Author Archives: Sarah Kay Bierle

About Sarah Kay Bierle

I’m Sarah Kay Bierle, historian, editor, and historical fiction writer. When sharing history, I try to keep the facts interesting and understandable. History is about real people, real actions, real effects and it should inspire us today.

Second Fredericksburg: “What A Picture!”

Posted on May 21, 2020 by Sarah Kay Bierle

A few weeks ago, I was working on a project at work for the Second Battle of Fredericksburg. It’s inspiring to think that attacking troops actually did capture Marye’s Heights—but on May 3, 1863, not December 13, 1862. Since the … Continue reading →

Posted in Battles, Common Soldier, Primary Sources | Tagged , | 3 Comments

I’m Studying The Civil War…Which Century?

Posted on May 19, 2020 by Sarah Kay Bierle

Help! I’ve spent more time looking at 20th Century sources this last weekend than 19th Century sources. But I haven’t actually left Civil War studies and eloped with another war. To explain more properly, I’m looking at Civil War memory. … Continue reading →

Posted in Memory | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

Bucklin’s Hospital & Camp: “On the 19th of November the dedication took place” (Part 8)

Posted on May 17, 2020 by Sarah Kay Bierle

In Hospital and Camp, A Woman’s Record of Thrilling Incidents Among the Wounded in the Late War by Sophronia E. Bucklin It’s Week 8 of our read-along with extra historical notes and images. If you want to catch up on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Civilian, Medical, Primary Sources | Tagged , , , | 1 Comment

Oliver P. Evans: A Colorbearer at New Market

Posted on May 15, 2020 by Sarah Kay Bierle

May 15 marked a defining day and the ending day of Oliver Perry Evans’s life, but not in the same year. However, his story began on June 2, 1842, when he was born near Jackson Court House, Virginia (now West … Continue reading →

Posted in Battles, Common Soldier | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Captured Telegrams: Sigel’s Last Chance?

Posted on May 13, 2020 by Sarah Kay Bierle

On May 13, 1864, Union General Franz Sigel and his army reach Woodstock, Virginia, during the New Market Campaign. Their march up the Shenandoah Valley had been going slower than his superiors had anticipated. From war games to extra days … Continue reading →

Posted in Campaigns, Leadership--Federal | Tagged , | 1 Comment

Dawn at Spotsylvania

Posted on May 12, 2020 by Sarah Kay Bierle

May 12, 2020 – 156 years since the attack on the Mule Shoe Salient/Bloody Angle during the Battle of Spotsylvania The sun’s brightness felt blinding as I climbed out and headed east, then took the trail northwest to get to … Continue reading →

Posted in Battlefields & Historic Places, Photography | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

“Face Us In The Right Direction”

Posted on May 11, 2020 by Sarah Kay Bierle

The inky black darkness, slippery trail through the woods, and water droplets falling from the foliage added to the misery of the night march over unfamiliar terrain on the night of May 11, 1864. The marching column halted frequently in … Continue reading →

Posted in Battles, Leadership--Federal | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

Bucklin’s Hospital & Camp: “I Give Him Into Your Special Charge” (Part 7)

Posted on May 9, 2020 by Sarah Kay Bierle

In Hospital and Camp, A Woman’s Record of Thrilling Incidents Among the Wounded in the Late War by Sophronia E. Bucklin It’s Week 7 of our read-along with extra historical notes and images. If you want to catch up on the … Continue reading →

Posted in Civilian, Medical, Primary Sources | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

ECW Weekender: U.S.S. Cairo at Vicksburg (Virtually)

Posted on May 8, 2020 by Sarah Kay Bierle

Let’s head into the Civil War’s western theater from the safety of our digital devices this weekend! Vicksburg National Military Park has created a virtual tour of the USS Cairo, completely with a close up examination of the history and … Continue reading →

Posted in ECW Weekender | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

Morning at Ellwood

Posted on May 6, 2020 by Sarah Kay Bierle

It’s the anniversary days for Battle of the Wilderness, and on May 5, the weather was predicted to be exceptionally fine. The result? An early morning trip to the battlefield, a little hiking, and breakfast at a historic house. Ellwood … Continue reading →

Posted in Battlefields & Historic Places, Photography | Tagged , , | 4 Comments