Category Archives: American Civil War

People and places connected to the American Civil War.

Dr. Charles Leale: Forgotten Hero of Ford’s Theater

Ford’s Theater: April 14, 1865 Enjoying a pleasant night out, Abraham and Mary Lincoln and their guests attended a comedy at Ford’s Theater. Around 10:30 p.m. a shot rang out in the Presidential Box, and a scream was heard. Within … Continue reading

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Lucy Hayes: Camp Mother

Lucy Hayes was born to be a mother. Lucy: Girl to Woman Lucy Ware Webb (1831-1889) was born and raised in Chillicothe OH, when the state was becoming a major industrial force in the country. In-home manufacturing was declining and … Continue reading

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George Washington and George III: Mindsets

The General and the King each had definite ideas, goals and responsibilities. Earlier Georges George I became King of England following the death of the last Stuart monarch, Queen Anne in 1714. With no direct line of succession, the Hanoverian … Continue reading

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General Joe Hooker: The Man, The Myth and the Legend

Joe Hooker was a pretty interesting fellow any way you look at it… Joseph Hooker, Making of a Soldier Joseph Hooker (1814-79) was Massachusetts born, and perhaps genetically destined for the military. His grandfather had been a Captain during the … Continue reading

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Andrew Johnson and Jefferson Davis: The Feud

Two Southern legislators, poles apart, bitter enemies. Andrew Johnson: Mechanic Andrew Johnson (1808-1875) was arguably the poorest of our Presidents, measured in family position (low) and wealth (even lower). His father, a porter for a small tavern-hotel in Raleigh NC, … Continue reading

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The Merrimac: The Two Incarnations

The USS Merrimac of Civil War history is sometimes spelled with a “k”. But I live in the Tidewater Virginia area, where it is always spelled with the “c”. The Best of Its Kind When the USS Merrimac was built … Continue reading

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Surgeon Joseph K. Barnes: Epic History

Surgeon Generals are seldom associated with mega-events. The Surgeon General More than 200 years ago, the US Army created the position of Surgeon General, the ranking doctor of public health.  By the time of the US Civil War, the position … Continue reading

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Grant’s Tomb: A NY Icon

The Civil War could have been fought 3x over in the time it took for Grant’s Tomb to be erected. We Love New York Choosing New York City to be the site of Grant’s final resting place was not difficult. … Continue reading

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Julia Grant’s Bad Hat Story

Julia, The Plain Child Julia Dent (1826-1902) was the fourth of eight children (one died in infancy) born to Frederick W. Dent and Ellen Bray Wrenshall. Four boys and four girls. In that order. Colonel Dent (an honorary title) was … Continue reading

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Andrew Johnson: The Kirkwood Inaugural

Andrew Johnson is one of the most unlikely US Presidents The Unlikely POTUS Beginning with Andrew Jackson in 1828, and into the 20th century, the White House was the home of some of the most unlikely men who ever rose … Continue reading

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