It is the 12th of April, 1861. Three days ago, in the late afternoon, Robert E. Lee and Ulysses S. Grant had met at Appomattox. Now men in grey and blue are gathering. There is tension, but no fear. A valley separates them, the Confederates on one the hill, the Federals on another. These […]
The Last Salute: Gordon and Chamberlain at Appomattox Read More »
Barksdale’s Brigade: Charge at Gettysburg “I am sure that it was the grandest charge that was ever seen by mortal man.” Those are the words of Union Colonel Worthen, whose men at Gettysburg tried – and failed – to stand against General Barksdale’s Mississippi brigade. Gettysburg was the bloodiest battle of the Civil War.
The Grandest Charge Read More »
The people that make up North Carolina have a long history of rebellion. Most folks know that North Carolina declared its independence twice, in 1776 and in 1861. But it may surprise you that some citizens in North Carolina declared their independence in 1775. In fact, the current state flag continues to bear the date
The First Secession: NC Declares Independence Read More »
The Conch Rebellion: They Fought with Bread It was the 1980’s, and drug smuggling was a noisy issue. Runners would take delivery of the stuff off shore, then travel north to big cities. So the Federal Government came up with a brilliant plan: the Border Patrol placed a roadblock at the northern limits of
A Successful Southern Secession Read More »
Louisiana seceded from the Union on the 26th of January, 1861, becoming a sovereign nation. The Confederate States of America did not yet exist. Meanwhile this land considered itself an independent country, and was preparing for its defense. Soldiers like the one you see above were being rallied to the cause. One of the first
Confederate Louisiana Republic Read More »
After its birth the First National Flag of the Confederacy became known as the Stars and Bars. Now some may raise their eyebrows, believing that term applies to the Confederate Battle Flag. I don’t want to upset anyone, but the Battle Flag was known to soldiers as the Southern Cross. (I’ve written about its
Legends of the Stars and Bars Read More »
As was true of many generals on both sides of the Civil war, Robert E. Lee was a graduate of West Point with a distinguished military career. This was so much the case that in April of 1861 Lincoln offered Lee command of Federal forces, an offer he turned down. Let’s examine why. Lee was
“In Defense Of My Native State” Read More »
This story begins near Appomattox Courthouse, the 12th of April, 1865. Battle-hardened Union and Confederate soldiers are facing each other across a road, both sides holding their weapons and flags. But today there will be no fight. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia is here to surrender its arms, and Union Major General Chamberlain has been
With Agony of Expression, They Tenderly Fold Their Flags Read More »
There are so many stories of Texan courage in battle that a book about them would need sequel after sequel. In my last article on Texans in battle you heard tell of Audie Murphy of Hunt County, Texas, the most decorated soldier of World War II. Well, let’s not forget fellow Texan Edward Keene, the
Conquer or Perish: Texans in a Fight Read More »
The bravery of Texans was established long ago. Most Americans know the story of the Alamo, defended without surrender, literally down to the last man. It is also true that the most decorated combat soldier during World War II was a Texan: Audie Murphy was not only awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor, but all
To Hell and Back: Texans in Battle Read More »
