Sheridan’s Ride

The Battle of Cedar Creek occurred on Oct. 19, 1864 in the war-ravaged Shenandoah Valley. Confederate Gen. Jubal Early initiated the action with an attack on a Union camp.  The Yankees were taken completely by surprise and beat a hasty retreat, losing 1,300 prisoners and 24 cannons.  The Union commander Read more…

The Louisiana Tigers

One of the most famous units in Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia was the Louisiana Tigers.  They had a reputation of being terrors on the battlefield … and in camp.  The nickname originated with a volunteer company raised by Maj. Chatham Wheat in New Orleans.  It was called the “Tiger Read more…

JOSEPHINE’S DOG

On their wedding night, Napoleon and Josephine retired to her bedroom only to find Josephine’s dog in his usual place in the middle of the bed.  When Napoleon approached the bed, the dog growled and Josephine explained that the dog was very possessive.  They should try not to disturb the Read more…

Civil War Snow Balling

There were at least four major snow ball fights (“snow balling”) between Confederate units in the Civil War.  The biggest occurred on Jan. 29, 1863 after two feet of snow blanketed the Rappahannock Valley in Virginia.  It started when the 1st and 4th Texas Regiments took on the 5th.  When Read more…

Paroling

The parole system originated in Europe and was used in America for the first and only time in the Civil War.  It basically involved the exchange of prisoners.  Until an exchange could be arranged, the prisoner was paroled meaning they could not participate in any military activities that would benefit Read more…