In this episode, we sit down with award-winning historian and author Chris J. Hartley to discuss his new book on D.H. Hill. We explore Hill's military career, his complicated relationships with fellow Confederate leaders, what made him such a fascinating figure, and why his story still matters today.

Chris J. Hartley is the author of several acclaimed books, including The Lost Soldier: The Ordeal of a World War II GI From the Home Front to the Huertgen Forest, Stoneman's Raid, 1865, and Stuart's Tarheels: James B. Gordon and His North Carolina Cavalry. His work has received numerous honors, including the Willie Parker Peace Prize from the North Carolina Society of Historians and the Preservation Education and Publication Award from The Historic Salisbury Foundation. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Hartley is also a frequent speaker and battlefield guide.

If you enjoy in-depth Civil War conversations with leading historians and authors, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with fellow history enthusiasts.

Welcome to another episode of the Distant Drums Podcast, where we journey through the intricate history of the American Civil War. In this post, we delve into the overlooked involvement of the U.S. Marines during the First Battle of Manassas, a pivotal moment in the Civil War. As the first major battle of the conflict, it set the stage for the struggles and sacrifices that would follow. Today, we are joined by Harry Smelzer, an expert in Civil War history and the host of Bull Runnings, a dedicated platform for primary resources related to the first battle of Bull Run.

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, landscape, and detail is historically accurate.During our conversation, we discuss:-Mark's artistic process from research to finished painting-The incredible stories behind several of his favorite Civil War works-His favorite Civil War unit-Gettysburg and why the battle continues to inspire artists and historians-The importance of historical accuracy in military artworkWhether you're a Civil War enthusiast, an artist, or simply appreciate the stories behind great historical paintings, you'll enjoy this fascinating conversation.

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, and ultimate sacrifice of Captain Acheson, whose story exemplifies the human cost of war.

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 Barnard has authored numerous publications on the Civil War and Plains Indian Wars, with a particular focus on George Armstrong Custer and the Seventh U.S. Cavalry. He has served as editor of Greasy Grass, the annual publication of the Custer Battlefield Historical & Museum Association, and has contributed to projects at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument.

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 detectors, forensic analysis, and meticulous fieldwork, Scott and his team uncovered thousands of artifacts that dramatically changed our understanding of Custer's Last Stand and the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

We discuss what was discovered on the battlefield, how archaeological evidence challenged decades of accepted interpretations, and how the findings revealed a far more complex picture of the battle than historians previously understood. Dr. Scott also shares insights from his decades of work at Little Bighorn and other historic battlefields across the United States.

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 enduring questions.

Siobhan also shares insights from her ongoing research into the Little Bighorn and we discuss how memory, reputation, and historical interpretation have influenced the legacy of Reno, Custer, and the men of the 7th Cavalry.

She also hosts the history-focused YouTube channel @SiobhanFallon7, which explores the 7th Cavalry and military families on the American frontier.

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 history.

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 changing narratives surrounding the battle, from Custer's Last Stand to modern efforts to incorporate Native perspectives and a more complete understanding of the conflict.

We also dive into Steve's unique approach to historical interpretation, discussing how storytelling, emotion, and human connection can transform a battlefield visit from a history lesson into a powerful and unforgettable experience. Through firsthand accounts, compelling narratives, and a deep passion for the subject, Adelson shares how he strives to connect visitors with the people who fought, suffered, and died on the windswept ridges above the Little Bighorn River.

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 timelines, and accounts from both sides of the conflict, Rini offers new perspectives on one of the most studied and debated battles in American history.