Tag: the civil war

Posted on

Charlottesville–Right Now: Professor Ervin Jordan, Jr. joins Coy Barefoot

1.6.11 Author and Associate Professor from the University of Virginia Ervin Jordan, Jr. joins Coy to discuss the recent PBS documentary seriesThe American Experience studying Robert E. Lee. Professor Jordan was featured prominently in the piece, and today he paints a full picture of General Lee’s life. Still a hero today in the Old Dominion, Lee was viewed in his time as the pinnacle of what a Virginian should be, but Jordan is also able to humanize the historical figure pointing out a few of his flaws. In addition, Professor Jordan places the remembrance of the Civil War in the context of commemoration rather than celebration. For further reading from a local perspective, check out Ervin Jordan’s book Charlottesville and the University of Virginia in the Civil War.

Posted on

Charlottesville–Right Now: Historian Rick Britton joins Coy Barefoot

12.7.10 Historian and author Rick Britton joins Coy to wrap up their discussion of the 25 most important Civil War battles. The final engagement between the Confederate and Union Armies took place at Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865, and in today’s recreation of the events, General Robert E. Lee finds himself totally outnumbered and surrounded on three sides by General Sheridan’s cavalry. Lee is willing to scrape together one final stand, but after hearing a message that his men cannot break through the Union lines, the Confederate General realizes his pool of options has run dry. The conversation also teases Britton’s new speaker series on early Virginia history at the Charlottesville Senior Center.

Posted on

Charlottesville–Right Now: Historian Rick Britton joins Coy Barefoot

11.19.10 Historian and author Rick Britton joins Coy to continue their discussion of the 25 most important Civil War battles. Today on the program, the discussion zeroes in on the Battle of Sayler’s Creek. The fight took place in Amelia and Prince Edward Counties in April of 1865, and today’s conversation describes how General Robert E. Lee was forced to evacuate Petersburg and Richmond before the retreating Confederate troops were cut off by Union soldiers led by General Sheraton. Hear the whole story recreated, here.