Boom Goes the History

Listen in as we tour the grounds of the most iconic building in the City of Vicksburg, the Old Courthouse - which hosted Ulysses S. Grant on July 4, 1863.

The southern end of the Vicksburg Battlefield receives less attention from visitors, but that does not take away from its beautiful landscape and historical importance. Join Garry Adelman and Dr. Chris Mackowski for a recap of the action surrounding the Railroad Redoubt and Vicksburg preservation stories.

We are back to Vicksburg National Military Park for numerous tours throughout the battlefield. Our first stop is the Stockade Redan with Garry Adelman, Dr. Chris Mackowski and Kris White. This assault was named "The Forlorn Hope" by William T. Sherman. “A forlorn hope,” associated with the Civil War according to one Wikipedia entry, “is a band of soldiers or other combatants chosen to take the vanguard in a military operation, such as a suicidal assault through the kill zone of a defended position, where the risk of casualties is high.”

Often referred to as the most important battle of the Vicksburg Campaign, join us on our tour of the Champion Hill Battlefield with Kris White and Dr. Chris Mackowski. We'll also spend time at the Big Black River with Kris White on the site of the attack.

We begin our tour of the Vicksburg Campaign atop the Fort Hill stop at the Vicksburg National Military Park. Join Garry Adelman, Kris White and Dr. Chris Mackowski as they ponder the question, "What made the Mississippi River so Important?"

While the old Antietam Iron Works Bridge did not witness any fighting at the Battle of Antietam, it played a crucial role in the movement of troops during the campaign. It was built in 1832 and is still in its original form.Dennis Frye is a retired Park Ranger and is a Co-Founder of the American Battlefield Trust. Garry Adelman is the Chief Historian at the American Battlefield Trust.

Check out the northern most monument of the Antietam Battlefield before exploring the grounds of the Poffenberger Farm. Dennis Frye shows us some new artillery that was recently placed by the National Park Service.Frye is a retired Park Ranger and is a Co-Founder of the American Battlefield Trust. Garry Adelman is the Chief Historian at the American Battlefield Trust.

Garry Adelman, Kris White and Bryan Cheeseboro come to you from the David Miller Farm at Antietam. Many people come to the Cornfield while visiting Antietam, but few people ever see it from the other side of the battlefield.

In this stop of our tour of Antietam for the 162nd anniversary of the battle (in September, 2024), we are joined by Dennis Frye as we debate the action at Burnside Bridge from the Confederate (high ground) perspective.

We were thrilled to be joined by Dennis Frye for our coverage of the 162nd Anniversary of the Battle of Antietam. In this episode we focus on the "highlights" of the battlefield, detailing the bloodiest day in American history from start to finish. On our third tour stop we walk the Sunken Road also known as Bloody Lane.

Chief Historian, Garry Adelman, and Dennis Frye were in Antietam for the 162nd Anniversary of the Battle of Antietam. They focus on the highlights of the battlefield, detailing the bloodiest day in American history from start to finish. In this episode they visit the Dunker church and the West Woods.You can help preserve this land forever here: https://www.battlefields.org/help-save-11-acres-antietam

We were thrilled to be joined by Dennis Frye for our coverage of the 162nd Anniversary of the Battle of Antietam. In this episode we focus on the "highlights" of the battlefield, detailing the bloodiest day in American history from start to finish. We begin at the Epicenter of the battlefield, preserved forever by the members of the American Battlefield Trust.

Confederate Gen. John Bell Hood began his Tennessee Campaign with lofty, if not impossible, aspirations: if he could take Nashville — the base of Union operations in the West — he could prolong the war and force Union Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman's recall from Georgia. Garry Adelman and Kris White of the American Battlefield Trust, and Dr. Chris Mackowski of Emerging Civil War detail the beginning of the Battle of Nashville from a small, but important preserved part of the battlefield.

Join us at historic Fort Negley in Nashville, Tennessee, constructed by Union forces in late 1862 after the Confederate Army abandoned the city following the events at Forts Henry and Donelson. Find out the role that the fort ultimately played in the Battle of Nashville in December, 1864.Kristopher White, Garry Adelman and Dr. Chris Mackowski on the call!

Explore more of the Franklin Battlefield, including a private Confederate Cemetery with Eric Jacobson from the Battle of Franklin Trust, Dr. Chris Mackowski of Emerging Civil War and Garry Adelman.

While filming our Franklin 160 videos we had the pleasure of coming across country music star and proud preservationist Trace Adkins receiving a tour of where his ancestor fought with the 15th Mississippi at the Battle of Franklin.We continue this episode with a tour of the Carnton House with our friends from The Battle of Franklin Trust and our special guest Trace Adkins. Built in 1826, Carnton was one of the premier farms in Tennessee, and on November 30, 1864, it witnessed one of the most dramatic events of the Civil War.Garry Adelman, Chris Mackowski, Joseph Ricci, Eric Jacobson and Bailey Lawrence are on the call.

In this video, Eric Jacobson and Joseph Ricci of the Battle of Franklin Trust tour the battlefield, including the famous Carter House with its preserved bullet hole wall. On this hallowed ground, 28,000 Union soldiers under General John Schofield dug in and held on against Confederate General John Bell Hood and his 27,000 boys in gray. The American Battlefield Trust and our members have saved more than 181 acres at the Franklin Battlefield.

In November 1864, Confederate General John Bell Hood is looking for a counter to losing Atlanta to Union forces. He sets his eyes upon Central Tennessee to try and bring some strategic ground back to the South. Dr. Chris Mackowski is joined by special guest Eric Jacobson, CEO of the Battle of Franklin Trust, to detail the Battle of Spring Hill.

Chief Ranger Jim Lewis, Dr. Chris Mackowski and Garry Adelman wrap up our coverage of the Battle of Stones River (Murfreesboro). Stones River had the highest percentage of casualties in the Civil War.

From 10 a.m. in the morning until sunset, General William B. Hazen and his men held the Union line at Stones River against four separate Confederate attacks. Chief Ranger Jim Lewis, Dr. Chris Mackowski and Garry Adelman tell us more.

After much sacrifice in the Slaughter Pen, the Union receives reinforcements just in time for another Confederate assault. Chief Ranger Jim Lewis continues to detail the Battle of Stones River with Garry Adelman.

Dr. Chris Mackowski and Chief Ranger Jim Lewis detail the intense fighting in the Slaughter Pen at Stones River occurring on December 31, 1862. This is truly one of the most unique features of any Civil War battlefield, so be sure to check out the Stones River National Battlefield whenever you find yourself in the area.

In the three days ending 1862 and beginning 1863, Union and Confederate forces clashed in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, resulting in the highest percentage of casualties for both sides of any major battle of the American Civil War. Garry Adelman, Kristopher White and Dr. Chris Mackowski are joined by special guest Jim Lewis, Chief Ranger of Stones River National Battlefield.

We are joined by special guest, former Deputy Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representative Steve McDaniel to detail this lesser known 370-acre battlefield park. Garry Adelman, Kristopher White and Dr. Chris Mackowski also appear. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

At the 2024 American Battlefield Trust Virtual Teachers Institute, Chris Mackowski sat down with Susan Eisenhower to discuss her grandfather's, President Dwight D. Eisenhower's, immense and lasting legacy. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

After pushing the Confederate Army off the field at Shiloh, Ulysses S. Grant ordered Brig. Gen. William T. Sherman to move southwest towards Corinth to learn more about the condition of the Rebel Army. He quickly runs into Nathan Bedford Forrest, whose men are protecting a Confederate field hospital. The "official" end of the Battle of Shiloh ensued. In 2012, the members of the American Battlefield Trust preserved 250 acres of the Fallen Timbers battlefield. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

Located on the banks of the Tennessee River, Dill Branch served as crucial terrain for Ulysses S. Grant at the end of the first day's fighting at Shiloh. The Union's position on the high ground allowed them to hold off Confederate attacks and regroup for the morning. General Parker Hills of Battle Focus Tours details the landscape. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

Over the course of the almost 160 years since the Battle of Shiloh, specific locations on the battlefield have become more popular than others. Dr. Timothy B. Smith (Tim Smith of the West) and General Parker Hills dissect what made these spots famous and whether or not they are worthy of the attention that they receive from visitors. Smith is a professor at UT Martin and Hills comes to us from Battle Focus Tours. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

While leading his troops on April 6, 1862, Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston was shot in the leg, and due to nerve damage from the wound he did not know the severity of his injury until it was too late. Johnston remains the highest ranking American officer to be killed in combat. General Parker Hills, Dr. Timothy B. Smith, Dr. Chris Mackowski and Garry Adelman detail the events surrounding Johnston's death, and talk about the history of the tour stop on the Shiloh battlefield. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

Learn about Albert Sidney Johnston's style of leadership on the field from General Parker Hills of Battle Focus and Dr. Chris Mackowski of Emerging Civil War. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

Very early on in the battle, both sides realized that the terrain at Shiloh was going to make for a difficult conflict. General Parker Hills details the intriguing action between Confederate forces under Brigadier General Adley H. Gladden and Union forces under Col. David Stuart. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

Garry Adelman and General Parker Hills detail one of the most iconic locations of not only the Shiloh battlefield but of the entire Civil War. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

Join us for a hodgepodge of topics regarding the Shiloh National Military Park and the soldiers who fought there (including General Parker Hills naming the worst man to ever dawn a military uniform). Garry Adelman is the Chief Historian of the American Battlefield Trust, General Parker Hills comes to us from Battle Focus and Dr. Chris Mackowski is the Editor-in-Chief of Emerging Civil War. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

General William T. Sherman did not know a Confederate attack was coming until deer and rabbits began scurrying out of the woods. Learn more about the coming attack from General Parker Hills of Battle Focus Tours and Dr. Chris Mackowski of Emerging Civil War. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

Now we take a look at what led the Confederate Army to Shiloh from the "off the beaten path" location of Johnston's Last Bivouac just outside of Shiloh National Military Park. Garry Adelman is the Chief Historian at the American Battlefield Trust, General Parker Hills is representing Battle Focus Tours and Dr. Chris Mackowski comes to us from Emerging Civil War. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

Join us from atop Pittsburg Landing in the Shiloh National Cemetery for a summary of how the Union and Confederate Armies end up at Shiloh. Garry Adelman is the Chief Historian of the American Battlefield Trust, and General Parker Hills is representing Battle Focus Tours. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

With a growing Federal Army engulfing the Fort Donelson garrison on the Cumberland River, Confederate Generals Gideon Pillow and John Floyd flee to safety, while the majority of their men surrender to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant. Grant meets with his old friend Simon Bolivar Buckner, now in charge of the Confederate garrison, at the Dover Hotel. Grant gives him his terms...unconditional surrender. It was the first of three Confederate armies that Grant bagged during the Civil War. Head to the Dover Hotel with Garry Adelman, Greg Biggs, Chris Mackowski, and Kris White as they tell one of the great tales of the American Civil War. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

As the Confederate forces attempted to breakout from Fort Donelson at Dudley Hill, Ulysses S. Grant seizes the opportunity by launching an assault on the Confederate right. Headed by Gen. Charles F. Smith, the Confederate line is breached in heavy fighting, while the two principal Confederate commanders, Gens. John Floyd and Gideon Pillow prepared to flee to safety. Garry Adelman, Greg Biggs, and Chris Mackowski visit the outer fortifications at Fort Donelson. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

With their backs against the wall, and a growing Union force looming, Confederate Generals Gideon Pillow, John Floyd, and Simon B. Buckner attempt to breakout from Fort Donelson in February of 1862. Join Garry Adelman, Greg Biggs, Chris Mackowski, and Kris White as they visit Dudley Hill, land preserved by the members of the American Battlefield Trust and key to the story of the battle of Fort Donelson. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

It's one of the most picturesque settings on any Civil War battlefield, Fort Donelson on the Cumberland River. In February of 1862, the Federal Army and Navy combined their efforts to open the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. In the actions that followed, Middle Tennessee was opened to Federal incursions and the career of Ulysses S. Grant was placed on the fast track. Join Garry Adelman and Greg Biggs for all of the action that followed in the struggle to bring the bastion of Fort Donelson to its knees. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

With this episode, we are launching our Western Theater of the Civil War swing where Ulysses S. Grant's career was launched: Fort Henry on the Tennessee River. Join Garry Adelman, Greg Biggs, and Chris Mackowski as they take you to the banks of the Tennessee River, near Dover, Tennessee, where Fort Henry once protected the ingress to the heart of the Confederacy. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

Pickett's Charge, the High Water Mark of the Confederacy, was the climatic phase of the Battle of Gettysburg. On July 3, 1863, more than 12,000 Confederate soldiers assaulted the Federal position along Cemetery Ridge. In less than an hour, the Rebels were dealt a stunning defeat. Explore The Angle, the High Water Mark, and the Copse of Trees with Wayne Motts of the Gettysburg Foundation, Chris Gwinn of Gettysburg National Military Park, and Garry Adelman and Kris White of the American Battlefield Trust. Hear the stories of Medal of Honor recipients. Walk the ground once tread by Union and Confederate veterans, Dwight Eisenhower, and the United States Marine Corps. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

Pickett's Charge, the High Water Mark of the Confederacy, was the climatic phase of the Battle of Gettysburg. On July 3, 1863, more than 12,000 Confederate soldiers assaulted the Federal position along Cemetery Ridge. In less than an hour, the Rebels were dealt a stunning defeat. Join us as we retrace the steps of Pickett's Charge on our annual live stream, with some special artifacts waiting for us on Cemetery Ridge. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

Join us from Gettysburg with Dr. Carol Reardon for forgotten stories at Steven's Knoll, a less visited part of the battlefield. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

Culp's Hill marked the right flank of the Union Army at the Battle of Gettysburg. The imposing tree and rock covered height played host to some of the most intense fighting. on July 2, 1863, Confederate forces under Richard Ewell and Edward "Alleghany" Johnson, attacked the all New York brigade of George Sears Greene. Timely Federal reinforcements from the 11th Corps, 1st Corps, and the Iron Brigade helped to save the day. On July 3, 1863, Culp's Hill was the scene of the longest sustained fighting at Gettysburg. Join Garry Adelman, Kris White, and Sarah Kay Bierle of the American Battlefield Trust as they tell the stories of Mathew Brady, William Lilly, Augustus Coble, Dwight Eisenhower, and many others. From Spangler's Spring to the summit of Culp's Hill, we will cover the right end of the Union line at Gettysburg. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

The Wheatfield at Gettysburg was a hellish landscape. Union and Confederate soldiers from Pennsylvania, Maine, New York, Georgia, South Carolina, and other states struggled in a chaotic seesaw action for hours. The once nondescript wheatfield of George Rose laid trampled and bloody. Join Garry Adelman, Kris White, and Sarah Kay Bierle from the American Battlefield Trust as they bring you eyewitness accounts from the battlefield. They're joined by a special, an unexpected guest, actor and preservationist, Steve Zahn! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

Garry Adelman and Kris White are back for their annual tour of Devil's Den at Gettysburg. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

You won't believe what we have for you in this episode! In conjunction with the National Park Service and the West Point Museum, we are high atop Little Round Top with some amazing people and artifacts, featuring Gouverneur K. Warren's field glasses. We also give a behind-the-scenes look and update on the Little Round Top restoration progress. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

The death of John Reynolds was a key moment on the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Join Pete Miele, Dr. Carol Reardon, Sarah Kay Bierle, and Garry Adelman as they discuss the event. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

We continue our 160th anniversary theme of eyewitness accounts by talking about the citizens of Gettysburg that witnessed the first shot of the battle on the Chambersburg Pike. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support

We're discussing the town of Gettysburg during the battle with Adams County Historical Society Historian and Licensed Battlefield Guide Tim Smith. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/battlefields/support