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: 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
Veteran historian George C. Rable reflects on the books that shaped his interest in—and views about—history.
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: 11/21/22
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 roundup of books that shed light on the Army of Northern Virginia's division commanders.
Published: 10/31/22
Voices From the Army of Northern Virginia, Part 4: Corps Commanders
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 memoirs by James Longstreet, Jubal Anderson...
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
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, when it existed,...
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.