Episodes

  • Ambition and Anarchy: The Knights of the Golden Circle and the Unfulfilled Dream of a Southern Empire

    Ambition and Anarchy: The Knights of the Golden Circle and the Unfulfilled Dream of a Southern Empire
    Nov 12 2024

    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 rituals, failed plots, and the lasting mystery around their goals, as well as how their vision of a “Golden Circle” faded into the shadows of Civil War history. Join us to explore the ambition, anarchy, and the Southern empire that never was. Let’s make it Civil Weird!
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    1 hr and 50 mins
  • Episode 3: The Rock of Chickamauga George H. Thomas, (Part 2)

    Episode 3: The Rock of Chickamauga George H. Thomas, (Part 2)
    Sep 17 2024
    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!
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    3 hrs and 4 mins
  • Episode 3: The Rock of Chickamauga George H. Thomas (Part 1)

    Episode 3: The Rock of Chickamauga George H. Thomas (Part 1)
    Sep 17 2024
    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!
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    2 hrs and 3 mins
  • Episode 13: Battle of the Crater

    Episode 13: Battle of the Crater
    Sep 13 2024
    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 crater. We’ll explore the battle’s unconventional tactics, unexpected outcomes, and eerie atmosphere that set it apart in the annals of Civil War history. We also shine a spotlight on the personal story of Lewis Martin, a brave soldier from the 29th United States Colored Troops, who endured unimaginable suffering during the battle. Losing his right arm and left leg, and sustaining additional gunshot wounds, Martin’s journey of survival and sacrifice is both harrowing and inspiring. Today, his legacy continues. After being laid to rest in an unmarked grave for decades, Martin is now resting in power in a government marked grave at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. Join us as we uncover the weird, the wild, and the human elements of this unforgettable chapter in Civil War history. Let’s make it Civil Weird!
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    2 hrs and 18 mins
  • Champ Ferguson: Confederate Guerilla Riding For Revenge

    Champ Ferguson: Confederate Guerilla Riding For Revenge
    Jul 7 2024
    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 transformation from a farmer to a feared guerilla leader. Learn about the harrowing events that fueled his fury and led him to take up arms against his own neighbors, blurring the lines between soldier and outlaw. Through firsthand accounts and historical records, we unravel the complex motivations behind Ferguson’s bloody campaign. Was he a hero defending his homeland or a ruthless vigilante seeking personal retribution? Join us as we navigate the murky waters of loyalty, honor, and vengeance in the shadowy world of Civil War guerilla warfare. Tune in for an episode filled with suspense, historical intrigue, and a deeper understanding of the man who rode for revenge. We also have a new sponsor for this episode. Let's make it Civil Weird!!!
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    1 hr and 53 mins
  • Episode 11: Soldier's Heart, PTSD and the Forgotten Suffering of Civil War Soldiers

    Episode 11: Soldier's Heart, PTSD and the Forgotten Suffering of Civil War Soldiers
    Apr 3 2024

    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 understand as PTSD. We'll explore how "Invisible Wounds" sheds light on the internal struggles of veterans, their battles with unseen scars, and the societal impact of these psychological injuries. Join us as we navigate through the pages of history, uncovering the silent yet profound legacy of bravery and resilience that continues to resonate with modern discussions on mental health and the cost of war.

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    1 hr and 52 mins
  • Episode 10: A Love Letter, Lost Limb, and Looted Grave, The Death and Desecration of Sullivan Ballou

    Episode 10: A Love Letter, Lost Limb, and Looted Grave, The Death and Desecration of Sullivan Ballou
    Feb 8 2024
    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 Volunteer Infantry allegedly wrote to his wife Sarah before the first Battle of Bull Run. We are joined by our first special guest, historian and Sullivan Ballou expert Rob Grandchamp. Rob Grandchamp brings a critical eye to the widely accepted narrative of Ballou's life, death, and the romantic legacy of his last letter. We explore Ballou's background, commitment to the Union cause, and untimely demise in 1861, setting the stage for a deeper investigation into the authenticity and origins of the letter that has captured the hearts of many Americans due to the use it by Ken and Ric Burns in the seminal and beloved 1990 PBS series, The Civil War. Grandchamp presents compelling arguments and evidence that challenge the conventional wisdom surrounding the letter's authenticity, suggesting that the document may not be what it seems. The discussion also touches on the brutal aftermath of Ballou's death, including the desecration of his body and grave, highlighting the savagery of the Civil War and the personal tragedies that often go overlooked. Listeners will be invited to reconsider the story of Sullivan Ballou's love letter through a skeptical lens, questioning the narratives handed down through history. With Grandchamp's expertise and a fresh perspective on a well-trodden tale, this episode promises to spark debate, inspire further research, and engage anyone fascinated by the intersection of history, love, death, and myth. Let's make it Civil Weird!
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    1 hr and 38 mins
  • Episode 9: The Little Zouave That Could, Elmer Ellsworth’s Civil Weird Journey and Martyrdom for

    Episode 9: The Little Zouave That Could, Elmer Ellsworth’s Civil Weird Journey and Martyrdom for
    Jan 5 2024
    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 to introducing 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. A single shotgun blast in a hotel in Alexandria, Virginia rallied the North like nothing before. Join us as we explore the legacy of this eccentric military pioneer. Let's make it Civil Weird!
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    2 hrs and 30 mins