Thursday, November 02, 2006

Getting Started - October 11, 2006

A blog about North Carolina’s role in the Second American Revolution? Why not? North Carolina’s role in the late unpleasantries is often understated and less often written about. Why do we have 70+ Confederate regiments from North Carolina, and only a half dozen modern regimental histories?

I did not grow up in North Carolina, but I have ancestors who first settled in the state (Wilkes County) in 1771. I have Confederate ancestors in eight different Confederates states. I have lived in the Tar Heel State since 1995.

I’ve also been writing about North Carolina’s role in the War for the past ten years, and I don’t plan to stop anytime soon. Some of my published writings have focused on Brig. Gen. Collet Leventhorpe, the role of different individuals from North Carolina at Gettysburg, the 37th North Carolina Troops (book and articles), the Battle of Hanover Court House, Virginia, and Veterans and Reunions in North Carolina after the war. I’ve also written some local history (Watauga, Avery, Caldwell, and Yancey counties).

Currently, I am working on a book about the 58th North Carolina Troops, one of the orphaned North Carolina regiments. The 58th North Carolina was sent west and became part of the Army of Tennessee.

The purpose of this blog is to explore North Carolina’s role during the Civil War: the people, the places, the regiments, the battles. These writings will often deal with just the period of time around the war, even though I might occasionally slip into modern events that involve that time period of history. I hope to update a couple of times a week.

If you would like to know more about me, and my books, please check out my web page: www.michaelchardy.com And, do me a favor, tell everyone you know about this blog.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

As the historian for Slash Church 1729 in Hanover County, VA, I had the priviledge to meet Micheal before he had completed his excellent book: The Battle of Hanover Courthouse - Slash Church 1862. Fast fwd to May 2006 when we had more time during Hanover Heritage Day & I again was happy to greet this "mountain man". I am confidant that you will enjoy his comentary & can rest assured that he has done his research or will research your question until the answer is found AND correct. Readers will truly have a chance to be informed by a true historian AND a Very Nice Person as well. Best wishes on all your endeavors, Micheal & Blessings to you & your Family.
--Dianne A Jones - Slash Church
2006-10-11 22:10:18 GMT

Anonymous said...

Michael, I don't know anything about a blog, but I am happy to find out about your blog and will be checking it out on a regular basis. I have enjoyed your book on the 37th as well as the most recent book about North Carolina Confederates. I want to commend you on your work and look forward to the next book on the 58th. Many kind regards and keep up the good work. A suggestion, how about a book on the Wilkes County boys participation in the War of Northern Aggression?
--Bob Culler

Anonymous said...

Hi Michael,

Thanks for doing this. As a Civil War reenactor, I prefer to be known as a Living Historian. The distinction is lost on many. Your efforts will hopefully educate us all to the part western NC had. Most of my ancestors that served were out of Caldwell and Burke, with a few from surrounding counties. And like most folks, whether they realize it or not, had relatives that served with the same passion of what they believed in on both sides of this crucial time in our history.
--Dave Smith

Anonymous said...

We live in Apopka< FL but spend much timein our cabin in Hayesville (Clay County) NC
What would be the nearest reenactment or historical CSA site to this area?
--Mike Ables

Anonymous said...

It seems that most things on your blog refer to my ancestors. Between maternal and paternal lines we have Norwoods, Loves, Lenoirs, Averys, Dillards, Hoggs, and many others. My great grandfather was second in command to Thomas in the Legion (James R. Love), and Fort Defiance was the home of my gggg grandfather, General Lenoir. I'll see if I can round up a copy of my g. grandfather Love's diary where he tells of journeys in Post Civil War days and visits to Thomas's house (Thomas was his aunt's husband). At that time Thomas was in ill health from day to day (in 1870 probably Alzheimer's). My aunt still has Colonel James R. Love's sword and handgun, and I have his pocket watch. It seems that the region and my maternal and paternal ancestors are intricately entwined. I'll get in touch with more.

Anonymous said...

Michael,

I just discovered your blog after reading one of your comments on Eric Wittenberg's blog. A belated welcome to the Civil War blogosphere! I enjoyed your book on Hanover Court House (I'm a big fan of the Peninsula Campaign), and I'll get a link to your blog up right away.

Brett S.