Category Archives: Antebellum South

War Comes to St. George’s (part one)

(part one of a series) Last August, I had the honor of giving a lecture at my church, St. George’s Episcopal Church, about its history during the Civil War. Several living historians, members of Women of the Civil War, the … Continue reading

Posted in Antebellum South, Battles, Civilian, Slavery, USCT | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Soldier-Artists and the Battle Experience (Part II)

This is the second of two posts regarding soldier-artists and their depictions of the experience of battle. Part I may be found here. To appreciate the extent that images such as Adolph Metzner’s Cozy corner defied the conventions of mainstream art, it … Continue reading

Posted in Antebellum South, Armies, Arms & Armaments, Battlefields & Historic Places, Battles, Civilian, Common Soldier, Emerging Civil War, Material Culture, Memory, Mexican War, Photography, Primary Sources, Weapons | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

A Poet’s Perspective: Herman Melville and the Civil War

It was November of 1860, and America had a new president. He was highly popular among the northern states, but he was widely disliked in the South. At the same time you have Herman Melville, famous for his 1851 novel … Continue reading

Posted in Antebellum South, Books & Authors, Civil War Events, Civilian, Emerging Civil War, Memory, Newspapers, Personalities, Ties to the War | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

The Historic Harbors

A couple of weeks ago I attended a leadership retreat where a speaker touted the longtime importance of Hampton Roads as a harbor and host to very important events in American history. This got me thinking: what are the most … Continue reading

Posted in Antebellum South, Battlefields & Historic Places, Economics, Navies, Ties to the War | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 19 Comments

ECW Weekender: Harpers Ferry 3.0—The Time I Took My Kids

On the heels of Chris Mackowski’s recent post regarding how to interest young people more in the Civil War, I headed to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia, in July for the third time in four years – this time, with my … Continue reading

Posted in Antebellum South, Battlefields & Historic Places, Civil War Trails, Civilian, ECW Weekender, Memory, Monuments, National Park Service, Photography, Preservation, Sieges | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Stonewall’s Sabbath School

Today, we are pleased to welcome back guest author Michael Aubrecht Throughout the 1800s, the South’s practice of slavery caused a great contradiction among many southern slave holders. The master-slave relationship was fraught with emotional and moral contradictions. This dilemma … Continue reading

Posted in Antebellum South, Personalities | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Gettysburg Campaign Site Preservation Opportunity

The Civil War Trust has announced a unique preservation opportunity. The battle of Upperville was part of Jeb Stuart’s defense-in-depth of Ashby’s Gap and a look into the movement’s of Lee’s army by the Federal Cavalry. During this battle, Col. … Continue reading

Posted in Antebellum South, Armies, Arms & Armaments, Battlefields & Historic Places, Battles, Campaigns, Cavalry, Civil War Trails, Common Soldier, ECW Weekender, Leadership--Confederate, Leadership--Federal, Memory, Monuments, Preservation | Tagged , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Great Moments in Southern History

I sent Chris Mackowski a note on some stationery I got years ago–see below. As you’ll be able to tell, there’s a story behind it. It was sent to me by my good friend Ben Maryniak of Buffalo. Ben and … Continue reading

Posted in Antebellum South, Civil War in Pop Culture, Memory, Newspapers, Politics | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

“The Struggle Which Threatens Your Liberty”: The Dred Scott Decision

One hundred and sixty years ago, the U.S. Supreme Court issued one of the most significant rulings in its history. Unfortunately for the Court and the country, it was also one of the most misguided decisions it ever issued. Dred … Continue reading

Posted in Antebellum South, Lincoln, Politics, Ties to the War | Tagged , , | 9 Comments

Bivouacs of the Dead

When touring battlefields on my own or leading a group, I always try and stop by the cemeteries that are there – both to meet the men but also to reflect on the events. I try to do this whether … Continue reading

Posted in Antebellum South, Armies, Battlefields & Historic Places, Common Soldier, Lincoln, Memory, Mexican War, Monuments, Ties to the War | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments