#United States #Washington #American Battlefield Trust #History Prize #Military History

American Battlefield Trust Announces Finalists for $50,000 Military History Book Award

In an exciting development for historians and literature enthusiasts alike, the American Battlefield Trust has unveiled the eight finalists for the 2026 American Battlefield Trust Prize for History. This esteemed award, with a generous fund of $50,000, recognizes outstanding published works that delve into military history and biography, particularly focusing on the nation’s pivotal conflicts, including the Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and the Civil War.

Importance of the Prize

The Trust, which has dedicated itself to preserving America’s historic battlefields for over 40 years, aims to illustrate the critical role that these sites play in historical scholarship. Acknowledging that many landscapes remain endangered, the Trust emphasizes the necessity of preserving such areas not only for their historical value but for their educational potential as well.

David Duncan, the president of the American Battlefield Trust, stated, “As our nation approaches its 250th anniversary, many will reflect on the events that have shaped our American narrative and the settings where these events transpired. We hope this award inspires writers to explore the invaluable insights these battlefields offer.” The award encourages authors to harness the research and perspectives derived from these sites, reminding the public of the stories they help to tell.

Finalists for the 2026 Prize

The finalists, selected based on their contributions to the understanding of military history, include:

• - Rick Atkinson for The Fate of the Day: The War for America, Fort Ticonderoga to Charleston, 1777-1780 (Crown)
• - Richard Bell for The American Revolution and the Fate of the World (Riverhead)
• - Ken Burns and Geoffrey Ward for The American Revolution (Alfred A. Knopf)
• - John Ferling for Shots Heard Round the World (Bloomsbury)
• - A. Wilson Greene for A Campaign of Giants: The Battle for Petersburg Volume 2, From the Crater's Aftermath to the Battle of Burgess Mill (University of North Carolina Press)
• - Mark Edward Lender and James Kirby Martin for War Without Mercy: Liberty or Death in the American Revolution (Osprey)
• - Damian Shiels for Green and Blue: Irish Americans in the Union Military (Louisiana State University Press)

Award Ceremony and Events

The winner, along with two runners-up, will be celebrated at a private event in October, while all finalists are invited to speak at the Trust's upcoming Battlefield BookFest, scheduled for November 13-14 in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Tickets for this anticipated gathering will be available from August 1.

Preserving Our Heritage

The American Battlefield Trust is a nonprofit organization that works tirelessly to protect America’s cherished historic grounds and educate the public about their significance. Their efforts have successfully safeguarded over 60,000 acres across 160 battlefields in 25 states associated with the nation’s early conflicts. This ongoing commitment to preservation and education remains vital as many landscapes face threats from development and neglect.

For those interested in further details about the prize and its past recipients, I encourage you to visit www.battlefields.org/bookprize. Engage with the community by sharing your thoughts about the finalists on social media using the hashtag #BattlefieldBookPrize.

The American Battlefield Trust stands as a testament to the enduring importance of history and the stories that these landscapes tell. As we reflect on our past, initiatives like this prize remind us that understanding our history is crucial for all generations.