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Thanksgiving in 1865

Thanksgiving in 1865

The following woodcut by Winslow Homer depicts the inaugural celebration of Thanksgiving as an official national holiday in the aftermath of the Civil War. In 1863, President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed Thanksgiving as a nationally recognized holiday, marking this...

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The History of Thanksgiving in the United States

The History of Thanksgiving in the United States

The History of Thanksgiving in the United States In the early days of the United States, Thanksgiving was declared by Presidents George Washington, John Adams, and James Madison, but it was primarily observed on a state or territory level in the following years....

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Embalming the Dead

Embalming the Dead

 Even though embalming has been a common practice since the time of ancient Egypt, it did not become popular in the United States until the Civil War. There was a need to preserve their remains for the voyage because so many troops died distant from...

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Civil War Photography Equipment

Civil War Photography Equipment

Several years ago, my family and I had the opportunity to stop by Rob Gibson's Photographic Studio in Gettysburg.  He was gracious enough to spend some type teaching us about how Civil War era photographs were taken and developed.  I finally got around to...

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Civil War Era Brass Bands

Civil War Era Brass Bands

Regimental brass bands of the Union and Confederate armies served many purposes throughout the war. One of their more important roles was of morale booster.  Brass bands would play various tunes and songs in camp and on the march to help brighten the...

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