Category Archives: American Civil War

Wilmer McLean: A Plague on Both His Houses

Wilmer McLean is one of those oddities of the Civil War, where truth is sometimes stranger than fiction. Wilmer McLean was a Virginia wholesale grocer, who at age 39 married a well-to-do widow with two children and a moderate plantation … Continue reading

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Lincoln’s First General: Winfield Scott

When Abraham Lincoln was a small child, Winfield Scott was already a military commander of stature. Winfield Scott, Virginian Winfield Scott (1786-1866) was born near Petersburg, Virginia to a family of gentry. He attended the College of William and Mary, … Continue reading

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Jefferson Davis at Twilight

For a man with lifelong poor health, Jefferson Davis managed to live till eighty-one. The Three Careers of Jefferson Davis Jefferson Davis (1808-1889) was a quintessential Southerner of the early nineteenth century: one who easily and capably gravitated into three … Continue reading

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The Short Sweet Life of Willie Lincoln

  Despite the fact that Willie Lincoln died before his 12th birthday, he was arguably the happiest of the Lincoln family. Willie Lincoln in Springfield, IL William Wallace Lincoln (1850-1862) was named for his uncle-by-marriage. Dr. William Wallace, married to … Continue reading

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Mary Lincoln’s Old Clothes

The close but unlikely friendship between Mary Lincoln and Elizabeth Keckley would be permanently shattered by what Mrs. Lincoln would consider a gross betrayal. It was not intended as such. Mrs. Lincoln’s Debts When Mary Lincoln was First Lady, merchants … Continue reading

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General Grant in New Jersey

General Grant was the most famous person in the country after the Civil War. All the rich and powerful and famous were anxious to court his favor, and the General usually obliged. A Tale of Gifts and Laws Simply put, … Continue reading

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Abe, Steve, Breck and Bell: A Multi-Colored Map

If one “back-lit” the now traditional red-blue election map, one would find FIVE colors in the 1860s elections. The Unionists and Secessionists were about to collide in the irrepressible conflict. The Black States: In this case, the “black” colored states … Continue reading

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Mrs. Keckley, “Contraband” and The Lincolns

The Civil War brought out great bitterness. It also brought out great generosity. “Contraband” Fortress Monroe, near Norfolk, VA, was a crucial center for the Union, since it commanded the Chesapeake Bay, its trade, commerce and defensive position. General Benjamin … Continue reading

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The Plot to Assassinate General Grant

General Grant was one of John Wilkes Booth’s targets on April 14, 1865. This is Julia Grant’s story, penned some 35 years after it occurred, and not known to the general public for more than a century. April 14, 1865 … Continue reading

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Emilie Todd: Mary Lincoln’s Little Sister

Mary Todd Lincoln came from a huge family. There were fourteen children. Children and Steps: Mary Todd was the fourth of six children born to Robert Smith Todd and his first wife, Elizabeth Parker.   She died when Mary was only … Continue reading

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