Washington County, Virginia, in the Civil War Paperback – February 10, 2012

The book read more like cheerleader's rallying cry for why we were so loyal to the South than history. Washington County borders Appalachia and other records show more dissent. I think the book lacked balance. The book Bushwackers seemed to be more realistic for the times and area.

Would have liked more detail on more Washington County units but overall this book adds much information and is well researched and written.

Michael Shaffer, a native Washington County resident himself, has produced a valuable source of information on this region during the War Between the States in his book titled Washington County Virginia in the Civil War. The depth of his research and the flowing display of the 'tenor of the times' makes this a most readable and worthy access to this era of our history. The men, and women, who participated in the conflict are documented carefully and are recognized for their accomplishments and failures. The picture of Emory and Henry College and The Abingdon Virginian's role is revealing in its detail. The actual sketches in this book serve to reveal the flavor of the southwest Virginia countryside. Washington County and Abingdon itself are depicted in a most flattering manner as it is evidenced that their population of Scots-Irish settlers of the pioneer era presented a concerted effort to protect their homes from outside elements. While definitely a rural setting, Washington County offered leadership to its state and participated in the important technology of the times. This little book makes an informative and interesting read for Washington County citizens and for those wishing to become familiar with this delightful region of Virginia.

Shaffer's work is a good introduction to Washington County and the war. It would be a better book if there was more information about Washington County and Abington, and less on the men who were not from the area who attended Emory and Henry College and went on to fight. While this book leaves me wanting more, it is, overall, a good introduction to Washington County, Virginia, and the Civil War.

The book falls into the genera of pro-Confederate literature called, "Lost Cause." Much of the book is devoted to the biographies of the men of military rank of which there were a surprising number given the size of the county. While it is good that a book devoted to Washington County has been written, I would have liked to learn more about what life was like in the county for those not involved in the military. Recent studies show that roughly 40% of the local populace was opposed to secession and the war in general. A more balanced overview of Washington County during the Civil War might have given some discussion of what life was like for those with conflicted loyalties. I would have liked to read about the lives of the heroic women who took on the work of food production which often went to feed the army or various marauders rather than their families, yet the author was somewhat gratuitous in his descriptions of the few women mentioned.