Articles
Published: 6/1/22
A Grave Offense
A photo by Andrew J. Russell helps tell the story of desertion—and its consequences—during the Civil War.
Published: 6/1/22
A Letter to Cousin Nancy
Photos of Georgia soldier Russell Merriman Cassaday and his cousin Nancy Ellen Sawyers help tell their wartime story.
Published: 6/1/22
French Leave
The origins of a Civil War-era euphemism for desertion is rooted in an old ethnic stereotype.
Published: 6/1/22
William R.J. Pegram and Deliberate Courage
A look at the glory—and dark side—of valorous action in battle as embodied by the Civil War career of William R.J. Pegram.
Published: 6/1/22
Wilkinson D. Perrin’s Wartime Diary
A look at the sale of 1st Ohio Light Artillery soldier Wilkinson D. Perrin's wartime diary at auction.
Published: 6/1/22
The Valor Trail
Learn about the Medal of Honor Valor Trail, which will weave the stories of the decoration with the places most connected with its recipients.
Published: 6/1/22
Salt Pork
Quotes from Civil War soldiers about salt pork, a regular component of their daily ration.
Published: 6/1/22
When Bullets Hit Bodies
See illustrations of distorted Civil War bullets from "The Medical and Surgical History of the War of the Rebellion"—and learn the stories of the wounds they produced.
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Published: 9/1/22
Smoking War
Read about the allure and significance of smoking and tobacco use among Civil War soldiers, from cigars to snuff.
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Published: 9/1/22
The Perils of Nursing
A look at Louisa May Alcott's experiences as a nurse during the American Civil War.
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Published: 9/1/22
We Must Not Be Enemies
Faced with a nation on the verge of civil war, Abraham Lincoln used his first inaugural address as a last-ditch effort to avert bloodshed.
Published: 9/1/22
Joseph Pitty Couthouy Identification Badge
Learn about a Civil War identification badge belonging to Joseph Pitty Couthouy and how much it fetched at auction.
Published: 9/1/22
Charles Redington Mudge at Gettysburg
A look at the performance of Charles Redington Mudge of the 2nd Massachusetts Infantry at the Battle of Gettysburg.
Published: 9/1/22
Dossier: George G. Meade
A panel of historians weighs in on the character and capabilities of Union general George Gordon Meade.
Published: 9/1/22
Forty Rod
An examination of the term "Forty Rod" whiskey used widely during the American Civil War.
Published: 9/1/22
Full Highlander
A photo of three soldiers sheds light on the colorful uniforms donned by members of the 79th New York "Highlanders."
Published: 9/1/22
Anesthetics
Union surgeons employed anesthesia at least 80,000 times during the Civil War. We break down the numbers.
Published: 9/1/22
After the Storm
Examination of a tranquil photo of Antietam Creek taken by Alexander Gardner five days after the bloody battle fought there in September 1862.