-
The commander of the three-hundred-wagon Union supply train never expected a large ragtag group of Texans and Native Americans to attack during the dark of night. But Brigadier Generals Richard Gano and Stand Watie defeated the unsuspecting Federals in the early morning hours of September 19, 1864, at Cabin Creek in the Cherokee nation. The legendary Watie, the only Native American general on either side, planned details of the raid for months. His preparation paid off--the Confederate troops captured wagons with supplies that would be worth more than $75 million today. -
In February 1864, over seven thousand Union cavalry troops led by Gen. William Sooy Smith started a raid into the Mississippi Prairie to bring destruction to one of the few breadbaskets remaining in the South. Both Smith and Gen. Sherman intended to burn everything in their path. But neither reckoned with Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest. Forrest's small Confederate cavalry forced defeated Smith in a running battle that stretched from West Point to Okolona and beyond. Forrest's victory prevented Smith from joining Sherman and saved the Prairie from total destruction. -
In late November 1864, the Army of Tennessee started out from northern Alabama with dreams of capturing Nashville and marching on to the Ohio River. In a desperate attempt to smash John Schofield's line at Franklin, Hood threw most of his men against the Union works and lost 30 percent of his attacking force in one afternoon. Local historian James R. Knight paints a vivid picture of this gruesome conflict. -
On February 21, 1864, Confederate and Union forces faced off over the banks of the Chuquatonchee Creek on Ellis Bridge in West Point, Mississippi. This three-hour battle pitted Nathan Bedford Forrest with his small but mighty cavalry against William Sooy Smith and his dogged Federal troops as they attempted to push through the prairie and destroy the railroad junction in Meridian. Smith's men did not succeed in their mission and suffered heavy casualties at the hands of Forrest in a precursor to the Battle of Okolona. Author John McBryde details the nuances of the battle that initiated Rebel opposition to the Meridian Campaign, including accounts from West Point locals of the time. -
A compelling, dramatic account of the final and fatal invasion by the Army of Tennessee in 1864. -
An eye-opening, myth-shattering, stereotype-breaking work of originality, elegance and wisdom. Full of fascinating information that can't be found anywhere else - sets a new standard for the topic. -
An estimated 6,862 Arkansas Confederate soldiers died from battle and disease, while some 1,700 Arkansas men died wearing Union blue. Total casualties represented 12 percent of the white men in the state between the ages of 15 and 62. Bloody, hard-fought battles included Pea Ridge, Helena, Little Rock, and the rare Confederate victory in southwest Arkansas at Jenkins’ Ferry. Following the war, the 1911 United Confederate Veterans Reunion, is presented in picture and word. -
Confederate monuments and markers in cemeteries across Georgia are inscribed with a variety of dedications. Many offer a simple sentiment, some present a more political statement, some have long soliloquies of prose or poetry and others feature lists of names of individuals or units that served. These monuments recognize the sacrifice of those who served Georgia in the War. -
Gumps! Wharf Lice! Ditch Hunters! Though it’s reasonably clear that those terms are insults, few people today have any idea what they mean. Like much of the language used in the 1860’s, these expressions have vanished from everyday speech. This comprehensive volume will delight the historian, the writer, and the reenactor. Now in paperback. -
The Civil War was trying, bloody, and hard-fought combat for both sides. What was it, then, that sustained soldiers low on supplies and morale? For the Army of Tennessee, it was religion. “Onward Southern Soldiers" explores the significant impact of religion on every rank, from generals to chaplains to common soldiers. Religion unified troops, informing both why and how they fought, and providing the rationale for enduring great hardship for the Confederate cause. -
Hero? Traitor? It all depends on which side of the fence you were standing. Col. Don Steenburn, U.S.Army retired, has put together a fascinating study of one of the most controversial characters in Madison County and Northern Alabama history- determined and gutsy Frank Ballou Gurley of the 4th Alabama, Confederate States of America. -
A marvelous account of the life of a great man – the story of the man behind the myth – his childhood, wartime exploits and controversial post-war views which saw him shunned by the same South who had worshipped him during the conflict.
