The 150th anniversary of the attack by South Carolina militia on the U.S. Army at Fort Sumter is approaching. We should expect to see an onslaught of books, TV shows, and magazine articles about the Civil War in the coming weeks. Down East lobs the first volley. My editor's note reflects on the war's continuing legacy in my home state. For a broad view you should read Colin Woodard's fantastic overview of how Maine responded to the outbreak hostilities—and what it cost us.