Buckeye Odyssey

Compelling human stories are at the heart of American Civil War history. This book contains many such stories from the perspective of the brave souls of the 82nd Ohio Volunteer Infantry. Second Manassas, Chancellorsville, Gettysburg, Chattanooga, and the Atlanta, Savannah, and Carolina campaigns: the 82nd witnessed them all and paid the price. Its role in each of these actions is described in this volume in captivating detail. Recounting their remarkable wartime odyssey, this regimental history reconstructs the fascinating lives of six of its soldiers whose stories until now were little known or long forgotten. What is the real story behind a poignant Walt Whitman poem? How did an American treasure barely escape being reduced to ash and go missing for over half a century? What obscure congressman was a groundbreaker in admitting African Americans to West Point? And what once renowned and influential late nineteenth century Ohio politician became consigned to historical oblivion? These and other noteworthy stories from the lives of just a few men who served in the 82nd Ohio are revealed herein for history enthusiasts and scholars alike.