Showing results for "Revolutionary War"
Remembering John and Abigail (part one)
Part one of two When Abigail Adams died in late October, 1818, her husband, John, brokenhearted, said, “I wish I could lie down beside her and die, too.” Today, the two are entombed side by side, along with their son John Quincy and his wife, Louisa Catherine, in a well-lit, whitewashed crypt beneath the United […]
Read more...Mercer’s Grenadier Militia
This is part two in the series by guest historian Drew Gruber. For part one, click here. On the morning of October 3, 1781, British Colonels Tarleton and Thomas Dundas led another expedition north towards Gloucester Courthouse and away from the protection of their fortifications at Gloucester Point. Their command that day included some of […]
Read more...A Matter of Tactics revisited: 1815 vs. 1863 (Part two of a series)
On June 18, Europe celebrated the 200th anniversary of Waterloo, one of the most decisive engagements in history. 5,000 reenactors recreated the event, and it garnered a great deal of attention on the web. On July 1-3, here in the United States, we marked the 152nd anniversary of the battle of Gettysburg – not nearly […]
Read more...From the ECW Archives: The Union Assault at Cold Harbor June 1, 1864
All through the night of May 31 and into June 1, 1864, Horatio Wright’s VI Corps trudged along the dusty and choked Virginia byroads. They had been pulled from the Union right flank and ordered to march to reinforce and relieve Phil Sheridan’s cavalry holding the critical Old Cold Harbor intersection. As they neared the crossroads, […]
Read more...Rediscovering a Forgotten Patriot – William Grayson
In my day to day routine at work I can easily forget how lucky I am to have the job I do. Growing up with an interest in history and museums, I take for granted that I can make a career doing what I love. Occasionally I am involved with projects that “wow” me or […]
Read more...From the ECW Archives—A Grand Charge: Emory Upton’s Assault on the Mule Shoe Salient, Conclusion
Click here to read the first part of the series. The men from New York, Pennsylvania, Maine, Wisconsin and Vermont milled about the clearing in the middle of the afternoon. A cool spring breeze rustled the leaves on the trees around them. Some talked, while others smoked, chewed on hardtack or quietly read. While they passed the time in […]
Read more...“Remember the Ladies”
March is Women’s History Month, a time to reflect on the many contributions women have contributed in our country. At George Washington Birthplace National Monument, our social media policy for the month has been to highlight important women to the history of the National Park Service and/or to George Washington’s life. By writing the […]
Read more...George Washington Remembers
Today, we are pleased to welcome guest author Bert Dunkerly. General George Washington looks back at us from marble statues or stiff paintings with a grim-faced and determined look. Known for his dignity, resolve, and sound leadership, he seems cold and reserved. Yet he was also quite sentimental. In the midst of a campaign, with […]
Read more...Committees of Correspondence = 18th Century Social Media?
Information. Communication. Solidarity. Linkage. Friendship. Point-of-view. Identity. Current Events. These words describe reasons in the 20th century why people joined and continue to join social media platforms, especially Facebook. Approximately 240 years before Facebook was launched in February 2004, the first major attempt at achieving all the proponents above was the job function of the various Committees […]
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