Tag Archives: tennessee

Civil War Podcast, Episode 94

FORTS HENRY & DONELSON (Part the Sixth)

Simon Bolivar Buckner (1823-1914)


In which we conclude our discussion of the Battle of Fort Donelson (February 13-16, 1862).

C.F. Smith leading his division as it assaults the Confederate lines
at Fort Donelson on February 15, 1862.



Our book recommendation for this episode is The Civil War in the West: Victory and Defeat from the Applachians to the Mississippi by Earl J. Hess.

“A thorough account and compelling analysis of the challenges those in charge of the Union war effort faced in the West and how they overcame them.  Impressively researched and informative, this is an outstanding addition to the Littlefield History of the Civil War Era.” ~ Ethan S. Rafuse


Listen to Episode 94: HenryDonelsonPartSixth

Civil War Podcast, Episode 93

FORTS HENRY & DONELSON (Part the Fifth)



In which we continue our discussion of the Battle of Fort Donelson (February 13-16, 1862).


Confederate gun battery overlooking the Cumberland River.
Andrew Hull Foote (1806-1863)



Our book recommendations for this episode are:

Blue & Gray magazine, Volume 28 #4


North & South magazine, Volume 7 #2 (March 2004)



Listen to Episode #93: HenryDonelsonPartFifth

Civil War Podcast, Episode 92

FORTS HENRY & DONELSON (Part the Fourth)

John Buchanan Floyd (1806-1863)
Gideon Johnson Pillow (1806-1878)


In which we look at the opening stages of the Battle of Fort Donelson (February 13-16, 1862).



Our book recommendation for this episode is Struggle for the Heartland: The Campaigns from Fort Henry to Corinth by Stephen D. Engle.

“A great addition to the University of Nebraska Press’s Great Campaigns of the Civil War.  It is a fine example of the growing trend to incorporate economic, political, and social studies into military history.” ~ North & South magazine



Listen to Episode #92: HenryDonelsonPartFourth

Civil War Podcast, Episode 91

FORTS HENRY & DONELSON (Part the Third)

In which we look at the Federal timberclads’ dramatic raid up the Tennessee River, and Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston’s controversial decision to reinforce- but not to fully commit to the defense of- Fort Donelson.


Our book recommendation for this episode is The Battle of Fort Donelson: No Terms but Unconditional Surrender by James R. Knight.







Listen to Episode 91: HenryDonelsonPartThird

Civil War Podcast, Episode 90

FORTS HENRY & DONELSON (Part the Second)



In which we discuss the Battle of Fort Henry, which took place on February 6, 1862.

A print depicting the Federal gunboats steaming up the Tennessee River
and attacking Fort Henry.




Our book recommendation for this episode is Where the South Lost the War: An Analysis of the Fort Henry-Fort Donelson Campaign, February 1862 by Kendall D. Gott.

“Some historians argue that the pivotal action of the Civil War was not Antietam or Gettysburg, but the twin Confederate losses at Fort Henry and Donelson, the battles that opened the way for the Union juggernaut to penetrate the Southern heartland and carve it into pieces, though it would take three years to accomplish.  Kendall Gott’s Where the South Lost the War is our first comprehensive look at these turning points in some years, and is especially good on the oft-dismissed Fort Henry operations.  It should establish itself as the standard word on both engagements and their impact.” ~ William C. Davis



Listen to Episode 90: HenryDonelsonPartSecond

Civil War Podcast, Episode 89

FORTS HENRY & DONELSON (Part the First)

Henry Wager Halleck (1815-1872)


In which we give the background to Ulysses S. Grant’s February, 1862 campaign to capture Forts Henry & Donelson in northern Tennessee.


Our book recommendation for this episode is Forts Henry and Donelson: The Key to the Confederate Heartland by Benjamin F. Cooling.



Listen to Episode 89: HenryDonelsonPartFirst

Civil War Podcast, Episode 36

SECESSION! PART DEUX

In which we talk about President Lincoln’s April 15th, 1861 call for 75,000 militia to suppress the rebellion, and the subsequent secession of Virginia, Arkansas, Tennessee, and North Carolina.


Our ‘book’ recommendation for this episode is actually two articles in back issues of North & South magazine. 

In Volume 5 Number 4 (May 2002) there’s an article titled, “Virginia’s Reluctant Secession.”  And in Volume 12 Number 1 (February 2010) is an article titled, “Secession in the Upper South.”


Listen to Episode 36: SecessionPartDeux