Exciting Civil War Roundtable Gathering Unveils Untold Stories

On Tuesday, September 17, the Scottsdale Civil War Roundtable will feature a lecture by Robert D. Jenkins, Sr., a prominent trial attorney from Dalton, Georgia. Jenkins, who has been practicing law since 1990, serves as the president of Save the Dalton Battlefields, LLC, and holds the position of vice chair on Whitfield County’s Historic Preservation Commission. He has authored significant works including “The Battle of Peach Tree Creek” and “To the Gates of Atlanta.”

His upcoming talk, titled “The Cassville Affairs and the Failed Confederate Strategy in the Atlanta Campaign,” coincides with the release of his latest book. Jenkins aims to shed light on a critical moment in the 1864 Atlanta Campaign, an event that has puzzled historians for over a century and a half.

The Cassville Affairs revolved around pivotal choices faced by Confederate leaders at Cassville: whether to launch an attack against a segment of the Union army or to postpone engagement. Ultimately, General Joseph E. Johnston opted for withdrawal under unforeseen circumstances, bypassing confrontation altogether.

The event is set to commence at 6 PM in the Copper Auditorium, located on the lower level of the Civic Center branch of the Scottsdale Public Library at 3839 N. Drinkwater Blvd. Doors will open at 5 PM, allowing attendees to meet Jenkins, browse a selection of books, and watch Civil War-themed videos. Free parking is available at the adjacent covered parking garage.

Community members are encouraged to attend this monthly meeting of the Scottsdale Civil War Roundtable. Further information, including the lineup of speakers from Fall 2024 through Spring 2025, can be found on their official website: www.scottsdalecwrt.org.