The Distant Drums Podcast

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 From outdated muskets to emergency alterations performed by...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.

In this episode, we’re joined by Civil War historian and author Dan Masters for a deep dive into one of the war’s most hard-fought engagements: the Battle of Stones River. Fought at the close of 1862, Stones River proved pivotal for control of Middle Tennessee and for the morale of the Union Army of the Cumberland. Our conversation centers on Dan’s acclaimed book, Hell by the Acre, which brings th...

🎬 Civil War on the Silver Screen 🎬 In this episode of The Distant Drums Podcast , we’re joined by historian, author, and Reel History co-creator Dr. Jared Frederick for a deep dive into how the American Civil War has been portrayed in film—from early 20th-century silent movies to modern productions through 2025. Together, we explore how Civil War films reflect the eras in which they were made, t...

We are joined by by Emerging Civil War's Chris Mackowski as he takes us on an overview of the Battle of Fredericksburg. From the initial plan till the last shots, Chris breaks things down so you and I can better understand this Union defeat. Chris will even debunk a thing or two associated with the battle along the way!

Author Benjamin Cwayna is back on the podcast and we are diving into an overlooked portion of the Fredericksburg battlefield. Ben takes us on a deep dive of the fighting that took place on the Confederate Right flank. We also learn about some of the turmoil between General Stonewall Jackson and some of his lower ranking officers.

Join the Distant Drums crew as we welcome Ben Flowerday from the Liberty Rifles. Ben takes us on a deep dive into the Uniforms worn by The Army of Northern Virginia. From how they were distributed to what the soldiers actually wore Ben doesn't miss a detail in this episode!

On today's show we welcome guest Aaron Siever from Aaron Civil War Travels LLC. Aaron Siever grew up in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia and since he was a child he has been interested in the American Civil War. Aaron has extensive knowledge of Virginia's Shenandoah Valley and today we learn why this area was so important and we also learn about a handful of personal stories that witnesse...

Join us as we get the privilege to chat with the esteemed Historian Gary Gallagher. Gary is known for his extensive work and publications specializing in the history of the American Civil War. In this episode we learn about what got Gary interested in the American Civil War, what myths drive him crazy and we also learn about what he thinks was the true turning point in the war.

James and Andrew dive into the lives of two young and promising Artillery officers that would both have their lives cut short due to the Gettysburg campaign. We explore their lives before Gettysburg and their actions during this awful battle.

In this episode, we welcome back Author Benjamin Cwayna to talk about the negative stigma often associated with A.P. Hill and one of his division commanders Richard Anderson. Ben takes us on a deep dive into the Confederate attack on July 2nd, 1863 and what Longstreet's plan really was.

In this episode, we explore the story of the 58th Alabama as the see their first major combat at one of the bloodiest battles fought during the American Civil War. How will they fare?

The 27th Connecticut was a 9 month regiment that served in the Army of the Potomac from October 1862 – July 27, 1863. Although their service was brief, this regiment saw some of the most intense combat the Civil War had to offer. In this episode we learn about their brief history, where they saw their first combat and then we will follow in their footsteps as they make their way through Gettysburg...

In this episode we chat with Mr. Matthew VanAcker who is the Director & Curator for "Save the Flags"  which is a Michigan-based nonprofit program that supports the preservation and display of the state's historic battle flags from the Civil War, Spanish-American War, and World War I. We learn a little about Matt and the process of preserving these cherished pieces. Regimental Bat...

Author and Lawyer Ben Cwayna joins us on the podcast to talk about his recent book "The Invincible Twelfth: The 12th South Carolina Infantry". We will also chat about Civil War reenacting, Ben's primary sources for his book, and of course Ben's favorite battlefield.

Get to know the minds behind the Distant Drums Podcast. We will also discuss what our focus will be and what to expect in future episodes!

In this episode, Andrew and James discuss what Civil War Battlefields have become their favorites and why. They will also discuss what regiment is their favorite to study!