Alabama and the Civil War: A History & Guide

by Robert C. Jones

Alabama's role in the Civil War cannot be understated. Union raids into northern Alabama, the huge manufacturing infrastructure in central Alabama and the Battle of Mobile Bay all played significant parts. A number of important Civil War figures also called Alabama home. Major General Joseph Wheeler was one of the most remarkable Confederate cavalry commanders in the west. John "the Gallant" Pelham earned the nickname for his bravery during the Battle of Fredericksburg. John Semmes commanded two of the most famous commerce raiders of the war--the CSS Sumter and the CSS Alabama. Author Robert C. Jones examines the people and places in Alabama that shaped the Civil War.

Genres: American History

194 pages, Hardcover

Published June 12, 2017

About the author

Librarian Note: There are more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.

Reviews

[Connie Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a well researched tool to add to my Civil War Arsenal. I am originally from Ohio - but now call Alabama home. The book opens up with short biographies on the key players. The book features some key players that are not well known. There were a couple that I am trying to back track and find more information on since they were so fascinating. I had not known about Juliet Ann Opie Hopkins. She and her husband started military hospitals that cared specially for Alabama Soldiers. Which I thought was pretty cool. In a time period where most women did not have a voice, it was amazing to see what she was able to accomplish. I also had not heard of John Washington Inzer. The interesting thing about Inzer is that in 1867 he was removed as probate judge by the military authorities. I hope to find out more about this instance, since he went on to become a Senator.

The book then moves into the Alabama Civil War Timeline. It breaks Alabama's involvement down chronologically. I like that it tells the story in how Alabama went from part of the Union, to seceedng to Jefferson Davis being elected to the Confederacy to the various battles in and around Alabama.

The Third chapter is all about the Capital of the Confederacy. I have visited Confederate White House back in 2018.






If you are ever in Montgomery - this is a stop that is worth it.



Chapter 4 - is the bread and butter of the book. It was my favorite part - the Battles. I have my Masters in Military History. I thrive in reading about all the battles. The author uses a lot of primary sources in this so he can accurately tell the story. I LOVE primary sources. I love reading biographies, memoirs and journals. The author did a great job in recreating the time line - and giving details that are desired. The author has also included several pictures and posters from this time period.



Chapter 5 is all about the Manufacturing portion of the war. This is something that you don't get to read about very often. I was very surprised on they heavy manufacturing aspect. I loved all the pictures and timeline that the author has included.



Chapter 6 and Chapter 7 is all about the Prison Camps and the Forts. They are shorter chapters yet still are informative.



Overall, this is a book written for any history nerd. I enjoyed reading this book very much. It is well researched and the author has a great deal of knowledge in his chosen subject. I enjoyed reading all about Alabama and it's involvement in the war.



Special thanks to the publisher, Arcadia Publishing for allowing me to read and review a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[Paul Lunger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Robert Jones's "Alabama and the Civil War: A History & Guide" takes a look at the various roles the people and places of the Yellowhammer state and its role in the war. Jones takes a roundabout way though of getting to things by spending the first 62 pages on just getting to know the cast of characters involved in this which is actually a hindrance to this book since the remainder gets lost in the various aspects of things which should be more of a focus than the biographies. Either way, this book isn't a bad one to read if one has an interest in Alabama's role in the war.

[William Sariego · Rating 2 out of 5]

A general primer on the War Between the States in regards to Alabama, in the end it is somewhat disappointing. Much of the text is wasted on biography, as another reviewer has already mentioned. A great deal of the rest is a simple chronological timeline for the topic being covered. Most writers use historical quotes to highlight their work, Jones lets them dominate his narrative instead. Very shoddy writing. I purchased my copy at Ft. Morgan while visiting the Yellowhammer State. I glad I supported the Park, at least.