Lee's Army of Northern Virginia: Melissa

» mswogger - Melissa

You ask a very good question. It does seem that the fighting in the eastern theater receives much more contemporary attention. But I'm not sure that this was the case during the War. We see the War from perspectives of historians who may specialize in a particular area of their interest, and often that is centered around Lee's army or the Army of the Potomac. During the conflict, however, I think the west received just as much attention from the governments as the fighting in the east. From the newspapers, that might be a different story.

But both sides knew the importance of the west, and both carefully watched events unfold, from the fall of New Orleans to Vicksburg.

One of the reasons for the east seemingly overshadowing the west is because of the location of the capitals. Richmond and Washington were within 2 hours of each other, and much of the fighting was centered on the capturing of the other's capital and government. Additionally, perhaps the eastern theater seemed more important to some because of the nature of the land on which they fought. Virginia was by far the richest farmland for food in the South, and Pennsylvania was the easiest of the northern states to access because no river separated North from South there.

These are just some thoughts I have. I certainly am not basing all of this on something that I read. Anyone else, please feel free to throw in your two cents.

-- posted by mswogger