The Journey of Charley Goddard According to Soldier's Heart with Factual Background

Charles E. Goddard is born.

May 14, 1845

Charley leaves Winona, MN headed up the Mississippi.

Apr 6, 1861

The Civil War begins with an attack on Fort Sumter.

Apr 12, 1861

Charley joins the Union Army at Fort Snelling at age 15. In reality, he joined in April and was really 16.

Jun 14, 1861

Link to Winona History

Regiment traveled by boat to St. Paul.

Jun 22, 1861

Charley and his Regiment travel by luxurious train through Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and down into Maryland toward Manassas Junction.

Period: Jun 22, 1861 to Jul 21, 1861

The Battle of Bull Run -In reality, Charley did not fight in this battle because he suffered from dysentery at the time; although, in the book this is his first battle experience.

Jul 21, 1861

Link to the facts

Charley's regiment withdraws to Washington and spends much time in camp waiting. In reality, Charley participates during this time in many battles that are not depicted in the book.

Period: Jul 23, 1861 to May 23, 1863

Link to the facts

The Seven Days Battle near Richmond, VA- This may be the battle alluded to in Chapter 8 as Charley's third battle where he is hit 4 times by passing bullets but not actually shot.

Jul 1, 1862

The Battle of Gettysburg - Charley is wounded.

Period: Jul 1, 1863 to Jul 3, 1863

Link to the factsCharley fights from an elevated, sheltered position in this battle, which may be a reference to Cemetery Hill. His Regiment leads a counter-charge against oncoming Confederates, which may be referring to Pickett's Charge. He is wounded in this battle, and in the book he feels as though this is the death he'd long been expecting.

Charley Goddard dies at the age of 23.

Dec 9, 1868

Link to photoCharley died at a young age in his hometown of Winona, Wisconsin. Some attribute his death to the physical and mental toll that his battle experience put upon his body and mind.