Monroe County Civil War Roundtable

Radical of Radicals: Austin Blair: Civil War Governor

Author, Jack Dempsey has a new book on Michigan Civil War History. Now available, Radical of Radicals: Austin Blair, provides Blair’s experiences through his speeches and writings, offering a rare window into one of Michigan’s most consequential statesmen.  Blair became a fierce defender of human rights and the Union cause.  He believed secession was treason and pushed boldly for emancipation, equality, and victory in the Civil War. Branded a “radical” in his time, his vision of equal opportunity and justice for all marked him as a leader ahead of his era. Please join us on Thursday, October 9 at 7 pm for a look into Blair’s life.  Books will be available for purchase and signing. 

Jack Dempsey is an award-winning author of works on the Civil War and Michigan history and culture, and a member of the Society of Civil War Historians and Society for Women and the Civil War. He served as: Chairman of Michigan Civil War Sesquicentennial Committee; Vice-President and President of Michigan Historical Commission (2007-2018); member of Michigan World War I Centennial Commission; board member of several heritage-focused nonprofit organizations. Proceeds as author help fund the Michigan Civil War Association in erecting Michigan's first-ever monument at Antietam National Battlefield. Born in Detroit, a graduate of James Madison College at Michigan State University and George Washington University's National Law Center, he first became fascinated by the Civil War in the 3rd Grade. He lives in Plymouth Township, Michigan.