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Hi! My name is Steve Hardwick. I have an obsession...the 26th Mississippi. Before you laugh, shake your head, and click to the next web site, let me explain...

Several years ago I attended a family reunion and discovered an interesting picture. It was the authentic image of a young man around 20 years old in a Confederate uniform. I had to blink when I read the text that identified the soldier. I was looking at a picture of my Great Great Grandfather A. T. Mayo, Private, Co A, 26th Miss! On that day, my obsession began.

Actually, the roots of my "problem" go back long before this discovery. My interest in the Civil War (excuse me, the War Between the States) began when my two tiny feet first hit the floor. I was born and raised in Corinth, Mississippi, one of the most strategic western railroad centers in "The War." And with Shiloh National Military Park only 20 minutes up the road, I grew up with a healthy sense of appreciation for local historical happenings. As I graduated from infancy to childhood to young adulthood, I was keenly aware that I was standing on history. Throughout the years, the Civil War has played a significant role in my reading and study, but it wasn't until I viewed the picture of my GG Grandfather that the study of the 26th became a consuming, passionate, avocation of my life.

When I began my search for the 26th, I immediately learned that there is no definitive work on this Southern unit. As a matter of fact, the 26th has pretty much been overlooked by historians. For example, they served gallantly in The Wilderness, but it wasn't until recent years that they were even recognized as being in the order of battle (just check the books). So it has become a personal mission for me (as well as therapy for my obsession) to write a regimental history that will give the 26th Miss its rightful place in the annals of Civil War history. For several years now, I have been collecting information wherever I can find it. I have visited battlefields, archives, libraries, museums, cemeteries, and numerable other places. I have dialogued with historians, authors, descendants, locals and other interesting people. I have spent untold hours in front of microfilm machines. Piece by piece I am putting together a fascinating story of some brave Mississippians who lived over 130 years ago.

My most frequently asked question is: "When will you start writing?" I'm hoping to start soon, but I've held out trying to find extant letters, diaries and manuscripts written by members of the 26th. It is at this point I have experienced my greatest frustration. Most soldiers in the 26th were farmers and poorly educated (my GG Grandfather signed with a mark), but I can't help but believe there still may be some treasures out there. If you know of any existing personal documents, please e-mail me at steve@26thmississippi.com.

I want to say a special "Thanks!" to all the wonderful descendants with whom I have talked and written. You've all been so helpful and willing to go out of the way to be of assistance. A true family-like spirit exists among the descendants of the 26th...a spirit that is very endearing.

Not only did my GG Grandfather serve with the 26th, but his father, William J. D. Mayo, and his brother, James G. Mayo. Both were privates in Co. A. James G. died at Pt. Lookout (MD) almost two months after Lee's Surrender. I also had a Great Great Uncle on my father's side, Sergeant Christopher Columbus Hardwick, who served in Co. D (and with a name like that, can you believe the family called him "Lum"?!).

I live in Nashville, Tennessee, the Athens of the South. Nashville has its own rich Civil War heritage. The Battles of Stones River, Spring Hill, Franklin, and Nashville were all waged right here in Middle Tennessee (not to mention many other minor engagements and skirmishes). For more information about Civil War Tennessee, contact the Tennessee Historical Commission at 2941 Lebanon Road, Nashville, TN 37243-0442 (615-532-1550).

In February 1995, I founded the Middle Tennessee Civil War Round Table. After serving as President of the Round Table for 3 years, I became editor of THE SHARPSHOOTER, its monthly newsletter. The Round Table is a group of men and women who "just can't get enough" CW history. Thanks to all the members of the MTCWRT for their support in this project!

Finally, here's a great big "Thanks!" to my Cousin Toy Mayo of St. Louis, MO, who introduced me to the photo that started this whole project. Cousin Toy, thanks for everything you've done in preserving the memory of our family for generations to come! (By the way, if you want to see that photo, click here.)

I know there's somebody out there who understands my obsession. Want to start a support group?