Discover the Civil War-Era Military Facility Located Beneath Alcatraz
Alcatraz Island, located in San Francisco Bay, is best known for housing Alcatraz Federal Penitentiary. While the prison is what makes the area famous, its…
6-Star General: Only Three Individuals Have Been Promoted to the Prestigious Rank
The rank of 6-star general is so high in the US military’s hierarchy that it’s only ever been given out three times. One recipient was…
Judge Rules That Removal of Confederate Monument at Arlington National Cemetery Can Continue
Update – 12/20/2023: US District Court Judge Rossie Alston of the Eastern District of Virginia has ruled that the removal of the Confederate monument at…
The Short Career of the Civil War-Era Double-Barreled Cannon
The double-barreled cannon is as cool as it sounds. It can shoot two cannon balls at the same time that, when attached by a chain,…
Historic Deception and Camouflage Techniques Used By Militaries
Deception and military subterfuge have been used throughout history. The aim is to give armies the upper hand by tricking the enemy. The practice dates…
What Happened to the ‘Lost’ Confederate Gold?
Going to war can be incredibly expensive. As such, the Confederate States of America solicited donations from wealthy citizens. A lot of that gold –…
Myths About the American Civil War That Need to Be Addressed
One of the most, if not the most, prominent topics in US history is the American Civil War. While the majority of what’s presented about…
From the Scythians to Russia: The Use of Scorched Earth Tactics in War
Scorched earth tactics have been used nearly as long as armies have conducted military campaigns. While the practice is less common in modern times, it…
The Spencer Repeating Rifle Saved ‘A Thousand Lives’ During the Battle of Hoover’s Gap
When the Spencer Repeating Rifle was first recommended to the US Department of War, it was turned away due to the notion it would be…
The Success of George H. Thomas’ Union Soldiers During the American Civil War
The two most famous Union generals of the American Civil War are William Tecumseh Sherman and Ulysses S. Grant. One other name that should be…
The Sinking of the USS Housatonic was a Turning Point in Naval Warfare
The US Navy has existed longer than the country itself. The branch was established in August 1775 and re-established in 1794 during the French Revolution.…
John Clem: The Youngest Noncommissioned Officer in US Army History
When the American Civil War broke out in April 1861, it was an all-hands-on-deck situation for the Union and Confederate armies. All men of fighting…