Frommer's The Civil War Trust's Official Guide to the Civil War Discovery Trail

by Civil War Trust (Editor)

The Civil War Discovery Trail which links more than 400 sites in 24 states tells the real story of the Civil War and its impact on America. Relive history as it really happened, from the first shots fired at Fort Sumter to Lincoln s fateful last night at Ford s Theater. This completely updated edition contains more sites, in more states, than ever before. You ll find: c A brief historical overview by Pulitzer Prize-winner James McPherson c Descriptions of the solemn battlefields, antebellum plantations, Underground Railroad sites, historic homes, state parks, cemeteries, memorials, museums, and more, along with black-and-white photos c Detailed, accurate orientation maps, along with exact directions, admission fees, seasons and hours, visitor services c State-by-state organization that lets you locate the sites easily c A complete reenactment and special events calendar The Civil War Trust is a private, non-profit enterprise with more than 28,000 members that works to preserve Civil

Genres: Civil War, History, Travel, Nonfiction, American Civil War, Reference, American History

304 pages, Paperback

First published July 1, 1996

Reviews

[Steven Peterson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting volume. The focus is the Civil War Discovery Trail, more than 500 sites in 28 states. The Trail is designed to (Page ix) "to inspire and teach the story of the Civil War and its haunting impact on America."

One example: my home state of Illinois. There are several sites, from U. S. Grant's Galena home to the Alton prison for Confederate soldiers to General Logan's Museum in Murphysboro to the Bureau County Historical Society Museum (with many artifacts of the 83rd Illinois Infantry, which mustered for service in the Union Army to Abraham Lincoln's Tomb). What about my current state, Pennsylvania? Much richer than Illinois! The Gettysburg battlefield, of course. Also, the Army War College in Carlisle features the U.S. Army Military Institute, which features many holdings on the Civil War. Also featuring Civil War treasures--the State Museum in Harrisburg, Simon Cameron's mansion President James Buchanan's home in Lancaster, and so on.

All in all, a nice tour of Civil War sites. Not great detail. Only a handful of paragraphs are devoted to each. But this volume can help plan a Civil War-based visit.

[Big H · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book to follow "Confederates in the Attic"! I found myself able to link sites mentioned in both books, which was exciting. My only concerns were that I hope there are up-to-date editions of this book (it mentions future ammenities planned for 1996-1998), and that the same few pictures were reused often--some a couple of times per "chapter"/state section. Otherwise, wonderful for those interested in American history! :D