James I. Robertson, Jr. (In Memoriam)

One of the most distinguished names in Civil War history, Dr. Robertson was executive director of the U.S. Civil War Centennial Commission and worked with Presidents Truman, Kennedy, and Johnson in marking the war’s 100th anniversary. His Civil War era course at Virginia Tech attracted 300 students per semester, the largest of its kind in the nation.

The Danville, Virginia, native was the author or editor of more than 20 books, including such award-winning studies as Civil War! America Becomes One Nation, General A.P. Hill, and Soldiers Blue and Gray. His massive biography of Gen. “Stonewall” Jackson won eight national awards and was used as the base for the Ted Turner/Warner Bros. mega-movie, “Gods and Generals.” Dr. Robertson was chief historical consultant for the film.

The recipient of every major award given in the Civil War field, and a lecturer of national acclaim, Dr. Robertson was perhaps more in demand as a speaker before Civil War groups than anyone else in the field.

He earned his PhD from Emory University and honorary doctorates from Randolph-Macon College and Shenandoah University. He also served as an Alumni Distinguished Professor, one of only a handful of such honorees among Virginia Tech’s 2,200 faculty. He is also previously served as executive director of the Virginia Center for Civil War Studies, created by the university in 1999.

Robertson was a charter member (by Senate appointment) of Virginia’s  Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission.