M.A. Kleen

The depth and breadth of American Civil War history can be daunting, even for the most enthusiastic history buff. Sometimes, however, a talented speaker and engaging presentation can bring to life subjects you may not have even known about. That is the goal of the Emerging Civil War Symposium, held annually in late summer to bring together fresh perspectives on America’s defining conflict.

This year, the 12th Annual Emerging Civil War Symposium was held at Stevenson Ridge in rural Spotsylvania Courthouse, Virginia, over the weekend of August 7–9. The event featured nine speakers, food, awards, vendors, a Sunday battlefield tour, and an informal gathering at Strangeways Brewing in Fredericksburg. I was only able to attend on Saturday, but from what I saw, everything ran smoothly, with attendees enjoying both the presentations and camaraderie.

This year’s theme was “Partnerships and Rivalries,” with dual keynote speakers Harold Holzer and Dr. Craig L. Symonds. Symonds, professor of history emeritus at the U.S. Naval Academy, spoke on the divergent careers of Confederate Admiral Franklin Buchanan and Union Admiral David Glasgow Farragut. Buchanan had served as the first superintendent of the U.S. Naval Academy but, as a Marylander, hesitantly joined the Confederate cause after the Battle of Bull Run. Farragut, meanwhile, lived in Virginia and was married to a Virginian, but chose to continue his service in the U.S. Navy.

I’ll be the first to admit that Civil War naval history is not my strong suit, nor is it an area I’m particularly interested in, but Symonds really brought the subject to life. All the speakers were engaging and entertaining. Even Kris White’s presentation on Braxton Bragg’s unpopularity, which was much less formal than the others, really hit it out of the park. The team at Emerging Civil War knows how to choose its speakers.

There was one last-minute change to the schedule, but this, too, was handled well. Ulysses S. Grant expert and impersonator Dr. Curt Fields stepped in for Ryan Quint, who was unable to attend due to another commitment. Chris Mackowski, who recently stepped down as ECW president, interviewed Fields, in full character as Grant, about some of the general’s partnerships and rivalries. I would have liked to hear more about Grant’s sometimes contentious relationship with General George G. Meade, but the segment was both fun and educational.

I wish I could have attended Chris Mackowski’s Sunday morning tour of Prospect Hill on the Fredericksburg battlefield, which focused on Stonewall Jackson’s relationships with his various subordinates and was revealingly titled “Stonewall Jackson’s Arresting Personality.” If it was even half as entertaining as Chris and Kris White’s recent discussion of Jackson on BOOM Goes the History, it must have been a good one!

I have been contributing to ECW’s blog for a little over a year, but this was my first time attending the symposium. It was a wonderful experience, from the venue and food to the presentations and opportunities to network and meet others who share a passion for Civil War history. I highly recommend it to anyone with a similar interest who can make it out to Virginia for a weekend.