The Spirit of Hilo

Hawai'i's sugar industry experienced explosive growth during the Civil War, increasing exports from 1.2 million pounds in 1857 to over 24 million by 1874. Despite the Hawaiian kingdom's efforts to maintain neutrality, economic integration led to political instability, culminating in American annexation. Captain Thomas Spencer attempted to form a unit for the Union, but the Hawaiian government ordered its disbandment to preserve the kingdom's sovereignty.