Author Archives: Phill Greenwalt
Laid to Rest in Lexington
On May 15, 1863—150 years ago today—Confederate General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson was laid to rest in his beloved Shenandoah Valley. He had died five days previously and, since his death, his remains had traveled from Guinea Station down to Richmond … Continue reading
“VMI Will Be Heard From Today”
“You may go forward, then.” With those five words, Confederate General “Stonewall” Jackson ordered Brigadier General Robert Rodes’ division forward. As Jackson had said earlier on the May 2, 1863, the Virginia Military Institute (VMI) would be heard from that … Continue reading
Essex County’s Native Sons
Approximately 45 miles southeast of Fredericksburg, Virginia, sits the town of Tappahannock. The name originates from the Algonquian word lappihane (or, it has also been noted, toppehannock). When translated, it means roughly “Town on the rise and fall of water.” The town is better … Continue reading
Only in America…
This past weekend, I had the opportunity to tour the Capitol and got an expanded look because of my brother, who is interning with a representative. I highly recommend going to the Capitol and touring. The museum is top notch … Continue reading
Still Commanding…
As the Fredericksburg area comes under a snow storm the guns of Hazel Grove stand tribute to the harsh fighting that took place there in early May 1863. The Confederate artillery, firing from the elevation of Hazel Grove dominated the … Continue reading
The Golden Opportunity at Evelynton Heights
Exactly one year before the Battle of Gettysburg Confederate James Ewell Brown “JEB” Stuart made possibly an even costlier mistake. He lost Evelynton Heights. Evelynton is the name attributed to both the plantation home of the Ruffin family (the same family … Continue reading
Darkest Days of the War?
The Battles of Iuka and Corinth–that’s the answer, at least according to historian Peter Cozzens. Do you agree? Disagree? When I started the book, I was sketpical that Cozzens could convince me that this was truly the “Darkest Days of … Continue reading
Joseph Hooker: The Administrator
Over the weekend, the 150th anniversary of Joseph Hooker’s appointment of command of the Army of the Potomac passed. The mere mention of Joseph Hooker in relation to the American Civil War quickly conjures up the Battle of Chancellorsville and … Continue reading
Scenes of Stones River National Battlefield
The last few days fellow writer Chris Mackowski has been chronicling the Battle of Stones River. (To access these articles hit the “Home” button and scroll down the page). I had the chance to tour the battlefield this summer and … Continue reading
