Murder in Lexington:: VMI, Honor and Justice in Antebellum Virginia

by Daniel S. Morrow

In 1853 Lexington, Virginia, Mary Evelyn Anderson, one of the most beautiful women in the Commonwealth, spurned the advances of a young law student named Charles Burks Christian. Humiliated and heartbroken, Christian confronted, stabbed and killed the man he believed responsible for Anderson's decision. The man was her cousin, Thomas Blackburn, a VMI cadet and student of Stonewall Jackson. What followed was a circus of inept and brilliant lawyers dragging members of the most prominent families in antebellum Virginia through and all-too-public discussion of seduction, courtship, honor and self-defense. Author and historian Daniel S. Morrow chronicles the history of the events that led to Blackburn's death, the trials that followed and the impact on Lexington, its two colleges and the men and women who would soon find themselves engaged in a great Civil War.

352 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 2013

Reviews

[Elizabeth StClair · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a alumna of Washington and Lee, as well as multiple legacy of VMI, I was intrigued to read this book. Having lived in Lexington for four years, I know the interconnectedness that pervades the town and county. However, I had never heard of this murder before, and was shocked to read about it. Relatively easy to read, as far as historical books go. Lots and lots of details. Basically everyone is connected to everyone and at times it is hard to keep track. Would recommend this book to all Generals and Cadets out there. Our schools have always had an odd rivalry, but murder trumps lacrosse games and crashed parties.

[William Guerrant · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has done an excellent job of reconstructing this now-forgotten episode in Virginia history, the details of which reveal a culture that was accepted seemingly unquestionably at the time but will seem alien to us today. An appreciation of the code of honor that governed relationships and lives at that time is essential to a proper understanding of the era generally. The book is also a valuable resource for gaining a better understanding of criminal justice and criminal trials in the era.

[Billy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 stars for content because of the repetition but up one star due to the topic. Most of the names of the folks in this book living in Lexington or at VMI were still names in Lex in my day and probably still have relatives there.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found myself in Lexington exactly 160 years after the murder, exact date. It was amazing for me and my husband to walk the same streets of Lexington and relive it.