Alan Pell Crawford's 'This Fierce People' Awarded American Battlefield Trust Prize for History

Alan Pell Crawford's 'This Fierce People' Wins Historic Prize

In recognition of significant contributions to military history, the American Battlefield Trust has awarded the prestigious $50,000 Prize for History to historian Alan Pell Crawford for his compelling book, This Fierce People: The Untold Story of America's Revolutionary War in the South. This award not only honors Crawford's exemplary research but also emphasizes the importance of preserving historical battlefields, particularly as the nation observes the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War.

Crawford's book offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the Southern Campaign, where critical battles shaped the course of the American quest for independence. The narrative humanizes the participants of these historical conflicts, providing a vivid look into their experiences and the broader social dynamics at play. The selection of This Fierce People was made from a pool of entries submitted by 15 different publishers, showcasing the book's appeal and scholarly merit.

David Duncan, President of the Trust, remarked, "It is hard to imagine a work of historical research more aligned with the Trust mission." He pointed out how the Southern battlefields of the Carolinas and Georgia illustrate not only powerful stories of heroism but also the ongoing efforts to preserve these sites for future generations. The recognition highlights the need to remember and learn from the past, underlining how these battlegrounds serve as windows into America's foundations.

In a statement while accepting the award, Crawford expressed his gratitude, stating, "This recognition from the American Battlefield Trust amid the 250th anniversary of the Revolutionary War is a tremendous honor. The battlefields of the Southern Campaigns are powerful places where both scholars and the rest of us can draw profound insights into our common history, and it is a privilege to have played some part in telling those stories." This acknowledgment further instills a sense of responsibility in historians and scholars, to protect and interpret vital narratives that contribute to the understanding of American history.

The annual award ceremony will take place at the inaugural Battlefield BookFest, scheduled for November 14-15 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Here, Crawford will not only receive his prize but will also engage with other notable authors and historians, including finalists like Patrick O'Donnell, who wrote The Unvanquished, and Andrew Waters, author of Backcountry War. This event serves as a testament to the vibrant community of historians dedicated to exploring and communicating America’s military past.

This year also saw other notable finalists such as Erik Larson’s The Demon of Unrest and Alan Taylor's American Civil Wars, demonstrating the richness of contemporary insights into historical events.

Looking ahead, the nomination window for the 2026 Prize for History is now open until December 31. Publishers are encouraged to submit works focusing on military conflicts central to the Trust's mission, namely the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and the Civil War. The selection process will involve a committee of distinguished historians assessing the submissions, ensuring that only the most impactful works are considered for recognition.

The American Battlefield Trust has been pivotal in the preservation of over 60,000 acres across numerous sites integral to these defining conflicts. As a nonprofit organization committed to fostering education and awareness about America's military heritage, the Trust invites everyone to appreciate the stories behind these sites, reminding us of their significance and the sacrifices made by those who fought for our nation’s freedom. For further details about the prize and submission guidelines, visit the Trust's official website at www.battlefields.org/bookprize.

In a world where history can often feel distant, awards such as the American Battlefield Trust Prize for History remind us of the importance of recognizing and commemorating the sacrifices made by those who helped shape our nation's identity. Through the lens of history, we can better appreciate the present and prepare for an enlightened future.