Timothy D. Johnson, Ph.D.

About Timothy D. Johnson

Timothy D. Johnson is a historian and author whose work has redefined modern understanding of 19th-century American military history. Best known for his definitive scholarship on the Mexican–American War and General Winfield Scott, Johnson has authored or edited nine books and more than two dozen scholarly articles. His vivid narrative style and deep research have made his work essential reading for scholars, students, and military history enthusiasts alike.

Timothy D. Johnson

Academic Background

A native of East Ridge, Tennessee, Johnson earned his Ph.D. in history in 1989. His doctoral dissertation became the foundation for his first published biography of General Scott. Since 1991, he has served as a faculty member at Lipscomb University in Nashville, where he currently holds the title of Elizabeth Gentry Brown Professor of History.

Areas of Expertise

Timothy D. Johnson specializes in:

  • The Revolution and early republic
  • Antebellum U.S. military and political leadership
  • The Mexican-American War
  • Civil War-era

He has been a research fellow at Yale University and the Virginia Historical Society, and his research has taken him to dozens of archives across the country.

Selected Works

  • Winfield Scott: The Quest for Military Glory (1998)
  • A Gallant Little Army: The Mexico City Campaign (2007) — widely regarded as the definitive book on the subject
  • Memoirs of Lieut. Gen. Winfield Scott (Editor, 2015)
  • For Duty and Honor: Tennessee's Mexican War Experience (2018)
  • The Mexican-American War Experiences of Twelve Civil War Generals (2024)

A forthcoming biography of General Robert Neyland is scheduled for release in 2026.

Media & Recognition

Johnson's expertise has been featured on The History Channel, C-SPAN, and public broadcasting. His work has been nominated for:

  • The Lincoln Prize
  • The Society for Military History Book Award
  • The SHERA Book Prize

He was also a finalist for the Army Historical Foundation's Distinguished Writing Award in 2019.

Personal Life

Tim has been married to Jayne since 1978. They have three sons and six grandchildren, and reside in Tennessee. When not in the archives or the classroom, he's often reading, writing, or exploring local history across the South.