Smith has not found the same sort of popularity that follows Stevens. While there is no historical consensus on the nature of their relationship – despite it being definitively depicted as romantic in Lincoln – it is important to note that Smith was reportedly called “Mrs. Stevens” by those who knew her, and even once in a letter from Stevens himself.
Read MoreOn the early morning of April 15, 1865 — Lincoln died across the street from Ford’s Theatre where he had been shot the following evening. While every American knows the tragic story of Lincoln’s demise, not many know what he had in his pockets at the time. But thanks to the Library of Congress, we are able to see Lincoln in a strikingly more humanizing way through the items he had on his person that fateful night.
Read MoreOn this day 160 years ago, Confederate forces fired on Federal troops stationed in Charleston Harbor’s Fort Sumter -- marking the official start of the American Civil War. However, what events led up to the firing on Fort Sumter in April 1861? And how does the fort appear today?
Read MoreFounded in 1670, Charleston is one of the most historic cities in all of the United States. From the Revolutionary War to the War of 1812 to the Civil War and beyond, Charleston’s story is synonymous with the American story. Find out just how much history this city has to offer by exploring just a single block of it with us.
Read MoreOne of the most important women in American history was the Civil War humanitarian, Clara Barton. While Barton is well remembered today for being the founder of the American Red Cross, her career was as lengthy as it was impressive. To tell her story, we decided to speak with Jake Wynn, Director of Interpretation at the Clara Barton Missing Soldiers Office Museum.
Read MoreWhen one thinks of the Civil War in Charleston, South Carolina, the mind immediately goes to Fort Sumter where on April 12, 1861 Confederate forces fired the first shots of what became the bloodiest war in American history. However, just over a year after the war began, Charleston was also the site of an extraordinary act of courage on the part of an enslaved man named Robert Smalls. Despite this, many people have never heard the story of Smalls’ actions.
Read MoreAs we inaugurate a new president, let us look back at one of the most notable inaugural addresses delivered during the most divided time in our nation’s history.
Read MoreGettysburg is where my nerd-odyssey began at the tender age of 7 … It will always be a special place to me.
Read MoreThe American Civil War Museum, a new institution formed out of a merger between the American Civil War Center and the Museum of the Confederacy, sits on the banks of the James River. If, as the museum’s CEO Christy Coleman says, the Civil War “saved and redefined what the American republic would be,” the new museum redefines the war’s legacy as perpetually bound to our always-fraught present.
Read MorePre-reading, my knowledge of Ulysses S. Grant was largely limited to his Civil War career. Post-reading, I can now drone on about his presidency, death from a baseball-sized throat tumor, and childhood spent riding horses while getting whacked about the head by a circus monkey. Get ready school groups!
Read MoreIndeed it was - once upon a time.
Read MoreSome might say the Gettysburg Address, but for my money, the 2nd Inaugural Address is not only Lincoln's best speech, but also the greatest American speech ever delivered - and let me tell you why.
Read MoreIn today's followup video, I unearth some documents related to my Civil War ancestor, Peter Richards...
Read MoreAaron takes his recently acquired Civil War artifacts to Manassas National Battlefield Park where they are evaluated by NPS Ranger extraordinaire, Jim Burgess. Are these items the real deal, or has Aaron been had? Watch the video and find out!
Read MoreIn Historic America's latest video, Aaron gets his hands on some Civil War artifacts. Heaven help us.
Read MorePeter Richards is a 5th generation family ancestor of mine who fought in the 34th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry Regiment during the Civil War. He would be considered my Great Great Great Uncle. I've long been curious to know more about him. This past weekend I fell down an internet rabbit hole researching the story of his regiment. During this search, I came across some wonderful photographs that I wanted to share. One in particular really captured me...
Read MoreHave you ever been in the Decatur House? Neither had I, until yesterday.
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