Close to Conflict
Sites to See
A new exhibit at the Canadian War Museum explores the ways in which the American Civil War affected Canada.
A New Look at America’s Greatest Conflict
Current Issue
Road to Glory
Vol. 16, No. 3
Robert Gould Shaw commanded one of the war’s first black regiments. His personal views on emancipation were surprisingly complicated.
Recent Posts
Civil War Breakthroughs Season 2 Trailer
Civil War Breakthroughs
Civil War Breakthroughs is back for a second season, in which expert historians discuss the medical renaissance that occurred during the conflict. Listen to the trailer for details.
A Mother’s Work (2026)
Book Reviews
Megan VanGorder makes an important addition to scholarly conversations on women’s history and the history of medicine and nursing.
Wounded by Wind
Firsthand Accounts
Union surgeon James T. Calhoun weighs in on the notion that close-passing projectiles had the ability to injure Civil War soldiers.
More Important Than Good Generals (2025)
Book Reviews
A useful if uneven study of the Army of the Tennessee’s junior officers.
Featured Posts
Episode 20: Why Did the Civil War Happen?
Civil War Curious
Historian Allen C. Guelzo discusses the various causes behind the outbreak of the American Civil War.
The Patriots
Featured
Civil War historians weigh in on how the American Revolution influenced and inspired both the Union and the Confederacy.
Dressing Billy Yank
Facts and Figures
Shown here are figures associated with the procurement of some of the more common uniform pieces donned by “Billy Yank.”
The Case of the Two Graves
Featured
Unraveling the mystery surrounding the death and final resting place of former Confederate president Jefferson Davis.
The Five Best Books on Civil War Massacres
Best Of Lists
Civil War massacres frequently saw surrendering troops and noncombatants victimized. Here are five of the best books about some of the worst behavior of the Civil War.
“Babylon Is Fallen.”
Featured
How the northern press reported—with shock and awe—on Sherman’s March to the Sea in 1864.