When the Civil War began, cavalry forces were mostly for show, relegated to non-combat duties such as reconnaissance and guarding generals, said Kenny Rowlette, a Civil War buff and English professor at Liberty University.
“During the Civil War, it changes from this sort of romanticized group of guys on horses to an effective fighting force,” said Rowlette, adding “like tanks of today, they brought destruction.”
Liberty University’s 14th annual Civil War Seminar “Jine the Cavalry” will explore the cavalry’s evolution during a weekend of lectures and antebellum festivities from March 26–28.
The lineup includes keynote speaker James I. Robertson, the preeminent Civil War scholar from Virginia Tech, and a host of other professors and historians who will discuss topics ranging from the great cavalry leaders of the Confederacy and Union to the roles their wives played behind the scenes.
“This is arguably one of the best collections of speakers we’ve ever brought together,” Rowlette said.
Chuck Row, the great-great grandson of Confederate cavalry leader General Nathan Bedford Forrest, will travel from California to make a guest appearance and share war stories passed down through his family.
The event also includes antebellum banquet, an artifacts exhibit and a period church service on March 28, led by local Civil War re-enactor the Rev. Alan Farley.
Registration before March 24 costs $65 for the whole event, or $40 for just the March 27 lineup of speakers. Local high school and college students can attend the speakers for free.
For the full schedule or information about registering, visit www.liberty.edu/civilwar or call Rowlette at (434) 592-4366.
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