An Encyclopedia of Early Civil War Virginia
Hidden in plain sight on George Mason University’s campus, a Civil War-era redoubt built by the 5th Alabama Infantry has been preserved as part of a public history trail. This overlooked site offers a rare glimpse into the early days of the war and the soldiers who once defended a quiet crossroads in Virginia. Colonel…
The Old Dominion played a principal role in America's independence from England and had a reputation as the "birthplace of presidents." As 1861 dawned, however, would it turn its back on the country it helped create? At the dawn of 1861, war clouds gathered over the United States. Before president-elect Abraham Lincoln was inaugurated on…
Maneuvers and battles in Virginia prior to the Battle of First Manassas, July 21, 1861, were centered around control of major waterways. Virginia had three main waterways that defined its antebellum borders: the Ohio, Potomac, and Chesapeake rivers. While the men who fought in the Civil War wouldn’t have recognized these as “fronts” or used…
Continue reading ➞ Map of Virginia’s Military Fronts, Spring-Summer 1861
Maneuvers and battles in Virginia prior to the Battle of First Manassas were centered around control of major waterways. Virginia had three main waterways that defined its antebellum borders: the Ohio, Potomac, and Chesapeake rivers. While the men who fought in the Civil War wouldn't have recognized these as "fronts" or used that terminology, I…
I'm proud to announce our first official map--depicting the actions around Romney, Virginia (today, West Virginia) in June 1861, which pitted Lew Wallace's Indiana zouaves against a variety of Confederate forces sent to secure the area. Romney was a hotbed of secessionist support and Confederate forces there threatened the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, which Lew…
Continue reading ➞ Map of June 1861 Actions around Romney, Virginia
This encyclopedia will cover not only the battles and personalities, but also the places that featured importantly in the events of early 1861. Battles may not have been fought there, but they were the focal point of political and military activity, including forts, camps, federal installations, and critical infrastructure. Just a few that come immediately…
Maneuvers and battles in Virginia prior to the Battle of First Manassas were centered around control of major waterways. Virginia had three main waterways that defined its antebellum borders: the Ohio, Potomac, and Chesapeake rivers. Whoever controlled these rivers could rapidly transport troops and supplies and prevent the enemy from crossing over into friendly territory.…
Spirit of '61 