On this day in 1864, Major General Ambrose Burnside’s Ninth Corps detonated 8,000 pounds of gunpowder under a Confederate salient outside Petersburg, Virginia.
Being retired now, I often lose track of the calendar, so I had no idea it was the 30th. I had forgotten that you pointed out that the existing mine entrance is not the actual one. Most studies of the Crater that I read in my distant past focused on the building of the mine, and did not do a very good job of discussing the evolution of the battle itself. And the classic studies of the fight give not even a hint of the executions of USCTs (that I recall). And I had no idea of Mahone's interesting postwar career until I read your book.
Forgot to mention that there is some evidence to suggest that the monument to Mahone was originally supposed to be dedicated in downtown Petersburg, but his racial politics led to people calling for it to be located on battlefield.
Unfortunately, only one biography has been written about Mahone and it dates to the 1930s. Mahone is a central figure in my Crater book. Chapter 3 is devoted entirely to his postwar career. He is a fascinating individual.
As always, Kevin, thoughtful and fascinating. Thank you!
You are very welcome.
Being retired now, I often lose track of the calendar, so I had no idea it was the 30th. I had forgotten that you pointed out that the existing mine entrance is not the actual one. Most studies of the Crater that I read in my distant past focused on the building of the mine, and did not do a very good job of discussing the evolution of the battle itself. And the classic studies of the fight give not even a hint of the executions of USCTs (that I recall). And I had no idea of Mahone's interesting postwar career until I read your book.
Thanks, Jim.
Forgot to mention that there is some evidence to suggest that the monument to Mahone was originally supposed to be dedicated in downtown Petersburg, but his racial politics led to people calling for it to be located on battlefield.
I have not been able to find much written about Mahone, who was a fascinating figure.
Unfortunately, only one biography has been written about Mahone and it dates to the 1930s. Mahone is a central figure in my Crater book. Chapter 3 is devoted entirely to his postwar career. He is a fascinating individual.