"Not all volumes of Civil War correspondence are worth the effort of publication. American Citizen is more than worthy, surpassing the standard of most such works."
Eric Campbell
Chief of Interpretation at Cedar Creek and Belle Grove National Historical Park
(Journal of the Shenandoah Valley During the Civil War Era, 2021)

Ben Myers—Author

Ben Myers was born and raised just outside of Harrisburg, PA, where an interest in local and family Civil War history found him at a young age. His research on the 46th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry has appeared in The Civil War Times and Military Images magazines, as well as online at fortysixthregiment.org. He holds a B.S. in Computer Science from American University and works as a web designer and developer in Washington, D.C. American Citizen is his first book.
 

Upcoming Events


Seminar: 160th Anniversary of the Battle of Cedar Mountain
July 28-30, 2022
Culpepper, VA

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160th Anniversary of the Battle of Cedar Mountain
August 6–7, 2022
Culpepper, VA
 
Presenting for the Johannes Schwalm Historical Association. Photo courtesy of Devoureaux Imagery.

Featured Past Events

Untold Civil War Podcast: The Writings of a Civil War Casualty


Learn some of the lesser known stories of Captain Brooks' service, along with some behind the scenes info on what went into the making of the book. You can find Untold Civil War wherever you normally get your podcasts.
 

Tragedy Along the Canal


Private Amos Wenrich was 19 when he slipped into the C&O Canal on an icy January evening and drowned. He was the first man lost under Captain Brooks' command, and the event clearly left a mark on Brooks' life. In this video, learn about this tragic event: one instance of the many ways in which a soldier could lose his life off of the battlefield. Available via YouTube.
 

History Camp Online


Ben sits down with the folks behind History Camp to tell them the story of Captain Brooks' service. This video is available via YouTube.
 

Praise for American Citizen

One of the better books on the subject of Civil War soldiers and the lives they lived during one of the ugliest periods in our history.
— Amazon Reviewer
 
I've never read a book in which the main character was delved as fully as is that of Captain Brooks... I strongly recommend this book to anyone interested in the motivations and experiences of the common Civil War infantry line officer.
— Amazon Reviewer
 
A very engaging account of A Civil War veteran, but not one of the generals most know about. Instead, Myers focuses on George Brooks, a Captain with the Pennsylvania battalion who is interesting because he has the same problems we all have - a father-in-law who he doesn't like, a turbulent home life, not enough money to live comfortably while in the field - but still somehow gets the job done and earns the respect of his men.
— Amazon Reviewer
Purchase on Amazon

Other Publications

JOHN BANKS' CIVIL WAR BLOG

At Antietam, officer earns 'glorious title' of 'American citizen'

Check out Ben's guest post on John Banks' Civil War blog to read the experience of the 46th PA, and Captain Brooks, on the bloodiest day in American history.
MILITARY IMAGES MAGAZINE
Shattered Wall of Blue
At Cedar Mountain and beyond, a Pennsylvania officer fights his way through infamous Civil War battles
Autumn 2016
MILITARY IMAGES MAGAZINE
Old Pap
The neglected legacy of one of the Union’s most loyal brigadiers
Summer 2018
CIVIL WAR TIMES MAGAZINE
Model Company
An Uncommon Look at the Common Civil War Soldier
August 2016
BENJMYERS.COM
Model Company (Online)
The full length, online version of Model Company which was picked up by the Civil War Times

Find Ben Online

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Benjamin E. Myers—Author