During the course of the Civil War, local loyalties shifted back and forth, depending on a variety of circumstances.
civil war
The Women’s War
With millions of young men lost in — or lost to — battle, and economic calamity a relentless opponent, women are forced into new roles: farmers, mill workers, entrepreneurs, even rioters. Daily realities of survival, fear, danger, and desperation are just some of a war’s challenges that transcend class and social status. (Volume 1, Part 8)
A Separate Peace
The war reaches North Carolina, but pacifists in the Old North State secretly oppose the Confederacy.
(Volume 1, Part 7)
The Dark Hole: Civil War Prison Camps
At first, soldiers from both North and South return to their regiments in prisoner-of-war exchanges. But when officials end the old system in hopes of diminishing the slaughter, captured soldiers face death in the prison camps. (Volume 1, Part 6)
Glory Bound
The captain of the Yadkin Stars is a fearless and loyal leader. But throughout his tenure and journey north as a prisoner of war, William Henry Asbury Speer remains haunted by a weary ambivalence toward the cause and this unwinnable war.
(Volume 1, Part 5)
Maritime Hero
By the time he became the first black keeper of a United States Life-Saving Service station, Richard Etheridge had overcome slavery, war, and racism.
River Runaways
For slaves, the struggle began long before the first shots of the Civil War. Now, the unrest and confusion of conflict open passage to freedom. (Volume 1, Part 4)
Moments of Despair by David Silkenat
Read an excerpt from Moments of Despair, where writer David Silkenat explores the affects of suicide, divorce, and debt in North Carolina during the Civil War.
Unflinching Leader
Poor leadership challenges the Confederacy from the outset of the war, but soon afterward, North Carolina has a bold and inspiring defender in Zebulon Baird Vance.
(Volume 1, Part 3)
