One of the best things about travel is learning about a place. Want to learn more about the Civil War? I've found a Very Cool book to share with you. Major General U.S. Grant’s March in Louisiana (A Driving Tour), by Dr. David Dumas (a retired Geophysicist and an amateur historian), is a hands-on learning tool. It's a very detailed guide to (you called it) Grant’s March in Louisiana - the Union Army’s prelude to the Battle of Vicksburg.

It's filled with photos, dates, story, maps, and a great sense of history. I learned more about this aspect of the Civil War than I had in school (or personal reading). It traces the lead elements of Grant's March in Louisiana. There are markers on the route, but much of the area has been changed (and is not under water, anymore). One of the things that impressed me most about this journey through history is HOW the land (and river) has changed since 1863. It's truly amazing. I am intrigued, wanting to learn more.

Dumas uses original photos, excerpts from the The War of the Rebellion: A Compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederates Armies, which recounts daily events and commentary from during the march, and his extensive knowledge of history and the area to teach us about this important event in our nation's history. “Sometimes, especially with the smaller Civil War sites, people can pass right by the location and not know what they’re missing,” said Dumas. “This guide is meant to help travelers find the places in Louisiana that Gen. Grant visited.”

The book has color photos and excellent directions, including mileage and GPS coordinates. This book brings the area to life - and also make this reader want to learn more about the history and geography of this area. I sense a road trip coming soon!

We were lucky to chat with Dr. Dumas, about the book, inspiration, landscape, and more. Here's what he had to say...

WE:  Please tell us about your book, Major General U.S. Grant's March in Louisiana...

DD: The book is intended to be used as a tour guide for those who are interested in following the march of Major General U.S. Grant as he prepared to invade Mississippi in the Spring of 1863. The book gives the locations, in GPS coordinates, mileage from one location to the next, photographs and the official transcripts from the war as they relate to the march.

WE: What inspired you to write this book?

DD: Writing a book is something I always wanted to do. I have been traveling to the Vicksburg area for about 35 years for various reasons, not just for the Civil War. Several times in my travels I passed within a half mile of historical places and didn’t even know it. Also, in trying to locate some of these places, it is easy to get lost or overlook important places. I didn’t want other people who are interested in the march to have as hard of a time as I had.

WE: How did you get interested in this topic?

DD: I have always been interested in history. When I started to travel to the Vicksburg area I stopped at the Vicksburg Military National Park and became fascinated with the place. I bought several books from the park’s bookstore and began to read every one. Then I wanted to visit every place mentioned in those books.

WE:  How has the landscape changed since the Civil War?

DD: The landscape has really changed since the Civil War.  Much of the area was under water when the march occurred. The army had to march along the natural levees for most of the march.

WE: What were the best parts of researching this book?

DD: The best part was learning something new every time I read a book and then actually going out and photographing the sites.

WE: Where did you find the resources you used (letters, maps, etc.)?

DD: The letters and early maps were obtained from a CD titled “The War of the Rebellion: A compilation of the Official Records of the Union and Confederates Armies”  from Guild Press. Other material were obtained from books about the Vicksburg Campaign, Ed Bears’ three volumes about the campaign and a Warren Grabau book about the campaign.

WE: Is there anything else you'd like to share with us?

DD: If this book does well, I would like to write additional guides. I am 95% finished with the Steele’s Bayou Expedition and about 75% finished with the Yazoo Pass Expedition.

WE: Thanks so very much! I am so intrigued by this history and book - can't wait to learn more. Keep writing!

Major General U.S. Grant’s March in Louisiana (A Driving Tour)
By David Dumas
Approximately 55 pages
ISBN: 9781463427573
Paperback, retail price: $23.88
Available at amazon.com and other online retailers

Note: We received a review copy of this book from the author and publisher. Thank you!