Dan Showalter: California's Arch Rebel: July 2016

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 When I had finished my research -- which included the discovery of several previously unpublished items as well as obtaining the only known photograph from a Showalter descendent -- I had so much material that Susan exclaimed, "You've got a whole exhibit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!

Wednesday, July 13, 2016

Yet Another Update

Although it seems to be taking forever, so much so that Gene and I begin to doubt anything will ever happen, we just today received another note from the publisher indicating that it is indeed "in the mill" and that this is a "good project," but explaining that it just takes a lot of time with academic publishers -- as we've more than learned. But in any event, this is good news, and it looks like the Showalter bio may yet be a reality.

Will post again as soon as there's anything more of note.