Few Civil War officers were more colorful than Captain James (Paddy) Graydon. He was a hard drinking, daring and unconventional Union captain with a short fuse, particularly remembered for his fearless exploits in the Southwest. His legacy is marked by bold tactics, a volatile personality, and a reputation as a
When thinking about “Old West” characters, many come to mind – Wyatt Earp, Jesse James, Billy the Kid among others. While people tend to categorize these characters as “good” or “bad”, the reality is that most were both. Time and those who write about history tend to exaggerate. For example,
On this day in 1818, one of the pre-eminent women of the Revolutionary War era passed away in Quincy, Massachusetts—Abigail Adams, wife of Founding Father and President of the United States, John Adams. She first met John when she was fifteen years old. At the time, John was a practicing
As we commemorate the history of the American Revolution, which began 250 years ago in 1775, much of the focus has been on battles—Lexington & Concord (April 1775), Bunker Hill (June 1775), etc. – and the military exploits of various generals, most prominently General George Washington, appointed in June 1775
Eugene V. Debs (1855–1926) was a pioneering American labor leader, socialist, and political activist who played a central role in shaping the labor movement and socialist politics in the United States. Born in Terre Haute, Indiana, Debs began his career working for the railroads and quickly became involved in union
Lucy Stone (1818–1893) was a pioneering American orator, abolitionist, and suffragist who played a vital role in advancing women’s rights in the 19th century. Born in West Brookfield, Massachusetts, she defied societal norms by becoming the first woman from her state to earn a college degree, graduating from Oberlin College
The women’s suffrage movement in America culminated in 1920 with passage of the 19th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, giving women the right to vote. The movement began long before that, however, led by several courageous women who stood up for gender equality in an era when women were literally
Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States, served from 1853 to 1857 during a period of growing sectional tension between the North and South. A native of New Hampshire and a Democrat, Pierce believed that the abolitionist movement was a threat to national unity and alienated anti-slavery groups
The American Civil War was a watershed moment in American history, a four-year battle that was the culmination of decades of hostilities over the issue of slavery. In its final years, the War pitted two Generals against each other, Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee—fierce warriors whose armies engaged
On this day in 1774, The Battle of Point Pleasant, also known as the Battle of Kanawha, was fought. It was a pivotal clash between colonial militia and Native American forces during Lord Dunmore’s War. John Murray, the 4th Earl of Dunmore, was the Colonial Governor of Virginia and in
The “Royal Proclamation of 1763” 252 years ago on October 7, 1763, King George III of Great Britain issued a Royal Proclamation which laid out the new boundaries of the American colonies following the end of the French and Indian War. The war was concluded by the Treaty of Paris
When people hear the name “Tecumseh,” most think of Civil War General William Tecumseh Sherman. Where did he get that name? Sherman’s middle name was taken from one of the greatest Native-American leaders of his time, Tecumseh, who died this day on October 5, 1813 at the age of about
Born on August 20, 1833, Benjamin Harrison was the 23rd President of the United States (served, 1889-1893). He was a descendant of a prominent Virginia family, and was the grandson of William Henry Harrison, the 9th President of the United States. Benjamin’s adult life was marked by many accomplishments: a colonel in the Civil War,
We’ve posted several stories in the past year honoring women who have figured prominently in American history. Today, we honor the memory of Mercy Otis Warren, who was born on September 25, 1728, and who became one of the unsung patriots of the American Revolution.
September 21 marks the anniversary of the death of Chief Joseph, one of the most famous Native-American chiefs during the period of our nation’s decades-long “Indian Wars” in the second half of the 19th century. Born in 1840, Chief Joseph led the Nez Perce tribe, then living in the Wallowa
“Robber Barons.” Americans have used this phrase for over a century to describe the late 19thand early 20th century men who were instrumental in the financing of America’s industrial and commercial growth.