Author Archives: Frank Jastrzembski

About Frank Jastrzembski

A native of Cleveland, Ohio, Frank Jastrzembski studied history at John Carroll University (B.A.) and Cleveland State University (M.A.). He is the author of "Valentine Baker’s Heroic Stand At Tashkessen 1877: A Tarnished British Soldier’s Glorious Victory." When he is not writing, he travels with his wife, explores old cemeteries, plays wargames, and hunts for antiques and collectibles.

The 25th Anniversary Film Screening of Gettysburg

Posted on October 30, 2018 by Frank Jastrzembski

On October 13, 800 Civil War buffs packed into Gettysburg’s Majestic Theater for the 25th anniversary film screening of Gettysburg. Special guests—some of the film’s cast, the writer and director, and the composer—also attended the event. I was five when … Continue reading →

Posted in Civil War Events, Civil War in Pop Culture | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

The Rise and Fall of Brig. Gen. James L. Kiernan

Posted on August 31, 2018 by Frank Jastrzembski

Major James Lawlor Kiernan’s swift rise from major to brigadier general in August 1863 was just as remarkable as when Elon J. Farnsworth, George A. Custer, and Wesley Merritt were famously promoted from captains to brigadier generals on the eve … Continue reading →

Posted in Leadership--Federal | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

Q and A with Patrick Gorman (General John B. Hood)

Posted on July 2, 2018 by Frank Jastrzembski

I have been enamored with the film Gettysburg (1993) ever since middle school. I jumped at the chance to have actor Patrick Gorman (who memorably portrayed General John Bell Hood) answer some of my questions by email. He was courteous … Continue reading →

Posted in Civil War in Pop Culture, Personalities | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Artillery: General Davis Tillson

Posted on June 12, 2018 by Frank Jastrzembski

Six men who suffered the loss of a limb before the American Civil War—Joseph A. Haskin (U), Philip Kearny (U), William W. Loring (C), James G. Martin (C), Thomas W. Sweeny (U), and Davis Tillson (U)—overcame their handicaps and rose … Continue reading →

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Harry Heth Meets Richard Francis Burton

Posted on May 12, 2018 by Frank Jastrzembski

When I think of Confederate General Henry Heth, I can’t help but imagine actor Warren Burton’s portrayal of him in the 1993 film Gettysburg. I can just picture Heth now trying to explain to General Robert E. Lee (Martin Sheen) … Continue reading →

Posted in Leadership--Confederate, Leadership--Federal, Personalities | Tagged , | 6 Comments

General Thomas A. Davies and How to Make Money, And How to Keep It

Posted on April 3, 2018 by Frank Jastrzembski

We remember Civil War generals for their wartime service, but rarely for what they did before or after that bloody five-year stretch. After he issued a controversial order to destroy the defenses at New Madrid, General Thomas Alfred Davies spent … Continue reading →

Posted in Personalities | Tagged | 5 Comments

General Grant Loses a Resourceful Subordinate, Mentor, Role Model, and Friend

Posted on February 19, 2018 by Frank Jastrzembski

“During the war father was saddened often over the death of many who had been associates either at West Point or in the army,” Frederick Dent Grant wrote in 1899, “but I think his greatest grief, and perhaps his greatest … Continue reading →

Posted in Emerging Civil War | Tagged , , | 10 Comments