Must-Watch Civil War Documentaries

Published on May 25, 2023 by Beatrice Alvarez

You want to learn more about the Civil War, right? Of course you do. It is a significant part of U.S. history that continues to impact Americans today. From 1861 to 1865, bloody battles were waged across the country by more than 3 million men. Start with Civil War facts, then make time on your calendar to watch this selection of documentaries. In these films, you'll explore various aspects of the war, from individual leaders to regional accounts, and more.

The Civil War | A Film by Ken Burns

Ken Burns' monumental series covered America's most important conflict thoroughly. Below is a clip from the first episode of the series, but Passport members can stream it all. But that's not all. The team behind this documentary has a lot helpful information for anyone who wants to learn more. You can start with this page of Civil War Facts, then dive into the war's timeline. Do you love maps? Yes, of course! There are more than a dozen Civil War battlefield and military strategy maps showing troop movements.

Reconstruction: America After the Civil War

Henry Louis Gates, Jr. explores the post-Civil War period of Reconstruction (1865 to 1867.) Understanding the events of Reconstruction truly puts what we know about the Civil War into context. During these 12 years, it was the nation's response to the Civil War that set the stage for present-day democracy and society.

You can find the entire series on the PBS Documentaries channel on Amazon.

Buffalo Soldiers: Fighting On Two Fronts

Premiering June 12, this Local, USA special examines the profound and often-contradictory roles played by Buffalo Soldiers in U.S. history, and how they fought on two sets of front lines: military conflicts abroad and civil rights struggles at home.

What better way to celebrate Juneteenth this year than by watching this film? Lucky for us there is a watch party kit from World available to guide you, and your friends and family, through a week-long celebration of Black stories culminating on Juneteenth.

Classroom Resources from PBS Learning Media

Teachers, you can explore this collection that brings together a diverse set of resources to consider the causes, context, and course of the Civil War.

Visit PBS Learning Media

Across Indiana

From station WFYI in Indianapolis we learn about two different Civil War experiences. Both are worth a watch as you learn more about the Civil War and its impact beyond the most famous battlefields.

Carrying the Colors

Indianapolis’ Andrew Bowman is the grandson of an escaped slave who joined the north to fight in the Civil War. At the Battle of Honey Hill, when one Union flag bearer was killed and another wounded, Smith took the reins, keeping communications running and willingly making himself a visible Confederate target.

Juneteenth: An Indiana Legacy

Indiana's own 28th Regiment, US Colored Troops, fought at the heart of some of the most important battles of the Civil War and played a critical role in the United States' newest national holiday.

North Star: Civil War Stories

From Twin Cities PBS: Four stories bring to light the hidden histories of African American Minnesotans during and after the Civil War. These unsung heroes made unique contributions to the Union and their new state, but the details and records of their involvement still challenge historians. Produced with the Ramsey County Historical Society.

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Harriet Tubman: Visions of Freedom

Go beyond the legend and meet the inspiring woman who repeatedly risked her own life and freedom to liberate others from slavery. Born 200 years ago in Maryland, Harriet Tubman was a conductor of the Underground Railroad, a Civil War scout, nurse and spy, and one of the greatest freedom fighters in our nation’s history.

This Week in Military History

WTTW has partnered with the Pritzker Military Museum & Library to create this series. This Week in Military History explains military events and their significance. While the series covers all military history, there are several episodes that look at events during the Civil War. Below you can learn about the 1863 Siege of Vicksburg.