Civil War Museum Treasures

A Bible, an officer’s mess kit, a cane arm chair and a blood-stained note… at first glance, these items might not seem to have much in common. But on closer examination they prove to be some of the most interesting artifacts from the Civil War. This volume searches out and details memorabilia in museums spread over 21 states and the District of Columbia. Beginning with an overview of the Civil War, the book provides a state-by-state guide to various museums and historical societies with particular focus on matchless Civil War objects in their collections. Chapters provide the description of each museum and details on how each artifact came to be in that location. A chronological narrative centering on each rare item is then provided, placing the object within the timeline of the war and linking it to a specific event. An appendix contains a guide to battles which are known by various names.

Kenneth D. Alford is an internationally known historical consultant for television productions that involve Nazi looting, and is the author of several books. Retired from a career in banking, he lives in Richmond, Virginia.

Kenneth D. Alford
Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 232
Bibliographic Info: 177 photos, appendix, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2008
pISBN: 978-0-7864-3186-1
Imprint: McFarland

Acknowledgments      vii
Foreword by Chris Calkins      1
Introduction      3
A Quick Look at the Civil War      5

1. Alabama      11
2. Arkansas      15
3. District of Columbia      18
4. Florida      32
5. Georgia      35
6. Illinois      58
7. Iowa      61
8. Kentucky      63
9. Louisiana      66
10. Maryland      68
11. Minnesota      78
12. Mississippi      80
13. New Mexico      85
14. North Carolina      88
15. Oklahoma      96
16. Pennsylvania      99
17. South Carolina      113
18. Tennessee      118
19. Texas      125
20. Virginia      127
21. West Virginia      199
22. Wisconsin      202

Appendix: Same Battles, Different Names      213
Notes      215
Bibliography      219
Index      221

“invaluable…intriguing history…highly recommended”—Midwest Book Review.