American Civil War Game Club (ACWGC)

I'd acquired this book about 15 years ago, but I hadn't sat down to read it until recently (go figure).

I thought Horwitz had an interesting approach, exploring the views in various areas of the South regarding the War. From accompanying a hardcore reenactor on several marches and tours of various battlefields, to interviews with locals in the different cities he visited, he gave a detailed account of the mindset of many in the South towards the War. I think he showed beyond a shadow of a doubt 1) that the War is still being fought, even though there are not two armies in the field shooting at one another, 2) (to a degree) the bias that exists in the various viewpoints of the War, and 3) the way in which there has been created in some areas of the country a double-standard when it comes to positions such as "Is it hateful to fly the Confederate flag?" (for example, it's hateful to do that, but it's not in the least bit provocative to wear Malcolm X insignia -- or, vice-versa). There was definitely an indication that both sides have a long way to go towards trying to (and possibly even WANTING TO) understand one another.

He had a great deal of interesting tidbits in his writings, too - it's given me an idea for some vacations of my own one day with the family - to take them back East and tour many of the battlefields...hopefully before the sites are overrun with modern commercial and residential growth.

Has anybody else read this? I'd be curious to know your thoughts.

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BG David McWaters
ANV
7/2/II Corps
18th Alabama Infantry
Sharpshooters

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Robert,

I think you'll like it. Depending on the subject, I'm not always "into" documentary-type writings like this one, but the writing style is so good you almost "forget" that it is what it is.

I might have to join that trust. Sickened me to find out that the Manassas and Chancellorsville battlefields (among others) are pretty much "gone" now, thanks to urban sprawl.

I definitely plan to go back and visit some places, though. As a kid, I made it to Vicksburg, Gettysburg, Atlanta/Stone Mtn, Chattanooga, Chickamauga, and Petersburg. Would LOVE to get to Chancellorsville, Manassas, Fredericksburg, Sharpsburg, and Shiloh, among others, and then go to Charleston to see the Hunley, and while on the coast go to Ft. Sumter (and Ft. Wagner if it's still there). As far as the 'interesting tidbit' list, I had no idea that Stonewall Jackson's arm is (allegedly) buried in a cemetery in Chancellorsville...and there were a few other items mentioned that made me go, "Hmmmmm....."

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BG David McWaters
ANV
7/2/II Corps
18th Alabama Infantry
Sharpshooters