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 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 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 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 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 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 Read more
Wilmer McLean had been in the Virginia state militia and served in the Mexican War). At age 47, he was too old to serve in the Civil War. He owned 1,400 acres near Bull Run Creek in Virginia. In 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 Read more
Jesse and Frank James were guerrilla warriors during the Civil War as teenagers. They took part in killing civilians who were supporters of the Union. After the war ended, they naturally turned to a life of crime. They robbed their Read more
The popular perception of the Middle Ages is of knights and castles. The knights followed a code of conduct known as chivalry. Knights were to fight fairly (unless they were facing foot soldiers). The code encouraged courage, honor, courtesy, justice, Read more