behind AotW

a companion to Antietam on the Web

  • Building on a CMS 1

    In mid-2003 I completely reworked Antietam on the Web, dropping unmanageable static HTML and using a new database to store the contents. To create and deliver that content I built a rudimentary Content Management System (CMS) in PHP. Today I’d download a ready-made CMS and customize it to suit rather than build my own. No need to reinvent that wheel.

    In October I volunteered to build a new website with/for an organization engaged in a good cause related to the Civil War. Among other things, their site will be updated by non-web people, so I think an off-the-shelf CMS will be a good foundation for the project.

    About a month into development, here’s how it’s going … (more…)

  • Antietam art from Arthur Lumley

    Where the Muse points, you shall go.

    Eyes of the Nation

    I was in my local library Sunday and saw this volume* displayed on the wall. I was immediately drawn to the book by the face on the cover; also thinking, at first, that it was Harry’s tousled Senator Jim Lane. By the time saw it was otherwise, it was too late: the book was in my hand and I was browsing. (more…)

  • Antietam Illumination 2 December

    Antietam luminary

    If you’re within the sound of my voice, so to speak – in driving distance of Antietam National Battlefield – you owe it to yourself to experience the annual Memorial Illumination, or see it again. This may be the nation’s premier Civil War event, and is not to be missed. (more…)

  • Florida civil war soldier records online

    I don’t do commercial endorsements, generally, but do think you should know about a new online service from Jim Studnicki called Civil War Microfilm. Not only will it be valuable to those researching the Civil War, it’s an excellent example of well-executed grass-roots digital history.

    Sample CSR jacket at CWM

    Jim is also the creator of the Civil War Florida website, a vast collection of information about Floridians who fought in the American Civil War. Since inception in 2001, CWF has grown into quite a community of researchers. Jim and that site have been of great help to me in filling in the blanks for Florida units and leaders at Sharpsburg on AotW. (more…)

  • New ACW blog: 48th Pa Infantry

    I was very pleased to see a new blog pop up this weekend on the subject of the 48th Pennsylvania Infantry. Perhaps best known for their digging skills at Petersburg in 1864, the regiment is also one of “mine” (sorry)–part of the IX Corps on the Union Left at Antietam.

    48th PA Monument at Antietamclick to see larger image
    (US Park Service)

    The blog is published by Mr John Hoptak, who looks to have the chops to do this fine unit some justice. He’s already posted some excellent officer photos and a significant three–part post on their first Colonel, James Nagle. That’s Nagle in bronze atop the 48th’s monument at Antietam, above.

    Welcome to the ‘sphere John, and we’re looking forward to great things.