The Shepherd University history program has available to interested history majors a concentrated track of study called “Civil War and Nineteenth Century America.” The track requires students to complete a program of specialized courses in addition to the courses already required of all history majors. Courses concentrate on various elements of 19th century history such as Civil War America, 1850-1865; the Reconstruction Era; African American History; Soldiers and Society, 1861-65; and the Old South. Students also will conduct primary research within the topic area and must intern at one of various historic sites in the region, such as Harpers Ferry National Historic Site.
Shepherd University’s location in the midst of “Civil War country” and the resources of the George Tyler Moore Center for the Study of the Civil War are attractive incentives to prospective history majors who desire in-depth study of the Civil War era. Students enrolled in this track will take advantage of the proximity of Antietam National Battlefield, Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, Gettysburg National Military Park and the many battlefield sites of the Lower Shenandoah Valley as they pursue their studies of the American Civil War.