The New South and the Future South

Historians define the New South as the period following Reconstruction. Denoting this as “New” meant that changes had occurred. Most point to the Southern economy and the abolition of slavery, but others elements of Southern life experienced change as well, most of it considered detrimental to the Southern tradition. Yet, for cities like Columbus, GA, the “New South” led to a booming textile industry and a flourishing economy. Moreover, as C. Vann Woodward has illustrated, the New South embraced Northern legal norms regarding race and social status. The New South also saw new developments in Southern culture, particularly in the realm of “leisure.” What is this thing known as the “New South”, and how does that impact the modern and future South? We’ll explore these questions and more along with food and fellowship.

Join us at the Columbus Marriott in downtown Columbus, GA, a hotel built around a restored 19th century grist mill that is now considered a historic landmark. Columbus was once called the model New South city and is the ideal setting for this discussion. The Columbus Marriott is situated in the historic district of Columbus across the street from the Columbus Iron Works, one of the most important iron foundries in the antebellum South, and in walking distance of restaurants and the Columbus River Walk along the Chattahoochee River. Houlihan’s Pub is also located on site so you can enjoy drinks and food during your off time and at your arrival on Thursday.

We will also meet on Friday at the Port Columbus National Civil War Naval Museum–once called the Confederate Naval Museum–to fire an original Brooke rifled cannon from the ironclad C.S.S. Jackson. The hull of the Jackson rests inside the museum, and the museum houses a large collection of Confederate naval artifacts including one of the largest original 2nd National flags in existence from the C.S.S. Atlanta.

The conference fee covers all lectures, a reception on Thursday, February 20, lunch and supper on February 21 and 22, and your admission to the museum on Friday. Attire is business casual during the day. Evening meals and lectures require coat and tie for gentlemen and cocktail dresses for ladies

Tentative schedule:

Thursday, February 20:

3:00-5:00: Check-in

5:00-6:30: Supper on your own

6:30-7:30: Reception

7:30-8:30: Dr. Brion McClanahan, “Reconciliation and the Future South”

8:30- Conviviality

Friday, February 21:

Breakfast on your own (complimentary for guests staying in the hotel)

9:00-10:00: Dr. William Wilson

10:00-11:00: Dr. Richard Gamble

11:00-12:00: T.L. Hulsey

12:00-1:00 Lunch

1:00-5:00 Port Columbus National Civil War Naval Museum and firing of the cannon (2 PM sharp).

6:00-7:00: Supper

7:00-8:00: Dr. Tom Fleming, “The Ghosts of Southern Nationalism.”

8:00- Conviviality

Saturday, February 22:

Breakfast on your own (complimentary for guests staying in the hotel)

9:00-10:00: Dr. Wanjiru Njoya

10:00-11:00: Phil Leigh, “Economic Penalties of Reconstruction.”

11:00-12:00: Donnie Kennedy

12:00-1:00: Lunch

1:00-2:00: Dr. Tom Daniel

2:00-3:00: Eric Neff, “Stronger: How Local Southern Political Societies Will Protect the American Remnant.”

3:00-4:00: Mike Kitchens

4:00-5:00: Ronnie Kennedy

6:00-7:00: Supper

7:00-8:00: Dr. Don Livingston, “What is Living and What is Dead in the Southern Tradition.”

8:00- Conviviality

Sunday, February 23:

Checkout