Before surrendering a fraction of its ranks at Appomattox, the Tennessee Brigade served in Robert E. Lee's Army of Northern Virginia and engaged in such notable battles as Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, Antietam, and Gettysburg, where it suffered the first casualty. The actions of the fighting force and the contributions they made to the Confederate Army, between 1861 and 1865, are emphasized in this extensively researched history book. A background of the tumultuous political climate brewing in the state is included for reference, followed by a detailed description of the brigade's composition, which totaled 110 regiments. Several soldiers are listed, along with their diverse county origins, and personal diary entries describe the emotional unrest they often experienced before going to war. Letters narrate the hardships they faced on and off the battlefield, especially during the winter seasons. Personal photos of the Confederates, provided by descendants, present a closer look at individual members. Maps illustrate the brigade's position during important battles, such as Gettysburg and Chancellorsville, while the accompanying text offers all-embracing details on the specific conflict. County historians and experts on the Civil War share their knowledge. Current photographs of battlefields and monuments put the brigade's story into a contemporary context.
