Presentation by A. Wilson Greene – Author and Historian
Location: UNT Health Science Center, MET Building – Room 124, 1000 Montgomery, Fort Worth, TX 76107
Dinner: 6PM Program: 7PM
(Menu: Grilled Chicken Kabobs, Saffron Rice, Greek Salad, Hummus with Pita Bread, and desserts. $13. Please RSVP to jimrosenthal5757@aol.com or by texting or calling Jim Rosenthal at 817-307-9263.)
While the Petersburg Campaign lasted for 292 days in 1864-1865, July 30, 1864 is clearly the one day most familiar to students of the Civil War. On that fateful Saturday, a Pennsylvania regiment filled with former coal miners exploded a mine beneath a prominent Confederate fort, killing more than 300 Rebel soldiers, and opening a 500-yard gap in the Southern defenses. Lt. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant characterized the Union attacks that followed as “the saddest affair I have witnessed in the war.” Grant was right. From the Federal perspective there was a great deal to be sad about, including his own management of the operation. This presentation will explore those unhappy elements, especially the fate of the United States Colored Troops who participated in the attack. The talk is based on Will Greene’s new book – “A Campaign of Giants: The Battle for Petersburg” which will be available for purchase and signing on the 12th.
A. Wilson Greene is a native of Wheaton, Illinois. He holds degrees from Florida State and LSU. After 16 years with the National Park Service, he became the first executive director of the Association for the Preservation of Civil War Sites, now the American Battlefield Trust. From 1995 to 2017 he was the founding director of Pamplin Historical Park & the National Museum of the Civil War Soldier near Petersburg. “A Campaign of Giants” is his fifth book, with two more volumes on the Petersburg Campaign under contract. Will Greene is a highly regarded historian and speaker. This should be another great presentation. See you on the 12th!