An interesting historical story.
One of the most dangerous jobs in a Civil War army was carrying your unit’s flag into battle. The colors, as they were called were carried at the front of the unit as it moved towards the enemy. This made them a clear target for enemy fire, plus there Read more…
Henry Flipper was born into slavery in 1856. A bright child, he went on to Atlanta University. While a freshman there, he received an appointment to West Point. He was one of five “colored cadets” that entered the military academy in 1873. He withstood the “silent treatment” from all Read more…
In 1519, Hernan Cortes landed in Mexico with 500 men, 100 sailors, and 16 horses. He burned his ships when he decided that his goal was the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan or bust. He hooked up with a maiden named Malinche (Marina after being baptized) who gave birth to their Read more…
On June 28, 1880, the notorious Australian outlaw Ned Kelly was captured. Ned Kelly’s father was sent to Australia from Ireland for stealing two pigs. As a boy, the young Ned saved another boy from drowning, but his future would be focused on taking lives. The son took after Read more…
Recently I started a debate over who was the best Roman general. I proposed Scipio Africanus as the best and many proposed others, particularly Julius Caesar. I think that those who support Caesar certainly have plenty of evidence to back up their choice. I will readily concede that he is Read more…
One of the biggest mysteries of the 20th Century was what happened to Anastasia. Grand Duchess Anastasia Nikolaeuna was born on June 18, 1901. She was the youngest daughter of Czar Nicholas II of Russia. Her birth was a disappointment to the Czar, who was hoping for a make Read more…
Catherine was the daughter of Lorenzo the Magnificent who ruled Florence. She was orphaned when both parents died within weeks of her birth. When her family was overthrown at age 8, she was taken hostage and shuffled from nunnery to nunnery. She was rescued by her uncle Pope Clement Read more…
The first American flag was nicknamed the Continental Colors. It was used by the Second Continental Congress at the time of the Declaration of Independence. It had the Union Jack (the British flag design) in the upper corner and 13 red and white stripes. Surprisingly, it resembled the British East Read more…
The history of the British monarchy sometimes seems like a soap opera. One juicy story is the one about “The Princes in the Tower”. It is one of the most fascinating mysteries in British history. On April 9, 1483, King Edward IV died. Since he had a son, there should Read more…
Mary Ann Bickerdyke was born in Ohio in 1817. She was one of the first women to attend Oberlin College. She became a botanical doctor, using alternative medicines like herbs and plants. After the Civil War broke out, a friend who was a regimental surgeon wrote her a letter Read more…