Civil War Battlefields Then & Now

by James Campi Jr.

Documenting the rise and fall of the Confederacy during the Civil War was a new figure on the the war photographer. It was the first major conflict to be recorded by cameras, and men such as Mathew Brady, George Barnard, Timothy O’Sullivan, and Alexander Gardner made their names by capturing unforgettable images of the death and destruction brought about by war. We have their photographs of sites such as Fort Sumter and Gettysburg in those crucial moments--but what do those sites look like today, so many years later?

Civil War Battlefields Then and Now juxtaposes their classic images with photos of the sites as they look now. Some, like Hagerstown Pike, are remarkably well preserved, while others, like Fort Sedgwick, no longer exist. At the end of the war, many cities, industries, and railroads lay in ruins--but today they are once again bustling sites of commerce and residence. Arranged chronologically, Civil War Battlefields Then and Now is a fascinating look at the crucial sites of our nation’s history.

Genres: History, Civil War, Nonfiction, American History, Photography, War, Military Fiction

143 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2002

Reviews

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was well worth the time & trouble that I put our Interlibrary Loan staff through to find this book.

Excellent X 3!

It is interesting to see the places that have worked hard to keep historic sites looking as they did 150+ years ago. Unfortunately, it was sad to see the places that have not worked to maintain this connection, especially the picture of Fort Hell, which is today, the parking lot of a VACANT superstore.

Pictures of places such as the Confederate White House, Marshall House, Alexandria National Cemetery, Fort Sumter, Harper's Ferry, etc. are truly impressive!

[Mark Loring · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting then and now concept (but now as I bring my thumb to my chin and nod my head) I was left wondering...hmmm, which is better, a destroyed battlefield or endless urban/suburban sprawl? For instance Fort Sedgwick destroyed during the siege of Petersburg, VA or an ugly abandoned pseudo- Walmart building. I guess I would opt for the former.

It is good to know that the National Park Service has made an attempt to preserve a sense of our national history. Otherwise someone would of turned the Ford Theatre into a Gap outlet or something.

OK, I'm being cynical.

[Kenneth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I see where the author of this book, James Campi Jr. is only credited with one book published.
I would really like to see him keep going based on this wonderful book.
He had assistance from several contemporary photographers and help with the text, but he developed this project very convincingly.
The scheme is to post a historic photograph from the Civil War, then to revisit that site and try to shoot the shot again from the same angle and from the same range. I know that you have seen this tried before in books, perhaps many times, and most of the time- the writer misses the mark and you are left scratching your head as you look at the new photo from "Devils' Den" at Gettysburg or from the "Sunken Road" at Fredericksburg, and you feel, "Well,yes-that kinda looks like the same place".
The author nails these almost matching shots time after time for the 140 pages of this book.
On top of this is the brief text on the bottom of each page that describes what happened at that site during the war. The book follows the War in chronological order- so this book acts as a compelling review of the War from start to finish.
This would be a great gift for a serious history buff or a high school student who wants to turn it up a notch.

[Carol Bakker · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book of side by side photographs of buildings, battlefields, and bridges using historic photos and contemporary photos that match the vantages.

Some, mostly churches, are little changed. Others feature no recognizable landmarks.

Civil War photography is very sobering.

[Kirby Davis · Rating 4 out of 5]

A decent photographic essay comparing classic photos of Civil War battle sites to their appearance approximately 150 years later.

[Dick · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got this book because it has photos of Civil War sites taken at the time events occured there and photos of the same places today.

This book - as well as a few others I have - are very useful when visiting Civil War sites - you can find the location and see many of the landmarks that still exist today.

And the added bonus - you can stand where history was made - and know you are on the right spot.

[Tom Darrow · Rating 3 out of 5]

The text provides a decent overview of the war, although it is brief and eastern front focused, especially in the first two years of the war. Also, while some of the period and modern photos have a remarkable similarities, many are not as clear. For many, they take a picture of the same building or feature. I would have wanted them to take more care in getting the angle of the original picture down when they took the modern picture.

[Jim · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting, but somewhat disappointing, collection of photographs of Civil War sites with corresponding modern views. I was also slightly disappointed in the captioning, as it seemed often the focus could have been on more interesting aspects. Nevertheless, it is instructive, and it is a wonder that many of the structures are not that much changed despite their age. A good book for enthusiasts.

[Keri-Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic photographs of Civil War Battlefields coupled with the modern photo of that same location. The photos are captioned with short explanations so it doesn't bog the reader down with a lot of detail, which is best left to other books on the subject. It was a lot of fun seeing what survived and making comparisons.

[Dick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would give 3.5 stars if that was an option. This book and others like it that have photos from back then and the current way the scene looks have always fascinated me. When visiting historic sites I try to have a book of photos of where we are going to compare to current views. Makes a better connection. The books could have been more complete with more sites, but the ones it has are good.

[Aspasia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comprised of historic photos of various Civil War battles and what the same scene looks like today. Most of the battle scenes have become monuments or part of state parks; unfortunately, a few have been covered by parking lots. I read this more for the now and then factor, but there is plenty of military strategy to satisfy the serious Civil War buff.

[Amy Allgeier · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have never thought I would complain about this, but I thought the text was too small. And I wish that every picture in the "Now" part would have been from the exact same angle as the "then" picture. But overall, a decent book.

[Dolly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good pictures and descriptions of Civil War Battlefields. It would make a good companion should one wish to visit any of the sites.

[William P. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Must have in any Civil War library. Good reference book for anyone who reads a book about any the great battles of the Civil War,