our history
The Richmond Civil War Round Table was founded on February 8, 1951. Following is a brief history, written by one of the group's long-time members, Dan Balfour:
On February 8, 1951, several friends, all Civil War enthusiasts, met in the cabin at Fort Harrison in the Richmond National Battlefield Park. Several others joined them at the meeting from an announcement in The Richmond Newsleader newspaper asking for men interested in the Civil War to attend. After several meetings they formed the Round Table with monthly meetings following similar groups in Chicago and Washington, D.C.
The first members included J. Ambler Johnston, the son of a Confederate veteran, Hobson Goddin, Roland Galvin, Bill Mallory, Louis Manarin from the State Library, and Sam J.T. Moore. Bill Mallory had read Douglas Freeman's volumes while at sea during WWII and corresponded with Dr. Freeman, and he became a fierce defender of General Longstreet. In addition to Freeman and other local authors, members often gave talks and led friendly extemporaneous discussions/arguments at the meetings. At one meeting, Hobson Goddin presented Bill Mallory a framed photograph of Longstreet with the general's autograph after a meeting about 'old Pete.' Over the years the group met with dinner meetings at various places including Morton's Tea Room, and several churches. The Round Table reached a large size during the Centennial years but declined immediately afterwards. The Round Table rebounded primarily through the efforts of Judge Doug Tice. The group ended the dinner meetings but instead began enjoying desserts resulting from the admission of women. Early members included Sandy Parker and her mother with desserts and Judy Anthis whose war knowledge often surpassed that of the men. John Damarel, then Richmond city's personnel director, a longtime member and battlefield hiker from New York, helped rebuff often overly Southern war perspectives.
Unfortunately, only several students, African Americans or school teachers have been members. Occasionally, our Round Table would host Round Tables from Chicago, Cincinnati and other places in Richmond to tour battlefields and support new Round Tables in places close to Richmond.
Over the years, our officers have worked hard to provide good programs and twice a year overnight and one day field trips. Dan Jordan, author and professor, who became the executive director at Monticello, helped move our Round Table to a new level. He initiated quiz nights and debates with members competing in three corps and arranged for national speakers he knew. Over the 75+ years members have given talks to local civic groups and in years past Judge Tice as General Lee and lawyer Sam Moore as Jefferson Davis would give 'you are there talks' in the White House of the Confederacy. The Park Service and local museum historians have been unusually supportive of the Round Table with leadership roles and counsel.
In recent years an active, diverse membership has steadily increased. The Round Table now actively supports battlefield preservation and accurate historical preservation. Our leadership remains very strong and enthusiastic.
January, 2025
