Civil War Symposium

Though it came to its end in 1865, the Civil War remains the most-studied, most-discussed war in American history. History buffs on both sides of the political affiliation fence love to discuss the various battles, leaders, and tactical maneuvers used in the "War Between the States". If you fall into that category, you're certain to enjoy the symposium the Baton Rouge Civil War Roundtable has this month. The event is titled "War in the West: Splitting the Confederacy", and will address the Union's tactic of using major rivers to enter the South and divide the Confederacy, with focus on the battle at Vicksburg and the capture of New Orleans. Speakers include Christopher Kolakowski, the director of the Douglas MacArthur Memorial in Norfolk, VA, Dale Phillips, historian and superintendent of the Lincoln Home National Site in Springfield, Illinois, and Bertram Hayes Davis, the great, great, grandson of Jefferson Davis. The symposium itself is 9 am-5 pm, with a reception/meet-and-greet with the speakers the Friday night before from 7 pm-9 pm. Tickets to the reception are $40 in advance and $50 at the door, tickets to the symposium are $100 in advance and $120 at the door (or $50 in advance and $70 at the door for students).