{"id":1386,"date":"2008-08-11T06:00:01","date_gmt":"2008-08-11T11:00:01","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.brettschulte.net\/CWBlog\/?p=1386"},"modified":"2009-05-04T09:43:06","modified_gmt":"2009-05-04T15:43:06","slug":"top-10-civil-war-forums","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.brettschulte.net\/CWBlog\/2008\/08\/11\/top-10-civil-war-forums\/","title":{"rendered":"Top 10 Civil War Forums"},"content":{"rendered":"

Update:<\/strong> Welcome to TOCWOC for those of you who have found this page through a Google Search!\u00a0 If you enjoy what you’re about to read below, feel free to Subscribe to TOCWOC’s RSS feed<\/a><\/strong>.\u00a0 Be sure to check out the Civil War Book Reviews<\/a><\/strong> which have been posted here and browse through TOCWOC founder Brett Schulte’s Civil War Books<\/a> collection<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

—–<\/p>\n

I spend quite a bit of time on various Civil War forums on the web, many of which I link to in the left sidebar of this blog.\u00a0 Today I am going to list the top 10 Civil War forums on the web today based on number of posters, number of posts, post quality, and distinguished members.\u00a0 Feel free to comment on your favorites and chime in on my rankings.\u00a0 Do you disagree?\u00a0 Tell me why in the comments!\u00a0 And be sure to sign up on these sites to engage in some thought-provoking, intelligent discussion which is mostly free of personal attacks thanks to the efforts of site moderators.<\/p>\n

Honorable Mention:<\/strong> Recommended American Civil War Reading Yahoo Discussion Group<\/strong><\/p>\n

URL: http:\/\/tech.groups.yahoo.com\/group\/recommended_ACW_reading\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Sub-Forums: None.<\/p>\n

Summary: Fellow blogger James Durney runs this Yahoo site.\u00a0 It focuses on his Amazon.com Civil War book reviews.\u00a0 I know this is supposed to be a top 10 group, but I wanted to mention James’ site as well.\u00a0 The only reason it failed to make the top 10 is due to lack of readers and those actively posting.\u00a0 If you are interested in the latest Civil War books make sure you sign up and let James know what you think of his reviews<\/a>!<\/p>\n

10. Armchair General American Civil War Forum<\/strong><\/p>\n

URL: http:\/\/www.armchairgeneral.com\/forums\/forumdisplay.php?f=110<\/a><\/p>\n

Sub-Forums: None, this is a part of the Armchair General forums and is its own sub-forum.<\/p>\n

Summary: This forum is a part of the Armchair General Magazine web site<\/a>.\u00a0 Armchair General has the following information for those looking to subscribe<\/a>:<\/p>\n

Armchair General<\/em> contains articles on military history, profiles of military leaders, and features that analyze the implications of decisions and look at what would be different had other courses of action been followed.<\/em><\/em><\/p>\n

The site is newer and could definitely use some more posters to up the number of discussions.\u00a0 Head over and take a look.\u00a0 There is a solid foundation for growth.<\/p>\n

Recent Interesting Threads:<\/p>\n

– What if Jackson had lived?<\/a>
\n– Civil war was all Jefferson’s fault<\/a><\/p>\n

– Civil War about slavery?<\/a><\/p>\n

9. The History Channel Civil War Forum<\/strong><\/p>\n

URL: http:\/\/boards.historychannel.com\/forum.jspa?forumID=100&start=0<\/a><\/p>\n

Sub-Forums: None, this is a part of the History Channel forums<\/a> and is its own sub-forum.<\/p>\n

Summary: I only recently discovered the History Channel forums.\u00a0 It looks like quite a few threads are updated daily and there is some interesting discussion here.\u00a0 In just the past few days I’ve seen some encouraging signs, including a lengthy thread about the little-known Bermuda Hundred Campaign and one on Grant at Cold Harbor.<\/p>\n

Recent Interesting Threads:<\/p>\n

– Another Chamberlain myth bites the dust<\/a><\/p>\n

– Cold Harbor…what was Grant smoking (drinking)?<\/a><\/p>\n

– Bermuda Hundred Campaign – Conclusion and Assessment<\/a><\/p>\n

8. The Civil War Message Board Portal<\/strong><\/p>\n

URL: http:\/\/history-sites.net\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Sub-Forums: Many, including message boards for numerous states during the Civil War, Civil War flags, Civil War prisons, Arms & Equipment in the Civil War, Civil War Artillery, Civil War Navies, and even a book reviews area which is my personal favorite.<\/p>\n

Summary: This is a great set of message boards for those looking for information on an ancestor who fought in the war.\u00a0 Find the state message board for the unit he fought with and ask about him.\u00a0 You’d be surprised at the number of answers one can find.\u00a0 In addition, the state boards are great for battles fought in each state, political and military leaders which hailed from each state and information on that state’s participation and efforts during the Civil War.\u00a0 Go to the other sub-forums mentioned above for detailed discussions on those topics.\u00a0 All in all, this collection of Civil War message boards offers plenty of discussion for even the most well-rounded Civil War buff.<\/p>\n

Recent Interesting Threads:<\/p>\n

– Missouri Adjutant General Reports<\/a><\/p>\n

– Eli Barrett, 6th Regiment, NC Senior Reserves<\/a><\/p>\n

– Ruggles’ line of guns<\/a><\/p>\n

7. Civil War Interactive Discussion Board<\/strong><\/p>\n

URL: http:\/\/www.civilwarinteractive.com\/forums\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Sub-Forums: Too many too mention.\u00a0 Some highlights include General Civil War Talk<\/a>, Battles and Campaigns<\/a>, The People of the Civil War<\/a>, and Review It! (Civil War Book Reviews)<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Summary: The Civil War Interactive web site<\/a> contains a LOT of useful information on the Civil War, this message board among them.\u00a0 Catch up on the latest Civil War news, chat about literally any Civil War-related topic, check out book reviews, discuss you favorite battle, politician, general, or other Civil War personality, try to find out more information about an ancestor and more all in one place.<\/p>\n

Recent Interesting Threads:<\/p>\n

– Battle of Franklin<\/a><\/p>\n

– The “To Read” list<\/a><\/p>\n

– Which General would you have least liked to face?<\/a><\/p>\n

6. Dispatch Depot Message Board at Civil War Talk<\/strong><\/p>\n

URL: http:\/\/civilwartalk.com\/forums\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Sub-Forums: Civil War History – General Discussion<\/a>, Civil War History – The Eastern Theater<\/a>, Book & Movie Review Tent<\/a>, and many more.<\/p>\n

Summary: The Dispatch Depot Message Board at Civil War Talk<\/a> is similar to the Civil War Interactive site listed above in many ways, including the light blue background theme.\u00a0 This site also offers quite a few different sub-forums for discussion, and even includes a ghostly sightings area<\/a> for the supernatural fans among you.<\/p>\n

Recent Interesting Threads:<\/p>\n

– Meade’s Big Plan for Lee!!<\/a><\/p>\n

– The Folly of Confederate Invasion<\/a><\/p>\n

– Money; THE Cause?<\/a><\/p>\n

5. North & South Magazine Civil War Yahoo Discussion Group<\/strong><\/p>\n

URL: http:\/\/groups.yahoo.com\/group\/cwsociety\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Sub-Forums: None.\u00a0 No Yahoo Discussion Group has sub-forums.<\/p>\n

Summary: North & South<\/a> is one of the top two Civil War magazines being published today.\u00a0 This Yahoo discussion group is a place for subscribers to go to discuss the articles which appear in the magazine along with any other items of Civil War interest.\u00a0 This one would be listed higher if it wasn’t restricted to North & South subscribers.\u00a0 Look on the bright side though.\u00a0 If you are able to access this discussion group, it also means you’re subscribing to a great magazine on the topic.<\/p>\n

Recent Interesting Threads:<\/p>\n

–Supplement to ORs<\/a><\/p>\n

–Foreign Officers in Blue and in Gray<\/a><\/p>\n

–Lincoln as “Strategic Genius”<\/a><\/p>\n

4. CompuServe\/Netscape Civil War Forum<\/strong><\/p>\n

URL: http:\/\/community.compuserve.com\/n\/pfx\/forum.aspx?nav=start&webtag=ws-civilwar<\/a><\/p>\n

Sub-Forums: Presidents\/Politics<\/a>, Civil War Bookshelf<\/a>, Civil War Trivia<\/a>, Battles & Campaigns<\/a>, Civil War Navies<\/a>, Civil War Soldiers<\/a>, and more.<\/p>\n

Summary: David Woodbury, formerly co-owner of the now defunct Savas Woodbury Publishing and now a blogger at of Battlefields and Bibliophiles<\/a>, heads up this site.\u00a0 Supporting David are MANY knowledgeable Civil War personalities, including author Jim Morgan, former TOCWOC blogger and author Stevan Meserve, Anne Hughes, and others.\u00a0 This one has more of an Eastern theater focus, but the individuals posting here know a LOT about the east!<\/p>\n

Recent Interesting Threads:<\/p>\n

–Butler does a good thing<\/a><\/p>\n

–A Superior Bastard<\/a><\/p>\n

–Tennessee tantrum<\/a><\/p>\n

3. Civil War Discussion Group<\/strong><\/p>\n

URL: http:\/\/www.cwdgonline.org\/modules.php?name=Forums<\/a><\/p>\n

Sub-Forums: Genealogy<\/a>, The Entire Gettysburg Campaign<\/a>, Day One<\/a>, Day Two<\/a>, Day Three<\/a>, Union Leaders<\/a>, Confederate Leaders<\/a>, Books<\/a>, and more.<\/p>\n

Summary: This is the forum for Eric Wittenberg’s Civil War Discussion Group.\u00a0 It has a heavy Gettysburg and cavalry bias.\u00a0 Eric’s group of personal friends has a large presence here, which is fine because there is a LOT of Civil War knowledge in this group.\u00a0 Contributors include co-authors of One Continuous Fight<\/em> J.D. Petruzzi and Mike Nugent, former TOCWOC blogger Jim Lamason, well-read Civil War buff Steve Basic, and many others.\u00a0 The group includes a bit of self-promotion of Eric’s books and other Civil War projects such as Ironclad Publishing<\/a>, but I’ve never minded it because I enjoy the topics he chooses to write about.\u00a0 The Books sub-forum is a personal favorite of mine and is a large part of the reason I ranked this discussion group at #3 on the list.<\/p>\n

Recent Interesting Threads:<\/p>\n

–Maps book<\/a><\/p>\n

–Footnotes in Books<\/a><\/p>\n

–Antietam vs Gettysburg<\/a><\/p>\n

2. The Civil War Western Theater Yahoo Discussion Group<\/strong><\/p>\n

URL: http:\/\/groups.yahoo.com\/group\/civilwarwest\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Sub-Forums: None.\u00a0 No Yahoo Discussion Group has sub-forums.<\/p>\n

Summary: The second best Civil War forum I’ve participated in is The Civil War Western Theater Yahoo Discussion Group.\u00a0 It is run by Dick Weeks (aka Shotgun), a man who knows quite a bit about the Civil War and who runs one of the most popular Civil War sites on the web, The American Civil War Home Page<\/a>.\u00a0 Dick runs a tight ship as moderator, keeping the discussion focused on the Western Theater.\u00a0 The intro reads:<\/p>\n

This group discusses all aspects of the American Civil War as conducted in the Western Theater of operations.<\/em><\/p>\n

Any action that did not involve Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia or the Peninsula Campaign is open for discussion.<\/em><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, because of their volatility the following subjects are off limits, (1) Causes of the war, (2)Slavery, (3)Black Confederates and (4)Modern day politics.<\/em><\/p>\n

The discussion group etiquette is as follows. (1)There will be no profanity used in any post to the group. (2) You may attack a post for its content with a rebuttal of your own, you may not attack the member that posted it. <\/em><\/p>\n

The group has not been as active lately, but you will find most threads are responded to by knowledgeable and friendly students of the West.\u00a0 I would have ranked Shotgun’s site the best if not for the reduced volume and the scope of the subject matter.<\/p>\n

Recent Interesting Threads:<\/p>\n

–Was Logan dissed for higher command?<\/a><\/p>\n

–Civil War Talk Radio<\/a><\/p>\n

–Theophilus Holmes and Hindman<\/a><\/p>\n

1. Study of the Civil War Yahoo Discussion Group<\/strong><\/p>\n

URL: http:\/\/groups.yahoo.com\/group\/StudyoftheCivilWar\/<\/a><\/p>\n

Sub-Forums: None.\u00a0 No Yahoo Discussion Group has sub-forums.<\/p>\n

Summary: This is an extremely high volume group.\u00a0 If you like your threads fast and furious this is the place to be.\u00a0 The site averages over 1,000 posts per month typically.\u00a0 In addition, it is not restricted simply to 1861-1865.\u00a0 The introduction to the group is as follows:<\/p>\n

This group covers the period from 1820 till 1880. It is for the serious student of ACW and its aftermath. Topics covering economics, culture, homefront issues, diplomatic endeavors, generals, battles, political leaders, and the reconstruction are welcome. This is the place to discuss ACW and its time period. Reenactors, Civil War buffs, and historians put out your ideas! Post views on ACW books! This group is for the exchange information, ideas, and views!!!! We want this group to also have fun within a framework of learning and congeniality. It is NOT a Forum for modern politics.<\/em><\/p>\n

Many authors and other well-known personalities to Civil War buffs frequent this site, so you’ll be able to ask questions of the experts and receive a quick response!\u00a0 Sign up to this, the best Civil War discussion group on the web and you’ll be sure to learn quite a bit and have some fun in the process.<\/p>\n

Recent Interesting Threads:<\/p>\n

–Defending the Western Theater<\/a><\/p>\n

–Mac’s relocation to Harrison Landing<\/a><\/p>\n

–Banks gets some respect<\/a><\/p>\n

Now that you’ve read over my picks for best Civil War discussion forums, I’d love to hear yours.\u00a0 Did I miss one?\u00a0 Many?\u00a0 Would you rank these differently?\u00a0 Do you currently participate in these forums?\u00a0 I’m hoping I find a few more Civil War forums to bookmark based on the comments I receive, so don’t be shy.\u00a0 Tell me about the Civil War forums you visit!<\/p>\n

Did you enjoy this blog entry?\u00a0 Subscribe to TOCWOC’s RSS feed<\/a> today!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Update: Welcome to TOCWOC for those of you who have found this page through a Google Search!\u00a0 If you enjoy what you’re about to read below, feel free to Subscribe to TOCWOC’s RSS feed.\u00a0 Be sure to check out the Civil War Book Reviews which have been posted here and browse through TOCWOC founder Brett […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2285,2281,1411],"tags":[1415,1419,1413,4512,272,4513,1420,955,1417,1418,1421,1416,1044],"class_list":["post-1386","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-best-of-tocwoc-2008","category-best-of-tocwoc-a-civil-war-blog","category-civil-war-on-the-web","tag-armchair-general","tag-civil-war-discussion-group","tag-civil-war-discussion-groups","tag-civil-war-forums","tag-civil-war-interactive","tag-civil-war-message-boards","tag-civil-war-western-theater-discussion-group","tag-david-woodbury","tag-dispatch-depot","tag-north-south-magazine","tag-study-of-the-civil-war-discussion-group","tag-the-civil-war-message-board-portal","tag-the-history-channel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brettschulte.net\/CWBlog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1386","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brettschulte.net\/CWBlog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brettschulte.net\/CWBlog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brettschulte.net\/CWBlog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brettschulte.net\/CWBlog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1386"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.brettschulte.net\/CWBlog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1386\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.brettschulte.net\/CWBlog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1386"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brettschulte.net\/CWBlog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1386"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.brettschulte.net\/CWBlog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1386"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}