"An Arch Rebel Like Myself"

Discover the captivating biography "An Arch Rebel Like Myself" by Gene C. Armistead, published by McFarland & Co Inc in 2018. This compelling narrative delves into the life of Dan Showalter, who served as Speaker Pro Tem of the California State Assembly at the onset of the Civil War. Showalter became a controversial figure, labeled a traitor by the pro-Union press in the Far West. His story is marked by dramatic events, including surviving California's last political duel and his infamous display of a Confederate flag in Sacramento. The biography also recounts his imprisonment following a tense armed confrontation with Union troops. With 246 pages of rich historical detail, Armistead's work offers a unique perspective on a tumultuous period in American history, making it a must-read for anyone interested in political history and the complexities of loyalty during the Civil War. Don’t miss the chance to explore this intriguing account of a man caught between conflicting ideals.