Colonels in Blue--Missouri and the Western States and Territories

Main Themes and Topics

Roger D. Hunt's book, Colonels in Blue--Missouri and the Western States and Territories, delves deeply into a specific aspect of the Civil War: the Union army colonels from the western theater. This installment is the seventh in a series dedicated to chronicling the lives of Union army colonels. Hunt aims to shine a light on those officers who, while impactful in their roles, never advanced beyond the rank of colonel. Each entry in this biographical dictionary offers a glimpse into the lives of these military figures, focusing on their contributions and roles during a tumultuous period in American history. The book includes brief biographical sketches for each colonel and any available photographs, which enriches the text by adding a visual element to the historical narrative.

Writing Style and Tone

Hunt adopts a meticulous and factual tone throughout the book, characteristic of an academic or reference work. The writing style is straightforward and informative, prioritizing clarity and detail over narrative storytelling. The biographical entries are concise yet comprehensive, providing substantial information in a compact format. This approach ensures that the book serves both as a reliable resource for historians and Civil War enthusiasts and as an engaging read for those interested in military history. The inclusion of photographs, some published for the first time, offers a complement to the text and provides readers with a more intimate connection to the historical figures described.

Brief Summary

Colonels in Blue--Missouri and the Western States and Territories serves as a biographical dictionary cataloging the Union army colonels who commanded regiments from Missouri and the western states and territories during the American Civil War. This book details the careers and lives of these officers, many of whom are lesser-known yet played crucial roles within their ranks. It includes brief biographical excerpts for each colonel, along with any available photographs, many of which are published here for the first time. This volume seeks to fill a gap in Civil War literature by focusing on the individuals who, despite not rising beyond the rank of colonel, made significant contributions to the Union's efforts.