Fort Blakeley: Civil War Battle in a Ghost Town | History Traveler Episode 166

My gg-grandfather, Paul Fulton Witherspoon, fought there on the side of the South. He shared a “foxhole” with a friend who he had helped pursue a Mobile girl by composing letters, poems, etc. for the man to send her (like Cyrano de Bergerac). His friend was shot and killed right beside him during the battle and he had to send a last letter to her informing her of his death.

Cool video. I am the interpretive ranger at Blakeley, and responsible for the upkeep, restoration, and reconstruction of the earthworks. Too bad I didn't know you were coming to film, I perhaps could have helped out. Note: Keep Off is to deter folks from walking on the earthworks. It causes erosion.

Thanks a bunch JD. Your videos are about the only thing that give me a break from the chaos of current times. I’m deeply grateful that you haven’t slowed or wavered in your mission and admire the modest way you conduct yourself. You’re a true American. Please keep them coming, great job.

What a amazing place. The drone footage of the fort was outstanding. I love it. Thanks for braving the mosquitoes for us.

Ft McAllister in Richmond Hill GA is another very well preserved earthen fort built to guard the mouth of the Ogeechee River.

It’s very sobering to see and to feel. I’ve been on many battle fields around the south and the feeling never changes. When you’re standing on ground where a many of men’s blood once drenched the ground, you can’t shake those feelings. I’m just thankful I was not there during the battles. Thank you for sharing.

Brothers, friends, cousins, fathers, sons, relationships had a battle with one another ! May they all RIP with one another ! 😕

Hi from County Durham in England, love these video's about the Civi War, thank you for building up my knowledge of this period of history. Love the USA and American culture.

The “Keep off” sign made me chuckle. If all else failed 😂

Got to spend a day exploring Ft. Blakeley about 15 years ago. It's absolutely amazing the state of preservation, that it wasn't plowed under or developed. Going back for another visit is on my bucket list.

I really think history teachers should incorporate your videos into their lessons. Especially in times like this. You are literally a virtual field trip. This why I like your videos and Exploring With Josh. You guys take us to all these neat places we could only wish to go. And we get some history to snack on during the trip.

JD: Thanks for the video about Fort Blakely. Myself and a couple of my ham radio friends had the opportunity to spend several weekends on the Blakely Battle Field camping and operating an ham radio station from the site.. The very first night we were camped out there a heavy fog descended on us and it was a very eerie feeling. You could barely see your hand in front of your face the fog was so thick. I had the feeling I could hear the cannons and rifles firing and the screams of the fallen soldiers on both sides of the war. It was a sleepless night for sure. The battle field was an outstanding site for operating ham radio. We were able to talk to people all over the world . 73' (Best Regards in Ham Radio Lingo) Jim Younce K4ZM Mobile, AL

I was there when, I believe, you were scouting out the area. My buddy and I pulled up on our motorcycles to pay the entrance fee when you walked out with the park manager. I wanted to introduce myself as a subscriber to your channel, but didn't want to interrupt you. My buddy and I, although it rained on us, enjoyed our visit there. I also enjoyed hearing about the history of the place in your video, which was well done as usual.

Never heard about this before, but more than happy to learn. Certainly has been well preserved, and taken care of, they have saved so much history. It's a shame about the town, it's like it was not to be, and then the Civil War, and the destruction of the cemetery. Thanks JD, and Josh.

This is seriously one of the best channels, I'm so happy to have found you! Thank you for all of your research and for sharing your experiences!

Great video im from the uk and visited Ft Blakeley in 2018 ..and yes there are thousands of mosquitoes

Love your humor ....thanks for your very interesting history lessons! 👍

It's always refreshing to watch a video showing the Confederate perspective 😊 Which is why I ❤️❤️❤️ your videos... You give us a view of what both sides experienced during the war. Thank you! 😊 Joanne from Singapore 🇸🇬

Good job JD, Keep showing us more outtakes 😂!!! I love all your videos. I always watch them during my coffee wake up time. Great way to kick my day off. With so many mosquitoes may I suggest a long sleeve🤷‍♂️!!!

My Great Great Grandfather served with the 37th Alabama Infantry Regiment at Fort Blakeley 1864. My Father started the Spanish Fort Park Foundation in the late 1970's which created Blakeley State Park. Many thanks for posting this fine historical video.