Civil War Podcast by Dr. James Robertson Jr. from WVTF

March 9, 1862

James Robertson — 2010-02-04 00:00:00

In part 27 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson explains why a Sunday March 9, 1862 naval battle made every other navy on earth obsolete.

Lincoln's Inaugural Addresses

Ben Martin — 2010-01-28 00:00:00

In part 26 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson says that Abraham Lincoln's two inaugural addresses were unforgettable, unlike those of many of his predecessors.

The Tragedy of the Civil War

Ben Martin — 2010-01-21 00:00:00

In part 25 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson discusses the underlying tragedy of the Civil War.

General Robert E. Lee

Ben Martin — 2010-01-14 00:00:00

In part 24 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson profiles General Robert E. Lee.

Phoebe Pember

Ben Martin — 2010-01-07 00:00:00

In part 23 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson profiles Phoebe Pember, the female nurse and administrator of Chimborazo Hospital in Richmond.

Abraham Lincoln

Ben Martin — 2009-12-30 00:00:00

In part 22 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson profiles war-time President Abraham Lincoln.

A Christmas Poem

Ben Martin — 2009-12-22 00:00:00

In part 21 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson profiles Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Despite personal tragedy, he penned a famous poem on Christmas Day in 1864.

A Civil War Geography Lesson

Ben Martin — 2009-12-17 00:00:00

In part 20 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson discusses how geography played a crucial role in the way the war unfolded.

Civil War Winters

Ben Martin — 2009-12-10 00:00:00

In part 19 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson describes the harshness of winter for the Civil War soldier and the steps they took to combat it.

Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson

Ben Martin — 2009-12-03 00:00:00

In part 18 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson profiles General Thomas Jonathan "Stonewall" Jackson.

Constitutional Differences Between North and South

Ben Martin — 2009-11-25 00:00:00

In part 17 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson discusses how the Confederate States and the Union States differed constitutionally. The answer, he says, is the foundation for the Civil War itself.

Religion and the Civil War

Ben Martin — 2009-11-19 00:00:00

In part 16 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson discusses the role of religion during the war.

Thomas Nast

Ben Martin — 2009-11-05 00:00:00

In part 15 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson profiles the man who made Santa Claus, Thomas Nast.

The Battle at Fredericksburg

Ben Martin — 2009-10-22 00:00:00

In part 14 of our Civil War series, Virgina Tech history professor James Robertson discusses the gruesome battle of Fredericksburg.

Danville's Dark Hour

Ben Martin — 2009-10-16 00:00:00

In part 13 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson tells us about one of Danville, Virginia's darkest hours during the Civil War.

Pickett's Charge

Ben Martin — 2009-10-08 00:00:00

In part 12 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson relates the story of two old friends, Lewis Armistead and Winfield Hancock, who crossed paths during the July 3, 1863 battle known as Pickett's Charge. They were on opposing sides of the conflict.

The Gettysburg Address

Ben Martin — 2009-10-01 00:00:00

In part 11 of our Civil War Series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson provides the story behind that famous speech President Lincoln gave in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania on November 19, 1863.

More On Johnny Rebs and Billy Yanks

Ben Martin — 2009-09-24 00:00:00

In part 10 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech History professor James Roberston provides proof that Johnny Rebs and Billy Yanks came in every size and background.

Battle Hymn of the Republic

Ben Martin — 2009-09-18 00:00:00

In part 9 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson tells the interesting story of Julia Ward Howe's inspiration for The Battle Hymn of the Republic.

Southewestern Virginia During the War

Ben Martin — 2009-09-11 00:00:00

In part 8 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson discusses the contributions of southwestern Virginia to the Southern cause.

Johnny Rebs and Billy Yanks

Ben Martin — 2009-09-03 00:00:00

In part 7 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson says that Johnny Rebs and Billy Yanks are a primary reason for the continued fascination with the Civil War.

Why the Civil War?

Ben Martin — 2009-08-26 00:00:00

In part 6 of our Civil War Series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson discusses the reasons we study, relive and refer back to the Civil War.

Causes for the Conflict

Ben Martin — 2009-08-20 00:00:00

In part 5 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson says that to believe that the sole cause of the Civil War was the slavery issue is to show a remarkable lack of historical judgment.

A Love Story

Ben Martin — 2009-08-13 00:00:00

In part 4 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson relates a touching love stroy that resonates to this day.

The Turning Point

Ben Martin — 2009-08-06 00:00:00

In part 3 of our Civil War Series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson tells us about the bloodiest day in US history and how it became a turning point in the conflict between North and South.

The Many Names of the Civil War

Ben Martin — 2009-07-30 00:00:00

No other war in American history goes by as many different names as does the Civil War. In part 2 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson explains why there is so much confusion about the conflict between North and South.

Civil War! The Beginning

Ben Martin — 2009-07-23 00:00:00

In our very first recorded Civil War Series segment, Dr. James Robertson examines the conditions that led the North and South to war.

General Jackson's Sunday School Class

Ben Martin — 2009-07-16 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson tells us about the Sunday school class started by Thomas J. (Stonewall) Jackson at Lexington Presbyterian Church for slaves. It was an act that put him on the perimeter of the law.

The Hardships of Hardtack

Ben Martin — 2009-07-09 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson describes the hardships of hardtack, the official bread ration of the Union armies.

The first man named Rear Admiral in the US Navy

Jennifer Villa — 2009-07-03 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson profiles David Glasgow Farragut of Tennessee, the first man named Rear Admiral in the United States Navy.

Virginia's Hill City, Lynchburg

Jennifer Villa — 2009-06-26 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson discusses the vast Civil War history of Virginia's Hill City, Lynchburg.

Benjamin Franklin Butler of Massachusetts

Jennifer Villa — 2009-06-19 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson profiles the first volunteer Major General in the Union Army, Benjamin Franklin Butler of Massachusetts, and tells us why he earned the nickname, "Beast"

First Nationial Conscription Act

Jennifer Villa — 2009-06-12 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson discusses both the first national Conscription Act passed by the Confederate Congress and its dislike among Southerners.

Black Union Soldiers Showed the World

Jennifer Villa — 2009-06-05 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson discussees how the performance of Black Union soldiers showed the world that all Blacks were deserving of their freedom.

Josiah Gorgas, Confederate Soldier

Jennifer Villa — 2009-05-29 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson tells us about Northern-born Confederate soldier, Josiah Gorgas. He argues that his genius should be considered equal to that of Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson.

The best account of war-torn Richmond

Jennifer Villa — 2009-05-22 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson profiles Sally Brock, a Southern woman who wrote the best account of war-torn Richmond, the Confederate Capitol, during its most chaotic years.

Battle of the Staunton River Railroad Bridge

Jennifer Villa — 2009-05-15 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson describes the June 25, 1864 Battle of the Staunton River railroad bridge, in which a determined group of young boys and old men fought back Union forces to keep the vital rail supply line open in Southside Virginia.

Pennsylvanian Galusha Pennypacker

Jennifer Villa — 2009-05-08 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson profiles the youngest Federal general to serve in the war, Pennsylvanian Galusha Pennypacker.

June 3, 1864 battle at Cold Harbor, Virginia

Jennifer Villa — 2009-05-01 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson describes the June 3, 1864 battle at Cold Harbor, Virginia.

Union General George G. Meade

Jennifer Villa — 2009-04-24 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson profiles the life of Union General George G. Meade, head of the Union Army of the Potomac.

Captain Henry Wirtz

Jennifer Villa — 2009-04-17 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson profiles the Commandant of Andersonville Prison, Captain Henry Wirtz. He was the only Southerner executed for war crimes after the contest ended.

Conditions at the infamous Confederate compound

Jennifer Villa — 2009-04-10 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson describes conditions at the infamous Confederate compound, Andersonville, in south central Georgia. Here, 12,900 Union soldiers died during the facility's one year of operation.

The Battle of Cloyd's Mountain

Jennifer Villa — 2009-04-03 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson describes the largest battle in Southwest Virginia, the Battle of Cloyd's Mountain.

Confederate General John B. Hood

Jennifer Villa — 2009-03-27 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson explains how Confederate General John B. Hood climbed the ladder of success one level beyond his abilities.

Alcohol Use by both Union and Confederate

Jennifer Villa — 2009-03-20 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson discusses alcohol use by both Union and Confederate soldiers.

Fraternization Between Soldiers

Jennifer Villa — 2009-03-13 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson tells us about the astonishing level of fraternization between soldiers of the Union and Confederate Armies.

Alexander Stephens, VP of the Confederate States

Jennifer Villa — 2009-02-27 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson profiles Alexander H. Stephens, the Vice-President of the Confederate States.

A Battle Employing Many Technological "Firsts"

Jennifer Villa — 2009-02-20 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson argues that though the Civil War was a battle employing many technological "firsts," it was, in many ways, a war more traditional than modern.

Civil War Regiment as "Home"

Jennifer Villa — 2009-02-13 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson describes the Civil War regiment as "home" for both Northern and Southern soldiers.

General William Nelson in 1862

Jennifer Villa — 2009-02-06 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson discusses the September 29, 1862 killing of General William Nelson.

Most Eccentric Personalities - Richard S. Ewell

Jennifer Villa — 2009-01-30 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson profiles one of the Civil War's most eccentric personalities, Richard S. Ewell

The Civil War Monument

Jennifer Villa — 2009-01-23 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson explains why the Civil War monument in Fredericksburg, Virginia stands out in a unique class for uniqueness and drama.

Could the South have won the Civil War?

Jennifer Villa — 2009-01-16 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson ponders the question, "Could the South have won the Civil War?"

Most famous horse in American History

Jennifer Villa — 2009-01-09 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson tells us about the most famous horse in American history.

A Supreme Test of National Leadership

Jennifer Villa — 2009-01-02 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Serier, Dr. James Robertson explains that the Civil War, as an engine of change and that the country's response to this change was a supreme test of national leadership.

Profiles General George E. Pickett

Jennifer Villa — 2008-12-26 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson profiles General George E. Pickett, whose name is attached to the greatest charge in American military history, but whose Civil War career ended in disgrace.

Civil War Soldiers

Jennifer Villa — 2008-12-19 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson tells us what it was like for Civil War soldiers during the Christmas season.

Sherman's Campaign

Dr. James Robertson — 2008-12-12 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson tells us about Sherman's campaign in the south begun during the Christmas season.

The Confederate Needed More Assistance -

Dr. James Robertson — 2008-12-05 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson explains that the Confederate cause might have been more successful had the South been able to get more assistance from other countries.

The Origins of the National Holiday - Thanksgiving

Dr. James Robertson — 2008-11-28 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson explains the origins of the national holiday we know today at Thanksgiving.

Railroads during the Civil War

James Robertson — 2008-11-24 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson explains the growing pains of railroads during the Civil War

Confederate General Daniel Harvey Hill

Rick Mattioni — 2008-11-14 00:00:00

In today's installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson profiles Confederate General Daniel Harvey Hill and his sharp ups and downs.

Melodies that came out of the Civil War

Rick Mattioni — 2008-11-07 00:00:00

In today’s installment of our Civil War Series, Dr. James Robertson tells us about the many melodies that came out of the Civil War.

Robertson reflects on 14-year series

Rick Mattioni — 2008-11-06 00:00:00

Now is a time for reflection on the past 14 years that made the Civil War Series one of the most popular features on WVTF. Beverly Amsler interviewed series author and noted Virginia Tech historian Dr. James Robertson and has this tribute:

Dr. James I. Robertson Jr.

Rick Mattioni — 2008-10-30 00:00:00

A native of Danville, Va., James I. Robertson Jr. is the recipient of every major award given in the field of Civil War history.

The author of the award-winning books General A.P. Hill; Soldiers Blue and Gray; Civil War! America Becomes One Nation; and the 950-page biography, Stonewall Jackson: The Man, The Soldier, The Legend, which won an unprecedented eight national awards, Robertson teaches the largest Civil War history class in American higher education--with approximately 250 students enrolled each semester.

Robertson appears regularly in Civil War programs on the Arts & Entertainment Network, the History Channel, C-Span, and public television and does a weekly Civil War program aired on 11 public radio stations. He was the chief historical consultant for Gods and Generals, the Turner Pictures/Warner Brothers movie released in 2003.

Robertson is an Alumni Distinguished Professor at Virginia Tech, one of eight selected from the university's 2,200 faculty members.

Educational Background:
B.A., Randolph-Macon College, 1955
M.A., Ph.D., Emory University, 1959
Litt.D., Randolph Macon College, 1980