The Distant Drums Podcast

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...

April 1865, just days after Union victory, a conspiracy would shake the United States to its core. In this episode of The Distant Drums, historian Dave Taylor joins us to unravel the plot behind Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. From John Wilkes Booth to the lesser-known conspirators, we explore how the plan came together and how it nearly went even further. Plus, Dave discusses his work bringing t...

In this episode of The Distant Drums, we’re joined by historian Tim B. Smith to explore the life and legacy of Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston and his pivotal role in the Battle of Shiloh. We discuss Johnston’s leadership, the chaos of the early war in the Western Theater, and how his death on the battlefield shaped the course of the conflict. Was Johnston truly the South’s most promisi...

In this episode of The Distant Drums, we sit down with acclaimed Civil War historian Lance J. Herdegen to discuss his latest work, Opening Manassas: The Iron Brigade, Stonewall Jackson, and the Battle on Brawner’s Farm, August 28, 1862. Our conversation explores the intense opening clash of the Second Battle of Manassas, focusing on the brutal fighting at Brawner’s Farm and the legendary soldiers...

In this episode, we’re joined by Civil War arms historian Phil Spaugy to explore a critical question facing the Union at the start of the war: how do you arm thousands of new soldiers when the nation isn’t ready for war? Focusing on Ohio in 1861, Phil walks us through the scramble to equip newly raised regiments with serviceable weapons. From outdated muskets to emergency alterations performed by...

In this episode, we are joined by historian John Hennessy, former chief historian at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park and longtime National Park Service leader. John began his career in the early 1980s at Manassas National Battlefield Park, where his passion for Civil War history took root and helped shape decades of scholarship and public interpretation. We dive into his two...

On February 20, 1864, Union and Confederate forces collided near the small railroad stop of Olustee Station in Florida. In just a few brutal hours, the Union army suffered a crushing defeat, with nearly one-third of its men killed, wounded, or captured. In this episode, we explore what happened on that fateful day by following the experiences of two regiments who stood on opposite sides of the lin...

As the Civil War tore the nation apart, Abraham and Mary Lincoln were experiencing a war of their own—the loss of their sons. This episode examines grief, marriage, and leadership as personal tragedy and a national crisis intersect.

In this episode, we touch on the opening events to kick off the Civil War at Fort Sumter. We then go back to January of 1861 and uncover a few events that saw Union and Confederate forces exchanging shots well before the first shots at Fort Sumter.