Boom Goes the History

In this episode of Boom Goes the History, historians Tim Smith and Garry Adelman dive into the powerful world of Civil War photography at Gettysburg. This isn’t about how to take a better photo—it’s about the men behind the camera and the haunting, iconic images they left behind.From the work of Alexander Gardner to Mathew Brady, we explore how these early photographers documented the aftermath of battle, shaped public perception of the war, and created some of the most enduring images in American history. What’s real, what’s staged, and what stories do those famous photos actually tell?It’s a fascinating, sometimes surprising look at Gettysburg—not as you walk it, but as the world first saw it. History, storytelling, and a few myth-busting moments along the way… boom!

What happens when the capital falls—but the fight is far from over?In this episode of Boom Goes the History, co-host Kris White is joined by historian Dan Davis and producer Andy Poulton to dive into the dramatic Philadelphia Campaign of 1777. From the shock of losing the American capital to the hard lessons learned on the road to Valley Forge, the crew unpacks how setbacks helped shape the Revolution’s resilience. It's one of the most trying chapters in George Washington's storied career. It’s a fast-paced, fun, and insightful look at a pivotal moment—and a reminder that even in defeat, the story was far from finished.

What happens when modern historians react to historians of the past? In this episode of Boom Goes the History, Garry Adelman brings a wild idea to the table: watching and reacting to old clips of legendary historians. First up—Douglas Southall Freeman. We dive into Freeman’s thoughts on respecting the enemy, but the real surprise? Hearing his voice! Join us for a fun, slightly stunned, and occasionally irreverent look at how historians of yesterday sound to historians of today. History, reactions, and a few laughs—boom.

Why Gettysburg? What makes one battle capture a lifetime of curiosity? On this episode of Boom Goes the History, we sit down with American Battlefield Trust Chief Historian Garry Adelman to talk about his lifelong obsession with the Battle of Gettysburg. From the dramatic three days of fighting to his love of Civil War photography, Garry shares how he became completely hooked on Gettysburg—and why this pivotal moment in the Civil War still matters today. Whether you’re a seasoned history buff or just Gettysburg-curious, this conversation will show you why the battle keeps pulling Garry back over and over again. 

The American Battlefield Trust’s Boom Goes the History podcast is back—and it’s louder, livelier, and more fun than ever. In this reboot of the fan-favorite show, we dive headfirst into the stories, personalities, and surprising moments that shaped American history. From the drama of the Revolutionary War to the high stakes of the War of 1812 and the epic clashes of the Civil War, no battlefield—or historical rabbit hole—is off limits.But this isn’t your typical history lecture. Boom Goes the History mixes serious storytelling with plenty of laughs, unexpected trivia, and the occasional irreverent tangent. Our hosts pull back the curtain on how the American Battlefield Trust creates its videos, maps, and educational content, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from filming trips, battlefield visits, and the occasional historical mishap.Whether we’re breaking down a famous battle, debating if Star Wars is a Civil War or swapping stories from the road, the goal is simple: make history entertaining, approachable, and fun!If you love great stories, fascinating history, and a healthy dose of fun, grab your headphones and join us. History has never sounded quite like this.

Join Kris White for this in-depth tour of the Bennett Place State Historic Site in North Carolina, where Joseph E. Johnston surrendered his Confederate forces to William T. Sherman in late April, 1865.

In this episode Chief Historian Garry Adelman is joined by special guests Derrick Brown and Colby Stevens. Stay tuned until the end for an impromptu stop at the Cole Plantation!

After capturing Wilmington, North Carolina in February of 1865, Union forces led by John Schofield moved inland to face Joseph E. Johnston and Braxton Bragg. Kris White gives a breakdown of the battle from the Wyse Fork battle monument in Kinston, NC.

After Fort Fisher fell to Union forces, the Confederates still held powerful Fort Anderson. Could a veteran of Antietam and Franklin compromise the fort? Join Chief Historian, Garry Adelman, historian Chris Fonvielle Jr. and Site Manager Jim McKee at the “best preserved Confederate earthen fort.”

On February 11, 1865, the little known Battle of Sugar Loaf opened up the Wilmington Campaign. Join Chris Fonvielle Jr. for this brief tour of the new Joseph Ryder Lewis Jr. Civil War Park, dedicated to telling the story of those who fought throughout Wilmington, North Carolina.After Sugar Loaf, we continue onto Forks Road. In 1980, Chris Fonvielle Jr. came across a piece of land that now sits next to the Cameron Art Museum. Through further study, he realized that it was the location of a forgotten Civil War battle in the Wilmington Campaign between United States Colored Troops and Confederates. Watch to learn more about the incredible and unique story.

Kris White and Chris Fonvielle Jr. complete their comprehensive tour of Fort Fisher in North Carolina. This is the second of two episodes.If you have ever wanted an all-encompassing tour of Fort Fisher in North Carolina, then you have found the right podcast episodes.

If you have ever wanted an all-encompassing tour of Fort Fisher in North Carolina, then you have found the right podcast episode! Kris White is joined by Chris Fonvielle Jr. for a walk around the historic fort. This is part one of two episodes.

Initially established as a Union railroad hub and hospital, Camp Nelson evolved into one of the largest recruiting and training centers for United States Colored Troops during the Civil War. Additionally, the site served as a refugee camp for these soldiers and their families. In 2018, Camp Nelson officially became Camp Nelson National Monument, the 418th unit of the National Park Service. Join Garry Adelman and Ranger Steve Phan for a tour.

With names like Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant dominating the headlines, we often forget just how many different actions of the Civil War were happening at the same time. There is no better representation of this than the Battle of Tebbs Bend, which occurred on July 4, 1863 - one day after the conclusion of the Battle of Gettysburg and the same day that the Siege of Vicksburg came to a close.Join Kentucky native Taylor Bishop and former member of the American Battlefield Trust's Youth Leadership Team as he details this forgotten battle, part of Confederate Brig. Gen. John Hunt Morgan's Raid onto Northern soil.

We are joined by special guest Tres Seymour at the beautiful Munfordville battlefield to discuss the pivotal action here in September of 1862, leading up to the Battle of Perryville three weeks later.

Richmond, Virginia is known for being the capital of the Confederacy during the Civil War, but did you know that there is also a Richmond in the border state of Kentucky? Garry Adelman is joined by Phillip Seyfrit of the Battle of Richmond Visitor Center to discuss one of the most lopsided battles of the Civil War, resulting in a Confederate victory.

The January 19, 1862, Battle of Mill Springs put Union Brig. Gen. George H. Thomas on the map. Thomas defeated a force of Confederates commanded by Maj. Gen. George B. Crittenden and Brig. Gen. Felix Zollicoffer. Join Chief Historian Garry Adelman and author and historian Stuart Sanders as we explore this overlooked early action in the Blue Grass State.

On October 21, 1861, Union victory at Camp Wildcat in Kentucky, was overshadowed by the Federal debacle at Ball's Bluff in Virginia, which took place the same day. Join Kris White as he explores this out of the way Civil War action, which was the FIRST clash of arms in Kentucky during the Civil War. Then...On October 18, 1862, ten days after the Battle of Perryville a battle erupts in Lexington, Kentucky. Henry Clay, Mary Todd Lincoln, and John Hunt Morgan are just a few of the Civil War-era personalities that called Lexington, Kentucky, home. Join Garry Adelman for a quick rundown of the battle and place just after Kris's tour of Camp Wildcat.

Artifacts rule in part 2 of our trip to Perryville, KY with Chris Mackowski leading the way along with Garry Adelman, Joan Lee House, Chad Greene and Steve Zahn.

We make our return to Perryville, Kentucky, to show off one of the most beautifully preserved battlefields in America. Chief Historian Garry Adelman is joined by Joan Lee House and Actor Steve Zahn. This is part one of two episodes.

Join Kris White, Director of Education and Events, at the locations of Moores Creek Bridge and Wilmington. Five months before American Independence was declared in July, 1776, a patriot militia force defeated British Governor Josiah Martin and his troops at the Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge in Wilmington, North Carolina. The outcome is viewed as a turning point for the American Revolution in the state.At the Burgin-Wright House in Wilmington, North Carolina, Kris gives us a brief rundown of all that the historic city has to offer. The Burgin-Wright House itself is best known as the headquarters of British Commander Charles Cornwallis after the Battle of Guilford Courthouse.

Pre-Revolutionary War, the little known Battle of Alamance was the climax of the "Regulator Movement," which saw local citizens take up arms against colonial officials. Join Jeremiah Degennaro of North Carolina Historic Sites, Garry Adelman, and Kris White to learn more about this fascinating part of American History.

In this episode we are "Racing to the Dan River," as Continental Army Generals Nathanael Greene and Daniel Morgan did in 1781. Kris White, Director of Education and Events, is our guide.

In 1983, just over 200 years after the Battle of Guilford Courthouse, the Hoskins Farm came up for sale and was forever preserved by the Guilford Battleground Company. Kris White is joined by Jim Kirkpatrick to discuss this historic piece of land.

Kris White, Director of Education and Events at the Trust, gives an in-depth tour of the largest battle of the Southern Campaign during the Revolutionary War. Guilford Courthouse resulted in British Commander Charles Cornwallis taking his forces north to Yorktown, Virginia, leaving Nathanael Greene and his Continentals free rein to undo British control in the South. "I never saw such fighting since God made me. The Americans fought like demons." - Cornwallis.

In this episode American Battlefield Trust historian Kris White gives a tour of Guilford Courthouse National Military Park in Greensboro, NC. Kris describes the March 15, 1781 Revolutionary War battle between Nathanael Greene's Continentals, and the British Army, led by Charles Cornwallis. Guilford Courthouse is a part of The Liberty Trail. Discover more at TheLibertyTrail.org.

The most sustained and costly combat on the Manassas Battlefield swirled on this little hill, named for the family, whose matriarch became the first civilian casualty of the Civil War. Join Garry Adelman for battle details including how Stonewall Jackson got his name, and discovering previously unknown photo locations on the battlefield. Garry also visits Chinn Ridge, where the Union's last chance at victory in the first major land battle of the Civil War quickly turned into a retreat back through Sudley Springs Ford as the Confederate forces swept through the Ridge.

In this episode we present an interview with Jeff Shaara, author of Gods and Generals and many other books of historical fiction. Jeff is introduced by Sarah Kay Bierle Education Coordinator at the  American Battlefield Trust, and interviewed by Chris Mackowski, a Copie Hill Civil War Fellow at the American Battlefield Trust and the editor-in-chief and co-founder of Emerging Civil War.

The little hamlet around Sudley Church hosted troops during two battles and was a hospital in between, as well as a popular photography spot for locals. Garry Adelman summarizes it all!

Garry Adelman sets the scene for the beginning of the Civil War in the Eastern Theater, and explains how the Union and Confederate armies came to clash outside of Manassas, Virginia on July 21, 1861.

One of the most photographed battles of the Civil War, Port Hudson is not well remembered. In this episode, Garry Adelman heads down to Louisiana to discover the southern end of the Vicksburg Campaign at the Port Hudson State Historic Site where he is joined by special guest Daniel Goyer.

We continue our tour of Vicksburg museums at the Museum of Mississippi History in Jackson, MS to check out their incredible Civil War collection. Explore more of the Museum of Mississippi History: www.mmh.mdah.ms.gov.

Vicksburg National Military Park can make a claim that no other battlefield park can . . . they have a Civil War era ironclad. The USS Cairo spent over 100 years at the bottom of the Yazoo River before being located and raised in the 1960s. Special Guest Dr. Tim Smith is with Kris White and Chris Mackowski for a tour of the famous gunboat.

Our Vicksburg coverage comes to a close for a full tour of the 3rd Louisiana Redan area with Garry Adelman, Kris White and Dr. Chris Mackowski.

Listen in as we tour the grounds of the most iconic building in the City of Vicksburg, the Old Courthouse - which hosted Ulysses S. Grant on July 4, 1863.

The southern end of the Vicksburg Battlefield receives less attention from visitors, but that does not take away from its beautiful landscape and historical importance. Join Garry Adelman and Dr. Chris Mackowski for a recap of the action surrounding the Railroad Redoubt and Vicksburg preservation stories.

We are back to Vicksburg National Military Park for numerous tours throughout the battlefield. Our first stop is the Stockade Redan with Garry Adelman, Dr. Chris Mackowski and Kris White. This assault was named "The Forlorn Hope" by William T. Sherman. “A forlorn hope,” associated with the Civil War according to one Wikipedia entry, “is a band of soldiers or other combatants chosen to take the vanguard in a military operation, such as a suicidal assault through the kill zone of a defended position, where the risk of casualties is high.”

Often referred to as the most important battle of the Vicksburg Campaign, join us on our tour of the Champion Hill Battlefield with Kris White and Dr. Chris Mackowski. We'll also spend time at the Big Black River with Kris White on the site of the attack.

We begin our tour of the Vicksburg Campaign atop the Fort Hill stop at the Vicksburg National Military Park. Join Garry Adelman, Kris White and Dr. Chris Mackowski as they ponder the question, "What made the Mississippi River so Important?"

While the old Antietam Iron Works Bridge did not witness any fighting at the Battle of Antietam, it played a crucial role in the movement of troops during the campaign. It was built in 1832 and is still in its original form.Dennis Frye is a retired Park Ranger and is a Co-Founder of the American Battlefield Trust. Garry Adelman is the Chief Historian at the American Battlefield Trust.

Check out the northern most monument of the Antietam Battlefield before exploring the grounds of the Poffenberger Farm. Dennis Frye shows us some new artillery that was recently placed by the National Park Service.Frye is a retired Park Ranger and is a Co-Founder of the American Battlefield Trust. Garry Adelman is the Chief Historian at the American Battlefield Trust.

Garry Adelman, Kris White and Bryan Cheeseboro come to you from the David Miller Farm at Antietam. Many people come to the Cornfield while visiting Antietam, but few people ever see it from the other side of the battlefield.

In this stop of our tour of Antietam for the 162nd anniversary of the battle (in September, 2024), we are joined by Dennis Frye as we debate the action at Burnside Bridge from the Confederate (high ground) perspective.

We were thrilled to be joined by Dennis Frye for our coverage of the 162nd Anniversary of the Battle of Antietam. In this episode we focus on the "highlights" of the battlefield, detailing the bloodiest day in American history from start to finish. On our third tour stop we walk the Sunken Road also known as Bloody Lane.

Chief Historian, Garry Adelman, and Dennis Frye were in Antietam for the 162nd Anniversary of the Battle of Antietam. They focus on the highlights of the battlefield, detailing the bloodiest day in American history from start to finish. In this episode they visit the Dunker church and the West Woods.You can help preserve this land forever here: https://www.battlefields.org/help-save-11-acres-antietam

We were thrilled to be joined by Dennis Frye for our coverage of the 162nd Anniversary of the Battle of Antietam. In this episode we focus on the "highlights" of the battlefield, detailing the bloodiest day in American history from start to finish. We begin at the Epicenter of the battlefield, preserved forever by the members of the American Battlefield Trust.

Confederate Gen. John Bell Hood began his Tennessee Campaign with lofty, if not impossible, aspirations: if he could take Nashville — the base of Union operations in the West — he could prolong the war and force Union Maj. Gen. William T. Sherman’s recall from Georgia. Garry Adelman and Kris White of the American Battlefield Trust, and Dr. Chris Mackowski of Emerging Civil War detail the beginning of the Battle of Nashville from a small, but important preserved part of the battlefield.

Join us at historic Fort Negley in Nashville, Tennessee, constructed by Union forces in late 1862 after the Confederate Army abandoned the city following the events at Forts Henry and Donelson. Find out the role that the fort ultimately played in the Battle of Nashville in December, 1864.Kristopher White, Garry Adelman and Dr. Chris Mackowski on the call!

Explore more of the Franklin Battlefield, including a private Confederate Cemetery with Eric Jacobson from the Battle of Franklin Trust, Dr. Chris Mackowski of Emerging Civil War and Garry Adelman.

While filming our Franklin 160 videos we had the pleasure of coming across country music star and proud preservationist Trace Adkins receiving a tour of where his ancestor fought with the 15th Mississippi at the Battle of Franklin.We continue this episode with a tour of the Carnton House with our friends from The Battle of Franklin Trust and our special guest Trace Adkins. Built in 1826, Carnton was one of the premier farms in Tennessee, and on November 30, 1864, it witnessed one of the most dramatic events of the Civil War.Garry Adelman, Chris Mackowski, Joseph Ricci, Eric Jacobson and Bailey Lawrence are on the call.