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Fort Worth Civil War Round Table

About Our Round Table

The Fort Worth Civil War Round Table is a group of individuals brought together by a common interest in the history of the Civil War.

Programs are designed to cover an aspect of the Civil War such as a leader, battle, politician, general or some other topic. Programs last 45 minutes to an hour. Past speakers have included many of the top Civil War scholars such as “Bud” Robertson, Gordon Rhea, Ed Bearss, Wiley Sword, Steven Woodworth, Jack Waugh, Terry Winschel, Allen Guelzo, Kent Masterson Brown, Brooks Simpson, Peter Cozzens and many others.

Who We Are

The Fort Worth Civil War Round Table is composed of people of varying backgrounds. Some are professional historians, but most just have an interest in learning more about the pivotal event in American history.

Membership is open to anyone interested in this subject. We believe in the concept that “there are no sides on a round table” and we do not espouse any particular viewpoint. Regular dues are $30 per year for individuals or families. For those who want to help with covering our expenses for out-of-town speakers we have a Sustainer Membership level of $50 and a Speaker Patron level of $100. Guests are encouraged to attend meetings and learn with our members.

Upcoming Event

December 10th – The Story of Francis Asbury Vaughan, First Texas Cavalry, USA

Presented by Dr. Richard McCaslin, Director of Publications, TSHA

Dinner: 6 PM, Menu: Beef and/or Pork Brisket, Charro Beans, New Potato Salad, and assorted Desserts. $20 per person, RSVP by responding to this email or by calling or texting Jim Rosenthal at 817-307-9263

Program: 7 PM

Location: UNT Health Science Center, MET Building, 1000 Montgomery, Fort Worth 76109, Room 109-111

Francis Asbury Vaughan had 21 brothers and cousins who served in the Confederate military.  Since he was born in Tennessee and raised mostly in Mississippi and Texas within a family that was fully engaged in the slavery- driven market economy of the antebellum South, that is not remarkable.  What is surprising was that on July 4, 1862, Vaughan left Guadalupe County, Texas, with about a dozen comrades and rode to Mexico, whence he made his way to New Orleans and joined the First Texas Cavalry, USA. Within weeks he was an officer, and he later served on the staff of Edmund J. Davis, commander of the regiment. After the Civil War, Vaughan became a staunch Republican, outliving Davis, and a successful businessman. A forthcoming book by Richard B. McCaslin and J. Wayne Stewart, a descendant of Vaughan, builds upon the unique memoir penned by this Texas Unionist to provide useful insights on him, the First Texas, and Republicans in postbellum Texas. 

Richard B. McCaslin, the Director of Publications for the Texas State Historical Association (TSHA), is the retired TSHA Professor of Texas History at the University of North Texas and the author or editor of nineteen books. Eight of these won awards, while his biography of Robert E. Lee was nominated for a Pulitzer. He is currently working on two co-authored works focused on the Civil War—a biography of a Texas Unionist and an analysis of the wartime Texas cotton trade–as well as a biography of Pompeo Coppini. a prolific sculptor whose public works in Texas include the Alamo Cenotaph. A Fellow of the TSHA and Admiral in the Texas Navy, McCaslin has commendations from the Civil War Round Tables in Dallas, Fort Worth, and Shreveport for his academic work.

Dr. McCaslin (Rick) is one of our most popular speakers. The reason is simple. He always tells a great story. This talk should be one of his best. Don’t miss it!