On Great Fields: Leaders of the American Civil War

28: Stonewall Jackson - Part 6 Front Royal

Jackson continues his Valley Campaign with smashing victories over Union General Nathaniel Banks at Front Royal and Winchester. President Lincoln and all of Washington are terrified Jackson might invade the US capital. 

27: Stonewall Jackson - Part 5 Early Years

In this episode we discuss Jackson's background and early life in Jackson's Mill Virginia. Also, we explore Jackson's loves and losses before the Civil War.

26: Stonewall Jackson - Part 4 McDowell

Jackson begins his Valley Campaign in earnest and his partnership with Robert E Lee also begins. Jackson fools the federals into thinking he has left the Valley for good and then attacks Fremont's vanguard force in the Battle of McDowell. 

25: Stonewall Jackson - Part 3 Kernstown

In this episode we begin our discussion of Jackson's famous valley campaign. Jackson rewrites the rules of war during the Romney expedition, pushing his men to physical extremes none of them thought possible. Then Jackson shows his gall and audacity at Kernstown by attacking a much larger union force in a tactical defeat that turned into a strategic victory.

24: Stonewall Jackson - Part 2 VMI

In this episode we explore Jackson's pre-war life as professor of Science and Artillery at Virginia Military Institute. We also learn more about Jackson's idiosyncratic behavior and especially his insistence to never quit and never give up, ever. We also discuss a significant incident involving Jackson and his post commander during his time in the antebellum Army. 

23: Stonewall Jackson - Part 1 First Manassas

In this episode we discuss Thomas J Jackson's entry into Richmond with his VMI cadets following Virginia succession. He had no commission and no command until he was finally made a Colonel and ordered to take command at Harpers Ferry. Soon he and his brigade got their first combat experience at Falling Waters. Then Jackson achieved fame and the legendary status at the first battle at Bull Run (aka First Manassas). Following this battle he would be known henceforth and forever as "Stonewall Jackson."

22: George H. Thomas - Part 7 Best General

In the episode we conclude our discussion of General Thomas. He oversaw the cavalry operations of the South and Southeast at the end of the war and his men captured Jefferson Davis. We also discuss his various roles and contributions after the war and his passing on March 28, 1970. Many of his contemporaries compared him to George Washington and Bruce Catton called him perhaps the best general of the war. 

21: George H. Thomas - Part 6 Nashville

In this episode we discuss the Battle of Nashville, which has been called one of the two best battles ever fought by an army. Union General George H. Thomas waited until the time was right, and then annihilated John Bell Hood's Confederate Army of Tennessee on Dec 15 and 16 1864. 

20: George H. Thomas - Part 5 Franklin

In this episode we discuss General Thomas's role in the Battle of Atlanta and the capture of the city. We also cover the Battles of Spring Hill and Franklin, and begin to discuss the Battle of Nashville, which will result in the most complete destruction of any army during the Civil War. 

19: George H Thomas - Part 4 Atlanta

In this episode we discuss General Thomas's role in the Atlanta campaign. We begin by discussing the aftermath of the Chattanooga campaign and end with the Battle of Peachtree Creek just outside Atlanta. Thomas's Army of the Cumberland played a pivotal role, pushing J E Johnston's army from Dalton Georgia to Atlanta where Johnston was replaced by John B Hood.