Edwin Cole Bearss (/ˈbɑrs/; born June 26, 1923), a United States Marine Corps veteran of World War II, is a military historian and author known for his work on the American Civil War and World War II eras and is a popular tour guide of historic battlefields for The Smithsonian Associates. He served as Chief Historian of the National Park Service from 1981 to 1994.
We're in an age of Teflon people now. People then [19th century] were more original, more individual.
#
Fact
1
He was hired by the National Park Service, and was assigned to the post of Park Historian at Vicksburg (Mississippi). In 1981, he became Chief Historian for the NPS, and retired in 1995. He continues to participate in round-table discussions and lead groups on battlefield tours.
2
He is a renowned authority on the American Civil War, its battles and personalities. He has written many books on Civil War subjects, and is a sought-after speaker and legendary battlefield tour guide.
3
Growing up on his grandfather's farm near Hardin, Montana, he named the cattle after Civil War generals and battles. After high school, he joined the Marines, seeing action in World War II at Guadalcanal. Machine-gun fire permanently disabled his left arm. After the war, he received a B.S. degree from Georgetown University and a M.A. in history from Indiana University.
Miscellaneous
Title
Year
Status
Character
Gods and Generals
2003
historical advisor
Grant vs Lee
1999
TV Movie consultant
Self
Title
Year
Status
Character
Pritzker Military Library Presents
2006
TV Series documentary
Himself
The Civil War
1990
TV Mini-Series documentary
Himself - Historian
Known for movies
The Civil War (1990) as Himself - Historian
Gods and Generals (2003) as Miscellaneous Crew
Grant vs Lee (1999) as Miscellaneous Crew
Pritzker Military Library Presents (2006) as Himself
$1.6 Million
