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Author Archives: Kevin Pawlak
Pope’s “Headquarters in the Saddle.” Sort of…
“Headquarters in the Saddle.” For a man that uttered many phrases that often make him the main course of mockery for Civil War historians, John Pope’s infamous dateline certainly receives its fair share of jokes. It did too in 1862. … Continue reading
More Closely Engaged Than Any: Lt. Charles Parsons at the Battle of Stones River
Just before noon on New Year’s Eve, 1862, William S. Rosecrans’ Army of the Cumberland had been partially routed and battered by Confederate assaults against its right flank. Braxton Bragg’s attacks ripped four Federal divisions and captured 28 guns. Rosecrans’ … Continue reading
Posted in Artillery, Battles, Leadership--Federal
Tagged Battle of Stones River, Charles Parsons, James Rains, John Palmer, William Rosecrans
2 Comments
The Importance of Finding the Original Source
When it comes to reading history, I’m a slow reader. Usually, every time I see a superscript number at the end of a sentence or paragraph, I’ll flip to the back of the book to see the source. I’m a … Continue reading
Posted in Books & Authors, Primary Sources
Tagged Battle of Antietam, endnotes, footnotes, George Sykes, sources, Timothy J. Reese
6 Comments
The Collapse of a Battlefield Landmark: Antietam’s Middle Bridge
Whether they are well-studied or just passersby, both sets of visitors alike typically want to ensure they see one thing during their visit to Antietam National Battlefield: the Burnside bridge. And why not? The stories there are compelling, it is … Continue reading
Deerskin and Eagle Buttons: Ely Parker and his Two Worlds
The roar of the waterfall drowned out any noise of the crying child cuddled in his mother’s arms. He was born in a simple log cabin built to overlook the falls of Tonawanda Creek on the Tonawanda Seneca reservation. Within … Continue reading
Ancestors of Two Twentieth-Century Hollywood Influences Clash in Antietam’s Cornfield
Some of the most popular movies portraying the Civil War appeared on the big screen in the era before and during the centennial anniversary of the conflict. Two of those films include Gone with the Wind (1939), based on Margaret … Continue reading
ECW Weekender: Newby’s Crossroads
It is well-known where and how Dangerfield Newby’s life ended. But it is less known where his life began. In the countryside of Rappahannock County, Virginia, Dangerfield Newby was born to a white father and enslaved mother around 1820. The … Continue reading
Posted in ECW Weekender, Slavery
Tagged Dangerfield Newby, Harriett Newby, John-Brown-160, John-Browns-Raid-160
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Arming Virginia: Henry Wise’s Attempts to Prevent Another John Brown’s Raid
The word of John Brown’s Raid on Harpers Ferry struck the Governor’s Mansion in Richmond, Virginia like a thunderbolt. Immediately, the lanky Henry Wise sprang into action. He called on the state’s militia to help suppress the uprising before journeying … Continue reading
Posted in Antebellum South, Civilian, Personalities, Politics, Slavery
Tagged Henry Wise, John Brown, John-Browns-Raid-160, militia, Shepherdstown
3 Comments
The Reason for Harpers Ferry and Why John Brown Raided It
While working as a ranger at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, I often began my tours about the United States Armory with this simple question to visitors: “Why are you here today?” Common answers included vacation, an interest in history, … Continue reading
Dangerfield Newby and John Brown’s Raid
John Brown’s Raid on Harpers Ferry was planned to be a small beginning to a large outcome. Twenty-one men–twenty-two counting Brown himself–planned to seize the Federal armory and arsenal in the town and ignite a war against slavery that, they … Continue reading
