"1865 Alabama: From Civil War to Uncivil Peace" by Chris McIlwain

The views and opinions expressed in this presentation do not necessarily reflect those of the Alabama Department of Archives and History.
On Thursday, May 3 at 12:00, author and historian Chris McIlwain presented a book talk on his publication 1865 Alabama: From Civil War to Uncivil Peace at the Alabama Department of Archives and
History (ADAH) in Montgomery. In his recent book, McIlwain examines the end of the Civil War and the early days of Reconstruction in the state, detailing his interpretation of strategic failures of Alabama’s political leadership. The actions, and inactions, of Alabamians during those twelve months caused many self-inflicted wounds that haunted them for the next century.
During his presentation, McIlwain discussed the effect of Lincoln’s assassination on the South. He explored what may have happened in Alabama had Lincoln’s plan for reconstruction succeeded.
Chris McIlwain was born in Chattanooga and grew up in Huntsville where his father was an aerospace engineer. After graduating from Grissom High School in 1973, he received his undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Alabama. McIlwain has practiced law in Tuscaloosa since 1980. In addition to his latest book, he is also the author of Civil War Alabama (2016), both of which were published by the University of Alabama Press.
The Alabama Department of Archives and History is the state’s government records repository, special collections library
and research facility, and is home to the Museum of Alabama, the state history museum. It is located in downtown Montgomery, directly across the street from the State Capitol. The Archives and Museum are open Monday through Saturday, 8:30 to 4:30. The EBSCO Research Room is open Tuesday through Friday and the second Saturday of the month from 8:30 to 4:30. To learn more, visit www.archives.alabama.gov or call [phone].