The Distant Drums

Project Past LLC
  • 4.6 (7)
  • HISTORY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

You can still hear them...the distant drums of war. Echoes from a time when brother fought brother, and the fate of a nation hung by a thread. We bring the American Civil War to life with firsthand accounts to help us see these battles through the very eyes of the soldiers who fought in them. March with us, from Fort Sumter to Appomattox. Because history doesn’t just echo… it marches on.

  1. Animating the American Civil War with Dr. Lucas Wilder

    APR 22

    Animating the American Civil War with Dr. Lucas Wilder

    In this episode of The Distant Drums, we’re joined by historian and creator Dr. Lucas Wilder, the mind behind the popular YouTube channel History Gone Wilder. Known for his detailed animated maps and engaging storytelling, Dr. Wilder brings a fresh perspective to the study of the American Civil War. We explore his background and what led him to combine historical research with visual animation, discussing how creating maps has deepened his own understanding of complex campaigns and troop movements. A major focus of our conversation is the often overlooked role of weather during the Civil War. Dr. Wilder also shares insights into his portrayal of J.E.B. Stuart, one of the war’s most colorful and controversial cavalry leaders. Whether you’re a Civil War enthusiast or just curious about innovative ways to bring history to life, this episode offers a fascinating look at how modern tools can reshape our understanding of the past.

    1h 1m
  2. Episode 22: Albert Sidney Johnston & the Battle of Shiloh with Tim B. Smith

    APR 1

    Episode 22: Albert Sidney Johnston & the Battle of Shiloh with Tim B. Smith

    In this episode of The Distant Drums, we’re joined by historian Tim B. Smith to explore the life and legacy of Confederate General Albert Sidney Johnston and his pivotal role in the Battle of Shiloh. We discuss Johnston’s leadership, the chaos of the early war in the Western Theater, and how his death on the battlefield shaped the course of the conflict. Was Johnston truly the South’s most promising commander?

    48 min
  3. Episode 23: A Nation Stunned: The Lincoln Assassination Conspiracy

    APR 1

    Episode 23: A Nation Stunned: The Lincoln Assassination Conspiracy

    April 1865, just days after Union victory, a conspiracy would shake the United States to its core. In this episode of The Distant Drums, historian Dave Taylor joins us to unravel the plot behind Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. From John Wilkes Booth to the lesser-known conspirators, we explore how the plan came together and how it nearly went even further. Plus, Dave discusses his work bringing this history to life through Lincoln Assassination Tours. Visit https://lincolnassassinationtours.com/ to book a tour for yourself!

    1h 22m
  4. Episode 21: The Iron Brigade and the Battle on Brawner’s Farm with Lance Herdegen

    MAR 23

    Episode 21: The Iron Brigade and the Battle on Brawner’s Farm with Lance Herdegen

    In this episode of The Distant Drums, we sit down with acclaimed Civil War historian Lance J. Herdegen to discuss his latest work, Opening Manassas: The Iron Brigade, Stonewall Jackson, and the Battle on Brawner’s Farm, August 28, 1862. Our conversation explores the intense opening clash of the Second Battle of Manassas, focusing on the brutal fighting at Brawner’s Farm and the legendary soldiers who made history there. We take a closer look at the famed Iron Brigade—their origins, battlefield performance, and the reputation that made them one of the most respected fighting units of the war.

    39 min
  5. Episode 20: Arming Ohio with Historian Phil Spaugy

    MAR 11

    Episode 20: Arming Ohio with Historian Phil Spaugy

    In this episode, we’re joined by Civil War arms historian Phil Spaugy to explore a critical question facing the Union at the start of the war: how do you arm thousands of new soldiers when the nation isn’t ready for war? Focusing on Ohio in 1861, Phil walks us through the scramble to equip newly raised regiments with serviceable weapons. From outdated muskets to emergency alterations performed by Cincinnati manufacturer Miles Greenwood, we discuss the challenges state and federal authorities faced as they rushed to place firearms in the hands of eager volunteers. Phil also explains how these early-war decisions shaped the experience of Ohio soldiers in the field. With more than four decades of hands-on research, Phil brings a rare perspective to the subject—having live-fired nearly every type of American Civil War firearm as a longtime member of the North-South Skirmish Association. His work focuses on the arms and accoutrements of Federal infantry soldiers, especially those from his home state of Ohio, as well as weapons from the U.S. Arsenal at Harpers Ferry and the famous Iron Brigade of the Army of the Potomac. Phil is senior editor of Military Images magazine, arms columnist for The Civil War Monitor, and a historical consultant for Gettysburg History and Civil War News. If you’re interested in the logistical challenges of the Union war effort and the weapons that armed its earliest volunteers, this episode offers a fascinating look at the race to prepare Ohio soldiers for war in 1861.

    50 min
  6. Episode 19- Author Spotlight with Historian John Hennessy

    MAR 2

    Episode 19- Author Spotlight with Historian John Hennessy

    In this episode, we are joined by historian John Hennessy, former chief historian at Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park and longtime National Park Service leader. John began his career in the early 1980s at Manassas National Battlefield Park, where his passion for Civil War history took root and helped shape decades of scholarship and public interpretation. We dive into his two books on Manassas and explore why those battles remain so pivotal to understanding the American Civil War. John shares insights into the research process, the challenge of balancing storytelling with historical accuracy, and what continues to fascinate him about the soldiers and civilians connected to these landscapes. Beyond the books, we talk about what it was like to serve as a park ranger, how the role of public historians has evolved, and how the National Park Service itself has changed over the decades — from interpretive approaches to visitor engagement and preservation priorities.

    1h 32m
  7. Episode 18: Uncovering Olustee

    FEB 17

    Episode 18: Uncovering Olustee

    On February 20, 1864, Union and Confederate forces collided near the small railroad stop of Olustee Station in Florida. In just a few brutal hours, the Union army suffered a crushing defeat, with nearly one-third of its men killed, wounded, or captured. In this episode, we explore what happened on that fateful day by following the experiences of two regiments who stood on opposite sides of the line: the 64th Georgia Infantry and the 8th United States Colored Troops. Through their stories, we uncover how the battle unfolded and what it meant for the men who fought there.

    35 min
  8. Episode 17: The Sons of Abraham Lincoln

    FEB 9

    Episode 17: The Sons of Abraham Lincoln

    As the Civil War tore the nation apart, Abraham and Mary Lincoln were experiencing a war of their own—the loss of their sons. This episode examines grief, marriage, and leadership as personal tragedy and a national crisis intersect.

    51 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.6
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

You can still hear them...the distant drums of war. Echoes from a time when brother fought brother, and the fate of a nation hung by a thread. We bring the American Civil War to life with firsthand accounts to help us see these battles through the very eyes of the soldiers who fought in them. March with us, from Fort Sumter to Appomattox. Because history doesn’t just echo… it marches on.

Information

  • Creator
    Project Past LLC
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    26
  • Copyright
    © Project Past LLC
  • Show Website
    The Distant Drums

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