Few Civil War historians can boast credentials like those of the guest speaker at the Tuesday, May 7, anniversary meeting of the Brunswick Civil War Round Table.
Richard McMurry, an Atlanta native who lives in Dalton, Ga., will give his presentation, “A Georgian’s View of Sherman.”
The meeting will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 209 E. Nash St. in Southport.
Based on the topic’s title, one would surmise a Georgian’s attitude toward Sherman was “despicable,” recalling his “scorched earth” policies while conducting “total war” against the Confederate States, capturing Atlanta and marching through Georgia to the sea, according to a press release from the Brunswick Civil War Round Table.
However, there were circumstances that revealed neither side was good enough nor bad enough to contribute to a great military victory based on tactical conditions that prevailed in 1864. The scenario is intriguing, and McMurry is one of the most knowledgeable historians to share these facts and theories, according to the Round Table.
McMurry taught history at Valdosta State College, and was an adjunct professor at North Carolina State University. Since 1988, he has been a freelance writer and speaker, and has served as a guide and historian for many tours and cruise groups. He has authored more than 100 articles on various facets of the Civil War.
He also authored numerous books, receiving honors and awards from such organizations as the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the New York Civil War Round Table, the Civil War Round Table of Chicago, the New Orleans Civil War Round Table, and the Civil War Round Table of Milwaukee. He is also a member of numerous historical societies, and is active in the Civil War Trust and the Organization of American Historians.
Registration for the May 7 meeting begins at 6:30 p.m. Guest admission fee is $5, and can be applied to the $25 annual membership dues.
For more information about the Brunswick Civil War Round Table, or the meeting, contact Wally Rueckel at (910) 253-7382, or [email protected]. The organization’s website is brunswickcivilwarroundtable.com.
