Edwin C. Bearss was a world-renowned military historian, author, preservationist, and tour guide best known for his work on the Civil War. While serving in the Marines during WWII, Ed was severely wounded at “Suicide Creek” in New Britain and spent more than two years in military hospitals. He served as the Chief Historian for both Vicksburg National Military Park and the National Park Service, authored dozens of books and articles, and led scores of battlefield tours each year. Ed is credited with discovering and helping raise the Union gunboat USS Cairo from the Yazoo River, which is now on display at Vicksburg National Military Park. Ed passed away on September 15, 2020, at the age of 97.
