Hello

[Admiral_Porter]

I'm glad to have finally found an ACW site that is consistently busy and doesn't have the rubbish of the History Channel forums.

I prefer the western theater and things naval.

[JohnW in E.TN]

Welcome, Admiral! You'll find several of us here who prefer the western theater. My interest is somewhat unique in that one of my gr-gr-grandfathers fought in one of only two Virginia Infantry units permanently assigned to the AOT. Though my ancestors fought in both theaters, the War in the West is MUCH more interesting in my opinion.

Good to have you here!

Regards,

John W.

[Admiral_Porter]

I agree that the west is more interesting. To quote Grant: "I'm sick of hearing about Bobby Lee."

I find the battles and the individuals to be much more fascinating than their eastern peers. I believe the war was won in the west and that the east was just a stalemated bloodbath reminiscent of the western front of World War 1.

[VS on the belt plate]

There is some CW Naval History reflected at the US Naval Academy where I used to work. Including Porter Road/Farragut field/Buchanon house...Cushing is buried there.

To paraphrase Patrick Henry: " Give me the East ...or give me death...third choice:... give me the West !"

(And my people wear in the AOT)


VS..etc

[gary]

In conducting my research on the ACW, I found there is quite a bit of interesting things about the West. The Navy was a major factor in Grant's capture of Vicksburg. Even before that the Navy's capture of New Orleans spelt the doom for the Confederacy as foreign recognition was not forthcoming. The near run thing and the escape of the fleet during the Red River Campaign was another close one.

Even the land campaigns are fascinating. Grant's capture of Fort Henry & Donelsohn. His final and successful campaign to capture Vicksburg showed Grant at his best. Yep, plenty to learn and appreciate about the West. Unfortunately, there is a strong line of thought that if it didn't happen in Virginia (or involved Bobby Lee), it didn't happen.

[johan_steele]

THe War was won in the west; larger scope to the operations better troops on both sides IMHO and some outright fascinating and brilliant campaigns.

WElcome and I see you've already dove in; look forward to seeing you on the fields of battle.

[FSPowers]

Welcome. Looking forward to your posts.

[Admiral_Porter]

Unfortunately, there is a strong line of thought that if it didn't happen in Virginia (or involved Bobby Lee), it didn't happen.

That is unfortunate and that line of thought still exists among ACW buffs, IMO.

For me it gets old listening to how great the Virginia trio of Lee, Jackson, and Stuart were while other excellent Confederate commanders continue to be bashed or ignored because either they...

A- dared disagree with the Savior, ie Bobby Lee. This means Longstreet and DH Hill.

or

B- didn't serve in God's country, Virginia, and are therefore not worthy of recognition. In this group I would place Hardee, AP Stewart, and Joe Wheeler.

But the thing that drives me up a wall the most is listening to the endless talk about Gettysburg. I think it's one of the most overrated battles in history and the campaign was nothing more than a useless raid. Lee should have detached men west before launching his foray; I don't see what he could have possibly gained with a battlefield victory when the Confederacy was about to be cut in half.

[mobile_96]

{line of thought still exists among ACW buffs, IMO.}
But a line that is changing. My own interests started at Mobile Bay and moved northward, and expanded to the trans-miss. Even with the number of family that fought in the east, especially in the AoNV, it is mainly only a side line of study for me. Although I am working on Gettys presently and will move to Spotsylvania and primarily the action around my families mill on the Poe River.
Anyway, the numbers of books on the west is growing. Also fast growing is books on the trans-miss via the Camp Pope Bookshop at www.camppope.com.
Even shotgun created a discussion group in Yahoo for only the western area as a way of his learning more about the war there.
Chuck in IL.

[thea_447]

Welcome aboard, Admiral Porter,
I am sure you will find many here who will gladly indulge your passion for the battles in the west.

We look forward to hearing your opinions.