#United States #Gettysburg #American Battlefield Trust #Battlefield Prize #Getysburg Festival

New Festival Celebrates Military History with Awards

The American Battlefield Trust has unveiled its shortlist of finalists for the inaugural American Battlefield Trust Prize for History, a significant $50,000 award. This accolade aims to honor remarkable literary works published in 2024 that emphasize the profound connection between significant battlefields and historical scholarship. Events surrounding this prize will culminate in a festival scheduled for November 13-15, in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, coinciding with Remembrance Day Weekend.

Recognizing the Importance of History

As history enthusiasts know, the context of place can be a transformative lens through which we understand our past. The trust has collected entries from various esteemed publishers, and each of the nominated works has been recognized for their ability to shed light on the importance of historic battlefields as fertile grounds for insightful literary exploration and critical scholarship.

David Duncan, president of the American Battlefield Trust, expressed his enthusiasm about the nominees, stating, “Each of these finalists demonstrates the irreplaceable research and perspective that come from the hallowed grounds of our nation's battlefields. We hope this award encourages more authors to create such significant works and galvanizes audience support for the preservation of these crucial sites.”

The finalists, listed alphabetically, are:

• - Alan Pell Crawford – This Fierce People: The Untold Story of America's Revolutionary War in the South (Alfred A. Knopf)
• - Erik Larson – The Demon of Unrest (Crown Publishing)
• - Patrick O'Donnell – The Unvanquished: The Untold Story of Lincoln's Special Forces, the Manhunt for Mosby's Rangers, and the Shadow War That Forged America's Special Operations (Grove Atlantic/Atlantic Monthly Press)
• - Timothy Smith – The Inland Campaign for Vicksburg: Five Battles in Seventeen Days, May 1-17, 1863 (Kansas University Press)
• - Alan Taylor – American Civil Wars: A Continental History (W.W. Norton & Company)
• - Andrew Waters – Backcountry War: The Rise of Francis Marion, Banastre Tarleton and Thomas Sumter (Westholme Publishing)

The Significance of the Prize

The American Battlefield Trust, which has played a key role in protecting nearly 60,000 acres across 160 different sites related to pivotal conflicts in U.S. history, is committed to raising awareness regarding the significance of these battlegrounds. The organization has been working tirelessly to ensure that the legacies they protect are shared with future generations.

The prize event will serve as a gathering of authors and scholars, all sharing their insights within a historic context that resonates deeply given the venue of Gettysburg. Attendees can look forward to a multi-day celebration, with discussions and presentations that delve into the intersections of place and history.

As part of the ceremony, smaller awards will also be recognized for up to two honorable mention titles. Additionally, a full roster of speakers and detailed event information will be revealed in August, with tickets becoming available at that time.

The esteemed prize aims to both highlight and commend works that contribute to understanding military history, particularly through the lens of America's formative battles, including the Revolutionary War, War of 1812, and Civil War.

Join the Discussion

The American Battlefield Trust encourages history lovers and the general public to engage with this event and celebrate the stories that these battlefields tell. Readers are invited to share their thoughts on the finalists using the hashtag #BattlefieldBookPrize on social media platforms. The hope is not just to celebrate the works of these authors but also to foster a dialogue about the essential preservation efforts that continue to ensure these vital historical sites remain intact for future study and appreciation.

In light of this prestigious award and the surrounding festivities, it’s a perfect occasion for enthusiasts to gather, reflect, and rekindle their passion for American history—as well as the importance of the landscapes that shaped it.