Exploring Civil War Wisconsin: A Survival Guide for Researchers

by Brett Barker

The innovative format of Exploring Civil War Wisconsin makes it easy for Civil War buffs, genealogists, and students to find and effectively use the vast array of historical materials about the Civil War found in archives, military and census records, published firsthand accounts, newspapers, and even on the Internet. This lively, illustrated guide focuses on Wisconsin in the Civil War, but is broadly applicable to Civil War research anywhere. Images of original documents and historic photographs illustrate every chapter, acquainting readers with both the Civil War and its sources. The easy-to-use and informative text is unlike anything else currently on the market. Throughout the book, boxed features and sidebars provide background information and tips on how to do research. Author Brett Barker explains how to uncover the history of an individual soldier, his regiment, and his role in the Union Army using rosters, military records, pension files, and memoirs. And, he shows how to explore the home front during the war using the census, newspapers, city directories, and government records.

Genres: Nonfiction

160 pages, Paperback

First published February 7, 2003

Reviews

[Judine · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent research guide that can take you from a variety of starting points to learn more about the Civil War. Three things make this book really great: 1. It is written in a style that could be easily understood by adults and students alike; 2. It focuses on primary sources and how to find them; 3. It explains things in detail with examples so you know what to expect in your own research. Not a book to read for fun, but a great guide, especially if you're interested in National History Day.

[Deb Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outstanding research guide! Practical 'how-to' of Civil War research.

[Judine Brey · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very well-organized and easy to use research aid. I enjoy that Barker gives a key to his sources right away, and his focus on primary sources. This is great for both students and adults.