The Front Line
Our communal blog featuring the latest in Civil War news, research, analysis, and events from a network of historians and authors
Published: 7/10/20
The Greatest Bards: Part 2
When I was 12 I found a mass market paperback of Bruce Catton’s A Stillness at Appomattox, and it yanked me so deep into the world of the Civil War...
Published: 6/15/20
Extra Voices: Camp Sports
Read firsthand Union and Confederate soldiers' quotes on the various sports they played during downtime in camp.
Published: 6/12/20
History’s “Grant” Considered
Historian Brooks D. Simpson reviews The History Channel's historical docu-series "Grant."
Published: 5/29/20
The Best Books About Ulysses S. Grant
What are the best books about Ulysses S. Grant? Explore the picks of top Civil War historians.
Published: 5/22/20
The Rable Method—Time and Again
Civil War historian George Rable's impressive professional career is detailed by two of his former protégés.
Published: 5/18/20
The Greatest Bards: Part 1
Asked to name the writer whose work had the greatest influence on their early love for the Civil War, most lay students of the conflict would offer one of two...
Published: 5/15/20
The Five Best Books on Civil War Combat
Historian Andrew S. Bledsoe offers his picks for the five best books on combat during the American Civil War.
Published: 4/9/20
Lee Bids Farewell
Read Robert E. Lee's farewell address to the Army of Northern Virginia written shortly after the surrender at Appomattox.
Published: 4/3/20
The “Hero” of Castle Thunder
Learn about the Russian bloodhound used to guard Union prisoners at the prison at Castle Thunder in Richmond.
Published: 3/16/20
History in the Digital Age
Michaela Levin Historian Kevin M. Levin In November 2005 I created the website Civil War Memory, which included a blog. I had recently completed a master’s degree in history and...
Published: 3/13/20
Extra Voices: Payday
Firsthand quotes by Union and Confederate soldiers about their reactions to receiving their monthly wages.
Published: 3/6/20
The Fashion Trends of 1864
View examples of men's fashions in 1864 as published in an illustration from Harper's Weekly.
Published: 2/20/20
A Goodbye Gift
While attending services at St. Paul’s Church in Richmond on Sunday, April 2, 1865, Confederate president Jefferson Davis received word that Confederate forces had begun evacuating Petersburg in the wake...
Published: 1/26/20
“What will not the human body endure?”
Read Union Corporal James K. Hosmer's detailed account of the harrowing seven days he spent on detached duty as a nurse.
Published: 1/21/20
Grant and Lee at Appomattox
Understanding the mythic importance of the event that represents the end of the Confederacy
Published: 1/11/20
Badge Quest
Follow one man’s journey to become a licensed battlefield guide at Gettysburg.
Published: 12/30/19
The Best Civil War Books of 2019
Civil War historians and enthusiasts offer their picks for the best Civil War Books of 2019, and which titles they're looking forward to.
Published: 12/20/19
Extra Dossier: William T. Sherman
We asked top Civil War historians what they thought Union general William T. Sherman's best quality was. Read their answers.