Life on the Civil War Research Trail

Life on the Civil War Research Trail

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Life on the Civil War Research Trail
  • Conversations with the Enemy at Gettysburg’s Seminary

    First Lt. Jeremiah Hoffman of the 142nd Pennsylvania Infantry suffered a serious wound during the first day of fighting at Gettysburg. He was transported to the Lutheran Theological Seminary for treatment. His vivid, haunting recollections tell us of life inside the building during the uncertain ...

  • Gordon and Barlow: Each Believed the Other Dead

    During the Battle of Gettysburg, Confederate Maj. Gen. John B. Gordon happened upon a severely wounded Union brigadier, Francis C. Barlow. Gordon shared his canteen and had men carry Barlow to a shady spot to die. 15 years later, he learned Barlow survived. Here's the story.

  • In 1861, a VA Senator Spoke to Skeptical Constituents about Secession.

    By mid-January 1861, five states had seceded from the Union. In Virginia, State Senator John Herbert Claiborne faced constituents divided over whether their state should leave or stay. An ardent secessionist with pro-slavery sentiments, Claiborne made this argument to renounce Virginia's allegiance.

  • In 1910 a Wyoming Cowboy Asked About a Union Soldier’s Grave. Here’s the Answer.

    Joe Magill, known in some circles in Wyoming as the Cowboy Orator, wrote a letter to the editor of the National Tribune newspaper about a neglected grave he had found—a Civil War soldier named Bennett Tribett. Joe was wanting to know more. Here's the answer.