The Front Line
Our communal blog featuring the latest in Civil War news, research, analysis, and events from a network of historians
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...
Published: 10/31/22
Voices From the Army of Northern Virginia, Part 4
USAHEC Confederate corps commander James Longstreet Literature on the Army of Northern Virginia contains book-length testimony from four of the seven officers who commanded its infantry corps. These titles include...
Published: 9/28/22
Quick Picks: Sherman’s March Books
Looking to learn more about William T. Sherman's March to the Sea? An expert historian offers some suggestions for further reading.
Published: 9/26/22
A Straggler
Uncover the story behind the Army straggler illustration from Harper's Weekly, revealing the plight of soldiers during wartime.
Published: 9/12/22
“Union Jim” Williams
Learn about "Union Jim" Williams, a formerly enslaved man who aided Union forces in Louisiana.
Published: 8/31/22
The Five Best Books on the Civil War in the (Far) West
Library of Congress On the first day of my American West in History and Film class, I ask students to explain where the historical West of their imaginations is located,...
Published: 8/22/22
Extra Voices: A Thirst For Battle
Read the powerful firsthand quotes on the thirst for battle that gripped many Union and Confederate soldiers during the Civil War.