The death of Cleopatra is shrouded in legend. We do know that it occurred after the defeat of Marc Antony and Cleopatra’s fleet at Actium in 31. Supposedly, Marc Antony fled the battle when he saw Cleopatra’s ship leaving the battle. He chased after his girlfriend, abandoning his fleet Read more…
Wigs for men and women became a thing in the 16th Century. Most men that wore them were trying to hide baldness because healthy hair was a mark of good breeding. Louis XIV of France helped popularize them. He was going bald in his teenage years. Most of Read more…
The 14th Continental Regiment twice had a role in saving the American Revolution. If not for them, the United States would have gone the route of Canada. The unit was created as a militia in January, 1775 in anticipation of trouble with England. Most of the men were fishermen. Read more…
In 1337, the Hundred Years’ War began when British King Edward III claimed the throne of France. On July 12, 1346, he invaded Normandy with an army of 4,000 knights, 5,000 men-at-arms with spears, and 7,000 archers armed with longbows. He launched a chevauchee, which was a march through Read more…
The coal fields of West Virginia were terrible places to work. Not only was the job dangerous, but the housing was poor and the pay was low. Miners lived in company towns provided by the owners. They were paid in scrip which could only be used to buy from Read more…
I have been a fan of history since junior high. When I became an American History teacher, I made it my goal to make my course as interesting as possible. I did this through anecdotes that I encountered over the years. When I retired, I started this web site to Read more…
When I was in high school, I wrote report on Banestre Tarleton. I do not remember why I chose him. I certainly was not a Tory, but I must have been attracted to his villainy. It seems appropriate to explore this fascinating man again, after almost 50 years, because Read more…
The Treaty of Paris not only gave the 13 Colonies independence, but also the Northwest Territory (the area between the Ohio River and the Great Lakes). However, the British refused to give up their forts in the area and continued to encourage the Indians to fight against white expansion. Read more…
In August, 1812, the HMS Guerriere cruised along the east coast capturing American merchant ships and hoping to battle any American warships. Captain James Dacres issued a challenge to “any American frigate who dares to do battle.” Capt. Isaac Hull accepted the challenge in the USS Constitution. The American Read more…
On August 17, 1862, four young Sioux warriors were returning from a frustrating hunt. They stopped at a farm to steal some eggs when a dispute broke out that resulted in the deaths of five whites. The Indians continued on to the home of Taoyateduta (Little Crow to whites) Read more…