Historian Shelby Foote Dies at 88

AP Photo

Renowned Civil War historian and author Shelby Foote, an honorary trustee of the Grant Monument Association (GMA), died June 27 in Memphis.

Foote, 88, was a nationally recognized figure, partially as a result of his epic book, The Civil War: A Narrative, first published in 1974. Foote, an accomplished novelist, became even better known to general audiences through his memorable appearance in Ken Burns’s PBS documentary, The Civil War. Viewers worldwide were struck by Foote’s deeply knowledgeable, sincere, and sensitive commentary in the film.

A native of Mississippi, Foote was interred at the historic Elmwood Cemetery in Memphis, the burial site of more than 1,000 Civil War soldiers. He is survived by his wife, Gwyn, a daughter and a son.

“The Civil War community has lost one of its most beloved historians,” said GMA President Edward S. Hochman, adding, “Thank you, Shelby, for bringing history to life.”

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