The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down

Sad News from the family of Levon Helm:

Dear Friends, 

Levon is in the final stages of his battle with cancer. Please send your prayers and love to him as he makes his way through this part of his journey. 

Thank you fans and music lovers who have made his life so filled with joy and celebration... he has loved nothing more than to play, to fill the room up with music, lay down the back beat, and make the people dance! He did it every time he took the stage. . .

We appreciate all the love and support and concern. 

From his daughter Amy, and wife Sandy

Update on April 19, 2012: Levon Helm passed away today. R.I.P.

April 12 -- 151 years ago -- the bombardment of Fort Sumter in Charleston Harbor

Bombardment of Fort Sumter by Currier & Ives (1837–1885)

For many people, the bombardment of Fort Sumter marks the official beginning of hostilities in the American Civil War, though we might identify any number of acts of war that predate it (e.g, the seizure of Federal arsenals, installations, and shipyards in various southern states).  I’m pleased to say that the 17^th Annual CompuServe Civil War Forum Battlefield Conference will be held in Charleston next April, with Fort Sumter and the CSS Hunley important parts of the itinerary. More on that to come. 

Submarine Torpedo Boat H.L. Hunley Dec. 6 1863, by Conrad Wise Chapman

Images from the Civil War Forum's visit to North Carolina, March 28-April 1, 2012

Mark Bradley on the Bentonville battlefield

Bullet holes on the porch of the Smith House, Oak Grove, Averasboro battlefield

Battery A, Fort Fisher

Land Face, Fort Fisher

Jim McKee, left, and Chris Fonvielle, Fort Anderson

"Last Stand in the Carolinas"

Historian Mark Bradley, right, leads the 16th CompuServe Civil War Forum Battlefield Conference at Bentonville, North Carolina, March 31, 2012. Holding the map is Dean Harry, Gettysburg Licensed Battlefield Guide and President of the Friends of Bentonville Battlefield.