All in Civil War

The Americanologist Book Review: Unexpected Finds and Murphy's Law

The Americanologist Book Review: Unexpected Finds and Murphy's Law

Rex Childers
Book Review, Lamont's War, Civil War, 82ndOVI

One of the unique human traits we share is the need to assign meaning to our lives. Among the many ways this occurs are the attachments we place on not only relationships with people, but to ideas, places, experiences, and objects that can transport us across time. As a public historian, I consider the preservation of archival material and artifacts a crucial duty in not only preserving the memory and history of the nation, but also a sacred bridge that helps us to make and interpret meanings by connecting us to deep reservoirs of knowledge and community.

While Lincoln praises the men of Gettysburg, the XI and XII Corps rescues the union at Chattanooga

While Lincoln praises the men of Gettysburg, the XI and XII Corps rescues the union at Chattanooga

Rex Childers
82ndOVI, Civil War, Lamont's War, Book Review

Just four days after Lincoln spoke on November 19, 1863, of the “brave men, living and dead, who struggled here” - including Hooker’s men from the east, now in Chattanooga - the Union moved against Orchard Knob, a steep hill overlooking the eastern side of Chattanooga, where a small force of rebels with an artillery battery were entrenched forward of Missionary Ridge. 14,000 federals attacked the hill in parade formation, and the 600 defenders were overwhelmed in minutes.

Seeing the Elephant at McDowell, Virginia on May 8, 1862

Seeing the Elephant at McDowell, Virginia on May 8, 1862

Rex Childers
Lamont's War, 82ndOVI, Civil War

One of the results of “Seeing the Elephant” for men on both sides was the moral dilemma of taking a human life, a particular philosophical and emotional problem studied by modern military psychologists, ethicists, and historians. This was an up-close and personal battle, including rifle volleys and bayonet charges, even as both sides were learning the impact of new rifle technology and the challenge of leading small communities of volunteer farmers, storekeepers, and laborers in modern industrial war. Keeping men together on an uphill, overhand climb of 200 feet at a time with an enemy shooting down at you is enough of a challenge. Even more sobering, pulling a trigger or thrusting a bayonet into the flesh of another human being was a new experience for both sides.