History lessons is a grouping of historical stories and tidbits. The topics range from the American Civil War through interesting items from around the world. Please use the comments area to ask questions and make suggestions for future topics.
They were torn at the Battle of Gettysburg, shot full of holes at Bull Run and ruined by storms in encampments from Maine to Florida. They were the worn-out flags of the Civil War – Old Glory, the Stars and Bars of the Confederacy, and regimental colors. An example is a flag carried by the… continue
By James Breig In 1863, 150 years ago, the midpoint of the Civil War brought the Battle of Gettysburg, the Gettysburg Address – and a Thanksgiving proclamation by President Abraham Lincoln. Although written by his Secretary of State, the document went out as “by the President of the United States of America,” who invited “my fellow… continue
By James Breig Fifty years ago, at 1:48 p.m. on an autumn Friday, the American flag atop the White House was lowered to half-staff, where it would remain for a month. Millions of Americans can tell you why – and precisely where they were around noon that day: Nov. 22, 1963. It was a Friday of… continue
By James Breig Seven score and ten years have rolled by since Nov. 19, 1863, when the most famous speech in American history was delivered by President Abraham Lincoln in Gettysburg, Pa. Pressed in by a crowd eager to hear his remarks and surrounded by flapping flags, the Great Emancipator intoned the immortal words: “Four score… continue
By James Breig On Nov. 11, 1918, the citizens of Anaconda, Montana, held an impromptu parade. Among the prominent participants was William Tell Moore, a black constable. Carrying a large American flag, he led a delegation of black citizens “in a manner that personified dignity and patriotism,” said a newspaper. The occasion was the first Armistice Day,… continue