Civil War Stories

The Gettysburg Cyclorama: The Movie of Its Day

Most of us love going to the movies. Whether we are there to be entertained, enlightened, or to be exposed to other worlds, we love... continue »

Bugle Calls and the Origin of TAPS

Communication on a military battlefield or in camp is vital, but before technological advances, spreading information and commands was challenging. Messengers were used to communicate... continue »

Jefferson Davis and his Dog Traveler

Confederate President Jefferson Davis (1808-1889) acquired his dog, Traveler, during his retirement years. Immediately after the war, Jefferson Davis was on the run from Union... continue »

Confederate Dog in the Civil War: Sawbuck

Loyal dogs populated both armies in the Civil War. For every Union dog, there was... continue »

Why Emancipation Day is Held April 16 in Washington, D.C.

Slaveholding was still a way of life for some residents of Washington, D.C. even after the Civil War began. But in 1862 that changed. The... continue »

Harriet Beecher Stowe, Anti-Slavery Author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin

Harriet Beecher Stowe (1811-1896) grew up in a family who cared deeply about social issues, including the abolition of slavery. Stowe chose to use the... continue »

Dog Jack, Mascot and Volunteer for the Union

Jack, a young mastiff, was to become one of the best-known mascots of the Civil War because his story was reported by a reporter with... continue »

First Female Surgeon in Civil War: Physician Mary Walker

Dr. Mary Edwards Walker overcame resistance from the military and served as a battlefield surgeon during the Civil War. She was acknowledged for her work... continue »

Elizabeth Thorn (1832-1907): Six Months Pregnant and Burying the Dead at Gettysburg

Stepped in to serve as cemetery caretaker since her husband was off fighting for the Union Often referred to as "Angel of Gettysburg" Elizabeth Masser... continue »

Little-Known Story about the Gettysburg Address

For Americans, the mere mention of "Four score and seven years ago..." brings to mind President Lincoln giving the address he delivered at Gettysburg 149... continue »

A Civil War Dog: Harvey and the Barking Dog Regiment of Ohio

We are 150 years from the time of the Civil War, so during our first week of the Dog Days of Summer I wanted to... continue »

Sallie, Civil War Mascot

Sallie was just a puppy when she was given to the captain of an infantry regiment drilling in Pennsylvania. She became the unit's beloved mascot.... continue »

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