Stuart W. Sanders is a historian specializing in the American Civil War. His work focuses on detailed analyses of battles, their aftermaths, and forgotten stories from the era. Sanders delves into the complexities of the conflict and the lives of those who experienced it. His writing is valued for its depth and commitment to historical accuracy.
In deconstructing the event, Sanders details why these prominent Kentuckians found themselves on the dueling ground during the nation's bloodiest conflict, how society and the Civil War pushed them to fight, why duels continued to be fought in Kentucky even after this violent confrontation, and how Kentuckians applied violence after the Civil War.
Set against the backdrop of March 1856, a gruesome discovery on the Mississippi River unveils a chilling murder mystery. A corpse, tied to a chair, belongs to a wealthy passenger of the opulent steamboat Ohio Belle, raising questions about the motives behind his violent end. As the story unfolds, the shocking details captivate the public and stir a sense of horror, prompting an investigation into the dark circumstances surrounding the death of this southern planter's son.
On October 8, 1862, forty thousand Union and Confederate soldiers clashed at Perryville, Kentucky, in the state's largest Civil War battle. Of those who fought, none endured as much as the Tennessee and Georgia soldiers who composed Brigadier General George Maney's brigade. The Confederate unit entered the fray to save other Southern regiments and, in doing so, experienced deadly resistance. Many of those involved called the brigade's encounter the toughest of the Civil War, as several of Maney's regiments suffered casualties of 50 percent or greater. Despite relentless fighting, the Confederates were unable to break the Union line, and the Bluegrass State remained in Federal control. Join author Stuart W. Sanders as he chronicles Maney's brigade in the Battle of Perryville.
The Battle of Mill Springs, fought on January 19, 1862, marked a significant Union victory amidst the chaos of inexperienced soldiers clashing in muddy Kentucky woods. This battle not only restored confidence after the Bull Run disaster but also secured Kentucky for the Union, paving the way for further invasions into Tennessee. Historian Stuart Sanders details key events, including General Felix Zollicoffer's fateful encounter with Union lines and General George Thomas's heroics, highlighting the battle's crucial impact on the Civil War.
The aftermath of the Battle of Perryville devastated both soldiers and the local community, with over 7,500 casualties overwhelming Union forces. While Confederates claimed a tactical victory, it was the resilient residents who faced the daunting tasks of burying the dead, tending to the wounded, and restoring their town. Stuart Sanders offers a comprehensive exploration of the local citizens' courage and efforts in the face of chaos, detailing their journey to rebuild Perryville from the destruction left behind.