The Front Line
Our communal blog featuring the latest in Civil War news, research, analysis, and events from a network of historians
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.
Published: 8/15/22
Major Knipe Winging a Secessionist
Discover the remarkable incident involving Major Knipe during the Civil War, featured in Harper's Weekly on July 20, 1861.
Published: 7/22/22
Quick Picks: First Bull Run Books
Looking for First Bull Run books? Check out our list of must-read titles to deepen your knowledge of this historic battle.
Published: 7/11/22
Extra Voices: Salt Pork
Delve into insightful quotes on salt pork from Civil War soldiers, highlighting its significance in military rations.
Published: 6/21/22
The Five Best Books on Lincoln and His Commanders
Library of Congress Abraham Lincoln was not a military man, yet in March 1861 he became commander in chief of forces that would soon face the task of suppressing an...
Published: 6/14/22
Grand Opening of American Civil War Museum’s Robins Theater
Celebrate the American Civil War Museum's Robin Theater grand opening. Find out what to expect from the new facility and film.
Published: 6/13/22
Ticks in Camp
Discover the challenges of dealing with ticks in camp as documented by a young officer in the 57th New York Infantry during the Civil War.
Published: 6/3/22
Eyewitness to Cold Harbor
Read Colonel Theodore Lyman's eyewitness letter about brutal Battle of Cold Harbor, fought in June 1864.
Published: 5/23/22
Quick Picks: Civil War Photography Books
Library of Congress A Civil War photographer and his tent. Looking for good books on Civil War photography? We asked Ronald S. Coddington, author and publisher of Military Images magazine,...