The Department No. 2 Podcast

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The Western Theater in the Civil War's (WTCW) The Department No. 2 Podcast is the only show that focuses on the Civil War's most important theater. Derrick Lindow, Darryl Smith, and multiple guests discuss the battles and campaigns, generals and leaders, and the newest books. We have dozens of episodes planned on a variety of Western Theater topics. Please subscribe and leave us a rating as it helps others discover and find the podcast. Have a question for one of our guests? Let us know through our social media channels! Visit our website at westerntheatercivilwar.com for articles and event information. Follow us on X/Twitter @WesternTheater Follow us on Instagram @KentuckyCivilWar Join our Facebook group by searching "Western Theater in the Civil War." Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ben-mcelroy/billy-on-the-hill License code: NBMDJ4UMTHN0AMDD

Derrick Lindow


    • Mar 15, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • every other week NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 8m AVG DURATION
    • 17 EPISODES


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    Latest episodes from The Department No. 2 Podcast

    Episode 17: The German Boys of the 9th Ohio

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 15, 2025 77:36


    Derrick and Darryl are joined by Andrew Houghtaling to discuss the 9th Ohio and their unique place in the Western Theater. Andrew talks to us about the Turner Societies, the culture and cuisine of the men, and how this group of men stand out from the average Federal regiment in the west. If you would like to support us, visit our website and "Buy us a Coffee!" All proceeds go to the podcast subscription service and new microphones to bring you a better product. Visit www.westerntheatercivilwar.com for more information. Join our group on Facebook by searching for "Western Theater in the Civil War" where we encourage you to ask questions and help others in their research and learning. Music from #uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://upbeat.io/t/ben-mcelroy/billy... License code: NBMDJ4UMTHN0AMDD

    Episode 16: Western Theater Bull Session

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 13, 2025 89:09


    Derrick and Darryl are joined by Dan Masters and Taylor Bishop for the first ever digital Bull Session. They carry on the tradition of an in-person Bull Session with the digital discussions about a variety of Western Theater topics including cavalry raids, comparing Western and Easter armies, Bragg and the Kentucky Campaign, and a few others. Let us know what you would like to hear on our next Bull Session! Join our group on Facebook by searching for "Western Theater in the Civil War" where we encourage you to ask questions and help others in their research and learning. On Twitter/X, search for @westerntheater, and on Instagram follow @kentuckycivilwar to stay up to date on the latest episodes. Music from #uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://upbeat.io/t/ben-mcelroy/billy... License code: NBMDJ4UMTHN0AMDD

    Episode 15: "My Civil War Obsession" with Richard McCormick

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 6, 2025 50:23


    Darryl and Derrick are joined by blogger, researcher, and book reviewer Richard McCormick to discuss some of the ins and outs of the trade. They also delve into some of the research Richard has been doing on individual Civil War soldiers. Join our group on Facebook by searching for "Western Theater in the Civil War" where we encourage you to ask questions and help others in their research and learning. On Twitter/X, search for @westerntheater, and on Instagram follow @kentuckycivilwar to stay up to date on the latest episodes. Music from #uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://upbeat.io/t/ben-mcelroy/billy... License code: NBMDJ4UMTHN0AMDD

    Episode 14: Fort Donelson, Morgan, Guerrillas, Books, and Everything Else!

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2025 74:34


    Derrick and Darryl preview the Fort Donelson Symposium coming up in February. They also discuss some things about irregulars in Kentucky, Adam R. Johnson, Morgan, and *gasp* Burbridge. They also throw some things in there about books and the writing process. Join us for the discussion! Join our group on Facebook by searching for "Western Theater in the Civil War" where we encourage you to ask questions and help others in their research and learning. On Twitter/X, search for @westerntheater, and on Instagram follow @kentuckycivilwar to stay up to date on the latest episodes. Music from #uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://upbeat.io/t/ben-mcelroy/billy... License code: NBMDJ4UMTHN0AMDD

    Episode 13: General George D. Wagner at Franklin (Part Two)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 20, 2025 71:07


    Joseph Ricci returns to discuss one of the more controversial aspects of the Civil War--George D. Wagner's position in front of the main works at the Battle of Franklin. Several charges against Wagner found their way into later tellings of the battle, but are they correct? Join us for Part Two of the fascinating discussion into the life of one of the Army of the Cumberland's fighting generals, and the sad conclusion of his life. Join our group on Facebook by searching for "Western Theater in the Civil War" where we encourage you to ask questions and help others in their research and learning. On Twitter/X, search for @westerntheater, and on Instagram follow @kentuckycivilwar to stay up to date on the latest episodes. Music from #uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://upbeat.io/t/ben-mcelroy/billy... License code: NBMDJ4UMTHN0AMDD

    Episode 12: General George D. Wagner at Franklin (Part One)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2025 49:53


    Joseph Ricci returns to discuss one of the more controversial aspects of the Civil War--George D. Wagner's position in front of the main works at the Battle of Franklin. Several charges against Wagner found their way into later tellings of the battle, but are they correct? Join us for Part One of a fascinating discussion into the life of one of the Army of the Cumberland's fighting generals. Join our group on Facebook by searching for "Western Theater in the Civil War" where we encourage you to ask questions and help others in their research and learning. On Twitter/X, search for @westerntheater, and on Instagram follow @kentuckycivilwar to stay up to date on the latest episodes. Music from #uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://upbeat.io/t/ben-mcelroy/billy... License code: NBMDJ4UMTHN0AMDD

    Episode 11: The Mill Springs Campaign (Part Two)

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 31, 2024 93:44


    Andrew Miller of Mill Springs Battlefield National Monument joins Derrick to continue the discussion on Mill Springs. In this episode, Andrew dissects the battle itself, along with the consequences the Union victory had on the war. Join our group on Facebook by searching for "Western Theater in the Civil War" where we encourage you to ask questions and help others in their research and learning. On Twitter/X, search for @westerntheater, and on Instagram follow @kentuckycivilwar to stay up to date on the latest episodes. Music from #uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://upbeat.io/t/ben-mcelroy/billy... License code: NBMDJ4UMTHN0AMDD

    Episode 10: Perryville Preview

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2024 44:15


    A Darryl-less Derrick is joined by Dan Masters, Taylor Bishop, and Jamie Gillum to discuss the upcoming Symposium at Perryville on October 18-20. Details on each tour were discussed, so make sure you RSVP at westerntheatercivilwar.com! Join our group on Facebook by searching for "Western Theater in the Civil War" where we encourage you to ask questions and help others in their research and learning. On Twitter/X, search for @westerntheater, and on Instagram follow @kentuckycivilwar to stay up to date on the latest episodes. Music from #uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://upbeat.io/t/ben-mcelroy/billy... License code: NBMDJ4UMTHN0AMDD

    Episode 9: The Mill Springs Campaign with Andrew Miller (Part One)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 29, 2024 71:50


    Derrick and Darryl return to the mics to talk with NPS Ranger Andrew Miller on the Mill Springs Campaign. In this episode Andrew sets up the campaign and how the two armies eventually clashed at Mill Springs., which brought the Union its first major victory of the war. The eastern part of Tennessee and Kentucky was a complicated region, and one that both sides had to carefully navigate. Join our group on Facebook by searching for "Western Theater in the Civil War" where we encourage you to ask questions and help others in their research and learning. On Twitter/X, search for @westerntheater, and on Instagram follow @kentuckycivilwar to stay up to date on the latest episodes. Music from #uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://upbeat.io/t/ben-mcelroy/billy... License code: NBMDJ4UMTHN0AMDD

    Episode 8: Cincinnati in the Civil War with David Mowery

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2024 78:22


    Darryl talks with Dave Mowery, author of Cincinnati in the Civil War: The Union's Queen City. Cincinnati was the largest producer of goods for the Union Army west of the Appalachian Mountains, and the third largest in the United States. The old saying of “amateurs talk about tactics, but professionals study logistics" holds true when studying the Western Theater, and Cincinnati was the key to the Union's logistical efforts. Join our group on Facebook by searching for "Western Theater in the Civil War" where we encourage you to ask questions and help others in their research and learning. On Twitter/X, search for @westerntheater, and on Instagram follow @kentuckycivilwar to stay up to date on the latest episodes. Music from #uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://upbeat.io/t/ben-mcelroy/billy... License code: NBMDJ4UMTHN0AMDD

    Episode 7: The Battle of Franklin with Joseph Ricci

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 8, 2024 68:52


    Derrick and Darryl have a long conversation (one that remains unfinished) with Joseph Ricci of the Battle of Franklin Trust. Myths are tackled along with some of the more difficult details of the battle. Join our group on Facebook by searching for "Western Theater in the Civil War" where we encourage you to ask questions and help others in their research and learning. On Twitter/X, search for @westerntheater, and on Instagram follow @kentuckycivilwar to stay up to date on the latest episodes. Music from #uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://upbeat.io/t/ben-mcelroy/billy... License code: NBMDJ4UMTHN0AMDD

    Episode 6: A "Mostly" Western Theater Conversation

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 26, 2024 40:05


    After a hiatus due to schedules and sickness, Derrick and Darryl return for another discussion on the Western Theater...well mostly. The guys talk about what actually constitutes the Western Theater, and more information on the Symposium on the Field at Perryville. Join our group on Facebook by searching for "Western Theater in the Civil War" where we encourage you to ask questions and help others in their research and learning. On Twitter/X, search for @westerntheater, and on Instagram follow @kentuckycivilwar to stay up to date on the latest episodes. Music from #uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://upbeat.io/t/ben-mcelroy/billy-on-the-hill License code: NBMDJ4UMTHN0AMDD

    Episode 5: Fort Donelson Books

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2024 58:41


    Derrick and Darryl discuss the books you need for your Western Theater library when it comes to the Fort Henry and Fort Donelson Campaign. The guys talk the heavy hitters, but also some of the more obscure ones that you might not know about. Click the link for Darryl's blog post on the subject (https://www.westerntheatercivilwar.com/post/wtcw-essential-books-fort-donelson). Join our group on Facebook by searching for the Western Theater in the Civil War where we encourage you to ask questions and help others in their research and learning. On Twitter/X, search for @westerntheater, and on Instagram follow @kentuckycivilwar to stay up to date on the latest episodes. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ben-mcelroy/billy-on-the-hill License code: NBMDJ4UMTHN0AMDD

    The Battle of Stones River with Dan Masters (Part Three)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 12, 2024 86:34


    Derrick and Darryl discuss the Stones River Campaign with author and historian Dan Masters. Dan is the author of the forthcoming book on Stones River entitled, Hell by the Acre: A Narrative History of the Stones River Campaign, November 1862-January 1863, published by Savas Beatie. Check out Dan's blog at https://dan-masters-civil-war.blogspot.com/ for amazing Civil War Content. In Part Three we discuss Dan's writing journey and the things he's learned along he way, as well as more of the fighting at the Round Forest, Carter Stevenson's division, and the real story behind the Battle of the Bands. Join our group on Facebook by searching for the Western Theater in the Civil War where we encourage you to ask questions and help others in their research and learning. On Twitter/X, search for @westerntheater, to stay up to date on the latest episodes. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ben-mcelroy/billy-on-the-hill License code: NBMDJ4UMTHN0AMDD

    The Battle of Stones River with Dan Masters (Part Two)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 5, 2024 85:51


    Derrick and Darryl discuss the Stones River Campaign with author and historian Dan Masters. Dan is the author of the forthcoming book on Stones River entitled, Hell by the Acre: A Narrative History of the Stones River Campaign, November 1862-January 1863, published by Savas Beatie. Check out Dan's blog at https://dan-masters-civil-war.blogspot.com/ for amazing Civil War content. In Part Two, we discussed the cavalry of both armies, the bloody actions on the 31st, the ill fated attack of the Orphan Brigade, and much more! Join our group on Facebook by searching for the Western Theater in the Civil War where we encourage you to ask questions and help others in their research and learning. On Twitter/X, search for @westerntheater, and on Instagram follow @kentuckycivilwar to stay up to date on the latest episodes. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ben-mcelroy/billy-on-the-hill License code: NBMDJ4UMTHN0AMDD

    The Battle of Stones River with Dan Masters (Part One)

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2024 75:36


    Derrick and Darryl discuss the Stones River Campaign with author and historian Dan Masters. Dan is the author of the forthcoming book on Stones River entitled, Hell by the Acre: A Narrative History of the Stones River Campaign, November 1862-January 1863, published by Savas Beatie. Check out Dan's blog at https://dan-masters-civil-war.blogspot.com/ for amazing Civil War content. In Part One, we discussed the two armies, their leaders, and what shape they were in prior to the Battle of Stones River, and why the battle was fought just outside of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Join our group on Facebook by searching for the Western Theater in the Civil War where we encourage you to ask questions and help others in their research and learning. On Twitter/X, search for @westerntheater, and on Instagram follow @kentuckycivilwar to stay up to date on the latest episodes. Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/ben-mcelroy/billy-on-the-hill License code: NBMDJ4UMTHN0AMDD

    Episode 1: Introduction to the Department No. 2 Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 18, 2024 49:11


    Hello and welcome to WTCW's The Department No. 2 Podcast! Join us in this introductory episode to get to know the hosts and all about the show. Derrick and Darryl discuss the beginnings of WTCW, events, future episodes, and where our love for Civil War history began. Be sure to subscribe, leave a rating, and follow along as we bring the Western Theater in the Civil War to your ears!

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