On Oct. 7, Union University hosted Dr. Caroline E. Janney, who gave the 28th annual Carls-Schwerdfeger History Lecture, focusing on post-Civil War attitudes.
At 2 p.m. in the Carl Grant Event Center, Janney held her first lecture titled “When the Monuments Went Up: The Long Fight over Civil War Memory,” which explored the attitudes people had directly after the war. These feelings led to the construction of the monuments and sites meant to honor and remember those who fought.
The Civil War was the bloodiest war of United States history and was fought not only between enemies but also between families and friends. While it remains a sensitive subject, it is a crucial part of understanding the nation’s identity today.
“I believe it is important to talk about these topics,” Joshua Ishikawa, freshman engineering major, said. “Not just because it educates the younger generations, but helps us understand current affairs.”
The second lecture, open to the public and held at 7:15 p.m. in the G.M. Savage Memorial Chapel, was titled “After Appomattox: Ending the Civil War.” Janney examined the experiences of soldiers immediately following General Lee’s surrender — how they got home and how they were received.
After a welcome from Union President Dr. Samuel W. “Dub” Oliver and an introduction from Dr. Keith Bates, chair of the Department of History, Janney began her lecture.
Providing a brief overview of the Confederate army’s surrender at Appomattox, Janney described how approximately 46,000 men made their way home.
“Some boarded government-run rails and steamers,” Janney said. “But the majority traveled the miles on foot, sticking to muddy ravines and hidden trails.”
After the lecture, Janney explained that history should help others understand people from the past — the decisions they made and why. She expressed that entering historical study with preconceived notions distorts perspective, reminding the audience that history remains an evidence-based discipline.
“It is not to condone or condemn them but to better understand people and help others understand,” Janney said.