The Wabash Inn Mess

Wade Gish

Taking it's title from the specialty book store of the same name, The Wabash Inn Mess podcast is a collaboration between three friends with a common passion for the American Civil War. The hosts maintain the belief that there are three methods to most effectively understand the military aspects of the conflict: Research, Re-creation, and Gaming. Veteran Civil War living historians Chuck Warnick, Norris Darrall, and Wade Gish will devote a portion of each episode to all three methods to help you find and sharpen the tools needed to understand the events of 1861-65, both momentous and mundane.

  1. 4d ago

    Opening Manassas II: The Confederates At Brawner Farm with Bill Backus

    Following along with our previous episode featuring Lance Herdegen, this week finds us revisiting The Battle of Brawner Farm. This time we take a look at the telling of the Confederate side of the conflict with co-author Bill Backus. Our conversation includes Bill's background, the introduction to the concept of co-writing the story of Second Manassas, and the telling of the Confederate strategy involved in the fight. Pick up your copy of "Opening Manassas" from Savas Beatie here: https://www.savasbeatie.com/opening-manassas-the-iron-brigade-stonewall-jackson-and-the-battle-on-brawner-s-farm-august-28-1862/ Email The Wabash Inn Mess: wabashinnmess@gmail.com Visit The Wabash Inn Mess on the web: www.wabashinnmess.com

  2. Jul 7

    The Boss Black Hat Begins Manassas (With A Little Help From His Friend)

    It is with deeply mixed emotions that we bring you this very special episode of The Wabash Inn Mess. A couple of months ago, the Men of the Mess sat down and talked with Lance Herdegen regarding his study of the Iron Brigade and his newly published book "Opening Manassas" which he completed through an excellent collaboration with Bill Backus. Little did we know at the time that Lance's earthly presence would be lost to us just mere days later. We will only preface this episode by saying that we hope you find great value and fond remembrance in listening to one of the last, if not the last interview conducted with a gifted historian and author. We now and will always miss our friend Lance. Find Lance Herdegen's body of work available from Savas Beatie at: www.savasbeatie.com You can contact The Wabash Inn Mess via email at: wabashinnmess@gmail.com Visit The Wabash Inn Mess on the web by going to: www.wabashinnmess.com

  3. Jun 7

    The Atonement of John Brooks with James Head

    Much has been made of the aspects of right and wrong during the war between the states. It is impossible to answer many of the moral questions posed 160 plus years ago using the logic of today. In his book "The Atonement Of John Brooks", James Head visits the practice of "an eye for an eye" that existed in many places during the war. Atonement was the representative execution of a prisoner in reprisal for the death of a member of the service who held the prisoner. For example if a Union soldier was killed in a non-traditional combat action, a commander may choose to execute a Southern prisoner in exchange. The practice was meant to keep partisan resistance activities at bay. We hope that you enjoy this piece of Kentucky Civil War lore as we close out our three part series on rebel partisan ranger activities in Western Kentucky. James Head can be found on Facebook, and his books can be obtained at: www.head-book.com You may contact The Wabash Inn Mess via email at: wabashinnmess@gmail.com Visit The Wabash Inn Mess on the web at: www.wabashinnmess.com

  4. Feb 27

    Border Bastion - Clarksville, TN Yesterday and Today with William Parker

    One of the hidden gems of Civil War history lies on the Kentucky-Tennessee border: the thriving town of Clarksville. Clarksville holds a special place in the lore of Middle Tennessee and the Western Theater, and on this episode of The Wabash Inn Mess, we unfold the tale with Mr. William Parker, Historical Interpreter with the City of Clarksville Parks and Recreation Department. William serves as the host and historical interpreter at the Ft. Defiance (Ft. Sevier) Interpretive Center on the banks of the Cumberland River. The Cumberland played a vital role in the movement and maintenance of the Federal Army during the Civil War, making Clarksville a vital lifeline for the Union and an important target for the Confederacy. Clarksville has been blessed in the post-war years with development and investment making it an important business hub in Middle Tennessee as well as a fantastic destination for visits of any duration. We hope you enjoy the story of our neighbor, Clarksville, TN on this episode of The Wabash Inn Mess. Visit the Ft. Defiance Interpretive Center year-round at 120 Duncan Street in Clarksville, TN. Find more information about what Clarksville has to offer at: www.cityofclarksville.com Visit The Wabash Inn Mess on the information superhighway at: www.wabashinnmess.com You may communicate with the Mend of The Mess via email: wabashinnmess@gmail.com

  5. Feb 12

    The Rangers Last Ride with Derrick Lindow

    This week, we welcome Derrick Lindow back to The Mess to share with us a portion of his work "We Shall Conquer Or Die" concerning the 10the Kentucky Partisan Rangers and their incursion into the largest town in Western Kentucky, Owensboro, and the ensuing fight at Panther Creek that sapped the strength and quieted the legend of Adam Rankin Johnson's feared raiders. You will enjoy Derrick's telling of the tale relating his research and his boots on the ground observations from the site of one of the largest skirmishes in our end of the battleground state of Kentucky between the Rangers and the Indiana Legion from across the Ohio River in Spencer County. Bravery abounded on both sides, and many a gallant combatant fought for the last time that day. If you haven't already, be sure to pick up your copy of "We Shall Conquer or Die" and immerse yourself in this chapter of Kentucky and Civil War history. AND - don't forget to add the "Department Number II" podcast to your favorites and listen to Derrick and his co-host Darrell Smith discuss the war in the western theater at length on your favorite podcast platform. Find Derrick's work at Savas-Beatie... https://www.savasbeatie.com/www.savasbeatie.com/we-shall-conquer-or-die-partisan-warfare-in-1862-western-kentucky/?searchid=0&search_query=derrick+lindow Find the Department No. 2 Podcast and many other Western Theater tidbits here... https://www.westerntheatercivilwar.com/ Connect with the men of The Mess at: wabashinnmess@gmail.com Visit The Wabash Inn Mess on the web at: www.wabashinnmess.com

  6. Jan 29

    A Peach in The Orchard with James Hessler

    The Wabash Inn Mess returns from the holiday hiatus with a true Civil War renaissance man - author, licensed battlefield guide, sought after speaker, and podcast host - Mr. James Hessler. James comes to us fresh off the release of his latest Civil War book available from Casemate publishing, The First Day At Gettysburg, part of the Casemate Illustrated Series. James is also co-host of The Battle of Gettysburg podcast, audio archived on your favorite podcast platform with recent and new episodes available to view on YouTube. Our continued delve into Civil War biography continues with this episode as we look deeper into the life and role of the complex Major General Dan Sickles through the lens of James' book "Sickles at Gettysburg". Mr. Hessler also shares with us from his decades of experience as a Licensed Battlefield Guide at the Gettysburg National Military Park in Pennsylvania. No first time visit to Gettysburg can fully be appreciated without the company of a licensed guide to transport you back to July 1863. We hope you enjoy as we begin the second half of season 5 of The Wabash Inn Mess. Connect with James Hessler on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/James-Hesslers-Gettysburg-History-Books-Travel-Podcasts-Speaking-100057577212759/ Enjoy The Battle of Gettysburg Podcast on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@battleofgettysburgpodcast Pick-up James' latest work, The First Day at Gettysburg, from Casemate Publishing by going to: www.casematepublishers.com And the rest of the James Hessler library by visiting Savas Beatie: www.savasbeatie.com⁠ You can communicate with The Wabash Inn Mess via email at: wabashinnmess@gmail.com And find The Mess on the web at : www.wabashinnmess.com

  7. 10/19/2025

    Feeding the ANV with Michael Hardy

    This week, The Wabash Inn Mess meets up with North Carolina-based author Michael Hardy to discuss his latest book release, "Feeding Lee's Army of Northern Virginia", available now from Savas Beatie. In his book, and touched on briefly in our episode, Michael looks into the political and logistical machine that attempted to sustain the Confederate fighting man. Focused primarily on the Eastern theater, our discussion also extends to logistical issues facing the Armies of Tennessee and the Trans-Mississippi as well. We hope you enjoy this episode of The Wabash Inn Mess. Don't forget to like, follow, and share our content. Find Michael Hardy's books at Savas Beatie: https://www.savasbeatie.com/copy-of-feeding-lee-s-army-of- northernvirginia/?searchid=0&search_query=michael+hardy Visit Michael Hardy's website at: www.michaelchardy.com Connect with The Wabash Inn Mess at: wabashinnmess@gmail.com Find The Mess on the web at: www.wabashinnmess.com

  8. 09/26/2025

    I've Been Everywhere, Man with Aaron Sievers

    Visiting American Civil War sites is a large part of life for our listeners, and we are please to be able in this episode to to introduce you to Aaron Sievers, principal representative of Aaron's Civil War Travels based out of New Market, VA. Aside from his captivating social media content, Aaron offers guide interpretation for nearly all Eastern Theater battlefields as well as professionally developed presentations for organizations and groups. You will hear some of his stories and his opportunities for engagement in this episode. Thank you for taking time to listen to our podcast, and we hope that you will explore what Aaron Sievers has to offer for your next Civil War-centered trip or meeting by engaging with his social media accounts or his website. Also, take time to vote on SPOTIFY about our AI generated theme music. Let us know if you want us to KEEP it or CAN it. Visit Aaron's Civil War Travels online at: https://sites.google.com/view/aaronscivilwartravels/home You can message the men of The Mess at: wabashinnmess@gmail.com Find The Mess on the web: www.wabashinnmess.com

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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Taking it's title from the specialty book store of the same name, The Wabash Inn Mess podcast is a collaboration between three friends with a common passion for the American Civil War. The hosts maintain the belief that there are three methods to most effectively understand the military aspects of the conflict: Research, Re-creation, and Gaming. Veteran Civil War living historians Chuck Warnick, Norris Darrall, and Wade Gish will devote a portion of each episode to all three methods to help you find and sharpen the tools needed to understand the events of 1861-65, both momentous and mundane.

Information

  • Creator
    Wade Gish
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    59
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Wade Gish
  • Show Website
    The Wabash Inn Mess

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