http://www.apu.apus.edu/lp/webcast/border-war

Did you know there were 77 Civil War sites in Jefferson County? These sites included the surrender of 12,500 Union troops to Stonewall Jackson’s forces in September 1862 at Bolivar Heights. The guest speaker for the event is Dennis E. Frye. He was a co-producer for the movie Gods and Generals, and is currently the Chief Historian at Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. Take a late lunch break this Wednesday at 1pm and sit in on this special live webcast.

You can register for the event here: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/896622802.

Did these men really believe it could come to this? How many were really mentally ready for what they were about to take part in? Did they know what they were really getting into?

How would armies with a great majority of militia and relatively few (ex)regulars perform? Would they respond to the call in the same manner as militia from 1775-83?

As far as cause vs. cause goes, the main driving force of an army, restoration vs. independence, which would stir the strongest resolve? Which would ultimately drive more men to stand against what faces them?

Would home field advantage play a roll?

All of these questions would be answered and hold true for many battle to come.

I agree. I’ve never been able to get fired up about Manassas (either one). My fascination has always been with the Western Theater, in particular Shiloh (as you well know). Has it really been 18 years since we walked that field together?

Dave Shaw

There are many arguments as to what really started the war and 1st Bull Run doesn’t happen without a series of events occurring first, but I’d say it wasn’t just important because it was the 1st major battle. It was more important, imo, for the Confederates to win than it was for the Union. Could a Union victory have further shown the futility of the rebels’ cause? The odds were stacked against them from day one.

Not only that, but look at the cast of characters in this battle who would go on to reach greater heights (or infamy): On the Confederate side, Thomas Jackson earned his nom de gerre, Beauregard was there, Johnston, Ewell, Stuart, Longstreet, Early.
Union side: Sherman, Burnside, Richardson, Howard, etc.

Think of the potential matchups. How would Sherman have handled Jackson during Jackson’s Valley Campaign? Would Beauregard have faired any better than Johnston during Sherman’s march to the sea?