Dan Showalter: California's Arch Rebel: December 2018

Welcome!

In late 2010, having volunteered to assist Drum Barracks Civil War Museum in Wilmington, California, with research in pro-secession activity in California, director Susan Ogle handed me a list of names, places and events for possible investigation. One of those names was that of Dan Showalter, a California politician turned Confederate cavalry officer of whom I'd never heard.

Becoming fascinated just after reading the barest outline of Showalter's life, the next year found me hunting down everything I could find about this largely forgotten character. When I had finished my research -- which included the discovery of several previously unpublished items as well as obtaining the only known photograph from a Showalter descendent -- I had so much material that Susan exclaimed, "You've got a whole exhibit right here!"

And with her guidance, on November 5, 2011, co-curated by myself and Susan Ogle, my "Dan Showalter: California's Arch Rebel" exhibit went on display at the Drum.

Now being slated for removal in August 2012 in that ongoing round of ever-successive new exhibits that mark good museums, I've started this website as a place where, over time, I can memorialize and expand upon all the material accumulated on this remarkable Californian.

Hope you'll return often as this website expands and enjoy!

Sunday, December 30, 2018

Favorite biography of the year!

I'm pleased to announce that "An Arch Rebel Like Myself": Dan Showalter and the Civil War in California and Texas has been given the rare distinction of being named Favorite Biography for 2018 by Civil War Books & Authors! Co-author Gene Armistead and I were very pleased to read Drew Wagonhofer's very detailed review of our book earlier in the year; if you missed that interview you can get to it through this link to CWBA's list of favorites for 2018:

https://cwba.blogspot.com/2018/12/2018-civil-war-books-and-authors-year.html

You'll find us down the listing under "Biography."

Many thanks to those who have followed this blog and "An Arch Rebel" and wishes for a very happy and prosperous 2019!