The outbreak of civil war convulsed the entire nation. Nowhere were its effects felt stronger than in the border states. The states of Maryland, Kentucky and Missouri found their inhabitants loyalties closely split over the secessionist issue. Under such an explosive situation, men of great courage and foresight were needed to safeguard the liberties of these states and avert the prospect of massive bloodshed. Isaac R. Trimble represented such a man capable of accomplishing such a task. Trimble had long been exposed to rigorous challenges. His loyalty rested with Maryland and its right to decide its own destiny. "Isaac Ridgeway Trimble, The Indefatigable and Courageous," is a story about this man's quest to resist what he considered to be Federal tyranny and regain his state's sovereignty. No matter what the hardship or price, Trimble willingly sacrificed to see his dream materialize. With the Confederacy, Trimble placed his fortune and fought to insure its survival. Even in defeat, Trimble remained convinced of Confederate virtue and Union despotism. Throughout the remainder of his life, Trimble continued to be a diehard warrior espousing the justness of the Confederate cause. / Master of Arts