My name is Carrie, and I am the sole creator and author of The Civil War Project.
My connection to Civil War history did not begin with a book or in a classroom, but with a simple family outing.
In March of 1979, my parents and I, along with a small group of relatives, visited the Lincoln Home in my then-hometown of Springfield, Illinois. I remember being captivated by the beautiful horsehair furniture, the ornate and colorful red, blue, green, and white carpet, and the simple nameplate on the front door that I could not yet read. At the time, I was only two years and ten months old.
Afterward, we went to the Lincoln Tomb at Oak Ridge Cemetery. As we walked through the hallways, with sculptures positioned in every corner, the adults became silent when they entered the room containing the large granite cenotaph, surrounded by a half-circle of flags. The stained glass, the gold-embossed words, and the reverence shown by the adults made me wonder if God himself was buried there. After all, the cenotaph was probably as tall, if not a little taller, than I was.
My father crouched down beside me and, in a whisper, explained that the family who had lived in the house we had just visited was buried there. He told me that the father of that house had led our country during a great war, where people died so that everyone could live free. And after the war was won, a man who was afraid of that change killed him. Now, he explained, we visit his home and his place of burial to honor his life and pay our respects for the sacrifices he and so many others made.
That was all it took.
I made it a point to remember what my dad said, and I made a promise to myself. I needed to learn how to read so I could find answers to the questions filling my mind at that moment. And that is exactly what I did. By the age of four, I read my first Civil War-focused children’s book about Abraham Lincoln, which my grandma had lovingly searched for & found in the farmhouse attic, knowing I would be interested.
During my elementary and middle school years, I was also fortunate to have history teachers who taught meaningful details rather than memorization. They brought history into the classroom in tangible ways, bringing items like hardtack for us to taste and old Union and Confederate military uniforms for us to see & feel. Those experiences reinforced something I was already learning on my own: that history was not distant or abstract. It was real, physical, and human.
I never stopped reading, visiting, watching, or learning when it came to the Civil War. At first, my focus was on the well-known names and events often taught in school. Over time, I began seeking out the stories of people we do not hear about as often. I realized that what I love most are the people themselves. Not just who they were during the war, but what shaped them before it, and how they lived afterward as well.
After years of sharing what I had learned with family and friends, I created a blog in 2011 to mark the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. The Civil War Project (TCWP) officially launched on April 12, 2011.
In 2023, I began planning the next phase of TCWP, expanding it beyond written storytelling into story-focused YouTube videos centered on people, places, and events, from those widely known to those rarely discussed.
In February 2026, I launched this website with a renewed focus not only on storytelling, but also on helping people find meaningful connections to history across the country. These connections may be experienced in person or explored remotely, making history more accessible regardless of location.
TCWP is my lifelong project, and it will continue to grow for as long as I am mentally and physically able.
When I am not traveling to historic sites or creating content, I assist my husband, Maurice, in our company, Firefly Productions, which provides wedding videography and editing services. We love traveling with our trusty Corolla Blu, taking in beautiful landscapes, meeting new people, enjoying local food, and almost always choosing the back roads, because that is where the true journey happens.
My approach to TCWP is shaped by how I have always engaged with history: with care, patience, and attention to detail. Each story is grounded in research drawn from primary sources whenever possible, along with the work of respected historians and independent researchers who have devoted years to studying the Civil War. I am especially mindful of context when dealing with complex individuals and events, because history cannot be simplified and still be fully understood.
Whenever possible, I visit historic sites in person. While many of these places have changed over time or are now surrounded by modern development, being at a location can still offer insight and a sense of connection that cannot always be found in books or documentaries. Scale, geography, proximity, and atmosphere matter, but it's often the human connection to a place that provides a deeper understanding.
Transparency matters to me.
The Civil War Project is created independently. All historical locations, reviews, and stories are featured without compensation, sponsorship, or paid placement. Inclusion on this site is not influenced by financial support or affiliation.
Inclusion of a location, organization, or resource does not imply endorsement, partnership, or affiliation. Sites featured on The Civil War Project do not necessarily support or endorse this project, nor does TCWP claim to represent their views.
Any future partnerships or sponsorships, should they occur, will be clearly disclosed. My goal is to maintain trust by being open about how TCWP is created and supported.
Whether you have spent years studying the Civil War or are just beginning to explore its history, you are welcome here.
I hope this initiative encourages curiosity, reflection, and a deeper connection to the people and places that shaped the past. If a video story or historic location sparks interest, I encourage you to follow that spark wherever it leads, and if you need guidance, I'm happy to help.
Historic sites that not yet included on this website, along with readers who wish to share thoughtful insights or sources, are always welcome to reach out.
The Civil War Project is created independently and shared freely. If you find value in this work and would like to support it, you may do so here. Thank you for being part of the journey.
