Tag Archives: Civil War Christmas

Santa in Camp

Posted on December 22, 2021 by Derek Maxfield

One of my Christmas traditions is to read The Battle for Christmas by Stephen Nissenbaum – a fine book by a great historian.  But this season, I have been enjoying Santa Claus: A Biography by Gerry Bowler.  A cultural historian … Continue reading →

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Henry’s Last Christmas

Posted on December 21, 2021 by Sarah Kay Bierle

“My Dear Mamma, I am very much afraid I shan’t get home to you on Christmas. At present appearances, I don’t think it would be safe to leave the army before January, for of course it would be inexpressibly mean … Continue reading →

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Opossum for Christmas Dinner?

Posted on December 24, 2020 by Sarah Kay Bierle

Arthur J. Robinson of Company E, 33rd Wisconsin Infantry Volunteers, had a unique Christmas Dinner in 1863, and in 1913 the veteran published his account in verse form. When he wrote the account, only two veterans survived from the eight … Continue reading →

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Barnum’s Christmas Show in 1864

Posted on December 23, 2020 by Sarah Kay Bierle

If you wanted a hippopotamus for Christmas, then heading to Barnum’s American Museum for the 1864 holiday season is just the ticket! I find it fascinating to take a closer look at the culture of the Civil War era and … Continue reading →

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Question of the Week: 12/21-12/27/20

Posted on December 21, 2020 by Emerging Civil War

Do you have a favorite account of a Civil War soldier at Christmas, New Years, or another winter’s holiday?

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ECW Weekender: Virtual Civil War Christmas

Posted on December 18, 2020 by Emerging Civil War

The weekender arrives a bit early on this wintry Friday since you might want to check out the details or mark you calendar for some upcoming virtual experiences with Civil War Christmas themes or locations. Stay safe and have fun … Continue reading →

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Christmas In Winchester, Part 2

Posted on December 24, 2019 by Sarah Kay Bierle

Continued from Part 1, which details the Civil War Christmas Winchester civilians always seemed to look back on with fond memories… By Christmas 1862, “Stonewall” Jackson had left the Shenandoah Valley for the final time. The general that Winchester adopted … Continue reading →

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Christmas In Winchester, Part 1

Posted on December 23, 2019 by Sarah Kay Bierle

Christmas 1861. The effects of the Civil War were already felt in Winchester, Virginia—a city poised at the northern end of the Shenandoah Valley. Men had been recruited from the city and surrounding area and many served in a company … Continue reading →

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Question of the Week: 12/23-12/29/19

Posted on December 23, 2019 by Emerging Civil War

What’s your favorite Civil War Christmas song, account, or quote?

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Coffee For Christmas

Posted on December 22, 2019 by Sarah Kay Bierle

Christmas 1864 found Confederate soldiers with little to celebrate. The war that so many had said would last just 90 days now reached it fourth winter with a gloomy outlook for their cause. But still, stories of brief holiday moments … Continue reading →

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