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Author Archives: Bert Dunkerly
Lost Opportunities in the Army of the Potomac—A Pair of Examples
Army management is a complicated skill in which the personality and temperament of commanders influence the inner workings and culture of the organization. The Union had no army which was as political, and influenced by outside politics, as its primary … Continue reading
The Siege of Suffolk (part two)
(Part two of two. Click here for part one.) The action at Suffolk was one of those side operations of which there were dozens during the war in all theaters. Unfortunately, this engagement has been overshadowed by that at Chancellorsville, … Continue reading
A Quiet Corner of the War
I recently had the chance to spend some time in Montgomery County, Maryland, just east of Washington, DC. I’m usually driving through on my way somewhere, so have never explored the area’s history very much. This particular day I was … Continue reading
Confederate Culture Wars: Bert Dunkerly
This week, ECW historians are offering their thoughts and reactions to recent events related to Confederate memory. First up: Bert Dunkerly While many historians saw the April event at Appomattox as the end of the Civil War Sesquicentennial, and quietly … Continue reading
Cavalry Action at Painesville: 150 Years Ago
The little known engagement at the small community of Painesville illustrates well the chaotic and confused fighting of the Appomattox Campaign. During the six-day campaign, battles and skirmishes occurred every day. It was a complex campaign, with many moving parts, … Continue reading
Posted in Battles, Campaigns, Cavalry, Civil War Events, Sesquicentennial
Tagged Appomattox
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Cowpens: Defense in Depth
On a cold January morning 234 years ago, one of the most stunning events in American military history took place in a cattle pasture. Cowpens, South Carolina, was an overwhelming American victory, at a time when one was desperately … Continue reading
Posted in Armies, Arms & Armaments, Battlefields & Historic Places, Battles, Revolutionary War, Weapons
Tagged Banastre Tarleton, Cowpens, Daniel Morgan, muskets, rifles, tactics
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Towards a Respectable Army
One of the enduring myths of the Revolution is that the Americans won by using superior tactics, using cover and concealment while the British fought in lines. Yet in reality, the Americans found that they had to create an army … Continue reading
Posted in Armies, Arms & Armaments, Battles, Campaigns, Common Soldier
Tagged Continental Army, George Washington, Leadership, militia
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