The Distant Drums Podcast

The Distant Drums Podcast is celebrating its first anniversary! Join us as we look back on a year of Civil War history, revisit our favorite moments, discuss some of our favorite guests, and share what's coming next for the podcast. Thank you to everyone who has listened, watched, and supported us along the way. Here's to another year of history you can march to!

What was it actually like to fight at Antietam? In this episode of The Distant Drums Podcast, we sit down with historian and author Scott Hartwig to explore the Battle of Antietam through the experiences of the men who fought there. Rather than simply walking through the battle from a bird's-eye view, we focus on the individual soldier. Using firsthand accounts, letters, and recollections from...

The Battle of Antietam is often remembered for the Cornfield, the Sunken Road, and Burnside's Bridge—but some of the most brutal fighting of September 17, 1862, took place on the southern portion of the battlefield. In this episode of The Distant Drums Podcast , we sit down with historian and author Benjamin L. Cwayna for a deep dive into his presentation, “Slaughter Along a Stone Wall.” We ex...

The Battle of Kennesaw Mountain marked one of the most dramatic moments of the Atlanta Campaign, as General William T. Sherman abandoned his usual flanking strategy and launched a rare frontal assault against General Joseph E. Johnston’s well-fortified Confederate line. In this episode, I sit down with Civil War author Ben Cwayna to explore the battle from both Union and Confederate perspectives....

How do you transform history into a story that truly connects with people? In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker and historian Will Eichler, one of the leading creative voices in Civil War documentary production. Will shares his journey from growing up in a farming community to producing compelling historical films that bring the past to life for modern audiences. We discuss his latest proje...

What happened after the smoke cleared at the Battle of the Little Bighorn? While the battle itself has been studied for generations, the recovery and burial of the dead is a story that is often overlooked. In this episode, I sit down with historian Bob Reece, President of the Friends of the Little Bighorn Battlefield, to examine the difficult work that followed Custer's defeat. We discuss the...

In this episode, we sit down with award-winning historian and author Chris J. Hartley to discuss his new book on D.H. Hill. We explore Hill's military career, his complicated relationships with fellow Confederate leaders, what made him such a fascinating figure, and why his story still matters today. Chris J. Hartley is the author of several acclaimed books, including The Lost Soldier: The Ord...

Welcome to another episode of the Distant Drums Podcast, where we journey through the intricate history of the American Civil War. In this post, we delve into the overlooked involvement of the U.S. Marines during the First Battle of Manassas, a pivotal moment in the Civil War. As the first major battle of the conflict, it set the stage for the struggles and sacrifices that would follow. Today, we...

In this episode of The Distant Drums Podcast, we are joined by acclaimed military history artist Mark Maritato. Known for his historically accurate Civil War paintings, Mark's artwork has appeared in museums, National Park Service exhibits, documentaries, and private collections around the world. Every painting begins with months—or even years—of research to ensure every uniform, weapon, lands...

On July 2nd, 1863, Captain David Acheson found himself in a life-changing moment, though he had no idea his life would tragically end by sunset. This young and intelligent officer, who commanded Company C of the 140th Pennsylvania Infantry, was about to become one of the many casualties of the Battle of Gettysburg, a pivotal moment in American history. In this episode, we explore the life, service...

In this episode of The Distant Drums Podcast, we welcome award-winning author and historian Siobhan Fallon for a fascinating discussion about the controversial 1879 Reno Court of Inquiry. Together, we explore Major Marcus Reno's role during the Battle of the Little Bighorn, the accusations and controversies that followed, and the testimony that sought to answer some of the battle's most en...

In this episode of The Distant Drums Podcast, we sit down with renowned battlefield archaeologist Dr. Douglas D. Scott to explore the groundbreaking archaeological investigations conducted at the Little Bighorn Battlefield following the devastating 1983 prairie fire. Dr. Scott takes us behind the scenes of the historic project that helped pioneer the field of battlefield archaeology. Using metal d...

In this episode of The Distant Drums Podcast, we sit down with historian and author Sandy Barnard to discuss the evolving interpretation of one of the most famous battles in American history. Drawing from decades of research and writing, Sandy explores how perspectives on George Armstrong Custer, the Seventh Cavalry, Native American participants, and the battle itself have shifted over time. Sandy...

In this we sit down with Bill Rini to discuss his new book, Custer's Last Stand Demystified: The Story of an Epic Defeat. Together, we take a fresh look at the Battle of the Little Bighorn, examining the evidence, eyewitness accounts, battlefield movements, and enduring questions that have surrounded Custer's Last Stand for nearly 150 years. Drawing upon extensive research, detailed timeli...

In this episode, we welcome former Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument ranger and historian Steve Adelson for a fascinating discussion on how the story of the Battle of the Little Bighorn has been interpreted over the past 150 years—and how that interpretation continues to evolve today. Drawing on thirteen seasons as a ranger at Little Bighorn and decades of research, Adelson explores the...

In this episode of The Distant Drums Podcast, we welcome acclaimed historian and author Jerome A. Greene for a discussion on the 1876 campaign that culminated in the Battle of the Little Bighorn. A veteran historian, former National Park Service researcher, and author of more than twenty books, Greene brings decades of scholarship to one of the most significant campaigns in American military histo...

In Episode Four of The Distant Drums Podcast, author and historian Paul L. Hedren joins us to examine the Battle of the Little Bighorn through the perspectives of the Native Americans who fought and lived through it. Drawing from Native accounts, oral histories, and years of research, this episode explores the experiences of the Native Americans on the battlefield and the meaning the battle carrie...

In this episode of The Distant Drums Podcast, noted military historian and firearms expert Phil Spaugy joins us to explore the tactics, weapons, and terrain of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Best known for his expertise in Civil War weaponry and battlefield history, Spaugy brings decades of hands-on research and experience to the discussion as we examine the firearms used by soldiers and Native...

In this episode of The Distant Drums Podcast, historian and longtime Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument ranger Michael N. Donahue joins us for an in-depth exploration of the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Drawing on more than 30 years of experience interpreting the battlefield, Donahue examines the events leading up to the battle, the fighting itself, and the enduring mysteries surroundin...

In this opening episode of The Distant Drums Podcast, we begin our 12-part journey into the Battle of the Little Bighorn. From military strategy and Native perspectives to the legends surrounding George Armstrong Custer, this series brings together historians, authors, and storytellers to explore one of America’s most debated battles. Join us as we set the stage for the people, decisions, and even...

In Episode Two of The Distant Drums Podcast, historian and author James Hessler joins us for a fascinating look at the surprising connections between the Battle of Gettysburg and the Battle of the Little Bighorn. From veterans who fought on both battlefields to the lasting influence of the Civil War on the American frontier, this episode explores how two iconic battles separated by time and distan...

In Episode Three of The Distant Drums Podcast, acclaimed historian Paul Andrew Hutton joins us to explore the life, legacy, and controversy surrounding George Armstrong Custer. Together, we examine the man behind the legend from his rise during the American Civil War to his role on the western frontier and the events leading to the Battle of the Little Bighorn. Drawing on decades of scholarship an...

On this episode of Distant Drums, we’re joined by historian William C. Davis. He shares how he first became interested in the American Civil War and reflects on his experience working on the TV series Civil War Journal. We then dive into the origins of the Confederate States of America, exploring how its government was formed in the early days of secession. The conversation covers the election of...

In this episode of Distant Drums, we welcome back historian and author Chris Mackowski of Emerging Civil War to explore one of the most dramatic chapters of the American Civil War. We trace the lead-up to the Battle of Chancellorsville and examine the critical role played by Confederate General Stonewall Jackson. From his bold and risky flank march that stunned Union forces to the tragic friendly-...

In this episode of The Distant Drums, we’re joined by historian and creator Dr. Lucas Wilder, the mind behind the popular YouTube channel History Gone Wilder. Known for his detailed animated maps and engaging storytelling, Dr. Wilder brings a fresh perspective to the study of the American Civil War. We explore his background and what led him to combine historical research with visual animation, di...