Programs

Marching through Maryland: Lee's Campaign of 1862

The political and military dilemmas facing the Union and Confederate governments in the summer of 1862 powerfully influenced the direction of the Civil War. In this lecture, Thomas Clemens focuses on the issues that drove the campaign: Robert E. Lee's belief that a success in Maryland could win independence and international recognition for his nation; the horrific number of casualties on both sides; and the devastation of the local civilian population. Using maps to trace the routes of the opposing armies, Clemens weaves an engaging story, explaining both actions and their consequences in this important campaign. Requires overhead projector and screen. Adult and high school audiences

Thomas G. Clemens is Professor of History at Hagerstown Community College. He received his B.A. and M.A. in history from Salisbury State University and his Ph.D. from George Mason University. He is a Founding Member and President of Save Historic Antietam Foundation. Clemens recently published "The Maryland Campaign of September 1862, Volume I: South Mountain," the first part of a two-volume historical, annotated manuscript that details one of the most famous campaigns of the Civil War. In addition to eyewitness accounts, the manuscript includes maps and photos. A biographical dictionary will be included in Volume II, which is expected to be released in 2012.