Tag Archives: Valentine’s Day

Colonel Thoburn, The Romantic?

Posted on February 14, 2022 by Sarah Kay Bierle

Colonel Joseph Thoburn is probably not one of the historical figures from the Civil War who comes to mind with the word “romantic.” One of the Union’s best brigade officers in the Shenandoah Valley in 1864, his name is associated … Continue reading →

Posted in Civilian, Common Soldier | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

“To Defy The Predictions Of The Universe”: A Wedding Goes Crazy, The Love Story Goes Well

Posted on February 14, 2020 by Sarah Kay Bierle

It’s February 14 and Valentine’s Day… So that means I get to bless (or torture) you with a blog post about a historic love story. Now, did you know that February 14 also happens to be a Union general’s birthday? … Continue reading →

Posted in Civilian, Leadership--Federal, Primary Sources | Tagged , , | 2 Comments

Going Courting in Lexington, Virginia – Part 2

Posted on February 14, 2019 by Sarah Kay Bierle

There’s nothing quite like a primary source. John S. Wise –a cadet at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington, Virginia during 1863-64 – later wrote his remembrances of trying to get acquainted with the “good Presbyterian girls” of the town. Certainly, … Continue reading →

Posted in Civilian, Holidays | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Going Courting in Lexington, Virginia – Part 1

Posted on February 14, 2019 by Sarah Kay Bierle

Theology and Presbyterian doctrine. That’s what first took Major Thomas J. Jackson to the home of Dr. George Junkin in Lexington, Virginia. But before long, theology and doctrine wasn’t the only thing on the major’s mind. Dr. Junkin’s daughter, Elinor, … Continue reading →

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Roses Have Thorns, Violets Proliferate: Vinegar Valentines During the Civil War

Posted on February 13, 2019 by Meg Groeling

All was not hearts and flowers for lovers and others during the American Civil War. Sweethearts were separated, families were torn apart, Valentine’s Day was often a sad day of remembrance or longing unless you were of a certain disposition—a … Continue reading →

Posted in Civilian, Holidays, Material Culture | Tagged , | 1 Comment

My Love For You is Timeless

Posted on February 14, 2017 by Meg Groeling

February 14–a day set aside to celebrate one’s romantic side–often comes under attack as being invented by card companies just for profit. I disagree. I have written here at least one other time about the celebration of this holiday during … Continue reading →

Posted in Common Soldier, Emerging Civil War, Holidays | Tagged , , , , | 1 Comment

Question of the Week: 2/13-2/19/17

Posted on February 13, 2017 by Emerging Civil War

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner… Do you have a favorite real-life love story from the Civil War era? (No fictional characters!)

Posted in Civilian, Common Soldier, Emerging Civil War, Holidays, Personalities, Question of the Week | Tagged , , | 17 Comments

I Live Or Die Thy Valentine! or, Love In the Time of War

Posted on February 14, 2012 by Meg Groeling

Of all the things that made a Civil War soldier’s life miserable, being separated from his sweetheart had to rate right up there.  Love is difficult enough when everything goes right.  Trying to carry on a courtship or maintain a … Continue reading →

Posted in Civilian, Common Soldier | Tagged , , | 1 Comment