Breden’s Sharpshooters

Sharpshooters were first used in the Civil War in America.  They were what we would call snipers today, but they also served as skirmishers.  Skirmishers were soldiers placed in front of the line to either make first contact when the army was attacking or provide warning of an approaching force.  Read more…

Mount Rushmore

Interesting Facts About Mount Rushmore The idea originated in 1923 with South Dakota historian Doane Robinson who hoped it would increase tourism to the state. It was created by John Gutzon de la Mothe Borghum, who had earlier carved Confederate leaders on Stone Mountain, Georgia.  He chose Mount Rushmore because Read more…

Korean War Memorial

The Korean War Memorial was initiated by the Korean War Veterans Advisory Board in 1986 after Congress passed a law calling for a memorial.  Pres. Reagan appointed veterans to the board. It was constructed with private contributions.  Pres. George H.W. Bush broke ground in 1992.  It was dedicated on July Read more…

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…

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…

Taverns

Taverns were the multi-purpose establishments of colonial and early America.  The name comes from the Roman word taberna.  An American tavern could be defined as a place for alcoholic beverages, food, and lodging.  But that was just the basics.  Taverns were the hubs of villages and towns.  They were like Read more…