The Civil War: Limestone County in Conflict, Part I

Homegrown History

Rebekah and Richard host local historian of African American history, Peggy Towns, and Limestone County educator, Chris Paysinger, for a look into Athens and Limestone County during the early days of the Civil War. Originally sympathetic with the Union, find out what triggered the turning point for the city of Athens. Also learn about the United States Colored Infantry stationed at Fort Henderson as well as speculation that the famous short story, "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge," may have been inspired from the Battle of Sulphur Creek Trestle right here in Limestone County.

Links
https://limestonecounty-al.gov/departments/archives/

https://www.alcpl.org/
https://archives.alabama.gov Alabama Department of Archives and History
https://www.visitathensal.com/richard-martin-trail.html Richard Martin Trail

Books referenced in the episode are available at Athens-Limestone County Public Library:
"Duty Driven: the plight of North Alabama's African Americans during the Civil War" / Peggy Allen Towns
"Let the family circle be unbroken": the transformation of republican patriarchy, Athens, Alabama, 1818-1870 a thesis / by Christopher Browning Paysinger
"The Complete Short Stories of Ambrose Bierce" (includes "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge")

Music from Pixabay