Lions of the Dan

“Tells the brigade’s long history for the first time . . . captures the daily grind of soldiers striving and struggling in the ranks . . . A triumph” (Peter S. Carmichael, Robert C. Fluhrer Professor of Civil War Studies and Director of the Civil War Institute, Gettysburg College).

This unique history chronicles those men of Pickett’s Charge over the full course of the Civil War. While time-honored celebrations of Armistead and Pickett focus narrowly on moments at Gettysburg, primary sources declare the untold story of the best of men in the worst of times, and refutes Lost Cause myths surrounding Armistead and Pickett.

For the first time, Lions of the Dan widens the aperture to introduce real heroes and amazing deeds that have been suppressed until now. The author presents the experiences of real soldiers in their own words and highlights the much-ignored history of Southside Virginia, presenting the Civil War start to finish from a unique regional perspective. Readers will find their pedestrian notions of the founding of the South’s peculiar institution challenged as they read an objective account of Virginia’s secession and celebrate the courage and devotion of soldiers on both sides.