Hi there, I’m Maggie MacLean, author of the Northeast Tennessee Civil War blog. I’m just getting started after months of research and trying to find the perfect theme, which is not easy for a history blog.
I’m not a historian, nor do I write like one. I am an avid reader and researcher of Civil War history since childhood. I have a more casual style of writing, and I will try to explain situations that are not always clear in the history books. I came to prefer a timeline format for this blog because it forces me to write concise entries without a lot of interpretation.
For the purposes of this blog, I will be writing about the 18 counties of Northeast Tennessee: Anderson, Blount, Campbell, Carter, Claiborne, Cocke, Grainger, Greene, Hancock, Hawkins, Jefferson, Johnson, Knox, Scott, Sevier, Sullivan, Union, and Washington.
If you see errors on this blog or have something to say, please leave a comment.
FYI, I have an autoimmune disease, which makes writing a perfect activity for me.
If you have even half as much fun reading this blog as I am having writing it, Google should send me lots of traffic.
Northeast Tennessee Civil War 
Just found your blog. I’m a 73-year-old great-grandpa from Kingsport. Like you, I am a life-long student of the Civil War. I have numerous relatives that fought on both sides. Some that even switched sides. Looking forward to anything about “Little Confederacy”, Sullivan County.
Best Wishes,
Glenn Land
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Hi Glenn, I’m a 76-year-old author and blogger from Southwest Florida. I wrote a Civil War novel that takes place in Northeast Tennessee, which is how this whole blog thing started. My novel will hopefully be published in the next month or so – Covid has slowed everything down. I did a quick look at the Little Confederacy in Sullivan County, and I will definitely be writing about that.
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Very professional site. Good Luck
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Hi Do you have any information on Spurgeon Mills Skirmish listed below, I’m researching this soldier, Wells Chandler V. Trenton, Michigan. Enlisted in Co D, 9th cavalry, December 10th, 1862, at Trenton, for three years, age 18. Mustered January 22nd, 1863. Taken prisoner at Spurgeon Mills, Tennessee, October, 1863. Paroled June 1864. Mustered out at Lexington, North Carolina, July 21st, 1865. Wyandotte Post Office in 1890 Census
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This is from the history of the 9th Michigan Cavalry. Only thing I could find. There was another skirmish in Sullivan County East Tennessee on Oct.19, 1863. It took place at Zollicoffer, Tennessee. My paternal grandmother’s grandfather, Union Private Jackson Blakely of the 8th TN Cavalry was captured and died a POW in Virginia.
“The regiment was again united at Covington, Ky., and
formed part of the expedition under General Burnside when he
crossed the Cumberland Mountains and took Knoxville, Tenn.,
Sept. 3, 1863, being the first Union troops to enter that city
since the commencement of the war.
The Ninth took part in the expedition against Cumberland
Gap and that stronghold surrendered to the Union forces, with
2,500 men and 13 pieces of artillery. Then followed the East
Tennessee Campaign which probably was unequaled for hardships
during the war on account of the severity of the climate, the
want of clothing and tents, and the scarcity of rations. The
Ninth was constantly on duty and was in frequent contact with
the enemy’s cavalry, as the confederate General Longstreet
encamped his corps in the valleys of Tennessee during the
winter. The hardships imposed upon the horses by constant
marches and the want of forage finally dismounted most of the
companies, the men being obliged to see their faithful horses
die of hunger, while they themselves were often on the verge of
starvation.”
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I appreciate your reply thank you
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