“The Confederate encampments that saw so much of this region’s Civil War history wait silently in the woods of Spotsylvania County and Fredericksburg for explorers young and old. This book gives them a voice.” – Erik F. Nelson, Founding member of the Central Battlefields Trust and the Senior Planner for the City of Fredericksburg
Thomas Jefferson and the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom: Faith & Liberty in Fredericksburg
The History Press – Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Bookshop.org
“Your research is impressive and I really appreciate your ability to place the narrative in context.” – Tim Willging, historian
Prior to his death, Thomas Jefferson left behind specific instructions for the obelisk monument that was to mark his grave. He requested the following epitaph: “Here was buried Thomas Jefferson, Author of the Declaration of American Independence, of the Statute of Virginia for Religious Freedom and Father of the University of Virginia.” These contributions were, in his words, the “testimonials that I have lived, I wish most to be remembered.” It is curious that with all his contributions to the nation, he chose to note his authorship of a state law. Jefferson crafted this statute neither in Philadelphia nor in any other busy cities of the day, but rather while staying in the small town of Fredericksburg on the Rappahannock River. Local historian Michael Aubrecht tells the tale of the creation of this remarkable document and the influence it continues to have.
The Civil War in Spotsylvania County: Confederate Campfires at the Crossroads
The History Press – Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Bookshop.org
“A great book! My interest was in camp life and how the uniforms and accouterments evolved over the course of the war. A home run!” – John M. Johnson (Amazon review)
From 1861 to 1865, hundreds of thousands of troops from both sides of the Civil War marched through, battled and camped in the woods and fields of Spotsylvania County, earning it the nickname ‘Crossroads of the Civil War.’ When not engaged with the enemy or drilling, a different kind of battle occupied soldier’s boredom, hunger, disease, homesickness and harsh winters. This book draws from published memoirs, diaries, letters and testimonials to give a fascinating new look into the day-to-day experiences of camp life in the Confederate army.
Historic Churches of Fredericksburg: Houses of the Holy
The History Press – Amazon – Barnes & Noble – Bookshop.org
“The book is handsome and is amptly illustrated with more than eighty photographs and engravings. The narrative is lively.” – Jim Schmidt (Amazon review)
Historic Churches of Fredericksburg: Houses of the Holy recalls stories of rebellion, racism and reconstruction as experienced by Secessionists, Unionists and the African American population in Fredericksburg’s landmark churches during the Civil War and Reconstruction eras. Using a wide variety of materials compiled from the local National Park archives, this book presents multiple perspectives from local believers and nonbelievers who witnessed the country’s Great Divide.
The Long Roll: Wartime Experiences of the Civil War Drummer Boy
“With the Long Roll Aubrecht offers a new perspective on an iconic subject. I’d like to be one of the first to congratulate him.” – Daniel Glass
This free e-book shares the stories of individuals that have been long forgotten. The end goal is to give credit to a far too neglected individual in Civil War history, boys who left home to participate in a man’s war. (Click title to access PDF)
The NAKED HISTORIAN 