The Civil Weird Podcast

Russian-born, Union General, Ivan Vasilyevich Turchaninov, aka John B. Turchin became one of the Civil War’s most infamous—and misunderstood—figures. Branded the “Mad Cossack” by critics, Turchin built a reputation in the Western Theater for aggressive campaigning, contempt for Confederate sabotage, and a hard-war approach that made him a hero to some Unionists and a villain across the South. This...

On this episode, we take a Civil Weird look at Gettysburg through the classic book by Gregory Coco, " A Strange and Blighted Land: Gettysburg, The Aftermath of a Battle" who's work pulled the battle down from the marble pedestal and back into the mud, blood, grief, and chaos of July 1863. We get into the civilians, "ghouls," corpse-strewn farms, hospital scenes, and the emo...

This episode, we delve into the Civil Weird tale of QMSgt. Leroy L. Key. Born in Mississippi to a slave-owning family, he broke away before the war and settled in Illinois—a decision that would shape his future in surprising ways. During the Civil War, Key fought in two regiments, one infantry and one cavalry. He was then captured in what was called the “Frozen Fight” in Jonesville, VA. After his...

In this episode of The Civil Weird Podcast, we dive into one of the strangest and most chaotic battles of the American Civil War: the Battle of the Crater. This bizarre and deadly confrontation, set amidst the siege of Petersburg in 1864, saw Union forces attempt to break Confederate lines by detonating a massive underground explosion—only to descend into confusion and horror in the resulting crat...

In this episode of The Civil Weird Podcast, we uncover the ambitions of George W. Bickley and his secretive Knights of the Golden Circle, who aimed to create a pro-slavery empire spanning the U.S., Cuba, Mexico, and beyond. Bickley’s society recruited thousands with dreams of expanding Southern influence through rebellion and conquest, but their plans ultimately unraveled. We’ll explore the KGC’s...

We went a whole lot longer into the weirdness that is George H. Thomas, than we intended to...However, we feel that a man of his stature and character needed a thorough going over! So, let’s make it Civil Weird!

In this two-part episode, we get Civil Weird with "'OL Pap" Thomas.  Why was he "Weird"? Listen and find out as we take a deep dive into the man with many nicknames. One of them is the "Sledge of Nashville"! So, let’s make it Civil Weird!

We are back from our brief hiatus! We delve into the turbulent and violent life of Turd…Champ Ferguson, a notorious Confederate guerilla fighter during the American Civil War. Ferguson’s story is one of personal vendetta and relentless brutality, driven by a desire for revenge against Union forces and sympathizers. We explore Ferguson’s early life in the rugged mountains of Tennessee and his trans...

In this episode titled "Soldiers Heart: PTSD and the Forgotten Suffering of Civil War Soldiers," we dive deep into the psychological aftermath of the Civil War, drawing significant insights from the book Invisible Wounds by Dillon J. Carroll. This thought-provoking discussion unveils the hidden traumas faced by soldiers, as detailed in the book, highlighting the early recognition of what we now un...

In this episode of The Civil Weird Podcast titled A Love Letter, A Lost Limb, and A Looted Grave: The Death and Desecration of Maj. Sullivan Ballou, Chris, Paul, and Adam delve into the intriguing and controversial story surrounding one of the Civil War's most famous figures. We went on a journey to learn the truth about the poetic love letter Major Sullivan Ballou of the 2nd Rhode Island Voluntee...

In Episode 9 of The Civil Weird Podcast, The Little Zouave That Could, we dive into Col. Elmer Ellsworth's life. We discuss his upbringing and struggles to find "real" work, his friendship with Lincoln, and his introduction of Zouave military tactics in America. Ellsworth's journey was uniquely Civil Weird. His story culminates in his role as one of the Union's first martyrs....

In this fascinating episode, we delve into the peculiar story of the 27th Maine Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. This unit, composed of volunteers, was faced with a unique situation that led to one of the most unusual occurrences in the history of the Congressional Medal of Honor. We explore the circumstances leading up to the regiment being awarded – en masse – the Medal of Honor, and the...

Time to get real Civil Weird in this episode! Join us as we hump our way back to the American Civil War, where we stumble upon Douglas - the Confederate Camel that stood tall during the Siege of Vicksburg. We don't stop there! Strap in as we unearth the curiously strange history of the U.S. Camel Corps. Ready your saddles and hold onto your camel bone rings, for this journey through the Civil Weir...

In this shortened episode of the Civil Weird podcast, we dive into doing some history in Mound City IL, where the three of the most powerful vessels were produced during the war and what it took to get it done. We also look to the possibility of a future historical site listing as an archaeological location. So, come aboard Civil Weirdos, as we churn the historical (brown) waters up around the Bro...

In episode 5 of "The Civil Weird Podcast," we explore the life of Albert D.J. Cashier, a soldier who lived as a man during the American Civil War, despite being assigned female at birth. Born as Jennie Hodgers in Ireland, Cashier's journey offers valuable insights into the complexities of gender identity during a time when our current understanding of transgender individuals was virtually non-exis...

Welcome to Episode 5 of The Civil Weird Podcast, where we'll be exploring the dark and taboo side of the American Civil War—sex, prostitution, and disease. During this period, soldiers were constantly exposed to new and dangerous sexually transmitted infections, and prostitution became a thriving industry, often operating right under the noses of military officials. We'll delve into the re...

In this episode, we dive into the world of one of the conflict's most notorious and bloodthirsty guerrilla fighters: Bloody Bill Anderson. Join us as we take a closer look at the life and legacy of William T. Anderson, a Missouri native who led a group of raiders on a ruthless campaign against Union forces and sympathizers. We'll explore his tactics to strike fear into his enemies and examine his...

In this episode, we discuss the life and murder of General Earl Van Dorn, who was by most accounts a terrible general, but a great lover of the ladies...  So, come listen, and let’s make it Civil Weird!

In this "minisode" we talk about the 2023 Day of Service.  We are looking for volunteers and those who would want to help us clean up some Civil War headstones that are in disrepair around the area of Central Illinois. Take a listen and see what you can do to help! Support the show https://www.facebook.com/CivilWeird patreon.com/TheCivilWeirdPodcast https://open.spotify.com/show/0QE4W6BNcpnS2R0KPs...

Sergeant Boston Corbett was the man who killed the man who killed President Abraham Lincoln.  However, his shooting of assassin John Wilkes Booth is not what makes Corbett "Civil Weird." No, perhaps the fact that this man was certified insane, self-castrated himself, was a street preacher, and then disappeared into the ether of history, is just the beginning of Corbett's "Civil Weird" journey! So,...