Robert Watson
Book: Rebels at the Gates

Rebels at the Gates

The Confederacy's Final Gamble and the Battle to Save Washington

Robert P. Watson
Rowman & Littlefield Publishers/Bloomsburg

ISBN 13:
ISBN 10:

Available April 01, 2025

Description

Rebels at the Gates chronicles an intriguing series of events that nearly changed American history. In the last full year of the Civil War, Washington, DC came within hours of being invaded by a Confederate army and President Lincoln escaped being shot on the front lines by a mere inches.

Praise for Rebels at the Gates

With his masterful storytelling style, Robert Watson gives a vivid and meticulously researched account of an 1864 event that could have had dire consequences for both President Lincoln and the nation. It's American history at its best!

Ann Bocock, Host, "Between the Covers," WXEL/PBS

Many are familiar with the US Army battle cry, 'On to Richmond!' during the American Civil War. However, fewer likely know about Confederate efforts to attack Washington, DC. Dr. Robert Watson expertly weaves a compelling narrative in Rebels at the Gates, which traces military movements, political responses, audacious ambitions, and public sentiment from more than the usual players. A terrific read!

Christy S. Coleman, Executive Director, Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation

Robert Watson's compelling narrative, Rebels at the Gates, is a meticulously researched account which uncovers the long-forgotten battle during the Civil War when Confederate forces made a daring attempt to lay siege to the nation's capital. Watson expertly tells personal stories of courage and conflict, bringing to life the dramatic tensions of the time. A must-read for history enthusiasts of all types. His insightful analysis challenges us to remember this tumultuous time when the fate of the nation was in jeopardy.

Richard M. Yon, Ph.D., Professor, US Military Academy at West Point