American Civil War (1861-1865)

Learn the individual stories of men and women who were involved in major events leading up to, during and after the The Civil War (1861-1865).

The Draft Riots | Walter Edgar's Journal
Episode 4

Audio

It is a popular belief that circulated photographs of Gettysburg’s “Harvest of Death,” caused the draft riots in New York City, which in turn also caused an economic backlash.
A Significant Setback | Walter Edgar's Journal
Episode 5

Audio

Dr. Smith outlines the decrease in morale in the South after Gettysburg. The South suffered heavy losses, and some critics made their feelings known regarding General Robert E. Lee, and Confederate...
Abandonment Of Fort Wagner | Walter Edgar's Journal
Episode 5

Audio

September 6, 1863: The final assault on Battery Wagner by Federal forces causes the Confederate troops to abandon the fort. With Battery Wagner now empty, the Union troops can now turn their guns on...
Life In Fort Sumter | Walter Edgar's Journal
Episode 6

Audio

Fort Sumter, now heavily damaged from years of attacks by the Union fleet, is a tough place for Confederate forces to live: living in trenches over-run with rats and roaches, while under constant...
The Massachusetts 54th | Walter Edgar's Journal
Episode 3

Audio

Dr. Stephen R. Wise talks more in depth about one of the first African American regiments, the Massachusetts 54th Regiment, commanded by Colonel Robert Gould Shaw. The 54th suffers heavy losses during...
The Beginning of 1863 | Walter Edgar's Journal
Episode 1

Audio

Dr. Stephen R. Wise discusses the early days of the Civil War, in Charleston, S.C. The war began with the firing on Fort Sumter, which painted Charleston as a prime target for the Union. Leading up to...
Blockade Runners | Walter Edgar's Journal
Episode 8

Audio

In the final part of the Fight for Charleston, Dr. Wise talks about Confederate blockade runners. Blockade runners played a crucial role in bringing supplies to support the South’s war effort. The...