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).

Confederate Sea Raiders | Walter Edgar's Journal
Episode 4

Audio

Another tactic the Confederacy used against the Union was deployment of “Sea Raiders,” or privateers, whose mission was to raid Union ships in an attempt to disrupt the North's economy. Dr. Symonds...
The War On The Coast | Walter Edgar's Journal
Episode 1

Audio

In this first segment on the war at sea, Dr. Craig L. Symonds outlines the war on the coast in four parts: the legality of the blockade, whether or not the blockade worked, how effective it was in...
Wits Versus Numbers | Walter Edgar's Journal
Episode 3

Audio

In this segment, Walter Edgar and Dr. Symonds discuss some of the technological innovations the Confederacy used to try and combat the blockade. Some of these innovations include use of mines...
The C.S.S. Hunley | Walter Edgar's Journal
Episode 6

Audio

Dr. Symonds addresses the importance of the C.S.S. Hunley: History’s first operational submarine to sink an enemy ship in combat, the U.S.S. Housatonic.
Battle At Champion's Hill | Walter Edgar's Journal
Episode 3

Audio

In this segment, Winston Groom talks about how Grant’s forces had to “live off the land,” since their supplies were taken months before. General Grant takes his forces to Jackson, Mississippi, where...
The Early Days Of Vicksburg | Walter Edgar's Journal
Episode 1

Audio

In the first segment on the Vicksburg campaign, Winston Groom sets the stage on events leading up to this crucial battle. He explains why Vicksburg is valuable to the Confederacy, and why the Union...
The Siege Of Vicksburg | Walter Edgar's Journal
Episode 4

Audio

Winston Groom details the lives of both Union and Confederate soldiers during the Siege of Vicksburg. Groom then discusses remedies soldiers on both sides used to combat starvation. Starvation ended...