Following the election of Abraham Lincoln in November 1860 and the secession of Southern states, Almira Newcomb McNaughton Lockwood Fales began making bandages for she was certain war and death would result. She was right, and went on to become a nurse—and lose a son in battle.
THE CLASH OF THE IRONCLADS 💥💥
Today marks 160 years since USS Monitor and CSS Virginia (formerly Merrimack) notoriously battled here in our waters in Hampton Roads. Neither ship won the battle, but both proved the power of iron over wood, and changed naval warfare forever.
On this day in 1796, Napoleon marries Joséphine de Beauharnais. Unfortunately, the groom is busy planning his upcoming Italy campaign and keeps the bride waiting for four hours.
On this day in 1915, Germany introduces a new weapon: poison gas. Although the extreme cold on the Eastern Front renders the agent ineffective, future chemical attacks elsewhere will be lethally effective. By 1918, gas will have caused more than 1.3 million casualties.
Did you know? The George G. Meade Equestrian Monument on Cemetery Ridge is one of two of the oldest equestrian monuments in #Gettysburg, dedicated in 1896.
What is the other one and where is it located?
📸: Ann Blyler Wasilus
On this night in 1940, the Luftwaffe drops 100,000 incendiary bombs on London triggering what will be remembered as the city's "Second Great Fire." Nearly 200 civilians perish in the raid.
On this day in 1944, the United States Congress establishes the rank of five-star general. Eisenhower, Marshall, MacArthur and Bradley are all promoted.
On this week's iteration of, "What Is This Thing??", we present an inconspicuous, box-looking object, nothing strange here...
Comment with your guess on the name and purpose of this Civil War-era object from our collection, and check back at the end of the day for the answer!
1864: U.S. army steamer Greyhound is destroyed, most likely by a bomb planted by Confederate agents, on the James River near City Point, VA. Miraculously, Gen. Benjamin Butler, Adm. David Porter, and the entire crew escape the burning ship before it sinks
On this day in 1941, Washington issues a "war warning" to U.S. forces at Pearl Harbor. It advises commanders to prepare for a Japanese surprise attack *somewhere* in the Pacific.
In 1783, the Continental Army disbanded. The soldiers typically left with little more than their worn-out uniforms and signed paper discharges. Scenes like this one of a veteran returning to his family were fleeting moments. #VeteransDay
🎨 The Veteran's Return, by Don Troiani
A portrait rendered on the other side of the stage backdrop behind which I shared an earlier image depicting a moment from my recent address at an event celebrating township governments. If you wish to influence your national government, get involved in your local government.
Today in 1975: The 729-foot-long freighter SS EDMUND FITZGERALD sinks on Lake Superior with the loss of the entire crew of 29. She remains the largest ship to have sunk on the Great Lakes.