One of the most distinguished names in Civil War history, Dr. Robertson served as Executive Director of the U.S. Civil War Centennial Commission in the 1960's and worked with Presidents Kennedy and Johnson in commemorating the war's 100th anniversary. He then taught 44 years at Virginia Tech, where his upper division course on the Civil War era attracted 300 or more students per semester and made it the largest class of its kind in the nation. At his retirement in 2011, the University named him Alumni Distinguished Professor Emeritus of History.

The Danville, VA, native is the author or editor of more than 25 books, including biographies of Gens. Robert E. Lee and A. P. Hill, several works on the common soldiers, and three studies written for young readers. His massive biography of Gen. "Stonewall" Jackson won eight national awards and was used as the base for the Ted Turner/Warner Bros. mega-movie, "Gods and Generals." Robertson was chief historical consultant for the film.

The recipient of every major award given in Civil War history, and a lecturer of national acclaim, Dr. Robertson is probably more in demand as a speaker than anyone else in the Civil War field.

He holds a Ph.D. degree from Emory University and honorary doctorates from Randolph-Macon College and Shenandoah University.

Robertson served as a charter member (by Senate appointment) of Virginia's Civil War Sesquicentennial Commission and was actively engaged in the state's sesquicentennial observances.

His latest book is AFTER THE CIVIL WAR, published by the National Geographic Society.