Blue Lightning: Wilder's Mounted Infantry Brigade in the Battle of Chickamauga

by Richard A. Baumgartner

Blue Wilder's Mounted Infantry Brigade in the Battle of Chickamauga. Civil War History.

Genres: Civil War, Military History

389 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 1997

Reviews

[Joseph · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has a personal story tied to it. I picked up a copy of this book at our state's annual Civil War show. They were taking donations, and all I saw in the jar were a bunch of 1's. So, being in a generous mood, I dropped a $10 bill in there. Best money spent at that show. The book follows Wilder's Lightning Brigade through the battle of Chickamauga. Many of the photos in the book are shown for the first time. Probably not a book for neophytes, but a great book anyway. A worthy effort.

[Jon Stallings · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well documented and well told account of the Lightning Brigade and the development of the first Mounted Infantry. Plenty of first hand accounts of the horrors of the battle of Chickamauga. 

[Steve Magnusen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This meticulously researched book is a fascinating account of a superb Union Brigade at Chickamauga. Any study of that battle must include this work. As one who has lived in both Indiana and Illinois, the first person accounts of many soldiers, the numerous photos, and significance of superior leadership by officers such as John Wilder and Eli Lilly, make one marvel at their sacrifices.

[Iain · Rating 3 out of 5]

Although my read predates my involvement on Goodreads, I remember liking this detailed look at a fascinating brigade in the Union Army. The prose can drag a bit, getting bogged down in quotes from individuals letters home for example, but for anyone interested in Wilder's lightning Brigade, this book remains the 800 pound gorilla in the reading room.

I kept my copy of the book and expect I'll re-read it one day.