended the author’s informative talk, which was followed by a book signing, at Petersburg National Battlefield on July 2. The book release coincided with the release of the new Civil War Mascot products, so it became a themed event as America’s National Parks® store staff featured the new products alongside the book. Copies of Allison’s book and various mascot products sold at this successful event.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”10199″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_single_image image=”10200″ img_size=”full” add_caption=”yes” alignment=”center”][/vc_column][/vc_row]