In April of 1865, Richmond lay in ruins, under Union military rule, its white and black populations both uncertain about their future. Historian Dr. Nelson Lankford brings this troubling period to life with vivid detail and a keen perspective in his latest book, "After the Fire: Richmond in Defeat." If you want to understand the real history of Richmond, be sure to attend. What Richmond leaders did in the war's aftermath laid the groundwork for years to come.
Nelson D. Lankford is a historian and author known for his contributions to the field of American history. He has edited the Virginia Magazine of History and Biography and co-edited "Eye of the Storm" and "Images from the Storm." Lankford's notable works include "The Last American Aristocrat," "Richmond Burning: The Last Days of the Confederate Capital," and "After the Fire: Richmond in Defeat." His research and writing have been recognized by the American Historical Association and the Southern Historical Association. Lankford's work often explores the complex interplay between history and contemporary issues, offering readers a deeper understanding of the past and its relevance to the present.