The Civil War Monitor
@cwmonitor.bsky.social
A quarterly magazine featuring originally researched & richly illustrated articles on all aspects of America's greatest conflict.
Learn more at our website: www.civilwarmonitor.com
Learn more at our website: www.civilwarmonitor.com
The digital version of our Winter '25 issue is now live for subscribers to read at our website: bit.ly/3JJ3U0f. Not yet a subscriber? Fix that here: bit.ly/4aERspr. #civilwarhistory #twitterstorians #history #americancivilwar
November 13, 2025 at 1:23 PM
The digital version of our Winter '25 issue is now live for subscribers to read at our website: bit.ly/3JJ3U0f. Not yet a subscriber? Fix that here: bit.ly/4aERspr. #civilwarhistory #twitterstorians #history #americancivilwar
"Exporting Reconstruction: Ulysses S. Grant and a New Empire of Liberty" by Ryan P. Semmes is "part of a growing body of scholarship that broadens the study of Reconstruction beyond the U.S. South," writes Evan C. Rothera. Read more about it here: bit.ly/4nV1f1B @uscpress.bsky.social
Exporting Reconstruction (2024)
A detailed review of "Exporting Reconstruction: Ulysses S. Grant and a New Empire of Liberty" by Ryan P. Semmes.
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November 12, 2025 at 1:31 PM
"Exporting Reconstruction: Ulysses S. Grant and a New Empire of Liberty" by Ryan P. Semmes is "part of a growing body of scholarship that broadens the study of Reconstruction beyond the U.S. South," writes Evan C. Rothera. Read more about it here: bit.ly/4nV1f1B @uscpress.bsky.social
We'd like to thank all who have served in our country's armed forces on this #VeteransDay. Shown here: Union vets strike up a tune at the 50th Battle of Gettysburg reunion in 1913.
November 11, 2025 at 1:32 PM
We'd like to thank all who have served in our country's armed forces on this #VeteransDay. Shown here: Union vets strike up a tune at the 50th Battle of Gettysburg reunion in 1913.
In advance of Veterans Day, we assembled a variety of photos of former Union and Confederate soldiers as they appeared in the decades after the conflict. View them here: bit.ly/3LSay4J
Civil War Veterans, Part 3
Continue your journey into the lives of Civil War veterans with the third installment of our "Civil War Vetreans" photo essay series.
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November 10, 2025 at 1:24 PM
In advance of Veterans Day, we assembled a variety of photos of former Union and Confederate soldiers as they appeared in the decades after the conflict. View them here: bit.ly/3LSay4J
In the Season 1 finale of our podcast "Civil War Breakthroughs," historian David Hochfelder discusses the vital and often unseen role of the telegraph during the Civil War. Sponsored by the Sons of Union Veterans (suvcw.org). Listen here: bit.ly/47HM59Q
Episode 6: The Telegraph
Historian David Hochfelder discusses the vital and often unseen role of the telegraph during the Civil War.
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November 6, 2025 at 1:09 PM
In the Season 1 finale of our podcast "Civil War Breakthroughs," historian David Hochfelder discusses the vital and often unseen role of the telegraph during the Civil War. Sponsored by the Sons of Union Veterans (suvcw.org). Listen here: bit.ly/47HM59Q
"Lee Besieged: Grant’s Second Petersburg Offensive, June 18-July 1, 1864" by John Horn provides "much of interest" for those interested in an overview of this important operation, writes Keith Altavilla. Read more about it here: bit.ly/49DVGkl
Lee Besieged (2025)
A detailed review of "Lee Besieged: Grant’s Second Petersburg Offensive, June 18-July 1, 1864" by John Horn.
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November 5, 2025 at 1:01 PM
"Lee Besieged: Grant’s Second Petersburg Offensive, June 18-July 1, 1864" by John Horn provides "much of interest" for those interested in an overview of this important operation, writes Keith Altavilla. Read more about it here: bit.ly/49DVGkl
It's election day in a handful of states. What was voting like during the Civil War? We compiled illustrations that shed light on the process—on the homefront and in the army—during the vital 1864 presidential election. View them here: bit.ly/3JkYXKW
Wartime Voting
View illustrations that showcase the voting process on both the homefront and the battlefield during the 1864 presidential election.
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November 4, 2025 at 12:56 PM
It's election day in a handful of states. What was voting like during the Civil War? We compiled illustrations that shed light on the process—on the homefront and in the army—during the vital 1864 presidential election. View them here: bit.ly/3JkYXKW
What's the future hold for public historians? In our latest digital history column, Rich Condon reflects on where things stand—and the challenges going forward—for those on the front lines of historical interpretation. Read it here: bit.ly/4qGcyNA @richcondon.bsky.social
The Future of Public History
Rich Condon ponders the future of public history in today's environment of division and anti-intellectualism.
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November 3, 2025 at 12:46 PM
What's the future hold for public historians? In our latest digital history column, Rich Condon reflects on where things stand—and the challenges going forward—for those on the front lines of historical interpretation. Read it here: bit.ly/4qGcyNA @richcondon.bsky.social
Happy #Halloween! This spooky Harper's Weekly illustration from May 1862 shows Confederate president Jefferson Davis being driven "in the direction of the Last Ditch" by his enthusiastic "new coachman," a skeleton.
October 31, 2025 at 12:31 PM
Happy #Halloween! This spooky Harper's Weekly illustration from May 1862 shows Confederate president Jefferson Davis being driven "in the direction of the Last Ditch" by his enthusiastic "new coachman," a skeleton.
In the latest episode of our podcast "Civil War Breakthroughs," historian Jennifer Raab discusses the power and importance of Civil War photography, including how the camera shaped how we remember the war today. Sponsored by the Sons of Union Veterans (suvcw.org). Listen here: tinyurl.com/4r8e8ynf
Episode 5: Photography
Jennifer Raab on the power and importance of Civil War photography, including how the camera shaped how we remember the war today.
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October 30, 2025 at 1:13 PM
In the latest episode of our podcast "Civil War Breakthroughs," historian Jennifer Raab discusses the power and importance of Civil War photography, including how the camera shaped how we remember the war today. Sponsored by the Sons of Union Veterans (suvcw.org). Listen here: tinyurl.com/4r8e8ynf
"As Wolves Upon a Sheep Fold: The Civil War Letters of Ohio Surgeon William S. Newton," ed. by Aaron D. Purcell, offers a "valuable narrative of a family man navigating the challenges and opportunities posed by the U.S. Civil War." Read more about it here: tinyurl.com/5t44dsr3
As Wolves Upon a Sheep Fold (2023)
A detailed review of "As Wolves Upon a Sheep Fold: The Civil War Letters of Ohio Surgeon William S. Newton," edited by Aaron D. Purcell.
tinyurl.com
October 29, 2025 at 12:23 PM
"As Wolves Upon a Sheep Fold: The Civil War Letters of Ohio Surgeon William S. Newton," ed. by Aaron D. Purcell, offers a "valuable narrative of a family man navigating the challenges and opportunities posed by the U.S. Civil War." Read more about it here: tinyurl.com/5t44dsr3
On May 5, 1864, USS Sassacus was one of several Union ships to engage the Confederate ironclad ram Albermarle off the coast of North Carolina. Read the heroic story of James M. Hobby, one of the Union sailors engaged that day, here: tinyurl.com/435kbywn
An Unnamed Hero Revealed
Learn about the historic clash between USS Sassacus and CSS Albemarle, featuring the heroism of Union sailor James M. Hobby.
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October 27, 2025 at 12:19 PM
On May 5, 1864, USS Sassacus was one of several Union ships to engage the Confederate ironclad ram Albermarle off the coast of North Carolina. Read the heroic story of James M. Hobby, one of the Union sailors engaged that day, here: tinyurl.com/435kbywn
In the latest episode of our podcast "Civil War Breakthroughs," historian Scott Huffard talks about how railroads became the engine of the war, transforming everything from logistics to troop movements. Sponsored by the Sons of Union Veterans (suvcw.org). Listen here: tinyurl.com/ym4cpu6c
October 23, 2025 at 12:24 PM
In the latest episode of our podcast "Civil War Breakthroughs," historian Scott Huffard talks about how railroads became the engine of the war, transforming everything from logistics to troop movements. Sponsored by the Sons of Union Veterans (suvcw.org). Listen here: tinyurl.com/ym4cpu6c
"From Ironclads to Admiral: John Lorimer Worden and Naval Leadership" by John V. Quarstein and Robert L. Worden gives "one of the war’s most famed naval officers...the biography that he deserves," writes Neil P. Chatelain. Read more here: tinyurl.com/3ctzzksb
From Ironclads to Admiral (2025)
A detailed review of "From Ironclads to Admiral: John Lorimer Worden and Naval Leadership" by John V. Quarstein and Robert L. Worden.
tinyurl.com
October 22, 2025 at 12:57 PM
"From Ironclads to Admiral: John Lorimer Worden and Naval Leadership" by John V. Quarstein and Robert L. Worden gives "one of the war’s most famed naval officers...the biography that he deserves," writes Neil P. Chatelain. Read more here: tinyurl.com/3ctzzksb
After the decisive Union defeat at the Battle of Ball’s Bluff, fought #otd 164 years ago, Massachusetts officer Richard Derby wrote home about his harrowing experiences. Read his letters here: bit.ly/4hgleFB
Eyewitness to Ball's Bluff
Discover first-hand accounts of the Battle of Ball's Bluff through the letters of Richard C. Derby, a Union soldier in the 15th Massachusetts Infantry.
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October 21, 2025 at 12:43 PM
After the decisive Union defeat at the Battle of Ball’s Bluff, fought #otd 164 years ago, Massachusetts officer Richard Derby wrote home about his harrowing experiences. Read his letters here: bit.ly/4hgleFB
In our latest digital history column, Cecily Zander writes about British explorer Sir Richard Francis Burton's 1860 tour of the U.S. as the country hurtled toward civil war. Read it here: bit.ly/3JfYERh
Sir Richard Francis Burton’s American Adventure
A look at British explorer Sir Richard Francis Burton's 1860 tour of the U.S.—including the West—as the country hurtled toward civil war.
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October 20, 2025 at 12:52 PM
In our latest digital history column, Cecily Zander writes about British explorer Sir Richard Francis Burton's 1860 tour of the U.S. as the country hurtled toward civil war. Read it here: bit.ly/3JfYERh
In the latest episode of our podcast "Civil War Breakthroughs," historian Nathan Madison talks about the crucial role played by northern and southern industries during the conflict. Sponsored by the Sons of Union Veterans (suvcw.org). Listen here: bit.ly/4hhIeof
Episode 3: Wartime Industry
Nathan Madison talks about the crucial role played by northern and southern industries during the conflict, with a focus on Richmond’s Tredegar Iron Works.
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October 16, 2025 at 1:23 PM
In the latest episode of our podcast "Civil War Breakthroughs," historian Nathan Madison talks about the crucial role played by northern and southern industries during the conflict. Sponsored by the Sons of Union Veterans (suvcw.org). Listen here: bit.ly/4hhIeof
"Hero of Fort Sumter: The Extraordinary Life of Robert Anderson" by Wesley Moody offers "a cradle-to-grave account of Anderson’s life and career" that readers "will certainly enjoy," writes Evan C. Rothera. Learn more here: bit.ly/4nc6xFr
Hero of Fort Sumter (2025)
A detailed review of "Hero of Fort Sumter: The Extraordinary Life of Robert Anderson" by Wesley Moody.
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October 15, 2025 at 12:20 PM
"Hero of Fort Sumter: The Extraordinary Life of Robert Anderson" by Wesley Moody offers "a cradle-to-grave account of Anderson’s life and career" that readers "will certainly enjoy," writes Evan C. Rothera. Learn more here: bit.ly/4nc6xFr
A.P. Hill's Confederates engaged Gouverneur Warren's II Corps at Bristoe Station, VA, #otd in 1863. Hill's men suffered nearly three times as many casualties as his opponents in the Union victory. Shown here: a wartime sketch of a Union field hospital after the battle.
October 14, 2025 at 12:40 PM
A.P. Hill's Confederates engaged Gouverneur Warren's II Corps at Bristoe Station, VA, #otd in 1863. Hill's men suffered nearly three times as many casualties as his opponents in the Union victory. Shown here: a wartime sketch of a Union field hospital after the battle.
In the Voices section of our Fall 2025 issue we highlighted quotes by Union and Confederate soldiers about the times they interacted with their opponents when not in active combat. Read those we didn't have room for here: bit.ly/4nOvGqZ
Extra Voices: Fraternizing with the Enemy
Read quotes from Union and Confederate soldiers about the times they interacted with their opponents when not in active combat.
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October 13, 2025 at 1:32 PM
In the Voices section of our Fall 2025 issue we highlighted quotes by Union and Confederate soldiers about the times they interacted with their opponents when not in active combat. Read those we didn't have room for here: bit.ly/4nOvGqZ
In the latest episode of our podcast "Civil War Breakthroughs," historian Gordon Calhoun discusses the pioneering developments in naval warfare that occurred during the conflict. Sponsored by the Sons of Union Veterans (suvcw.org). Listen here: bit.ly/3WtbTRB
Episode 2: The Naval War
In the latest episode of the "Civil War Breakthroughs" podcast, Gordon Calhoun discusses the developments in naval warfare that occurred during the Civil War.
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October 9, 2025 at 2:00 PM
In the latest episode of our podcast "Civil War Breakthroughs," historian Gordon Calhoun discusses the pioneering developments in naval warfare that occurred during the conflict. Sponsored by the Sons of Union Veterans (suvcw.org). Listen here: bit.ly/3WtbTRB
"Litchfield County and the Civil War" by Peter C. Vermilyea "supplies a complex yet engaging account of a northern regiment and its community," writes Sabrina L. As’ous. Read more here: bit.ly/4h1zylB
Litchfield County and the Civil War (2024)
A detailed review of "Litchfield County and the Civil War" by Peter C. Vermilyea.
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October 8, 2025 at 12:07 PM
"Litchfield County and the Civil War" by Peter C. Vermilyea "supplies a complex yet engaging account of a northern regiment and its community," writes Sabrina L. As’ous. Read more here: bit.ly/4h1zylB
In the latest installment of her "Unhidden History" column, Zethyn McKinley looks at the origins of the monument to Admiral David G. Farragut in New York's Madison Square Park. Read it here: bit.ly/4pXps9A
Under the “Damn the Torpedoes” Surface
A look at the origins of the monument to Admiral David G. Farragut in New York City's Madison Square Park.
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October 6, 2025 at 12:39 PM
In the latest installment of her "Unhidden History" column, Zethyn McKinley looks at the origins of the monument to Admiral David G. Farragut in New York's Madison Square Park. Read it here: bit.ly/4pXps9A
#otd in 1864, Union forces turned back a Confederate attack at Allatoona Pass, GA, the first major engagement of the Franklin-Nashville Campaign. Shown here is artist Thure de Thulstrup's depiction of the fighting.
October 5, 2025 at 3:20 PM
#otd in 1864, Union forces turned back a Confederate attack at Allatoona Pass, GA, the first major engagement of the Franklin-Nashville Campaign. Shown here is artist Thure de Thulstrup's depiction of the fighting.
The Second Battle of Corinth, MS, began #otd in 1862. The 2-day engagement for control of the key rail junction at Corinth resulted in a victory for William Rosecrans' Union force. Shown here is a sketch of Confederate soldiers killed during the fighting.
October 3, 2025 at 12:18 PM
The Second Battle of Corinth, MS, began #otd in 1862. The 2-day engagement for control of the key rail junction at Corinth resulted in a victory for William Rosecrans' Union force. Shown here is a sketch of Confederate soldiers killed during the fighting.