Fort Worth Civil War Round Table

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Fort Worth Civil War Round Table

View FWCWRT Events Past & Future

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

November 11 – Peter Cozzens Presenting on his latest book – “Deadwood”

Dinner: 6:00 PM  Menu: Chicken Marsala – Green Beans and Carmalized Onions, Mashed Potatoes, Garden Salad, Desserts – $20, RSVP to jimrosenthal5757@aol.com or by calling or texting 817-307-9263.

Program: 7 PM

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

The Civil War changed Americans. Not only did it expose millions to the ugliness of war, but it also changed people and the way that they lived. Before the War most Americans never ventured more than 40 miles from their homes. Military service saw many young men serving hundreds of miles away. Mobility was accepted as a way of life and it was a driver of westward expansion. Economic depression and the lure of gold drove thousands to Deadwood – in the middle of Sioux territory. Cozzens will talk about this exodus and will discuss the enduring legends that have grown up around the iconic Wild West town. He will pay special attention to the evolution of Deadwood as a legend in its own time, and he will dissect the legends of Calamity Jane and Wild Bill Hickok that emerged from their dramatic time in Deadwood.

Peter Cozzens is the international-award winning author or editor of twenty books on the American Civil War and the American West. Cozzens recently retired from a thirty-year career as a Foreign Service Officer, U. S. Department of State. Prior to joining the Foreign Service, he served as a captain in the army.

Cozzens’ most recent book is the newly released Deadwood: Gold, Guns, and Greed in the American West (Knopf, 2025).

His The Earth is Weeping: The Epic Story of the Indian Wars for the American West (Knopf, 2016) , received the 2017 Gilder Lehrman Prize in Military History for the best book on military history published in the English Language. It was also chosen by The Economist as one of the seven greatest military history books ever written.  

In 2002 Cozzens received the American Foreign Service Association’s highest award, given annually to one Foreign Service Officer for exemplary moral courage, integrity, and creative dissent. He has also received an Alumni Achievement Award from his alma mater Knox College.

The Fort Worth Civil War Round Table is still the best bargain in town. We keep our expenses low, but we need funds to bring in speakers from outside of Texas. This year we will be hosting a total of six out of town guests. So we have a challenge ahead of us. If there is any way you can assist by becoming a Sustaining Member or Speaker Patron, it would be greatly appreciated.

2024-2025 Season

Regular Membership$30.00
Sustaining Membership$50.00
Speaker Patron$100.00

Payments may be submitted at the regular meetings, or mailed to:

Stan Wright, Treasurer
2324 Rogers Road
Fort Worth, TX 76109

Make checks payable to: Fort Worth Civil War Round Table