“There is enough detail to give the reader a clear understanding of the war in the far west, which tends to be a forgotten subject.”
—Civil War Courier
Did you know that eleven days before Fort Sumter, South Carolina, was fired upon, the Civil War had already begun in Texas?
The Civil War in the West has not been the focus of much attention, but it was the location of fierce fighting and stormy conflicts. Not everyone wanted to secede from the Union, although between sixty and seventy thousand Texans volunteered to take up arms. Sam Houston, governor of the territory in 1861, opposed secession and was forced out after the legislature approved it. Texas troops proceeded to conquer the New Mexico Territory (all of the present-day states of New Mexico and Arizona) for the Confederacy.
The war was all the more difficult in the West, because they had a unique problem: defending themselves from hostile Native Americans and Mexican bandits while also fighting the Federal forces. Many skirmishes were fought against those enemies.
This exciting volume tells all about the war in Texas and New Mexico Territory: the intense combat, the brilliant strategies, and the heroic soldiers who fought for their homeland.
About the Author
Steve Cottrell is a descendant of a Sixth Kansas Cavalry member who served in the Indian Territory during the Civil War. He has participated in several battle reenactments, including the Academy Award-winning motion picture Glory. Cottrell is also coauthor of Civil War in the Ozarks and author of Civil War in the Indian Territory, both published by Pelican.
About the Illustrator
Andy Thomas, also a resident of Carthage, Missouri, illustrated Civil War in the Indian Territory and Civil War in Tennessee. Maze Creek Studio in Carthage showcases his artwork.
CIVIL WAR IN TEXAS AND NEW MEXICO TERRITORY
By Steve Cottrell
Illustrated by Andy Thomas
HISTORY / United States / Civil War Period (1850-1877)
112 pp. 5 1/2 x 8 1/4
37 illus. 10 photos
Map Appendix Biblio. Index
ISBN: 9781565542532 pb original