There are a number of Civil War sites in America that were unfortunate—or cursed—enough to have more than one massive battle rage across their landscapes. Manassas was one of them. The reason Manassas Junction was important would not have mattered … Continue reading →| Mark Nesbitt
Out of the highlands of Maryland, from the north and west, flows the Potomac River, past Williamsport, Falling Waters, Sharpsburg and Shepherdstown. From the south, out of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia, runs the Shenandoah River, given the same … Continue reading →| Mark Nesbitt
It is a dubious distinction, indeed. But just for the historical records, the question should be asked. What is the bloodiest day in all of American History? Many will say D-Day, June 6, 1944, the invasion of Normandy. The toll … Continue reading →| Mark Nesbitt
As a youngster, one of the highlights of my year was our family vacation to Gettysburg. Coming from the suburbs of Cleveland, the days spent in the rural atmosphere was refreshing for my parents. For me, the fabled history of … Continue reading →| Mark Nesbitt
July 1, 1863—The first of three day’s battles at Gettysburg was reaching a tipping point. During the morning, Union cavalry under Brigadier General John Buford had fanned out along McPherson’s Ridge to the west of Gettysburg to hold off Confederate … Continue reading →| Mark Nesbitt
It never fails. I had no sooner publish my most recent 13 Hidden, Haunted, Hotspots of Gettysburg #12 blog entry on Benner’s Hill and Major Joseph Latimer, when I ran across two fascinating adds to the original blog. I ran … Continue reading →| Mark Nesbitt
Young Major Joseph W. Latimer was supposed to be graduating with his class at the prestigious Virginia Military Institute. But he had left the school in his sophomore year when war between the two sections of the country broke out … Continue reading →| Mark Nesbitt
Often overlooked as just a sideline to the rest of the battle, Culp’s Hill was every bit as important as Little Round Top, and perhaps more important than the Wheatfield, Peach Orchard, and Devil’s Den, considering where a breakthrough would … Continue reading →| Mark Nesbitt
Researching for this blog I found an interesting post-script to the story of the 2nd Massachusetts Regiment’s loss of their commander and over 40% of their rank-and-file in Spangler’s Meadow. (See …| Mark Nesbitt
About writing, a bit of history & my thoughts on the paranormal| Mark Nesbitt
After the Battle of First Manassas in July 1861, the North and the South realized that this might not be the quick easy war each had predicted. The two armies settled in Northern Virginia with the …| Mark Nesbitt