The Front Line
Our communal blog featuring the latest in Civil War news, research, analysis, and events from a network of historians
Published: 7/25/23
The Five Best Books on the Civil War in the Shenandoah Valley
Library of Congress “Sheridan’s Final Charge at Winchester” by Thure de Thulstrup For the past two decades I have been fortunate to live in the place I research and write...
Published: 7/10/23
Changing Times—And Names—at U.S. Military Bases
Uncover the story behind U.S. base military base names and their relevance in the context of contemporary values and policies.
Published: 6/30/23
Extra Voices: Trench Life
Uncover the harsh truths of trench life as described by Union and Confederate soldiers in their own words.
Published: 6/23/23
The Top Five Civil War Biographies
Library of Congress It may seem a cliche to preface my Top Five articles with the disclaimer that the subject cannot possibly be done justice by so few recommendations. Then...
Published: 4/1/23
April-Fool’s Day
View an image Harper's Weekly published to mark April Fool's Day in 1861, only days before the outbreak of the Civil War.
Published: 3/31/23
Voices From the Army of Northern Virginia, Part 6
This installment in the series focuses on the top leadership of the cavalry. The three titles include the correspondence of James Ewell Brown “Jeb” Stuart, by far the most important...
Published: 3/24/23
Extra Voices: Battle Fatigue
Read about the realities of battle fatigue in the Civil War era, showcasing soldiers' quotes that capture their exhaustion.
Published: 3/9/23
Eyewitness to the Battle of Hampton Roads
Read about the Battle of Hampton Roads through the eyes of Lieutenant Samuel Dana Green in a captivating letter to his parents.
Published: 3/6/23
“When the Boys Come Home”
Explore the poignant poem 'When the boys come home' by John Hay, published in Harper's Weekly during the Civil War.
Published: 2/24/23
The Books That Built Me: Joan Waugh
DIANA LUNDIN Joan Waugh “There is properly no history; only biography.” —Ralph Waldo Emerson Narrowing down a list of “books that built me” was surprisingly difficult. The books finally selected,...
Published: 2/10/23
Civil War Emojis
Unveil the hidden story of Civil War emojis. Learn how E.P. Gleason's 1863 ad showcased the use of small images to express ideas and emotions.
Published: 1/28/23
The Books That Built Me: George Rable
BRYAN HESTER Historian George C. Rable I was not one of those precocious Civil War enthusiasts who started reading Bruce Catton at the age of 10. Even when I was...
Published: 1/9/23
Josephine Miller and Her Stove
Delve into the account of Gettysburg resident Josephine Miller, who had a memorable experience during the epic Pennsylvania battle.
Published: 12/12/22
Emancipation’s Truth
A review of the Will Smith movie "Emancipation," which spotlights the fight for liberation during a pivotal moment in American history.
Published: 12/5/22
Extra Voices: Army Stragglers
In the Voices section of our Winter 2022 issue we highlighted quotes about “straggling” soldiers in the Union and Confederate armies. Unfortunately, we didn’t have room to include all that...
Published: 11/29/22
The Best Civil War Books of 2022
The Books & Authors section of our Winter 2022 issue contains our annual roundup of the year’s best Civil War titles. As usual, we’ve enlisted a handful of Civil War...
Published: 11/21/22
Extra Dossier: George G. Meade
A panel of Civil War historians' offers opinions on Union general George Gordon Meade and his military achievements.
Published: 11/18/22
Voices From the Army of Northern Virginia, Part 5
A Life of Gen. Robert E. Lee (1876) Robert E. Lee and the Army of Northern Virginia at Gettysburg Four division commanders wrote letters that rival the best from anyone...