New book: Arming the Confederacy

[FarawayFriend]

I'm elated, this one time I can combine my work in a geoscientific library with my interest in the Civil War!
I will buy this new book for our library:

This is a fresh look at the American Civil War from the standpoint of the natural resources necessary to keep the armies in the field. This story of the links between minerals, topography, and the war in western Virginia now comes to light in a way that enhances our understanding of America's greatest trial. Five mineral products – niter, lead, salt, iron, and coal – were absolutely essential to wage war in the 1860s. For the armies of the South, those resources were concentrated in the remote Appalachian highlands of southwestern Virginia. From the beginning of the war, the Union knew that the key to victory was the destruction or occupation of the mines, furnaces, and forges located there, as well as the railroad that moved the resources to where they were desperately needed. To achieve this, Federal forces repeatedly advanced into the treacherous mountainous terrain to fight some of the most savage battles of the War.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/331914507X/?tag=civilwartalkc-20

 

[chellers]

This sounds good, FF. Thanks for posting.

 

[War Horse]

Western Virginia at first site seems to have played a small part in the CW. Once you have studied you find out so many interesting things about Western Virginia. That is where Lee first commanded and received his nickname Granny Lee, the state of West Virginia was established at the beginning of the CW and seldom talked about battles occurred there. This book will surely reveal more. Thank you FF.