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A Love Story: A Southern Belle and a Union General

Their love transcended scandal and outrage. She was a Southern belle in Chapel Hill; he was a Union general who marched into town with Gen. Sherman’s army right after the Civil War ended. Just two months later, they were engaged.

The marriage of Ella Swain, daughter of UNC president and former governor David Swain, and Union general Smith Atkins shocked Chapel Hill. Their story is recounted in the book Undaunted Heart: The True Story of a Southern Belle and a Yankee General by Suzy Barile, the couple’s great-great-granddaughter. Barile will share their story during History à la Carte: Undaunted Heart on Wednesday, March 17, at 12:10 p.m. at the N.C. Museum of History. She will read excerpts from Ella’s letters that reveal a loving marriage that endured during a time when emotions ran high after the war. Barile discovered her great-great-grandmother’s letters in a box of papers left to her by her great-uncle, and these letters inspired her to write the book.

Bring your lunch to this informal program. Beverages are provided. Admission is free.        

For more information about these programs, call 919-807-7900 or access ncmuseumofhistory.org or Facebook®.            

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