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Celebrating Juneteenth: Teaching Freedom Through History and Primary Sources
Today, June 19th, marks a profound and pivotal moment in American history: Juneteenth. On this day in 1865, U.S. Army Major General Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3 in Galveston, Texas, marking the final enforcement of the Emancipation Proclamation and...
From Decoration Day to Memorial Day
Each year, on the last Monday in May, Americans pause to remember the brave individuals who gave their lives in service to the United States. But how did this tradition begin, and why is it such an important part of our national identity? The history of Memorial Day...
The Civil War in Color Series: Francis Brownell
My colorization of Francis Brownell who received the Medal of Honor for killing James W. Jackson after Jackson shot Col. Elmer E. Ellsworth, colonel of the 11th New York Volunteer Infantry Regiment. Although Brownell didn't receive the award until 1877, a dozen years...
Developing Civil War Photographs
Wet-plate photography was the style of photography utilized during the American Civil War. It took a lot of time and effort to take the pictures. Photographers had to bring a cart with all of their bulky equipment, including a mobile darkroom, to the...
Using Google Maps to Explore the Civil War
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PH0HVy1a4g
Popular Songs of the Civil War
Soldiers in both armies had their own favorite songs to sing and listen to. Sometimes they sang while marching to keep up their spirits. Union soldiers liked patriotic and sentimental songs. The Battle Cry of Freedom was a Union favorite. Some other...
Civil War Field Music
Field music was the backbone of the armies during the Civil War. Field music was made up of fifers, drummers, and buglers and their job was to use their instruments to communicate orders to the troops. Their job was to regulate a soldier's life...
Medical Equipment
The Civil War was the bloodiest conflict in American history and was fought in over 10,000 locations. Approximately 620,000 people, or 2% of the population at the time, lost their lives as a result of the battle. The Civil War claimed more American lives...