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

A Capitol Move

James Robertson — 2010-09-02 00:00:00

In part 54 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson tells us why the Confederate Capitol had to be moved from Montgomery, Alabama to Richmond, Virginia.

Crazy Betsy

James Robertson — 2010-08-26 00:00:00

In part 53 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson profiles the Union espionage agent known as Crazy Betsy.

Arlington National Cemetery

James Robertson — 2010-08-19 00:00:00

In part 52 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson tells us how Arlington National Cemetery, once the grounds of a beautiful estate, became a burial ground for the nation's war dead.

Little Sorrel

James Robertson — 2010-08-12 00:00:00

In part 51 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson tells us that every major war commander had a favorite horse, including Stonewall Jackson. In this installment, we hear a loving tale between a man and his beloved animal, Little Sorrel.

Spys!

James Robertson — 2010-08-05 00:00:00

In part 50 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson discusses espionage during the Civil War and profiles some of its most colorful characters, including Alan Pinkerton, Crazy Bet and Belle Boyd, the siren of the Shenandoah.

James Henry Lane

James Robertson — 2010-07-29 00:00:00

In part 49 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson profiles the prolific career of Confederate Brigadier General James Henry Lane.

Siege of Petersburg

Ben Martin — 2010-07-22 00:00:00

In part 48 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson describes the events of July 30, 1864. As the siege of Petersburg was entering its second month, General Grant was anxious to deliver one hard blow that would cripple the impoverished Confederate army and end the war. The plan, which was developed by coal miners, called for a 580 feet tunnel and 8 tons of gunpowder.

Military Speak

James Robertson — 2010-07-15 00:00:00

In part 47 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson discusses the different terminology used by the North and South for army designations, battle names and even military uniforms.

Gone With the Wind

James Robertson — 2010-07-08 00:00:00

In part 46 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson discusses the two back-to-back battles in Atlanta that served as the backdrop for the conflicts protrayed in Margaret Mitchell's novel, Gone with the Wind.

Typhoid Fever

James Robertson — 2010-07-01 00:00:00

In part 45 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson discusses the danger that both Union and Confederate armies faced from ingesting impure drinking water: typhoid fever.

July 1863 In Vicksburg

James Robertson — 2010-06-24 00:00:00

In part 44 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson says that the most important city on the Mississippi to the Confederate cause was Vicksburg. However, the events there in July 1863 showed that Lee's army was running out of manpower and time.

The Battle of Gettysburg

James Robertson — 2010-06-17 00:00:00

In part 43 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson discusses one of two battles of July 1863 that turned the tide of the war and marked the Confederacy for defeat: the Battle of Gettysburg.

A Little Too Much to Drink

James Robertson — 2010-06-10 00:00:00

In part 42 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson shares the incident when Stonewall Jackson had a little too much to drink.

Moses Ezekiel

James Robertson — 2010-06-03 00:00:00

In part 41 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson profiles the life of Civil War soldier and prolific sculptor, Moses Ezekiel.

The Battle at Chancellorsville

James Robertson — 2010-05-20 00:00:00

In part 40 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson describes the horror on the battlefield during the 1863 Battle at Chancellorsville. Here, General Lee won his most spectacular victory but lost his most dependable lieutenant, Stonewall Jackson.

Jefferson Davis

James Robertson — 2010-05-13 00:00:00

In part 39 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson profiles the life of Confederate President Jefferson Davis

Flags

James Robertson — 2010-05-06 00:00:00

In part 38 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor Dr. James Robertson describes the various flags of the Southern Confederacy.

Letter Writing

James Robertson — 2010-04-15 00:00:00

In part 37 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson tells us about the important role that letter writing played for soldiers both Blue and Gray.

Yellow Tavern

James Robertson — 2010-04-08 00:00:00

In part 36 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson recounts a calvary battle on the outskirts of Richmond at the hamlet of Yellow Tavern. It pitted Phillip Sheridan against Jeb Stuart, whom Robertson says was the embodiment of a Virginia cavalier.

Bloody Angle

James Robertson — 2010-04-01 00:00:00

In part 35 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson describes a horrific battle in Spotsylvania, Virginia on May 12, 1864. It is known as The Bloody Angle.

Grumble Jones

James Robertson — 2010-03-26 00:00:00

In part 34 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson profiles one of the Civil War's most colorful characters, Confederate General William Edmundson "Grumble" Jones.

A Civil War Diet

James Robertson — 2010-03-18 00:00:00

In part 33 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson describes the diet of the Civil War soldier.

Virginia's Secession

James Robertson — 2010-03-11 00:00:00

In part 32 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor Dr. James Robertson explains why Virginia's secession from the Union was one of the most momentous events in the nation's history.

The Battle at Shiloh

James Robertson — 2010-03-04 00:00:00

In part 31 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson recounts the April battle at Shiloh. It was the commencement in earnest of war in the west.

General A.P. Hill

James Robertson — 2010-02-25 00:00:00

In part 30 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson profiles General Ambrose Powell (A.P.) Hill, who was in command of the Petersburg sector of the Confederate defenses. He describes the fateful events of the morning of Sunday, April 2, 1865.

Civil War Music

James Robertson — 2010-02-18 00:00:00

In part 29 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson talks about the profound effect the Civil War had on our body of music.

General Phillip Sheridan

James Robertson — 2010-02-11 00:00:00

In part 28 of our Civil War series, Virginia Tech history professor James Robertson examines the stormy career of Union General Phillip H. Sheridan and his scorched-earth campaign in the lower Shenandoah Valley.

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.