Several weeks ago I reviewed Civil War in Kansas, one of series of books by different authors about the Civil War on a state and territory level. In the review, I discussed the value of studying history beyond the stories of our own ancestors. Local and world events shaped the course of lives, including our own ancestors, in ways we may never fully appreciate. Reading history can help the genealogist better understand the world in which their ancestors lived. Some of the most enjoyable histories are those written as stories. Like Civil War in Kansas, Civil War in Texas and New Mexico Territory is just such a book.
Civil War in Texas and New Mexico Territory by Steve Cottrell outlines the conflict of war as it directly affected Texas and the New Mexico Territory, their participation, and the people involved. All the “Civil War in” books in this series share the story style of writing. Cottrell writes this story with skill, captivating the reader from page 1.
The book opens immediately with Texas voting against it Governor’s wishes and joining the Confederacy. The quickly established army immediately took over all U.S. forts and military installations in the state without a single casualty. There is even a story of how Robert E. Lee was nearly held captive, but was permitted to leave the state because a declaration of war had not yet actually been declared. The book continues with story after story about Texas’ and New Mexico’s part in the war. Between the lines of this well-written story lies the facts and interesting detail of the Civil War in the South West and is well worth the time taken to read its pages.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Chapter 1: Lone Star Rebels
Chapter 2: Desert Empire
Chapter 3: Ships, Sand, and Shells
Chapter 4: The Last Hurrah
Appendix: Refighting the War
Bibliography
Index
Add Civil War in Texas and New Mexico Territory to your collection, order from Family Roots Publishing; Item #:PP532, Price: $12.69.