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 –…
Five 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…
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…
Mary Edwards Walker: The Only Woman to Receive the Medal of Honor
Today, about a third of all American doctors are female, and women make up 14 percent of all active-duty US military members. This represents a…
These Female Spies of the American Civil War Have Some Incredible Stories To Share
During the Civil War, most American males were involved in the battle in some way. But there were also several women who were very important…
The Interesting History of Wartime Counterfeiting
There has never been a time in history when war wasn’t costly. Of course, it’s costly in terms of death and destruction, but it’s also…