Our Winter 2023 issue is now available and I’m excited to share it with you.
This is the first time in our 40-plus year history that we have focused on Iowa’s contribution to the Civil War. The Hawkeye State is long overdue for this recognition. There are many individuals who made this possible. First, and foremost, Michael Huston, who leads the Facebook group Iowa Civil War Images. Michael curated our feature gallery, which includes more than 40 portraits, many of which had never been published. Bob Welch, who holds a PhD in American history from Iowa State University, wrote a poignant introduction. Paul Russinoff, John Wernick, Roger Davis and others generously shared Iowa images from their collections.
In addition to the gallery, Laura Elliott’s story about two captains, one from Iowa and another from Georgia, reveal a forgotten act of honor in a prisoner of war camp. Iowa is also represented in the story of Elizabeth Fairfax, an enslaved woman featured in The Citizenry. Andrew Geddes of the 8th Iowa Infantry is the primary focus of Most Hallowed Ground, and the Medal of Honor story of 1st Lt. James Hill, 21st Iowa Infantry, is highlighted in The Honored Few. You’ll find the unique Zouave-style jacket of the 28th Iowa Infantry in Material Culture.
Two other stories of note: Mike Fitzpatrick’s narrative about the army education of John D. Billings of Hardtack and Coffee fame includes a letter he wrote late in life and an unpublished wartime portrait. Nick Penachio and I co-authored a piece about the surprising history of Abbottypes, those overlooked tintypes of Civil War generals and politicians. And last but not least, a Q@A with Kean Wilcox, whose images appeared in dozens of stories during the early years of our magazine. And there’s much more!
I’m grateful to all who helped to shine a light on Iowa and the Western Theater, and those who contributed in so many ways, from sharing images to editing, design, copy editing, promotions and sales. Publishing a magazine is a team sport!
Ronald S. Coddington
Editor & Publisher
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