The Civil War Monitor

06/11/2025

In the Season 1 finale of our podcast “Civil War Breakthroughs,” historian David Hochfelder discusses the vital and often unseen role of the telegraph during the Civil War. Sponsored by Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War - National Organization. Listen here: https://bit.ly/47HM59Q

05/11/2025

“Lee Besieged: Grant’s Second Petersburg Offensive, June 18-July 1, 1864” by John Horn provides “much of interest” for those interested in an overview of this important operation, writes Keith Altavilla. Read more about it here:

A detailed review of "Lee Besieged: Grant’s Second Petersburg Offensive, June 18-July 1, 1864" by John Horn.

04/11/2025

It’s election day in a handful of states. What was voting like during the Civil War? We compiled illustrations that shed light on the process—on the homefront and in the army—during the vital 1864 presidential election. View them here:

View illustrations that showcase the voting process on both the homefront and the battlefield during the 1864 presidential election.

03/11/2025

What’s the future hold for public historians? In our latest digital history column, Rich Condon reflects on where things stand—and the challenges going forward—for those on the front lines of historical interpretation. Read it here:

Rich Condon ponders the future of public history in today's environment of division and anti-intellectualism.

31/10/2025

! This spooky Harper’s Weekly illustration from May 1862 shows Confederate president Jefferson Davis being driven “in the direction of the Last Ditch” by his enthusiastic “new coachman,” a skeleton.

30/10/2025

In the latest episode of our podcast “Civil War Breakthroughs,” historian Jennifer Raab discusses the power and importance of Civil War photography, including how the camera shaped how we remember the war today. Sponsored by Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War - National Organization. Listen here: https://tinyurl.com/4r8e8ynf

29/10/2025

“As Wolves Upon a Sheep Fold: The Civil War Letters of Ohio Surgeon William S. Newton,” ed. by Aaron D. Purcell, offers a “valuable narrative of a family man navigating the challenges and opportunities posed by the U.S. Civil War.” Read more about it here:

A detailed review of "As Wolves Upon a Sheep Fold: The Civil War Letters of Ohio Surgeon William S. Newton," edited by Aaron D. Purcell.

27/10/2025

On May 5, 1864, USS Sassacus was one of several Union ships to engage the Confederate ironclad ram Albermarle off the coast of North Carolina. Read the heroic story of James M. Hobby, one of the Union sailors engaged that day, here:

Learn about the historic clash between USS Sassacus and CSS Albemarle, featuring the heroism of Union sailor James M. Hobby.

23/10/2025

In the latest episode of our podcast “Civil War Breakthroughs,” historian Scott Huffard talks about how railroads became the engine of the war, transforming everything from logistics to troop movements. Sponsored by Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War - National Organization. Listen here:

Scott Huffard talks about how railroads became the engine of the Civil War, transforming everything from logistics to troop movements.

22/10/2025

“From Ironclads to Admiral: John Lorimer Worden and Naval Leadership” by John V. Quarstein and Robert L. Worden gives “one of the war’s most famed naval officers...the biography that he deserves,” writes Neil P. Chatelain. Read more here:

A detailed review of "From Ironclads to Admiral: John Lorimer Worden and Naval Leadership" by John V. Quarstein and Robert L. Worden.

21/10/2025

After the decisive Union defeat at the Battle of Ball’s Bluff, fought 164 years ago, Massachusetts officer Richard Derby wrote home about his harrowing experiences. Read his letters here:

Discover first-hand accounts of the Battle of Ball's Bluff through the letters of Richard C. Derby, a Union soldier in the 15th Massachusetts Infantry.

20/10/2025

In our latest digital history column, Cecily Zander writes about British explorer Sir Richard Francis Burton’s 1860 tour of the U.S. as the country hurtled toward civil war. Read it here:

A look at British explorer Sir Richard Francis Burton's 1860 tour of the U.S.—including the West—as the country hurtled toward civil war.