Episode 7: The Freedom Seekers
The 1864 Project
Historian Amy Murrell Taylor talks about the experiences of those who escaped slavery during the Civil War, the role the Union army played in the process, and the establishment of “contraband” camps.
A New Look at America’s Greatest Conflict
Current Issue
Rebel Revival
Vol. 14, No. 4
How a string of Confederate victories in early 1864 halted Union momentum—and boosted southern hopes
Recent Posts
The Mexican-American War Experiences of Twelve Civil War Generals (2024)
Book Reviews
Readers of Timothy Johnson’s volume will appreciate the chance to learn more about the early lives and careers of a dozen Civil War generals.
Extra Voices: Narrow Escapes
The Front Line
In the Voices section of our Winter 2024 issue we highlighted quotes by Union and Confederate soldiers about the close calls they or their comrades had experienced during the Civil…
Holding the Political Center in Illinois (2024)
Book Reviews
“Holding the Political Center in Illinois” is fascinating account of Prairie State politics in the 1850s.
A Firearm Transformed
The Front Line
In the first two years of the Civil War, the United States Model 1816/22 .69-caliber smoothbore musket was undoubtedly one of the most issued and most used firearms by both…
Episode 6: The Prisoner Experience
The 1864 Project
Historian Evan Kutzler discusses the state of Civil War prisons in 1864, from the POW experience to how the breakdown of the formal prisoner exchange system affected conditions.
Featured Posts
The 1864 Project Trailer
Featured
We’re excited to announce that the Monitor’s first-ever podcast series is launching later this month. The 1864 Project is a 7-part series that focuses on a vitally important year during the Civil War—1864. Listen to the trailer for more.
The Civil War’s Epidemics
Civil War Medicine
It’s well-known that the Civil War was the United States’ deadliest conflict. Between 750,000 and 1 million Americans died, shockingly high figures that still drive interest in the conflict more…
McClellan’s Culture of Command
Featured
George B. McClellan profoundly affected the course of the Civil War. His inexplicable retreat following a major victory at Malvern Hill in July 1862 undoubtedly lengthened the conflict and, to…
A Hospital Steward’s Story
Featured
During the Siege of Port Hudson in 1863—part of the Union military’s attempt to seize control of the Mississippi River—James Kendall Hosmer, a soldier in the 52nd Massachusetts Infantry,…
The Best Civil War Books of 2023
Featured
The Books & Authors section of our Winter 2023 issue contains our annual roundup of the year’s best Civil War titles. As usual, we’ve enlisted a handful of Civil War…
The Books That Built Me: John Hennessy
Featured
The contruction of my historiographical self began on a rainy afternoon in fifth grade. There was no chance for outdoor romping, or venturing through the deluge to a friend’s house…