The Distant Drums Podcast

In this opening episode of The Distant Drums Podcast, we begin our 12-part journey into the Battle of the Little Bighorn. From military strategy and Native perspectives to the legends surrounding George Armstrong Custer, this series brings together historians, authors, and storytellers to explore one of America’s most debated battles. Join us as we set the stage for the people, decisions, and events that shaped the fight along the Little Bighorn River.

On this episode of Distant Drums, we’re joined by historian William C. Davis. He shares how he first became interested in the American Civil War and reflects on his experience working on the TV series Civil War Journal.

We then dive into the origins of the Confederate States of America, exploring how its government was formed in the early days of secession. The conversation covers the election of Jefferson Davis as president and the strategic decision to move the Confederate capital from Montgomery, Alabama to Richmond, Virginia.

In this episode of Distant Drums, we welcome back historian and author Chris Mackowski of Emerging Civil War to explore one of the most dramatic chapters of the American Civil War.

We trace the lead-up to the Battle of Chancellorsville and examine the critical role played by Confederate General Stonewall Jackson. From his bold and risky flank march that stunned Union forces to the tragic friendly-fire incident that led to his mortal wounding. We close with a discussion of Jackson’s final days and the lasting impact of his death on the Confederacy.

Join us for a deep dive into leadership, battlefield decision-making, and one of the Civil War’s most legendary figures.

In this episode of The Distant Drums, we’re joined by historian and creator Dr. Lucas Wilder, the mind behind the popular YouTube channel History Gone Wilder. Known for his detailed animated maps and engaging storytelling, Dr. Wilder brings a fresh perspective to the study of the American Civil War.

We explore his background and what led him to combine historical research with visual animation, discussing how creating maps has deepened his own understanding of complex campaigns and troop movements. A major focus of our conversation is the often overlooked role of weather during the Civil War.

Dr. Wilder also shares insights into his portrayal of J.E.B. Stuart, one of the war’s most colorful and controversial cavalry leaders.

Whether you’re a Civil War enthusiast or just curious about innovative ways to bring history to life, this episode offers a fascinating look at how modern tools can reshape our understanding of the past.

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 this history to life through Lincoln Assassination Tours.

Visit https://lincolnassassinationtours.com/ to book a tour for yourself!

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 promising commander?

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 who made history there. We take a closer look at the famed Iron Brigade—their origins, battlefield performance, and the reputation that made them one of the most respected fighting units of the war.

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 Cincinnati manufacturer Miles Greenwood, we discuss the challenges state and federal authorities faced as they rushed to place firearms in the hands of eager volunteers. Phil also explains how these early-war decisions shaped the experience of Ohio soldiers in the field.

With more than four decades of hands-on research, Phil brings a rare perspective to the subject—having live-fired nearly every type of American Civil War firearm as a longtime member of the North-South Skirmish Association. His work focuses on the arms and accoutrements of Federal infantry soldiers, especially those from his home state of Ohio, as well as weapons from the U.S. Arsenal at Harpers Ferry and the famous Iron Brigade of the Army of the Potomac.

Phil is senior editor of Military Images magazine, arms columnist for The Civil War Monitor, and a historical consultant for Gettysburg History and Civil War News.

If you’re interested in the logistical challenges of the Union war effort and the weapons that armed its earliest volunteers, this episode offers a fascinating look at the race to prepare Ohio soldiers for war in 1861.

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 books on Manassas and explore why those battles remain so pivotal to understanding the American Civil War. John shares insights into the research process, the challenge of balancing storytelling with historical accuracy, and what continues to fascinate him about the soldiers and civilians connected to these landscapes.

Beyond the books, we talk about what it was like to serve as a park ranger, how the role of public historians has evolved, and how the National Park Service itself has changed over the decades — from interpretive approaches to visitor engagement and preservation priorities.

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 line: the 64th Georgia Infantry and the 8th United States Colored Troops. Through their stories, we uncover how the battle unfolded and what it meant for the men who fought there.