Historian Ed Bearss, one of the legends of the battlefield preservation business and a long-time member of the Civil War Trust board died on September 15, 2020. Ed’s career is unmatched in the Civil War community – from his discovery of the USS Cairo in the Yazoo River to his role as chief historian emeritus of the National Park Service. For many of us, our love of history and preservation was nurtured through battlefield tours led by Ed and his appearance on Ken Burns’ series The Civil War. His knowledge of history was encyclopedic – and his ability to convey that knowledge in a relatable way mesmerized his audiences for generations.
Ed was born in June 1923. His early interest in history was sparked by books read by his father in the evenings. After graduating from high school in 1941, he spent the summer hitchhiking across the country to visit Civil War battlefields. That next year, he demonstrated his love of country by enlisting in the U.S. Marine Corps, fighting in the Pacific Theater during World War II and receiving grievous wounds in the 1944 Battle of Suicide Creek.
After World War II, Ed pursued a career in the National Park Service – gradually rising through the ranks and gaining recognition as the utmost authority on the Civil War. During the Civil War Centennial, he led efforts to create two new national battlefield parks at Pea Ridge and Wilson’s Creek. In 1991, he was named to the federal Civil War Sites Advisory Commission – the blue ribbon panel that set the battlefield preservation priorities we still use today.
I am honored that in lieu of flowers, the Bearss Family has requested that donations in Ed’s memory be made to the American Battlefield Trust. Recognizing the special place that these battlefields held in his heart, such gifts will be used to secure additional lands associated with the Vicksburg Campaign. Please visit www.battlefields.org/RememberingBearss for more information.
Untold Americans have cherished memories of Ed’s vast knowledge and indefatigable energy. I am grateful that I had the opportunity to know him and benefit from his love of history. Rest in peace, Ed.
Jim Lighthizer
President, American Battlefield Trust