On Great Fields: Leaders of the American Civil War

8: George Armstrong Custer - Part 3 On the Plains

In this episode we track Custer from the end of the Civil War right up to the Battle of Little Bighorn. Custer was first involved in the reconstruction effort in Texas, then began his life on the Plains, which took him to his destiny in Southeast Montana.

7: George Armstrong Custer - Part 2 Youngest General

In this episode we discuss Custer's rise to fame as Brigadier General of the famous Michigan Wolverine Cavalry. His brigade played important roles in Gettysburg, Yellow Tavern, Trevilian Station, 3rd Winchester, Cedar Creek and Appomattox.

6: George Armstrong Custer - Part 1 Wolverine

George Armstrong Custer was one of the most colorful and interesting characters of the American Civil War. In part one we'll explore his early life and exploits as he rose quickly to the rank of Brigadier Gen'l in the Union Army at the age of 23. 

He was born in Ohio but considered himself a Michigan Wolverine his entire life. 

5: E Porter Alexander

E P Alexander was the confederates leading artillerist. He was also an accomplished author, teacher at the University of South Carolina, railroad executive and devoted husband and father.

He was beloved by his fellow officers/soldiers and his posthumously published memoirs are among the most appreciated depictions of the civil war that exist, comparable in fact to those of U S Grant. 

His honest examination of the Confederate cause after the war made him a singular historical personality and endeared him to the nation. 

4: Dr. Richard Owen

Dr. Richard Owen was an educator, geologist, University President and accomplished officer in the Union Army. He was a respected POW camp commander and a POW himself later in the war.

He was so well appreciated by his former Confederate prisoners they commissioned a bust in his honor to be placed in the Indiana capital after the war. 

He was the first president of Purdue University and enjoyed a long life of academic pursuits after the war.

 

3: Patrick Cleburne

This episode follows the life of General Pat Cleburne from the Ireland to New Orleans to Arkansas and fame in the Confederate Army. He was the most beloved general in the western theater of the civil war and many called him "the stonewall of the west".

2: Oliver Otis Howard

This episode discusses General Oliver Otis Howard and his experiences in the Civil War as well as the Freedman's Bureau, Howard University and the Indian Wars.

His life reflected the victories and tragedies of the American experience during the war and reconstruction. 

He was a New England Abolitionist from Maine whose firm belief in equality provided a permanent imprint for good in the country.

1: Stephen D Lee

In this first Episode we discuss Stephen D Lee and his role in the confederate army as well as his contribution to higher education and history.

He was born and raised in South Carolina and present for the beginning and end of the civil war. After the war he settled in Mississippi and served as a state representative and university president. 

He also played a key role in developing and curating Vicksburg Military National Park.