The Murder of Captain McKay
Commanders
Learn about the mystery surrounding the murder of Captain Thomas M. McKay of the 20th Massachusetts Infantry during the American Civil War.
A New Look at America’s Greatest Conflict
Current Issue
The Patriots
Vol. 16, No. 2
How the American Revolution influenced and inspired both the Union and the Confederacy
Recent Posts
An Officer of Six Navies (2026)
Book Reviews
An excellent book highlighting the life of one of the Confederate Navy’s most important junior officers.
Arrest and Court-Martial of Thomas A. Rowley
The Front Line
A look at the reasons why a Union brigadier general was prosecuted for his conduct at the Battle of Gettysburg.
Ulysses’s Odyssey (2026)
Book Reviews
Picone provides a truly fresh vantage point on Grant’s contributions to the nation and the world.
Sharpshooters
Photo Essays
Photos and illustrations shed light on the roles played by Union and Confederate sharpshooters in the Civil War.
Featured Posts
Episode 20: Why Did the Civil War Happen?
Civil War Curious
Historian Allen C. Guelzo discusses the various causes behind the outbreak of the American Civil War.
The Patriots
Featured
Civil War historians weigh in on how the American Revolution influenced and inspired both the Union and the Confederacy.
Dressing Billy Yank
Facts and Figures
Shown here are figures associated with the procurement of some of the more common uniform pieces donned by “Billy Yank.”
The Case of the Two Graves
Featured
Unraveling the mystery surrounding the death and final resting place of former Confederate president Jefferson Davis.
The Five Best Books on Civil War Massacres
Best Of Lists
Civil War massacres frequently saw surrendering troops and noncombatants victimized. Here are five of the best books about some of the worst behavior of the Civil War.
“Babylon Is Fallen.”
Featured
How the northern press reported—with shock and awe—on Sherman’s March to the Sea in 1864.