The American civil war and frontier era is so fascinating yet everyone in Europe has absolutely no appreciation whatsoever for it. Our modern Greek myth.
🇺🇸 On October 3, 1889, Joshua Chamberlain and veterans of the 20th Maine returned to Little Round Top.
They came to dedicate their monument that is still there today.
Chamberlain gave a speech. He would start by saying:
“A quarter of a century ago on this rugged crest you were doing what you deemed your duty. Today you come with modest mien, with care more for truth than for praise, to retrace and record the simple facts. You were making history. The world has recorded for you more than you have written. The centuries to come will share and recognize the victory won here, with growing gratitude.”
Chamberlain also insisted on historical accuracy. He noted that the monument’s position was slightly left of the regimental center during the final charge, and he pointed out that a stone wall visible near the site had not existed during the battle, but built afterward. He pushed for a clarifying sign, which was eventually placed.
He ended his speech to those veterans there with this:
“Honor to you, who have wrought and endured so much and so well. And so, farewell.”
Happy Independence Day! 🇺🇸
Here’s to the 250 years of Americans who looked towards the never ending horizon and dared to march onward.
Art by N.C. Wyeth
On this day in history: July 2, 1863, the Confederacy got its butt handed to it on a platter by a liberal arts college professor on sabbatical.
Don't mess with college professors.
Grant’s graciousness to Lee and the other officers is the stuff of legend. When Grant saw Longstreet, an old friend and West Point comrade, on the porch, all he did was offer him a cigar. We live in the ruins of a noble culture.