Abandoned homes and churches from the Civil War Era

http://www.nytimes.com/slideshow/2011/12/20/opinion/20111220_DISUNIONSS.html?gwh=8311784C98C3FA1D3C8D322C3E8E4735

http://opinionator.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/12/21/what-remains/?smid=fb-disunion

The blog entry is pretty short- but I think it illustrates a point that is important in the study of the Civil War (and really, history in a more general sense)- sometimes to understand why people did what they did, you've got to see their lives. How they lived. If you don't immerse yourself, you'll find yourself bringing your own biases into the study process. Granted, it is interpreting our own biases that helps us understand history, helps us relate to the past, gives new insight into oft mentioned topics. It's a delicate balance to hold- don't want to bring too much of the present into the past, but don't want to forget how hindsight can serve us in the study of history.

It's magnificent to see some of these old building still standing, dilapidated as they are. Maybe I just have a thing for abandoned buildings. But to stand in such an old building, it just feels special, because you can imagine all those who have set foot there as well.