Author Archives: dcrenshawjr

Mistake or Cover Up? Seven Pines, May 31, 1862

Posted on October 3, 2018 by dcrenshawjr

In late May 1862 George McClellan’s massive army was at the outskirts of Richmond, trying to move a few miles closer to the city so it could employ its massive siege guns. Confederate commander Joseph E. Johnston was desperately searching … Continue reading →

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Artillery: “As Though an Earthquake”: The Guns of Malvern Hill

Posted on June 18, 2018 by dcrenshawjr

George McClellan’s army was escaping! Dangerously exposed to enemy attacks, over 100,000 men, 280 guns, thousands of wagons, large numbers of wounded, and even a massive herd of beef were attempting to move safely to a new base on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Artillery, Battles | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Preservation Groups: The Richmond Battlefields Association

Posted on February 10, 2018 by dcrenshawjr

I recently had the opportunity to talk to Bernie Fisher, president of the RBA about the history and accomplishments of the local preservation organization. The RBA was established in 2001. Julie and Bob Krick provided the spark as a small … Continue reading →

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Preservation News: Cold Harbor

Posted on January 6, 2018 by dcrenshawjr

The Cold Harbor battlefield is the most popular of the many sites in the Richmond National Battlefield Park. This is probably due to several factors, which include the preserved earthworks (impressive) or the legend that 7,000 men were killed in … Continue reading →

Posted in Battlefields & Historic Places, Battles, Preservation | Tagged | 2 Comments

Seven Pines and Seven Days: Robert E. Lee Replaces “Old Joe” Johnston (part three)

Posted on November 29, 2017 by dcrenshawjr

(part three of three) On the morning of June 29, Robert E. Lee was faced with an opportunity few commanders ever have. His enemy, with 100,000 men, hundreds of guns, and thousands of wagons, was retreating across his front. McClellan … Continue reading →

Posted in Armies, Battles, Leadership--Confederate | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Seven Pines and Seven Days: Robert E. Lee Replaces “Old Joe” Johnston (part two)

Posted on November 28, 2017 by dcrenshawjr

(part two of three) Robert E. Lee’s first actions as commander of the Army of Northern Virginia were to instill discipline and to construct earthworks around the city. He was quickly derided for this in the press and in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Armies, Battles, Leadership--Confederate | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Seven Pines and Seven Days: Robert E. Lee Replaces “Old Joe” Johnston (part one)

Posted on November 27, 2017 by dcrenshawjr

(Part one of three) Late May 1862. General George B. McClellan’s massive Army of the Potomac stood at the very gates of Richmond. There had never been an army like this in North America before. McClellan had more than 100,000 … Continue reading →

Posted in Armies, Battles, Leadership--Confederate | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Lost Battlefields: Seven Pines, Part 1

Posted on August 23, 2017 by dcrenshawjr

In a series of articles author Doug Crenshaw will explore some of the battlefields in central Virginia that appear to be lost forever to development. In today’s installment, Doug looks at the Battlefield of Seven Pines.  I hear it all too often: … Continue reading →

Posted in Preservation | Tagged , , , | 9 Comments

Tracking Down the Wounding of Joe Johnston

Posted on January 18, 2017 by dcrenshawjr

We are pleased to welcome back guest author Doug Crenshaw, who shares with us today a bit of original research. It’s something that has puzzled me for years. The wounding of Joe Johnston was an event that changed the course … Continue reading →

Posted in Battles, Books & Authors, Engaging the Civil War Series, National Park Service | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments