November 1, 2011 > Ring of Fire Ring of Fire Submitted By Myron Freedman Interest in the Civil War is strong again in 2011, the 150th anniversary of America's bloodiest conflict. Most Americans regard the war as an East Coast affair and may be surprised to learn the Federal government went to great lengths to protect the Bay Area's Golden Gate from Confederate raiding vessels. To safeguard the silver and gold shipments leaving the San Francisco area, the United States installed a series of forts and batteries to stand watch against any attacks. Several of these installations still survive. The Hayward Area Historical Society will present researcher and Civil War re-enactor Ernie Manzo and his program "The Ring of Fire," an illustration of the Bay Area's Civil War relics at 6 p.m. on November 10, 2011. Admission is free. For more information, call (510) 581- 0223. The Ring of Fire Thursday, November 10 6 p.m. Hayward Area Historical Society 22380 Foothill Boulevard, Hayward (510) 581- 0223 www.HaywardAreaHistory.org