Seven surprising items about Lee’s Surrender on April 9, 1865.
Military & Maritime
The Medal of Honor and the Wounded Knee Massacre
The odd circumstances of the history of the Medal of Honor mean that there are twenty medals that have been contested almost since the day they were awarded. These are the medals awarded to soldiers who participated in the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre.
The Complicated Story of the Irish in the New York City Draft Riots
Most people who are passingly familiar with the Civil War or who have seen the film Gangs of New York likely know that Irish immigrants were the chief culprits in one of the most infamous incidents in that conflict: the New York City Draft Riots.
California and the Civil War Sesquicentennial
Although few people associate the Golden State with the Civil War, in fact, during the war years California was transformed in a multitude of ways – as was most of the country, though the transformation to the east is better-known.
“Go Forward or Die”: The Harlem Hellfighters in World War I
The United States of American entered World War I with a lofty goal: to make the world “safe for democracy.” Millions of Americans answered their nation’s call to arms, including African Americans who did not enjoy the acceptance of their own countrymen.
Colonel Lewis Millett and the Changing Nature of War
Since the Medal of Honor’s creation during the Civil War, many awardees have become household names and gone on to notable careers at least partially enabled by their status as Medal recipients.
A California Rebel in Napoleon’s Court
As his forces wore down the last of Confederate resistance around Petersburg, Virginia, General Ulysses S. Grant contemplated launching another invasion – this time thousands of miles to the west.
Peril Of Pirate Captives In Colonial America
While pirate life is often depicted as free spirited and easy going, the reality aboard a pirate ship was terrifying for many in the early 18th century: pirate captives.
The Anti-War Marine
It is both truism and cliché that “no one hates war more than the soldiers who fight.” Many historians have demonstrated that political causes are often quickly discarded among the mud, bullets, and blood of war.
The Battle of Bunker Hill and Experienced Military Leadership
Any soldier or sailor will tell you that veteran experience can make all the difference in war. This has been true in all armies throughout time, including the American Revolution.