In Memoriam: Dwight Hughes
Emerging Civil War is sad to share the news of the death of an important member of our community, Dwight Hughes.
Dwight began his tenure with ECW in February 2015, coming aboard as our first Navy expert. A proud Vietnam-era Navy vet himself, he considered it a personal mission to share the Navy’s Civil War history. You can read his decade’s worth of contribution’s here.
Dwight graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1967 with a major in history and government. He served twenty years as a Navy surface warfare officer on many oceans in ships ranging from destroyer to aircraft carrier and with river forces in Vietnam (Bronze Star for Meritorious Service, Purple Heart). He taught Naval ROTC at the University of Rochester, earning an MA in Political Science, and later completed an MS in Information Systems Management from USC. His second career was software engineering, primarily in electronic mapping for the U.S. Geological Survey. A ridge in Antarctica is named for him in recognition of contributions to Antarctic databases and information services. You may read his full bio here.
Among his publications: A Confederate Biography: The Cruise of the CSS Shenandoah (Naval Institute Press, 2015); Unlike Anything That Ever Floated: The Monitor and Virginia and the Battle Hampton Roads, March 8-9, 1862 (Savas Beatie, 2021) for the award-winning Emerging Civil War series; and The Civil War on the Water: Favorite Stories and Fresh Perspectives from the Historians at Emerging Civil War (Savas Beatie, 2023), co-edited with Chris Mackowski for the Emerging Civil War Tenth Anniversary Series.
Dwight was admitted to the hospital last weekend with severe cardiac problems. He died peacefully Tuesday morning, April 15, surrounded by family. ECW will share a memorial online later this week. A private memorial service will be held by the family at a future date.
Condolences may be sent by mail to Dwight’s wife:
Judi Hughes
8650 Justice Ridge Place
Nokesville, VA 20181
While this is sad news for ECW’s community of writers and readers, let me share with you my favorite photo of Dwight. When The Civil War on the Water came out, he and I got together for a beer while we signed preorders. Dwight could not have been having more fun that day. He was delighted with the book, delighted to share the story of the Navy, and delighted that we’d had so many orders. He reminded me, truly, of a five-year-old enjoying unadulterated bliss. I will never forget his smile that day.
I am really saddened to learn this news. Dwight was delightful, a gentleman of the old school, and a scholar. I wish I could have spent more time with him. Thanks for your service to our country. Godspeed, Dwight.
Sad. He was a nice guy. I remember him sitting with our group and chatting with us for awhile at a local brewery after the 2019 Symposium concluded. May he RIP.
So sorry to hear this news- my thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Such sad news! My condolences to all family and friends. I met Dwight at an ECW Symposium and he was such a gentleman.
Dwight was a fine gentleman and a thoughtful historian. Peace to his ashes.
Dwight was one of the most delightful and passionate people I’ve met through my time with Emerging Civil War. He’ll be deeply missed.
This is sad news indeed. Dwight was a good man who made wonderful contributions to history and also served his country honorably. Godspeed, Dwight.
We have few enough good friends to be able to lose any of them. Terribly sorry for your loss, Chris.
Such sad news. R.I.P.
“Fair winds, and following seas,” Dwight Hughes. You will be missed.
So sorry to hear of Dwight’s passing. Prayers for his family.
This is such a great shock and very sad news indeed. He was one of the strong, sturdy pillars that stabilized and personified the ECW family.
This is shock and very sad news indeed. Hugh was one of the strong pillars that symbolized and personified the ECW family.
This is a shock and very sad news indeed. Dwight was one of the strong pillars and sturdy influences that personified the ECW family.
What a complete shock and very sad news indeed. Dwight was one of the strong, sturdy pillars that personified the ECW family.
This is very sad news. God bless Dwight and his family.
Very sad. He will be missed
Very sad. He will be missed. RIP.
It was a pleasure to have known Dwight Hughes. While I am one of the newer members of ECW, in the few times I interacted with Dwight, he struck me as a true gentleman. He was approachable, kind and a very knowledgeable historian. His writing was like poetry. I am sorry I didn’t have the opportunity to know him better.
I echo what all have said above.