Boom Goes the History

55: Trace Adkins Stands Where His Civil War Ancestor Fought at Franklin Feb 25, 2025

While filming our Franklin 160 videos we had the pleasure of coming across country music star and proud preservationist Trace Adkins receiving a tour of where his ancestor fought with the 15th Mississippi at the Battle of Franklin.

We continue this episode with a tour of the Carnton House with our friends from The Battle of Franklin Trust and our special guest Trace Adkins. Built in 1826, Carnton was one of the premier farms in Tennessee, and on November 30, 1864, it witnessed one of the most dramatic events of the Civil War.Garry Adelman, Chris Mackowski, Joseph Ricci, Eric Jacobson and Bailey Lawrence are on the call.

54: Bullet Holes at Franklin's Carter House Feb 18, 2025

In this video, Eric Jacobson and Joseph Ricci of the Battle of Franklin Trust tour the battlefield, including the famous Carter House with its preserved bullet hole wall. On this hallowed ground, 28,000 Union soldiers under General John Schofield dug in and held on against Confederate General John Bell Hood and his 27,000 boys in gray.

The American Battlefield Trust and our members have saved more than 181 acres at the Franklin Battlefield.

53: Spring Hill, The Prelude to Franklin Feb 11, 2025

In November 1864, Confederate General John Bell Hood is looking for a counter to losing Atlanta to Union forces. He sets his eyes upon Central Tennessee to try and bring some strategic ground back to the South. Dr. Chris Mackowski is joined by special guest Eric Jacobson, CEO of the Battle of Franklin Trust, to detail the Battle of Spring Hill.

52: McFaddens Ford & Conclusion of Stones River Feb 04, 2025

Chief Ranger Jim Lewis, Dr. Chris Mackowski and Garry Adelman wrap up our coverage of the Battle of Stones River (Murfreesboro). Stones River had the highest percentage of casualties in the Civil War.

51: Hell's Half Acre at Stones River Jan 28, 2025

From 10 a.m. in the morning until sunset, General William B. Hazen and his men held the Union line at Stones River against four separate Confederate attacks. Chief Ranger Jim Lewis, Dr. Chris Mackowski and Garry Adelman tell us more.

50: Confederate Assaults at Stones River Jan 21, 2025

After much sacrifice in the Slaughter Pen, the Union receives reinforcements just in time for another Confederate assault. Chief Ranger Jim Lewis continues to detail the Battle of Stones River with Garry Adelman.

49: Slaughter Pen at Stones River Jan 14, 2025

Dr. Chris Mackowski and Chief Ranger Jim Lewis detail the intense fighting in the Slaughter Pen at Stones River occurring on December 31, 1862. This is truly one of the most unique features of any Civil War battlefield, so be sure to check out the Stones River National Battlefield whenever you find yourself in the area.

48: Opening The Battle of Stones River (Murfreesboro) Jan 07, 2025

In the three days ending 1862 and beginning 1863, Union and Confederate forces clashed in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, resulting in the highest percentage of casualties for both sides of any major battle of the American Civil War. Garry Adelman, Kristopher White and Dr. Chris Mackowski are joined by special guest Jim Lewis, Chief Ranger of Stones River National Battlefield.

47: The Last Civil War Battle of 1862 -- Parkers Cross Roads Dec 31, 2024

We are joined by special guest, former Deputy Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representative Steve McDaniel to detail this lesser known 370-acre battlefield park. Garry Adelman, Kristopher White and Dr. Chris Mackowski also appear.

46: Interview with Susan Eisenhower Dec 24, 2024

At the 2024 American Battlefield Trust Virtual Teachers Institute, Chris Mackowski sat down with Susan Eisenhower to discuss her grandfather's, President Dwight D. Eisenhower's, immense and lasting legacy.

45: Fallen Timbers: The Brief but Furious Close to Shiloh Dec 17, 2024

After pushing the Confederate Army off the field at Shiloh, Ulysses S. Grant ordered Brig. Gen. William T. Sherman to move southwest towards Corinth to learn more about the condition of the Rebel Army. He quickly runs into Nathan Bedford Forrest, whose men are protecting a Confederate field hospital. The "official" end of the Battle of Shiloh ensued. In 2012, the members of the American Battlefield Trust preserved 250 acres of the Fallen Timbers battlefield.

44: Along the Tennessee River Dec 10, 2024

Located on the banks of the Tennessee River, Dill Branch served as crucial terrain for Ulysses S. Grant at the end of the first day's fighting at Shiloh. The Union's position on the high ground allowed them to hold off Confederate attacks and regroup for the morning. General Parker Hills of Battle Focus Tours details the landscape.

43: Shiloh's Iconic Locations Dec 03, 2024

Over the course of the almost 160 years since the Battle of Shiloh, specific locations on the battlefield have become more popular than others. Dr. Timothy B. Smith (Tim Smith of the West) and General Parker Hills dissect what made these spots famous and whether or not they are worthy of the attention that they receive from visitors. Smith is a professor at UT Martin and Hills comes to us from Battle Focus Tours.

42: The Death of Albert Sidney Johnston at Shiloh Nov 26, 2024

While leading his troops on April 6, 1862, Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston was shot in the leg, and due to nerve damage from the wound he did not know the severity of his injury until it was too late. Johnston remains the highest ranking American officer to be killed in combat. General Parker Hills, Dr. Timothy B. Smith, Dr. Chris Mackowski and Garry Adelman detail the events surrounding Johnston's death, and talk about the history of the tour stop on the Shiloh battlefield.

41: Johnston's Early Success at Shiloh Nov 19, 2024

Learn about Albert Sidney Johnston's style of leadership on the field from General Parker Hills of Battle Focus and Dr. Chris Mackowski of Emerging Civil War.

40: Battling the Terrain at Shiloh Nov 12, 2024

Very early on in the battle, both sides realized that the terrain at Shiloh was going to make for a difficult conflict. General Parker Hills details the intriguing action between Confederate forces under Brigadier General Adley H. Gladden and Union forces under Col. David Stuart.

39: A Visit to Shiloh Church Nov 05, 2024

Garry Adelman and General Parker Hills detail one of the most iconic locations of not only the Shiloh battlefield but of the entire Civil War.

38: Myth, Memory and Trivia at Shiloh Oct 29, 2024

Join us for a hodgepodge of topics regarding the Shiloh National Military Park and the soldiers who fought there (including General Parker Hills naming the worst man to ever dawn a military uniform). Garry Adelman is the Chief Historian of the American Battlefield Trust, General Parker Hills comes to us from Battle Focus and Dr. Chris Mackowski is the Editor-in-Chief of Emerging Civil War.

37: Confederate Surprise at Shiloh Oct 22, 2024

General William T. Sherman did not know a Confederate attack was coming until deer and rabbits began scurrying out of the woods. Learn more about the coming attack from General Parker Hills of Battle Focus Tours and Dr. Chris Mackowski of Emerging Civil War.

36: Johnston's Last Bivouac Oct 15, 2024

Now we take a look at what led the Confederate Army to Shiloh from the "off the beaten path" location of Johnston's Last Bivouac just outside of Shiloh National Military Park. Garry Adelman is the Chief Historian at the American Battlefield Trust, General Parker Hills is representing Battle Focus Tours and Dr. Chris Mackowski comes to us from Emerging Civil War.

35: Grant Arrives at Shiloh Oct 08, 2024

Join us from atop Pittsburg Landing in the Shiloh National Cemetery for a summary of how the Union and Confederate Armies end up at Shiloh. Garry Adelman is the Chief Historian of the American Battlefield Trust, and General Parker Hills is representing Battle Focus Tours.

34: The "Unconditional Surrender Grant" Legend is Born Oct 01, 2024

With a growing Federal Army engulfing the Fort Donelson garrison on the Cumberland River, Confederate Generals Gideon Pillow and John Floyd flee to safety, while the majority of their men surrender to Gen. Ulysses S. Grant. Grant meets with his old friend Simon Bolivar Buckner, now in charge of the Confederate garrison, at the Dover Hotel. Grant gives him his terms...unconditional surrender. It was the first of three Confederate armies that Grant bagged during the Civil War. Head to the Dover Hotel with Garry Adelman, Greg Biggs, Chris Mackowski, and Kris White as they tell one of the great tales of the American Civil War.

33: Grant Strikes a Blow at Fort Donelson Sep 24, 2024

As the Confederate forces attempted to breakout from Fort Donelson at Dudley Hill, Ulysses S. Grant seizes the opportunity by launching an assault on the Confederate right. Headed by Gen. Charles F. Smith, the Confederate line is breached in heavy fighting, while the two principal Confederate commanders, Gens. John Floyd and Gideon Pillow prepared to flee to safety. Garry Adelman, Greg Biggs, and Chris Mackowski visit the outer fortifications at Fort Donelson.

32: The Attempted Confederate Breakout at Fort Donelson Sep 17, 2024

With their backs against the wall, and a growing Union force looming, Confederate Generals Gideon Pillow, John Floyd, and Simon B. Buckner attempt to breakout from Fort Donelson in February of 1862. Join Garry Adelman, Greg Biggs, Chris Mackowski, and Kris White as they visit Dudley Hill, land preserved by the members of the American Battlefield Trust and key to the story of the battle of Fort Donelson.

31: The Battle of Fort Donelson: Gunboats, Artillery and Fortifications Sep 10, 2024

It's one of the most picturesque settings on any Civil War battlefield, Fort Donelson on the Cumberland River. In February of 1862, the Federal Army and Navy combined their efforts to open the Tennessee and Cumberland Rivers. In the actions that followed, Middle Tennessee was opened to Federal incursions and the career of Ulysses S. Grant was placed on the fast track. Join Garry Adelman and Greg Biggs for all of the action that followed in the struggle to bring the bastion of Fort Donelson to its knees.

30: The Campaign that made Ulysses S. Grant's Career Sep 03, 2024

With this episode, we are launching our Western Theater of the Civil War swing where Ulysses S. Grant's career was launched: Fort Henry on the Tennessee River. Join Garry Adelman, Greg Biggs, and Chris Mackowski as they take you to the banks of the Tennessee River, near Dover, Tennessee, where Fort Henry once protected the ingress to the heart of the Confederacy.

29: Inside the Copse of Trees Aug 27, 2024

Pickett's Charge, the High Water Mark of the Confederacy, was the climatic phase of the Battle of Gettysburg. On July 3, 1863, more than 12,000 Confederate soldiers assaulted the Federal position along Cemetery Ridge. In less than an hour, the Rebels were dealt a stunning defeat. Explore The Angle, the High Water Mark, and the Copse of Trees with Wayne Motts of the Gettysburg Foundation, Chris Gwinn of Gettysburg National Military Park, and Garry Adelman and Kris White of the American Battlefield Trust. Hear the stories of Medal of Honor recipients. Walk the ground once tread by Union and Confederate veterans, Dwight Eisenhower, and the United States Marine Corps.

28: Walking Pickett’s Charge & Artifacts on Cemetery Ridge Aug 20, 2024

Pickett's Charge, the High Water Mark of the Confederacy, was the climatic phase of the Battle of Gettysburg. On July 3, 1863, more than 12,000 Confederate soldiers assaulted the Federal position along Cemetery Ridge. In less than an hour, the Rebels were dealt a stunning defeat. Join us as we retrace the steps of Pickett’s Charge on our annual live stream, with some special artifacts waiting for us on Cemetery Ridge.

27: A General, a Hill and a Medal of Honor | Stevens' Knoll Aug 13, 2024

Join us from Gettysburg with Dr. Carol Reardon for forgotten stories at Steven's Knoll, a less visited part of the battlefield.

26: Eyewitness to Culp's Hill Aug 06, 2024

Culp's Hill marked the right flank of the Union Army at the Battle of Gettysburg. The imposing tree and rock covered height played host to some of the most intense fighting. on July 2, 1863, Confederate forces under Richard Ewell and Edward "Alleghany" Johnson, attacked the all New York brigade of George Sears Greene. Timely Federal reinforcements from the 11th Corps, 1st Corps, and the Iron Brigade helped to save the day. On July 3, 1863, Culp's Hill was the scene of the longest sustained fighting at Gettysburg. Join Garry Adelman, Kris White, and Sarah Kay Bierle of the American Battlefield Trust as they tell the stories of Mathew Brady, William Lilly, Augustus Coble, Dwight Eisenhower, and many others. From Spangler's Spring to the summit of Culp's Hill, we will cover the right end of the Union line at Gettysburg.

25: Eyewitness to The Wheatfield Jul 30, 2024

The Wheatfield at Gettysburg was a hellish landscape. Union and Confederate soldiers from Pennsylvania, Maine, New York, Georgia, South Carolina, and other states struggled in a chaotic seesaw action for hours. The once nondescript wheatfield of George Rose laid trampled and bloody. Join Garry Adelman, Kris White, and Sarah Kay Bierle from the American Battlefield Trust as they bring you eyewitness accounts from the battlefield. They're joined by a special, an unexpected guest, actor and preservationist, Steve Zahn!

24: Eyewitness to Devil's Den Jul 23, 2024

Garry Adelman and Kris White are back for their annual tour of Devil's Den at Gettysburg.

23: A Rare Artifact Makes its Return to Little Round Top Jul 16, 2024

You won’t believe what we have for you in this episode! In conjunction with the National Park Service and the West Point Museum, we are high atop Little Round Top with some amazing people and artifacts, featuring Gouverneur K. Warren's field glasses. We also give a behind-the-scenes look and update on the Little Round Top restoration progress.

22: "Savage Fighting" in Reynolds Woods Jul 09, 2024

The death of John Reynolds was a key moment on the first day of the Battle of Gettysburg. Join Pete Miele, Dr. Carol Reardon, Sarah Kay Bierle, and Garry Adelman as they discuss the event.

21: Eyewitness to The First Shot at Gettysburg Jul 02, 2024

We continue our 160th anniversary theme of eyewitness accounts by talking about the citizens of Gettysburg that witnessed the first shot of the battle on the Chambersburg Pike.

20: The Town of Gettysburg During the Battle Jun 25, 2024

We’re discussing the town of Gettysburg during the battle with Adams County Historical Society Historian and Licensed Battlefield Guide Tim Smith.

19: The Burning of the Wrightsville Bridge Jun 18, 2024

On June 28, 1863, Pennsylvania Militia burned the Wrightsville Bridge to stop the Army of Northern Virginia from being able to reach the state capital of Harrisburg. Just a few days later, Robert E. Lee would call all of his forces back to Gettysburg for the most famous battle of the Civil War.

18: Carlisle and the Northernmost Engagements of the Civil War Jun 11, 2024

As the Army of Northern Virginia moved into Pennsylvania during 1863's Gettysburg Campaign, Confederate forces under Richard Ewell made it as far north as Carlisle, a small town which had already made a name for itself in American history. Garry Adelman and Kris White are joined by special guests Courtney Cauthon and Chris Jones of Barefoot Historian & Co. for a look into the Shelling of Carlisle.

17: The Gettysburg Campaign Begins at...Chancellorsville? Jun 04, 2024

Our coverage of the 160th Anniversary of Gettysburg begins with Kris White and Dr. Chris Mackowski discussing how the events at Chancellorsville lead directly into Robert E. Lee's Gettysburg Campaign.

Episode 16: The Death of Stonewall Jackson May 28, 2024

On May 10, 1863, Stonewall Jackson died after being wounded in the Battle of Chancellorsville. Join Chris Mackowski and Sarah Kay Bierle from the Stonewall Jackson Death Site for this last episode of our commemoration of the 160th Anniversary of Chancellorsville.

Episode 15: Battle of Salem Church May 21, 2024

We trace the final action at the Battle of Chancellorsville on May 3, 1863, the Battle of Salem Church, which stemmed the Union tide rolling west along the Orange Turnpike.

Episode 14: Marye’s Heights at Second Fredericksburg May 14, 2024

We are LIVE following in the footsteps of the Army of the Potomac as they assault Marye’s Heights at Second Fredericksburg. Barksdale’s Mississippi brigade and the Washington Artillery tangles with the 6th Corps in the famed Sunken Road. The area came to be known as one of several "Gibraltars of the South."

Episode 13: Chancellorsville’s Forgotten Front at Fredericksburg May 07, 2024

Kris White and Chris Mackowski are on the ground at Chatham Manor in Fredericksburg discussing Chancellorsville’s forgotten front.

Episode 12: Chancellorsville Ends at The Crossroads Apr 30, 2024

We wrap up our commemorative coverage of the Battle of Chancellorsville at the famous crossroads of the Plank Road and Elys Ford Road. Our full team of Chris Mackowski, Kris White, Steward Henderson, Greg Mertz, Dan Davis, Don Pfanz, Sarah Kay Bierle, Tim Talbott and Andy Poulton behind the camera are on the call. Thank you for joining us throughout our series and be on the lookout for future 160th anniversary coverage in 2023!

Episode 11: Fighting Amongst Flames at the Orange Turnpike at Chancellorsville Apr 23, 2024

The Battle of Chancellorsville raged for more than five hours near the crossroads "town." Fighting in the woods north of the Orange Turnpike was confusing and vicious throughout May 3, 1863. Fires engulfed part of the woods while Robert E. Lee's and Joseph Hooker's armies clashed for control of the Chancellorsville Crossroads. Jeb Stuart pushed the Army of the Potomac from the west, while Robert E. Lee attacked from the east. Join Chris Mackwoski, Sarah Kay Bierle, Steward Henderson, Greg Mertz, and Kris White as they examine this heartbreaking clash of arms at Chancellorsville.

Episode 10: The Fight for Fairview at Chancellorsville Apr 16, 2024

Infantry vs infantry. Artillery vs artillery in the struggle for one of the few open spaces near Chancellorsville-Fairview. Sunday, May 3, 1863, was one of the costliest days in American history, with more than 22,000 casualties produced in fighting the Chancellorsville Campaign. One man fell every second over five hours. Join Chris Mackowski, Dan Davis, Sarah Kay Bierle, Don Pfanz, Greg Mertz, Tim Talbott, and Kris White as they unpack the heartbreaking story of Chancellorsville and the struggle of the Army of the Potomac against the Army of Northern Virginia.

Episode 9: Hazel Grove, the Key to the Chancellorsville Battlefield Apr 09, 2024

Artillery, infantry, and a world-famous novel collide at Hazel Grove. Following the wounding of Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee sought to keep the momentum of the campaign on his side and to reunite the Army of Northern Virginia. At dawn on May 3, 1863, famed cavalryman Jeb Stuart, now at the head of Jackson's infantry, opened a brutal day of fighting that produced more than 22,000 casualties. The opening action at Hazel Grove secured the Confederate momentum and an excellent artillery position. Join Chris Mackowski, Don Pfanz, Greg Mertz, Dan Davis, Steward Henderson, Sarah Kay Bierle, and Kris White for a walk through the bloodiest day at Chancellorsville.

Episode 8: Chancellorsville's Forgotten Front in Fredericksburg Apr 02, 2024

Live from Chatham Manor in Fredericksburg discussing Chancellorsville’s forgotten front with Kris White and Chris Mackowski.

Episode 7: Stonewall Jackson's Flank Attack at Chancellorsville, Part 2 Mar 26, 2024

Part two of our exploration of Stonewall Jackson's famed flank attack at the Battle of Chancellorsville on May 2, 1863. After a 12-mile march around the front of the Union Army, Jackson stacked nearly 31,000 men on the Federal right flank and rolled up Oliver Otis Howard's 11th Army Corps. High drama played out in the fields and forests of the "Wilderness" near Chancellorsville. Visit the land recently preserved by the American Battlefield Trust and the Central Virginia Battlefields Trust. Join Chris Mackwoski, Steward Henderson, Tom Van Winkle, and Kris White for an examination of this famed assault.

Episode 6: Stonewall Jackson's Flank Attack at Chancellorsville, Part 1 Mar 19, 2024

Part one of our exploration of Stonewall Jackson's famed flank attack at the Battle of Chancellorsville on May 2, 1863. After a 12-mile march around the front of the Union Army, Jackson stacked nearly 31,000 men on the Federal right flank and rolled up Oliver Otis Howard's 11th Army Corps. High drama played out in the fields and forests of the "Wilderness" near Chancellorsville. Join Chris Mackwoski, Steward Henderson, Dan Davis, and Kris White for an examination of this famed assault.

Episode 5: Stonewall Jackson's Flank March Driving Tour Mar 12, 2024

It was one of the iconic movements of the American Civil War, Stonewall Jackson's flank march at Chancellorsville. Traversing country roads, streams, and 12 miles of the backwoods, Jackson's men arrived in the Union right flank on the afternoon of May 2, 1863. What followed dislodged the Union right flank and led to the wounding of Stonewall Jackson. Jump in the car with Kris White, Chris Mackowski, Dan Davis, Tim Talbott, and more as we retrace the steps of this phase of Chancellorsville.

Episode 4: Lee and Jackson's Last Meeting Mar 05, 2024

The crossroads of the Furnace and Orange Plank Roads served as the setting for the last meeting between Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson. It was here that they planned Jackson's famed flank march. Jump in the car with Kris White, Dan Davis, and Chris Mackwoski, and then stand on the ground of this famous meeting.

View the American Battlefield Trust’s map of the Battle of the Wilderness - Orange Plank Road Fight on May 6, 1864, from 2pm to 6pm.

Episode 3: The First Day at Chancellorsville Feb 27, 2024

The Battle of Chancellorsville opened on May 1, 1863, along the Orange Turnpike. Confederates under Stonewall Jackson clashed with Federals commanded by George Sykes and George G. Meade. This seesaw battle took place over rolling hills and fields preserved by the members of the American Battlefield Trust. Join us as Robert E. Lee and Jackson seize the momentum for the United States Army.

Episode 2: The Chancellorsville Crossroads - April 30, 1863 Feb 20, 2024

The Chancellorsville crossroads was the most critical in the Civil War's Eastern Theater from April 30-May 3, 1863. Filled with officers and me, civilians and camp followers, the crossroads and the Chancellor House served as the nerve center for the Union Army of the Potomac. Join Kris White, Chris Mackowski, Sarah Kay Bierle, Greg Mertz, Don Pfanz, and others as we explore the history of one of the Civil War's pivotal battles.

Episode 1: The Chancellorsville Campaign Opens at Germanna Ford Feb 13, 2024

The Chancellorsville Campaign opened on April 27, 1863, and led to Robert E. Lee's greatest battlefield victory, while producing some 30,000 casualties. Join Chris Mackowski, Greg Mertz, Dan Davis, and Kris White for an exploration of the campaign's opening moves. This podcast is part of our coverage commemorating the 160th Anniversary of the Battle of Chancellorsville. The American Battlefield Trust preserves America’s hallowed battlegrounds and educates the public about what happened there and why it matters. We permanently protect these battlefields for future generations as a lasting and tangible memorial to the brave soldiers who fought in the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil War.

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