The Civil Weird Podcast

“I shut my eyes for two hours.”-John Basil Turchin (born Ivan Vasilyevich Turchaninov, 1821–1901)In this long overdue episode of The Civil Weird Podcast, we unravel the story of Gen. John Basil Turchin, a Russian-born soldier who fled the autocracy of the Tsar and found himself in Abraham Lincoln’s army. Once an officer in the Imperial Guard, Turchin carried with him the brutal lessons of European warfare, lessons that would explode into controversy in Athens, Alabama, in 1862.When his Union brigade occupied the Confederate town, chaos followed. Accused of letting his men “do as they pleased,” Turchin’s actions marked a first in the "war without gloves" in the western theater of the Civil War, when moral restraint gave way to the total destruction that would later define Sherman’s march.Beside him stood his wife, Nadine Turchin, a radical diarist, leader, and fierce believer in her husband and liberty; she chronicled the war with intelligence and passion. Together they challenged the old order: a foreign-born general and his outspoken wife, fighting not just for the Union but for a new kind of justice.Was John Turchin a war criminal, a radical abolitionist, or simply the first man to see that it would take "conquest, not conciliation" to end slavery once and for all?#civilweirdpodcast #civilwarhistory #johnbturchin #nadineturchin #unionarmy #nokings #athensalabama #publichistory #abrahamlincoln

This episode, we delve into the Civil Weird tale of QMSgt. Leroy L. Key. Born in Mississippi to a slave-owning family, he broke away before the war and settled in Illinois—a decision that would shape his future in surprising ways. During the Civil War, Key fought in two regiments, one infantry and one cavalry. He was then captured in what was called the “Frozen Fight” in Jonesville, VA. After his capture, Key became the organizer and de facto leader of a group of Union prisoners known as the “Regulators.” They took it upon themselves to put an end to the brutal reign of the “Raiders,” a gang that preyed upon the most vulnerable among their fellow inmates. Key and his fellow Regulator captains not only dismantled the Raiders’ power structure but also established a rudimentary system of prisoner-led justice—and execution. After surviving Andersonville and the war, he returned to Mississippi. He worked as a lawyer and served in the Freedmen’s Bureau, helping formerly enslaved people secure basic rights and protections during the tumultuous Reconstruction era. Tragically, Key’s life was cut short; he died at age 39 from a possible suicide in Springfield, IL, where he left behind a wife and 8 children. Let’s make it Civil Weird!

In this episode of The Civil Weird Podcast, we dive into one of the strangest and most chaotic battles of the American Civil War: the Battle of the Crater. This bizarre and deadly confrontation, set amidst the siege of Petersburg in 1864, saw Union forces attempt to break Confederate lines by detonating a massive underground explosion—only to descend into confusion and horror in the resulting crater. We’ll explore the battle’s unconventional tactics, unexpected outcomes, and eerie atmosphere that set it apart in the annals of Civil War history.We also spotlight the personal story of Lewis Martin, a brave soldier from the 29th United States Colored Troops who endured unimaginable suffering during the battle. Losing his right arm and left leg and sustaining additional gunshot wounds, Martin’s journey of survival and sacrifice is both harrowing and inspiring. Today, his legacy continues. After being laid to rest in an unmarked grave for decades, Martin is now resting in power in a government-marked grave at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield, Illinois. Join us as we uncover the weird, the wild, and the human elements of this unforgettable chapter in Civil War history. Let’s make it Civil Weird!

In this episode of The Civil Weird Podcast, we uncover the ambitions of George W. Bickley and his secretive Knights of the Golden Circle, who aimed to create a pro-slavery empire spanning the U.S., Cuba, Mexico, and beyond. Bickley’s society recruited thousands with dreams of expanding Southern influence through rebellion and conquest, but their plans ultimately unraveled. We’ll explore the KGC’s rituals, failed plots, and the lasting mystery around their goals, as well as how their vision of a “Golden Circle” faded into the shadows of Civil War history. Join us to explore the ambition, anarchy, and the Southern empire that never was. Let’s make it Civil Weird!

We went a whole lot longer into the weirdness that is George H. Thomas, than we intended to...However, we feel that a man of his stature and character needed a thorough going over! So, let’s make it Civil Weird!

In this two-part episode, we get Civil Weird with "'OL Pap" Thomas.  Why was he "Weird"? Listen and find out as we take a deep dive into the man with many nicknames. One of them is the "Sledge of Nashville"! So, let’s make it Civil Weird!

We are back from our brief hiatus! We delve into the turbulent and violent life of Turd…Champ Ferguson, a notorious Confederate guerilla fighter during the American Civil War. Ferguson’s story is one of personal vendetta and relentless brutality, driven by a desire for revenge against Union forces and sympathizers.We explore Ferguson’s early life in the rugged mountains of Tennessee and his transformation from a farmer to a feared guerilla leader. Learn about the harrowing events that fueled his fury and led him to take up arms against his own neighbors, blurring the lines between soldier and outlaw.Through firsthand accounts and historical records, we unravel the complex motivations behind Ferguson’s bloody campaign. Was he a hero defending his homeland or a ruthless vigilante seeking personal retribution? Join us as we navigate the murky waters of loyalty, honor, and vengeance in the shadowy world of Civil War guerilla warfare.Tune in for an episode filled with suspense, historical intrigue, and a deeper understanding of the man who rode for revenge. We also have a new sponsor for this episode. Let's make it Civil Weird!!!

In this episode titled "Soldiers Heart: PTSD and the Forgotten Suffering of Civil War Soldiers," we dive deep into the psychological aftermath of the Civil War, drawing significant insights from the book Invisible Wounds by Dillon J. Carroll. This thought-provoking discussion unveils the hidden traumas faced by soldiers, as detailed in the book, highlighting the early recognition of what we now understand as PTSD. We'll explore how "Invisible Wounds" sheds light on the internal struggles of veterans, their battles with unseen scars, and the societal impact of these psychological injuries. Join us as we navigate through the pages of history, uncovering the silent yet profound legacy of bravery and resilience that continues to resonate with modern discussions on mental health and the cost of war.

In this episode of The Civil Weird Podcast titled A Love Letter, A Lost Limb, and A Looted Grave: The Death and Desecration of Maj. Sullivan Ballou, Chris, Paul, and Adam delve into the intriguing and controversial story surrounding one of the Civil War's most famous figures. We went on a journey to learn the truth about the poetic love letter Major Sullivan Ballou of the 2nd Rhode Island Volunteer Infantry allegedly wrote to his wife Sarah before the first Battle of Bull Run. We are joined by our first special guest, historian and Sullivan Ballou expert Rob Grandchamp. Rob Grandchamp brings a critical eye to the widely accepted narrative of Ballou's life, death, and the romantic legacy of his last letter. We explore Ballou's background, commitment to the Union cause, and untimely demise in 1861, setting the stage for a deeper investigation into the authenticity and origins of the letter that has captured the hearts of many Americans due to the use it by Ken and Ric Burns in the seminal and beloved 1990 PBS series, The Civil War. Grandchamp presents compelling arguments and evidence that challenge the conventional wisdom surrounding the letter's authenticity, suggesting that the document may not be what it seems. The discussion also touches on the brutal aftermath of Ballou's death, including the desecration of his body and grave, highlighting the savagery of the Civil War and the personal tragedies that often go overlooked. Listeners will be invited to reconsider the story of Sullivan Ballou's love letter through a skeptical lens, questioning the narratives handed down through history. With Grandchamp's expertise and a fresh perspective on a well-trodden tale, this episode promises to spark debate, inspire further research, and engage anyone fascinated by the intersection of history, love, death, and myth. Let's make it Civil Weird!

In Episode 9 of The Civil Weird Podcast, The Little Zouave That Could, we dive into Col. Elmer Ellsworth's life. We discuss his upbringing and struggles to find "real" work, his friendship with Lincoln, and his introduction of Zouave military tactics in America. Ellsworth's journey was uniquely Civil Weird. His story culminates in his role as one of the Union's first martyrs. A single shotgun blast in a hotel in Alexandria, Virginia, rallied the North like nothing before. Join us as we explore the legacy of this eccentric military pioneer. Let's make it Civil Weird!

In this fascinating episode, we delve into the peculiar story of the 27th Maine Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. This unit, composed of volunteers, was faced with a unique situation that led to one of the most unusual occurrences in the history of the Congressional Medal of Honor. We explore the circumstances leading up to the regiment being awarded – en masse – the Medal of Honor, and the subsequent controversy and revocation of these medals. Through historical records, and personal letters, we unravel the complex narrative of duty, honor, and the fine line between recognition and excess. This episode promises to shine a light on a lesser-known yet intriguing chapter of Civil War history, filled with moral dilemmas and administrative anomalies. Join us as we dissect the events and decisions that make the story of the 27th Maine a truly Civil Weird tale in the annals of the war. So, let's make it Civil Weird!

Time to get real Civil Weird in this episode! Join us as we hump our way back to the American Civil War, where we stumble upon Douglas - the Confederate Camel that stood tall during the Siege of Vicksburg. We don't stop there! Strap in as we unearth the curiously strange history of the U.S. Camel Corps. Ready your saddles and hold onto your camel bone rings, for this journey through the Civil Weird’s, woolly, and wild underbelly! Let’s make it Civil Weird!

In this shortened episode of the Civil Weird podcast, we dive into doing some history in Mound City IL, where the three of the most powerful vessels were produced during the war and what it took to get it done. We also look to the possibility of a future historical site listing as an archaeological location. So, come aboard Civil Weirdos, as we churn the historical (brown) waters up around the Brown Water Navy and Mound City, Illinois!

In episode 5 of "The Civil Weird Podcast," we explore the life of Albert D.J. Cashier, a soldier who lived as a man during the American Civil War, despite being assigned female at birth. Born as Jennie Hodgers in Ireland, Cashier's journey offers valuable insights into the complexities of gender identity during a time when our current understanding of transgender individuals was virtually non-existent. From the battlegrounds of the Civil War to the challenges faced during the post-war years when Cashier's birth identity was revealed, we reflect on their resilience and commitment to authenticity in the face of societal norms and pressures. This episode aims to broaden understanding and challenge assumptions about historical narratives of gender and identity. So, let's make it Civil Weird!

Welcome to Episode 5 of The Civil Weird Podcast, where we'll be exploring the dark and taboo side of the American Civil War—sex, prostitution, and disease. During this period, soldiers were constantly exposed to new and dangerous sexually transmitted infections, and prostitution became a thriving industry, often operating right under the noses of military officials. We'll delve into the reasons why prostitution was so prevalent during the war, the conditions under which it operated, and the lives of the women who worked in this dangerous profession. We'll also discuss the spread of diseases like syphilis and gonorrhea and the gruesome treatments that soldiers endured in order to try and rid themselves of these infections. So, let’s make it Civil Weird!

In this episode, we dive into the world of one of the conflict's most notorious and bloodthirsty guerrilla fighters: Bloody Bill Anderson. Join us as we take a closer look at the life and legacy of William T. Anderson, a Missouri native who led a group of raiders on a ruthless campaign against Union forces and sympathizers. We'll explore his tactics to strike fear into his enemies and examine his actions' impact on the war's outcome. So, let's make it Civil Weird!

In this episode, we discuss the life and murder of General Earl Van Dorn, who was by most accounts a terrible general, but a great lover of the ladies...  So, come listen, and let’s make it Civil Weird!

In this "minisode" we talk about the 2023 Day of Service.  We are looking for volunteers and those who would want to help us clean up some Civil War headstones that are in disrepair around the area of Central Illinois. Take a listen and see what you can do to help!Support the showhttps://www.facebook.com/CivilWeirdpatreon.com/TheCivilWeirdPodcasthttps://open.spotify.com/show/0QE4W6BNcpnS2R0KPs29sE?si=b83e7dcaa86d4933https://www.instagram.com/thecivilweirdpodcast/

Sergeant Boston Corbett was the man who killed the man who killed President Abraham Lincoln.  However, his shooting of assassin John Wilkes Booth is not what makes Corbett "Civil Weird." No, perhaps the fact that this man was certified insane, self-castrated himself, was a street preacher, and then disappeared into the ether of history, is just the beginning of Corbett's "Civil Weird" journey! So, let’s make it Civil weird!