Lincoln’s Drive for Self-Improvement
The Front Line
A look at how Abraham Lincoln’s educational journey—fueled by a thirst for knowledge—never ceased.
A New Look at America’s Greatest Conflict
Current Issue
The Survivor
Vol. 16, No. 1
The exceptional luck of a Vermont soldier on the long and bloody road to Appomattox
Recent Posts
Sisterhood of the Lost Cause (2025)
Book Reviews
A well-researched new book interrogates the public and private lives of Confederate widows.
Episode 12: Music
Civil War Curious
Historian Christian McWhirter discusses the importance of music during the Civil War, both in the armies and on the homefront.
Extra Voices: Faith in the Fight
The Front Line
Union and Confederate soldiers quotes about the importance of religious faith in helping them navigate the challenges of war.
The 14th New York State Militia in the Civil War (2025)
Book Reviews
McLean, Jr.’s study of the Fourteenth New York State Militia offers an exemplar of how regimental histories can benefit those whose interests extend beyond a particular unit.
Featured Posts
Civil War Breakthroughs Trailer
Civil War Breakthroughs
Civil War Breakthroughs, the Monitor’s latest podcast series, is launching soon. The first season, The Technological War, focuses on the technologies and concepts that brought the conflict into the modern age. Listen to the trailer for more.
A Brilliant “Boy Major”
Featured
The Gettysburg story of young Confederate artillery officer Joseph White Latimer, known as the “Boy Major.”
Partners in War
Articles
Meet the wives of the American Civil War’s top commanders. A special photo feature.
The Bayonet
Facts and Figures
Affixed over the muzzle of a rifle, the bayonet was undeniably intimidating in appearance. Check out these Civil War bayonet statistics.
The Illustrator
Featured
An exploration of the Civil War illustrations of prolific newspaper artist Thomas Nast.
U.S. Army Surgical Kit
Artifacts
Learn about the surgical conditions faced by U.S. Army surgeons during the Civil War. Find out how advancements in surgical instruments improved medical practices.