An interesting historical story.
One of the greatest natural disasters occurred on July 21, 365. It is known as the 365 Crete Earthquake because it was near the island of Crete destroyed almost all the towns on the island and created a tsunami that devastated Alexandria, Egypt. It is estimated that the earthquake Read more
Today is the 6th anniversary of the start of this website. I’m celebrating by telling the story of one of the most fascinating figures in history. Masinissa was born the son of a chieftain of the eastern Numidians around 238 BC. The Numidians were nomads who gave their name Read more
In the olden days of naval warfare, galleys used to ram each other. That tactic had gone away centuries before WWII. And yet, the tactic was used at least once in a tank battle. Lt. John Gorman was a tank commander in Normandy about a month after D-Day. His Read more
On July 11, 1864, Jubal Early’s Confederate army made a stab at Washington, D.C. It was the closest any Rebel army came to the capital in the Civil War. It was the only Civil War battle fought within the boundary of Washington. The city was very well-defended and had Read more
In 1807, tensions were high between Great Britain and the US. One of the causes was impressment. Impressment was the kidnapping of sailors on American ships to force them into the Royal Navy. Some of the impressed seamen were deserters, but others were not. The issue came to bloodshed Read more
Many Americans believe that Ben Franklin performed a kite experiment to discover electricity. Some even think he invented electricity. (Electricity is actually a natural force that can not be “invented.”) According the story, the 42-year-old Philadelphian went in a field during a thunderstorm with his 22-year-old son William. The Read more
Four days after D-Day (June 10, 1944), one of the worst atrocities of WWII occurred in the village of Oradour-sur-Glane in France. It occurred the day after German soldiers had executed 99 French civilians in Tulle. The men were hanged on balconies and lampposts. Read more
Drug use in warfare goes back to the ancient world. Throughout history drugs (which includes alcohol) have been used for various reasons by soldiers. Most commonly, to enhance performance or to keep you awake and alert. They can also be used to reduce appetite and pain. Drugs can help Read more
New Orleans (the biggest city in the Confederacy) fell without a fight in April, 1862. The next goal of the Union army in Louisiana was to participate in the campaign to control the Mississippi River. As Grant advanced on Vicksburg, Gen. Nathaniel Banks decided to campaign through the Bayou Read more
James Andrews had a bright idea. Andrews was known to the Union Army of the Ohio as a purveyor of intelligence about Confederate movements. Intelligence is what Brigadier General Ormsby Mitchel expected when Andrews asked to see him. Andrews had an insane idea, he and some volunteers would hijack Read more