California sent more volunteers, about 17,000 men, to fight in the American Civil War, more than any other state in the Union. Volunteers fought in 31 engagements, most in the Shenandoah Valley. Others served with distinction in New York and Pennsylvania regiments. Author Alton Pryor has captured many of the elements involving California and the American Civil War in his new book, "California and the American Civil War." Most of the men in Southern California during the Civil War were Confederate sympathizers. Because of their number they exercised a great deal of political influence in the state. The American Civil War is judged as America's worst war, as Americans were fighting Americans. The reader will learn many facts about California's involvement in the Civil War that is not known by most Americans.