Don’t miss the Pellicer Creek Raid Reenactment at the Florida Agricultural Museum in Palm Coast, happening April 10-12 from 10am-4pm.
Come witness history come to life in Palm Coast this April.
Step back in time for the Pellicer Creek Raid Reenactment, a three-day living history event bringing Civil War–era history to life through immersive demonstrations, encampments, and battle reenactments.
Join us April 10–12 from 10 AM to 4 PM at the Florida Agricultural Legacy Learning Center to experience a weekend filled with history, storytelling, and hands-on learning.
Throughout the event, visitors can explore Union and Confederate encampments, witness live musket and cannon demonstrations, and learn about the daily lives of soldiers and civilians during one of the most pivotal times in American history.
Event Highlights
• Living history demonstrations throughout the day • Union and Confederate encampments • Civilian camp featuring domestic crafts and daily life • Live musket and cannon firing demonstrations • Battle reenactments at 2 PM on Saturday and Sunday
Friday, April 10 Friday includes school field trips during the day. Tthe public is welcome to attend and explore the encampments and demonstrations.
In the evening, experience the Lantern Tour. This is a guided journey at dusk where visitors encounter stories of soldiers by lantern light. (Meet at the Post Office.)
Saturday Evening A traditional Period Ball will also take place as part of the weekend’s festivities.
Admission
$7 Day Pass $15 Event Pass (all three days) $5 Lantern Tour
Location Florida Agricultural Legacy Learning Center 7900 Old Kings Road N. Palm Coast, FL 32137
For directions, use the Google Map above. To learn more about the Florida Agricultural Legacy Learning Center, CLICK HERE.
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Thanks for taking time to read my book review of In Freedom’s Shadow written by Robert Hilliard.
In Freedom’s Shadow
Hilliard, Robert. In Freedom’s Shadow. Available through the Kindle Store. $4.99.
From the opening pages, author Rob Hilliard draws you into the world of John Scobell and the horrible realities of slave life, and the lives of Freedmen, during the start of the American Civil War. Part true story, part fiction, Hilliard weaves a story bringing us to a 19th century reality that in many ways our country has still not faced up to.
We follow Scobell from his harrowing trail north, escaping the bonds of slavery, through his forced recruitment into Allen Pinkerton’s spying efforts behind Confederate lines. Scobell is paired with a White woman to gather information on troop locations and counts, and whatever other information can be attained in Confederate Richmond. In Richmond we cross paths with many characters who may or may not be loyal to Union or Confederate causes. We find many are loyal to themselves. Scobell’s ultimate goal becomes acquiring a Confederate cypher disk, which will allow Pinkerton, and the Union military, the ability to translate coded Confederate messages. Without this disk, Scobell may not be able to remain free. The question of freedom, and what it means, is one that is examined throughout the story.
Along the way there is plenty of action, a love story, and multiple plot twists that will keep you guessing as to who can be trusted and what is going to
happen next. Some of the action can become violent as would have happened in real life. Slaves were property. In most instances they were barely considered people. The story of the Loyal League is fascinating. Family plays an important part to the story as we learn more of Scobell’s backstory and the story itself plays out.
Whether Scobell and his partner are successful in their mission is in doubt until the end of the story with plenty of action, suspense, and surprises awaiting both the participants and readers.
For those with further interest in the story of John Scobell, Mr. Hilliard includes an informative chapter at the conclusion of his story, detailing what is considered fact and how he used that information to create this fast paced, thriller of a story. Hilliard does not hide behind “what ifs” and “could have been.” He tells you where he filled in.
Well researched and well written, In Freedom’s Shadow is an enjoyable read and recommended for mature teens and adults. While accessible for younger readers, some parents could take issue with the true to life violence portrayed. This violence is not gratuitous, and if it was not included the book would not ring true. No knowledge of the Civil War is required to enjoy this story.
In Freedom’s Shadow is author Rob Hilliard’s first novel and has received several awards including the 2024 International Firebird Book Award. Be sure to keep up with all of Rob’s work through his website and by subscribing to his newsletter.
For those interested in more information, Pinkerton has a page about Scobell on their website. CLICK HEREto access it.
Mr. Hilliard kindly provided a digital copy of In Freedom’s Shadow for my consideration. A review, or positive review, were not promised for this. This review is based upon my reading of the book only.
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This book is scheduled for release on July 15, 2025.
Thank you to Arcadia Publishing for supplying a complimentary review copy. A regular review will be forthcoming.
About the Book
While Antietam remains one the most famous engagements of the Civil War, history largely overlooks the lower end of the battlefield.
Only here did the Confederates use Antietam Creek as a barrier, so it was the only place where Union troops had to force their way across. Here the Union army waged its final attack, and the Confederates launched their last counterattack led by A.P. Hill’s division. It might as well have been a different battle entirely from the more famed northern field.
Using dozens of journals, diaries, newspaper accounts and reports, author Robert M. Dunkerly examines the action in detail and explores the gradual preservation of this oft-neglected portion of America’s bloodiest battle.
About the Author
Robert M. Dunkerlyis a historian who is active in historic preservation. He has authored seventeen books about the American Revolution, Civil War and other topics. Dunkerly has served as president of the Richmond Civil War Round Table, taught classes at the Virginia Museum of History and Culture and Central Virginia Community College and writes for the Emerging Civil War and Revolutionary War blogs. He has visited more than one thousand battlefields worldwide.
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As the nation’s future hung in the balance, the Weather Gods delivered a wrath of fury on Union and Confederate forces throughout the Gettysburg Campaign. First, record-breaking heat and humidity wore down the warring armies during ungodly forced marches. Next, relentless storms plagued the soldiers with resultant muddy slogs on nearly impassable roads.
As the armies met in mortal combat, soul-crushing heat turned the bucolic fields of Gettysburg into a sanguinary and barren expanse. Finally, torrential rains haunted the Confederate retreat and narrow escape across a swollen Potomac River.
Authors Jeffrey J. Harding and Jon M. Nese present firsthand accounts, harrowing narratives and groundbreaking meteorological research that reshapes how we view the Civil War’s Gettysburg Campaign.
Thank you to Arcadia Publishing for providing a complimentary review copy.
This book has received considerable early interest and has words of praise from licensed battlefield guides, academics, weather professionals, and expert National Park Service employees. I am looking forward to reading this.
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Arcadia Publishing imprint The History Press has released several Civil War titles in the “Hidden History” series including mine on the state of Florida. Others that come to mind cover Tennessee,Savannah, and Oregon. Each author has their own thought on how the book should be set up. That is a strength and weakness of this series. While the book covers are often similar, the meat of the book is decidedly different in format, style, and substance. This can lead to confusion for some readers, who might expect the books to be similar.
Mr. Thomas wastes no time in putting forth his primary beliefs when he states “Though it is most commonly called the Civil War or the War Between the States, the most appropriate moniker is the War for Southern Independence (page 9). That aside, the book cover 50 stories, covering topics the author believes are rarely mentioned elsewhere, staying away from “great battles, leaders, and other topics covered numerous times by others…” That is a noble goal and perfect for this series. In fact, I followed this route when I declined to include Olustee in my own book.
Thomas breaks his subject matter into six major themes with subchapters in each. The themes include the early days, leadership, blockade of South Carolina’s coast, naval operations, soldiers’ stories, and postwar years and remembrance. The individual chapters in each subject are usually short; two to three pages at most, allowing for the book to be easily picked up and put down.
With South Carolina being the first state to secede, I was disappointed to not find an in depth look at secession, how it came about, and the outcomes of the movement in the pre Confederacy days. Unionists are given no space in the book and the story of Robert Smalls (OK, maybe that’s not truly HIDDEN HISTORY) is not discussed. With 50 chapters being included, it seems there could be space carved out for these stories.
Arcadia is known for books which contain many b/w images to supplement the text. This title follows that template, though with maybe not as many as some Arcadia titles come with. The Library of Congress and Naval History and Heritage Command serve as primary sources for the photos in this book.
For those seeking a brief introduction to South Carolina Civil War history this might be a book you will enjoy. The chapters are brief which along with the notes and abbreviated bibliography will provide good starting points for further inquiry.
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Great Floridians 2000 General Edmund Kirby Smith and Frances Kirby Smith
The Great Floridians 2000 program recognizes individuals who distinguished themselves through their philanthropy, public service, or personal or professional service, and who have enhanced the lives of Florida’s citizens. The Great Floridians 2000 program honors General Edmund Kirby Smith and Frances Kirby Smith.
Members of the public nominated individuals by submitting a Great Floridians 2000 application to the state. The Great Floridians 2000 Committee, a group of seven distinguished historians from throughout Florida, was responsible for periodically reviewing and approving applications.
The program began in 1998 and was completed in 2000.
The distinctive blue plaques honor the men and women in the program. Plaques are attached to buildings or structures in the cities where the designee left their mark. The plaques do not contain biographical information. Many plaques have been removed and are no longer on display.
The official biographies published as part of the Great Floridians 2000 program are shown below. The information published by the state may or may not be accurate.
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General Edmund Kirby Smith
Confederate General Edmund Kirby Smith courtesy Library of Congress
General Edmund Kirby Smith, was born in 1824 in St. Augustine, graduated from West Point in 845 and served in the army during the Mexican War. He resigned from the U. S. Army to join the Confederacy. He served under generals Joseph Johnston, Gustave Beauregard and Braxton Bragg and was instrumental in Confederate success at the First Battle of Bull Run in Virginia.
In 1863, he was promoted to Lieutenant General commanding the Trans-Mississippi Department, the highest-ranking Confederate officer in the western campaign. On May 26, 1865, he surrendered his troops, the last major Confederate army to surrender. Following the war, Kirby Smith served as president of a telegraph company, then of the Western Military Academy in Nashville, and became a mathematics teacher at the University of the South in Sewanee, Tennessee. General Edmund Kirby Smith died in 893, the last surviving full general of either army.
His Great Floridian plaque is located at the Sequi-Kirby Smith House, 12 Aviles Street, St. Augustine.
St. Augustine and the Civil War
I recommend my book, St. Augustine and the Civil War if you are interested in the role of St. Augustine during the Civil War. Signed copies are available directly from my shop. You may also purchase copies through Amazon. Use THIS LINK to find other histories of St. Augustine.
Frances Kirby Smith
Frances Kirby Smith, born in 1785, was St. Augustine’s most successful Confederate spy. Though born in Connecticut, she and her husband Judge Joseph Lee Smith moved to St. Augustine about 1820. For months before and during the Union occupation of Fort Marion (Castillo de San Marcos) she orchestrated the transport of mail to Confederate troops. At the same time, she entertained Union officers and learned of planned maneuvers, passing the knowledge to the Confederate Army. In the spring of 1863, the federal government ordered the removal of Southern sympathizers from their homes. After the war Smith returned to St. Augustine and lived for another decade, a Confederate supporter until the end. Francis Kirby Smith died in 1875.
Her Great Floridian plaque is located at the Sequi-Kirby Smith House, 12 Aviles Street, St. Augustine.
The distinctive blue Great Floridians 2000 markers may be see at the Segui-Kirby Smith House, located at 12 Aviles Street, in St. Augustine.
Frances Kirby Smith is buried in the Huguenot Cemeteryin St. Augustine, FL, located adjacent to the Visitor’s Center. An online memorial can be found HERE.
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Thank you to Arcadia Publishing for providing a complimentary review copy of Hidden History of Civil War South Carolina. The book will be released in February, but is available now for pre-order. Please look for a review in the near future.
All of South Carolina’s history during the Civil War isn’t well known. Author D. Michael Thomas has uncovered fifty accounts of lost history pertaining to the state and its men during the war. These are stories of astounding chivalry and valor in the face of horrific tragedies, along with unprecedented events. A single South Carolinian captured nearly six hundred Union soldiers.
Lieutenant Alexander Chisolm had an extraordinary career. See the connection between South Carolina College and its Confederate generals. Learn little-known tales about naval operations from the Union and the Confederacy and witness the recovery of the state’s “Gettysburg Dead.” Join the author as he recounts these hidden stories and more.
I have had the pleasure of reading several books in the Civil War “Hidden History” series from Arcadia. Each is distinct and different in approach, content, and writing style.
First, is my personal book, Hidden History of Civil War Florida. You may order on Amazon,or signed copies are available in the shop on this website.
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The Images of America series from Arcadia Publishing provides readers/viewers with a formula ready way to learn a brief history of a selected topic. Some teach more history than others and some titles are more needed than others. I think the argument can be made that Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site is a photo history that is needed.
Authors Colby Lipscomb and Derrick Brown have decades of experience at the battlefield as visitors and, currently, as staff members and this experience shows in their treatment of the material. As the authors themselves note, the book is not meant to be a retelling of the Battle of Bentonville, nor is it meant to be a history of the Bentonville community. Rather, “it is the authors’ fervent desire that these images relay the story of the struggles, victories, and labor that went into the creation of Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site and making it the place it is.
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Chapters
Authors Lipscomb and Brown cover a wide swath of ground in a concise 128 pages that can easily be consumed in a single sitting. Chapter one is titled The Battlefield, as should be expected. Maps, period engravings, and photos of the primary players comprise the majority of the chapter.
The community of Bentonville and battlefield monuments and memorials are chapters two and three. These chapters contain a nice mixture of vintage and modern images. The Goldsboro Rifles monument takes center stage with several nice images throughout the years. This monument was erected by veterans of the battle years before the Historic Site was created . Begun in 1894 and unveiled in 1895, the marker is in memory of the Confederate dead.
The Harper House, built in 1855, served as the home to John and Amy Harper. During the war, Union troops occupied the home. The use it as a temporary hospital for troops from Sherman’s XIV Army Corps. This structure is the only war era building still standing at the site and as such it plays a significant role in this book. Images include former inhabitants, grounds, the home through the years, and renovation efforts. For me, however, the chapter went on too long, reaching twenty-four pages.
The chapter titled Establishing a Historic Site brings to life the 1950s and 60s efforts to create the Bentonville Battlefield State Historic Site. With images as diverse the signing of the property document, to parades, to fieldwork, and the development of the visitor’s center, this is a fascinating chapter. Several images show just how far museum exhibits have come in the last sixty years.
Programs and events are a key part of any historic site and Bentonville has been an active participant since inception. From a special Boy Scout badge to the development and expansion of annual reenactments, and the arrival of army staff rides, Bentonville is eager to share an accurate and true history of the battle and the events surrounding it. This enthusiasm leads to the final chapter, Bentonville in the 21st Century.
In 1999, the opening of a new visitor’s center allowed the battlefield to welcome more guests than they had previously encountered. The “Dean of Civil War Historians,” Ed Bearss; “the unofficial mayor of Bentonville,” Tim Westbrook; and Eric Wittenberg, among others set the stage for the modern Bentonville park . With ongoing archaeological work, reinterpretations, and archival research, Bentonville is not an overlooked, end of the war, encounter. Visitors will learn of the 80,000 soldiers who fought here on March 19-21, 1865.
This book helps provide a gateway for readers wanting to learn more about the waning days of the Confederacy. Through this easy to navigate volume, readers will find themselves developing an interest in this late war conflict. They can then move to full battle treatments. Recommended.
This book is not meant to be a retelling of the Battle of Bentonville. The authors do make two suggestions for readers interesting in learning more about this battle.
For readers seeking a modern look at the battle in a concise and accessible format, you are referred to Calamity in Carolina: The Battles of Averasboro and Bentonville, March 1865. As part of the established Emerging Civil War series, this book is short, but full of detail, and comes with a budget friendly price of around $20.
Thank you to Arcadia Publishing for providing a complimentary review copy of this book. If you click my special Arcadia link and place an order, you will receive 15% off your total order. Orders over $50 qualify for free shipping. Use code REDD24 to save 15% on your entire order direct from Arcadia.
Click THIS LINK to read additional posts about books published by Arcadia Publishing/History Press.
If you are interested in soldiers from North Carolina, you should read my post on Charles George, a member of the East Band of the Cherokee Tribe who received the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Korean War. CLICK HERE to read more.
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Navigate the often-overlooked history of the resolute defense of the Texas coast during the Civil War.
With volumes written on the Civil War, little attention has been given to the defense of the Texas coast. Most military-aged Texans had been dispatched across the Mississippi, but those left behind resolutely weathered naval bombardments and repulsed invasion attempts. It was only at the end of the conflict that Federal troops were able to make their way into South Texas, as the Confederacy prepared its last stand at Caney Creek and the Brazos River. From famous battles to obscure skirmishes, William Nelson Fox provides an account of the Lone Star State’s defensive strategies during the Civil War.
Thank you to Arcadia Publishing for providing a complimentary review copy of this book. A review will be forthcoming.
Thank you for reading my post announcing Texas Coastal Defense in the Civil War. This new book release from Arcadia Publishing will add to the growing literature on the role of Texas and naval affairs during the Civil War years. Read my reviews of other Arcadia Publishing titles using THIS LINK.
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For those interested in Galveston, TX during the Civil War, I recommend this excellent volume written by James M. Schmidt, and published by Arcadia Publishing.
Step back in time for the Pellicer Creek Raid Reenactment, a three-day living history event bringing Civil War–era history to life through immersive demonstrations, encampments, and battle reenactments.
General Edmund Kirby Smith is buried in the 
Center. An online memorial can be found 
