Air Date: 022406
Subject: Edwin C. Bearss: Chief of the Battlefield
Book: Fields of Honor: Pivotal Battles of the Civil War
Guests: Edwin C. Bearss
Summary: The legendary Ed Bearss, Chief Historian Emeritus of the National Park Service.
Brett’s Summary: This was a fascinating interview. Gerry talks to Ed Bearss, probably the most famous “name” associated with the Civil War today. Mr. Bearss has led tours on more battlefields than most people can name, and he can be seen quite often in Ken Burns’ documentary The Civil War. Mr. Bearss talks about how he became interested in the war, his great skill in remembering the lay of the land after one viewing, his work on raising the U.S.S. Cairo from the river depths, and his choice of the best battlefields to go visit. At least one of his answers may be surprising to the average listener.
Check out Beyond the Crater: The Petersburg Campaign Online for the latest on the Siege of Petersburg!
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