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Seven Pines/Fair Oaks catapulted Gen.Robert E. Lee into command of armies in the east. What many don't know is how close the Confederacy came to victory & near disaster for Union Gen.Geo. McClellan.
For most students of the Civil War, the only factor they can recall of the May 31, 1862, Battle of Seven Pines/Fair Oaks, is that the battle resulted in Confederate General Robert E. Lee rising into command of Confederate armies in the east. What many fail to realize is just how close the Confederacy came to complete victory and how the battle became a near disaster for Union General George B. McClellan. Be it a disaster avoided or a lost opportunity, the fact remains the Battle of Seven Pines/Fair Oaks remains one of the most mis-understood battles of the American Civil War.
Author/historian Victor Vignola’s lively presentation explores the topic in detail. His first book Contrasts in Command: The Battle of Fair Oaks – May 31 – June 1, 1862, has received high praise. So stunning is the success of Contrasts in Command, it has earned recognition as receiving the coveted 2023 Fletcher Pratt Award. In addition, the American Battlefield Trust also recognized Contrasts as a Finalist for the 2023 Best Military History Book, while Civil War Books and Authors, an independent review journal of Civil War historiography, included Contrasts in their list of Top 10 Books for 2023.
Author Vignola’s research while developing Contrasts directly led to preserving a twelve-acre parcel of hallowed ground where the Fair Oaks fighting occurred. That parcel remains the only preserved ground for the entire Seven Pines/Fair Oaks battlefield. His work continues as he is completing a book on the Battle of Seven Pines.
This virtual lecture is hosted and made possible by the North Jersey Civil War Round Table. Informal chat begins at 6:30pm, and the lecture itself at 7pm.
The Roxbury Township Public Library is a municipal library serving the communities of Succasunna, Ledgewood, Landing, Berkshire Valley, Port Morris, and Kenvil. Residents of the township are eligible to a free library card which enables access to 2.8 million items across the Morris Library Alliance including digital books, museum passes and more.
