The United States Civil War Center (USCWC) is a Web site designed to promote the interdisciplinary study of the Civil War. Unlike many Civil War sites, the USCWC is designed to serve more as an information clearinghouse and meeting place than as an online museum or library. The offerings of the USCWC are focused not on primary source materials (e.g. letters and documents), but on facilitating access to information about the Civil War from other sources. There is also promotion of related activities, such as prizes for Civil War fiction and non‐fiction and a quarterly newsletter.
The USCWC maintains a comprehensive listing of sites related to the Civil War and Reconstruction. Arranged by subject areas ranging from Abolition to Women, there are literally thousands of links available ‐ over 4,500 at last count. These sites cover the range from university sites with Civil War research to government agencies to private organizations such as the Daughters of the Confederacy. The USCWC also is supportive of research efforts on the Civil War, such as a database project which collects information about Civil War soldiers in Louisiana. The utility of this site could be greatly enhanced by some annotation, which is sorely lacking. In addition, the site doesn’t have its own separate search engine, but instead uses the search engine of Louisiana State University. This increases the complexity of searching for the user. Development of its own database and search engine would be welcome and would greatly enhance the value of the site.
Aside from links to Web sites, the USCWC also maintains a number of other value‐added resources of interest to the student of the Civil War. These include a calendar of events such as historical reenactments and information on methodology for those interested in doing historical or genealogical research. The USCWC is also beginning the development of interdisciplinary Web pages on different areas related to the Civil War. These are under construction so can’t be evaluated, but the basic concept of inviting subject experts to develop Web pages in their area of expertise is sound. The site is also notable for its attempt to provide information to enable people to become better Internet consumers. The provision of information about the evaluation of Web sites and doing introductory genealogy is well done and welcome.
The site as a whole is well designed and functions in an adequate fashion. The Web site manager makes good use of its Web site development tool, Adobe Page Mill, to create a site which is attractive, well organized, and makes appropriate use of photographs and graphics. The use of a gray page background is somewhat questionable, but that is offset by the attention to detail given to the pages. In addition, there is ample provision of contact information for those seeking additional explication or to make suggestions. Use of Javascript is kept to a minimum. It is clear that the focus has been on the development of content and not the use of the latest glitzy Internet technology — with the exception of the annoying scrolling text at the bottom of the first page.
The USCWC has an excellent selection of individuals associated with it that provides evidence of its seriousness of purpose and enhance its credibility. A number of respected scholars, writers, and documentarians have affiliated themselves with the center. Having people such as Ken Burns and Shelby Foote involved in this effort adds an air of seriousness that is sometimes lacking in other Web sites of similar genre.
In addition, the Center, which has a loose association with Louisiana State University, is significantly cementing this relationship. As of January 1, 2000, the USCWC has become a unit of the Special Collections Department of the LSU Libraries. This restructuring will undoubtedly have a great positive impact by providing some additional structure and administrative and technical support to its endeavor.
This Web site is clearly a popular location with over 16 million hits to date. There seems to be a real attempt on the compilers’ part to provide unbiased and comprehensive access to Civil War resources. This site is also profoundly influenced in a positive manner by recent historical practice with its attempt to provide information about the experience of women, children, and diverse ethnic groups rather than simply focusing on the military and/or political aspects of the conflict. Its avowed stance on promotion of an interdisciplinary approach also seems appropriate.
While, as noted, navigation can be something of an issue due to the lack of annotation and limitations of the search engine, the sheer quantity of material more than compensates. It would be hoped that its affiliation with LSU would make these deficiencies less of an issue and allow this site to reach its full potential. This site is a unique undertaking that has not been duplicated elsewhere. In sum, a site not to be missed for those with an interest in this era of US history.
