Black Flag: Guerrilla Warfare on the Western Border, 1861–1865

by Thomas Goodrich

"[A] thorough and comprehensive study of this tragic, almost forgotten episode of American history." ―History

"What Sherman did in Georgia and Sheridan in the Valley pales in comparison. This study truly shows the horrible cost inherent in any civil war." ―Civil War Courier

"[A] well written and compelling account of an aspect of the Civil War which has not received sufficient attention." ―Southern Historian

"Compelling . . ." ―Publishers Weekly

"[A] fast-paced . . .absorbing discourse . . . Black Flag is a highly recommended book that transports the reader to the towns and dusty highways of Kansas and Missouri during the Civil War." ―Kansas History

From 1861 to 1865, the region along the Missouri-Kansas border was the scene of unbelievable death and destruction. Thousands died, millions of dollars of property was lost, entire populations were violently uprooted. It was here also that some of the greatest atrocities in American history occurred. Yet in the great national tragedy of the Civil War, this savage warfare has seemed a minor episode.
Drawing from a wide array of contemporary documents―including diaries, letters, and first-hand newspaper accounts―Thomas Goodrich presents a hair-raising report of life in this merciless guerrilla war. Filled with dramatic detail, Black Flag reveals war at its very worst, told in the words of the participants themselves. Bushwhackers and Jayhawkers, soldiers and civilians, scouts, spies, runaway slaves, the generals and the guerrillas―all step forward to tell of their terrifying ordeals.
From the shocking, sensational massacres at Lawrence, Baxter Springs, and Centralia to the silent terror of a woman at home alone in the Aburnt district, Black Flag is a horrifying day-by-day account of life, death and war, told with unforgettable immediacy.

Genres: History, Civil War, Nonfiction, War, American History, American Civil War

192 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Eric Kruger · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very good, straightforward account of what was one of the more brutal episodes (between white folks) in American history.

[BStooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jayhawks/Pro-Union/Kansas vs Bushwhackers/Pro-Confederacy/Missouri. Barbaric savagery on both sides. Indiscriminate killings/decapitation/scalping/home burnings on both sides. A chapter of US history that most are unaware. A large portion of the book is original source material.

An excerpt from the book:
“You Federals have just killed six of my soldiers, scalped them and left them on the prairie…I will show you that I can kill men with as much skill and rapidity as anybody. From this time forward I ask no quarter and give none. Every Federal soldier on whom I can put my fingers shall die like a dog. If I get into your clutches I expect death. You are all to be killed and sent to hell.”
Bloody Bill Anderson, Missouri guerrilla fighter.

[Zella Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good, concise, readable overview of why the war in Missouri descended into such savagery during the Civil War. Neither side comes out of this looking good. Incorporates lots of vivid first-person accounts from the time. I found its comparison between the war as conducted during Sherman's March with in Missouri quite interesting. He's right that Sherman is always evoked as the example of total war, but that had been happening for years earlier in Missouri (and, by extension, Kansas.)

[Koontzs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having heard of Bloody Kansas, the Lawrence Massacre, etc as a student in Kansas schools, I had not really understand the depth of the personal affront of both sides of the border war. I have since learned I had relatives on both sides, living in Jackson county, missouri. during this time. I had never heard of the Burnt District or Jennison's Tombstones. eye opening.

[David Cuatt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written account of a subject that is often overlooked. Guerrilla fighting between pro-Union Jayhawkers and pro-Confederate Bushwhackers was extremely deadly and destructive in both Missouri and Kansas throughout the American Civil War. It also served as a training ground for desperadoes like Jesse James. Lots of firsthand accounts from diaries, newspapers, etc.

[Steven · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't understand why these stories aren't more widely known. I think Goodrich did a great job of being even handed.

[Mike Mcphail · Rating 5 out of 5]

No study of the Civil War is complete without diving into the infamous Border War. It feels very much like a true civil war between neighbors. Great book,

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short and lively book is an excellent introduction to the Kansas-Missouri border war that raged during the Civil War and the scorched earth policies perpetuated by both sides. Goodrich's sympathies seemed to lie more with western Missouri and their troubles with Jayhawkers and Redlegs than with the people of Kansas, and I'm interested to see what biases play out in other books on the subject. My interest has been piqued.

[Devin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Little known history of the vicious war between the border states of Missouri and Kansas prior to and during the civil war. Paints the background for better under standing “Jesse James” by T. J. Stiles (see my review).

[Tassie · Rating 1 out of 5]

This isn't a book. It's a collection of block quotes and no interpretation. And really, you can't base sweeping generalizations on one quote from one newspaper...and if that's not what this author did, he certainly failed to make it clear.

Crap. I'm surprised a university press released this.

[Bruce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Once again, in a guerilla war everyone loses. Murder, rape, arson, theft; you name it, it all happened in western MO and eastern Kansas prior to and during the Civil War. Lots of reports from participants are included.

[Ray White · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for research for my own "Swallow the Dog" book. All Thomas Goodrich books are great. Most use 50% historical, and 50% commentary style, so you know you're getting the real stuff. If you want to know the life of Missouri border ruffians, this is the book.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

fabulous read!

[David Winkler · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this one because I wanted to know more about the Missouri/Kansas border war during the Civil War. The people in that area suffered more than any other region. Pretty interesting read.