ECU holds first Civil War Symposium

The First Annual East Carolina University Civil War Symposium, Oct. 11 – 13, will focus attention on eastern North Carolina’s involvement in the War Between States.

To be held on the campus Friday and Saturday, the symposium will feature presentations from nearly two dozens Civil War writers and historians. An optional day trip on Sunday will include a guided tour of battlegrounds at Bentonville and Wyse Fork. The sessions will examine the contributions of North Carolina and its citizens during the war. This subject, according to the program organizers, has been neglected until now by major writers who have favored the famous battles in other states. Speakers include: John Barrett, the author of “Sherman’s March Through the Carolinas” and “The Civil War in North Carolina”; Clyde N. Wilson of the University of South Carolina, the author of books on James Johnston Pettigrew and John C. Calhoun; and Chris Fonvielle who just completed a book “The Last Rays of Departing Hope: The Wilmington Campaign.”

Mark L. Bradley of Raleigh will help lead a tour of the Bentonville Battlefield on Sunday. He is the author of “Last Stand in the Carolinas: The Battle of Bentonville.” On Friday evening the participants will tour the home of Confederate general Bryan Grimes in Grimesland where they will also attend a “pig-pickin.” Following dinner, Dr. William Still, a retired ECU professor and author of books about Civil War ships and naval battles, will lead a panel discussion about the Confederate blockade. The symposium is sponsored by the ECU Division of Continuing Studies, the College of Arts and Sciences and the Institute for Historical and Cultural Research.

Advance registration is required. For information call the Division of Continuing Studies at (919) 328-6143 or long distance at 1-800-767-9111.