All Episodes

July 13, 2025 10 mins

In the borderlands of Missouri, where the American Civil War devolved into personal feuds and guerrilla terror, one name echoed louder, and bloodier, than the rest: “Bloody Bill” Anderson.

Feared by Union soldiers, hated by Unionist civilians, and idolized by vengeful Confederate bushwhackers, Anderson wasn’t just a man; he was a menace. His savage reign of ambushes, executions, and mutilations left a trail of horror across Missouri, culminating in the Centralia Massacre, where over 120 Union soldiers were killed, many after trying to surrender.

This episode dives deep into the life and legacy of William T. Anderson, exploring how a young man forged by trauma became one of the most sadistic figures in Civil War history. We examine the broader guerrilla war in Missouri, the personal vendettas that fueled its violence, and the dark aftermath that bled into America’s outlaw era.

Was he a Confederate avenger? A terrorist? A man driven mad by loss? Join us as we unravel the grim tale of “Bloody Bill” Anderson.

 

DON’T FORGET TO SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE A RATING OR A REVIEW! THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!

SPONSORED BY THE PODCAST REPUBLIC: https://www.podcastrepublic.net/ 

 

LEARN MORE AT: www.historyshortspodcast.com

SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/c/HistoryShortsPodcast

ADVERTISE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/advertise 

 

SUPPORT THE SHOW: https://www.patreon.com/c/HistoryShortsPodcast

LEARN MORE: https://www.historyshortspodcast.com/

Mark as Played

Advertise With Us

Popular Podcasts

Stuff You Should Know
Dateline NBC

Dateline NBC

Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com

The Breakfast Club

The Breakfast Club

The World's Most Dangerous Morning Show, The Breakfast Club, With DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, And Charlamagne Tha God!

Music, radio and podcasts, all free. Listen online or download the iHeart App.

Connect

© 2025 iHeartMedia, Inc.