The outcome of the Civil War was influenced by many factors on both sides, including population, finances, the availability of weaponry, naval power and military leadership. But in a recent study published by the Geological Society of America, Dr. Scott Hippensteel, an associate professor in the Department of Geography and Earth Sciences at UNC at Charlotte suggests a less obvious factor: rocks.

“It is not an overstatement to say that rocks helped determine the outcome of the Civil War,” said Dr. Hippensteel. “Geology determines terrain, and terrain can be exploited by a skilled commander on both offense and defense.”

Those who heard Dr. Hippensteel speak in September 2019 on The Hunley know that he is both a knowledgeable and entertaining speaker.