Exploring Civil War Trails: A Historian’s Perspective

The Valley Today

In this episode of the Valley Today, host Janet Michael talks with Terry Heder, the historian and editor of Civil War Trails. The discussion kicks off with Terry sharing his extensive background in history, particularly his tenure with the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation, and how he transitioned to his current role with Civil War Trails.

Terry explains the mission of Civil War Trails, a six-state program featuring over 1,500 signs that mark historical sites and people related to the Civil War. The signs are placed at actual locations where events took place, providing historical context and engaging stories to visitors. He emphasizes the importance of making history accessible and engaging, not just for history enthusiasts but for the general public as well.

The conversation delves into the process of creating these signs, which involves local sponsorship, drafting text, thorough research, and design. Terry highlights the challenges of condensing complex stories into short, compelling narratives that fit on the signs, and the importance of using striking images to draw attention. He also discusses how these signs can drive tourism, bringing economic benefits to local communities. The Civil War Trails program aims to create a network of historical markers that draw visitors in, encouraging them to explore and learn more about the history surrounding them.

Janet and Terry touch on various aspects of Civil War history, including the roles of soldiers, civilians, African Americans, and even mascots like dogs. They discuss how history is often romanticized in media but emphasize the need to present a more nuanced and accurate portrayal of events.

Finally, Terry provides information on how listeners can access more resources, including the Civil War Trails website, interactive maps, and brochures, to explore these historical sites.