Posted: Sunday, February 14, 2010 7:15 am

Interested in Tennessee’s role in the Civil War?

There’s a new Web site that examines the rich history of the Volunteer State’s role in the Civil War.

Prepared by the Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and the Tennessee Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission, the new site was built to celebrate the upcoming 150th anniversary of the Civil War.

“The launch of this comprehensive Web site puts Tennessee’s Civil War history at the fingertips of the world,” said Commissioner Susan Whitaker, Tennessee Department of Tourist Development and co-chair of the Tennessee Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission. “The Sesquicentennial commemoration is the perfect time to explore our state’s important Civil War history, which continues to be uncovered as local communities and state historians interpret sites along Tennessee’s statewide Civil War Trail.”

The new Web site offers five major sections to provide a comprehensive look at Tennessee’s pivotal role in the war.

• A History section gives a detailed picture of how the war evolved throughout the state and altered the lives of residents.

• The Timeline explores the many national stories that unfolded because of Tennessee’s involvement in the Civil War.

• The Trails section provides a comprehensive map to assist in trip planning throughout the Tennessee Civil War National Heritage area and highlights the 150 markers on the state’s new Civil War Trail.

• The Attractions feature gives information about the trails, markers, battlefields, Civil War-related museums and other attractions located throughout the state.

• Teaching Tools offers photos, videos, maps, flags and educational links related to the Civil War. These tools will assist in planning a visit to Tennessee and provide teachers with lesson plans and other helpful teaching tools.

 “The Web site is an excellent and efficient tool that allows Tennesseans and our millions of visitors to explore the whole story of the state's nationally significant Civil War years," said Dr. Carroll Van West, director, MTSU Center for Historic Preservation and Tennessee Civil War National Heritage Area, and co-chair of the Tennessee Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission.

The Web site offers member information on the Tennessee Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission and details on a series of major signature conferences to be sponsored by the commission. Presenters at these forums will discuss the battles, events and stories of the Civil War, as well as offer brief dramas and musical performances.

These five events, one held each year of the commemoration, are part of the commission’s mission to promote, fund and preserve the complete story of the Tennessee Civil War experience and its legacy.

The events include:

Fall 2010: The Coming of the Civil War.  Nashville
Fall 2011: The First Shots of Tennessee’s Civil War. Crossville.
Spring 2012: Invasion by Rail and River.  Memphis.
Fall 2013: Occupation and Liberation.  Chattanooga.
Fall 2014: The Final Shots in Tennessee. Franklin.
June-August 2015: Reconstruction in Tennessee.  Knoxville.

Visitors to the Web site may utilize the “How Can I Get Involved” feature to ask a question, make a recommendation or purchase the Sesquicentennial Civil War License Plate online.

The site also provides links to other Web sites including www.civilwartrails.com, which includes links and maps to important Civil War sites like those in Rutherford County.

For more information, visit www.tncivilwar150.com.