The Camel Corps: How the U.S. Army Unleashed Feral Camels on the West
In the 1850s, the American Southwest was a logistical nightmare for the U.S. Army. The terrain was too brutal for horses, too dry for mules,…
The Conway Cabal: The Anonymous Plot to Dethrone George Washington
In the frozen hell of Valley Forge during the winter of 1777–1778, George Washington was fighting two wars. One was against the British Empire; the…
The Logistics of Loyalty: Why the Union Wore Blue and the Confederacy Wore Gray
In the popular memory of the American Civil War, the battle lines are clean: a sea of Union Blue clashing against a wall of Confederate…
Napoleon’s Great Example: How Gustavus Adolphus Invented Modern Warfare
In the early 17th century, European battlefields were dominated by the “Spanish Tercio”—massive, slow-moving squares of thousands of pikemen. They were nearly impossible to break,…
The Last Invasion of Britain: How 1,400 French Soldiers Were Defeated by Wine and Welsh Women
The year was 1797. Revolutionary France was on a roll, Napoleon was carving through Europe, and a bold plan was hatched to strike the “Shopkeepers…
Official Trailer Released for Upcoming Film About William Tell
The exploits of one of histories greatest folk heroes, William Tell, are making their way to the big screen, and we finally have a sense…
We Can’t Get Over These Historical Inaccuracies in ‘Braveheart’
Braveheart (1995) is a historical epic directed by and starring Mel Gibson. Set in late 13th-century Scotland, the film covers the life of William Wallace…
US Department of Defense Reviewing Medals of Honor Awarded for Wounded Knee Massacre
The Wounded Knee Massacre is one of the darkest moments in American history, made even more so by the presentation of the Medal of Honor…
Over 160 Years After Being Executed By the Confederates, Two Union Soldiers Receive the Medal of Honor
The Great Locomotive Chase of April 1862 was among the most daring raids of the American Civil War. Led by James J. Andrews, a group…
Unexpected Revolutionary War-Era Discovery Made During Construction Work in Virginia
Colonial Williamsburg is one of the most notable outdoor museums dedicated to bringing the history of the American Revolution to modern-day society. They’ll further be…
French Cavalrymen Captured the Dutch Fleet in One of the Weirdest ‘Battles’ in Military History
There have been many strange occurrences throughout military history, but none were as unusual as the Battle of Texel. Taking place in the waters off…
In Photos: Burying the Hatchet at the 1913 Gettysburg Reunion
The 1913 Gettysburg Reunion was an event held to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its namesake battle. The engagement, considered the turning point of the…
INTERVIEW: Roxanne Panchasi Discusses Inaccuracies In Ridley Scott’s ‘Napoleon’
Ridley Scott’s Napoleon was one of the most anticipated films of 2023. While many applauded the feature for its cinematography, others criticized it for what…
Being a Medieval Executioner Was a Family Profession – And Not By Choice
We’ve all seen medieval executioners in movies and cartoons: the oversized man carrying a large axe, masked with a hood, who brought death to the…
Cannonballs, Sword Dating Back to American Civil War Discovered in South Carolina River
While cleaning the Congaree River in South Carolina of toxic material, Dominion Energy made a historic discovery: hundreds of artifacts dating back to the American…
The Evolution of Guédelon Castle – A 13th-Century Castle In the Modern Era
In east-central France, just a two-hour drive south of Paris, a structure is being built that’s unlike any other. Guédelon Castle is, as its name…
Shipboard Cannon Found Off Swedish Coast Believed to Be Oldest In Europe
In a study published in the journal The Mariner’s Mirror, a team of researchers has revealed the discovery of what’s believed to be the oldest…
111-Year-Old Time Capsule Could Be Buried Beneath Confederate Memorial At Arlington National Cemetery
Is there a 111-year-old time capsule buried beneath the Confederate Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery? According to those who spoke with South Carolina’s The Post…
Morgan Freeman, Kevin Costner Civil War-Era Spy Series Given Green Light Amid SAG-AFTRA Strike
While many Hollywood projects have been paused by the ongoing SAG-AFTRA and writers strikes, a series under the helm of actors Kevin Costner and Morgan…
Majority of Lawsuit Aimed At Stopping the Melting Down of Charlottesville’s Robert E. Lee Statue Dismissed
A civil lawsuit aimed at stopping a Charlottesville museum from melting down a statue of Confederate Gen. Robert E. Lee has suffered another hit in…
Hoard of American Civil War-Era Coins Worth $2 Million Discovered In Kentucky Corn Field
A discovery dating back to the mid-1800s has been made in rural Kentucky. A man, who’s chosen to remain anonymous, has unearthed a hoard of…
The Real-Life History Behind the British Television Series, ‘Sharpe’
The television series Sharpe (1993-2008) captivated audiences with its portrayal of the Napoleonic Wars. The show skillfully weaves a fictional narrative into historical events with…
Retired Soldiers ‘Strenuously Object’ to Removal of Confederate Names from National Ranger Memorial
Over 100 retired US Army Rangers have signed a letter to Congress, in which they “strenuously object to the defacement and desecration of the National…
Sherman’s Neckties: The Ingenious Union Tactic That Immobilized the Confederates
Sherman’s Neckties – also known as Sherman’s Bowties, Jeff Davis’s Neckties and Sherman’s Hairpins – were railway destruction tactics used by the Union Army during…
Ridley Scott Releases Director’s Cut of ‘Napoleon’ With 48 Minutes of Additional Footage
The historical drama, Napoleon, from the mind of Ridley Scott, has now been given the “director’s cut” treatment. The film, about French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte’s…
The Second Battle of Fort Wagner Proved the 54th Infantry Regiment Had the Chops
The 54th Massachusetts Infantry Regiment proved their bravery and courage in fighting against Confederate forces at Fort Wagner.
The Subtle Philosophy Behind Staircases In Medieval Castles
Castles were a common architectural structure throughout the medieval period, and they were constantly under attack. Just looking at them, one could describe these fortifications…
The True Story Behind ‘Medieval’ and Legendary Bohemian Commander Jan Žižka
The 2022 film, Medieval, the most expensive Czech movie ever made at $23 million USD, tells the tale of Jan Žižka, the famed Bohemian commander who…
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…
Long-Lost Burial Site of Harald Bluetooth, Legendary Christian King of Vikings, Found in Polish Village
The burial site for the Viking king whose name inspired that of modern Bluetooth wireless technology has likely been uncovered in the Polish village of…
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,…
Winged Hussars: The Rise and Fall of Europe’s ‘Angels of Death’
For two centuries, the elaborate winged uniforms and menacing battle tactics of the Polish hussars dominated the battlefield. Coming across the winged hussars must have…
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…
Alexander Hamilton Jr. Skillfully Avenged His Father’s Death
The entire world knows the name ‘Alexander Hamilton’ thanks to Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway musical Hamilton. Because of this musical, the whole world also knows about…
Friedrich von Steuben: The Openly Gay War Hero Who Whipped the Continental Army Into Shape
Throughout American history, homosexual soldiers have been discriminated against in the military. It was only in 2011 that the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy was…
Revolutionary War-Era Cannons Pulled from Savannah River Could Be from Scuttled British Ship
The US Army Corps of Engineers’ Savannah District has completed maintenance dredging in the Savannah River, a project which uncovered a total of 19 cannons…
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…
Revolutionary War-Era Muskets Found Intact in Florida Shipwreck
Three largely intact muskets dating back to the Revolutionary War have been discovered off the Florida coast. They’ve since been cleaned by conservators with the…
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…
Legendary Battles That Would Make Outstanding Films
War movies have been popular for as long as films have existed. As a result, some of the more popular subjects have been completely exhausted.…
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…
8 Fierce Historical Military Figures Most People Haven’t Heard About
History is filled with so many fierce fighters that it’s not surprising some have been largely forgotten following their service. Here are eight of the…
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…
Rose O’Neal: The Confederate Spy Who Drowned Because Of Her Dress And A Pile Of Gold
While the Civil War was fought between the North and South, a person’s geographic location did not necessarily determine the side one took. Rose O’Neal…
The Evolution of Sea Mines and Their Impact on War
Sea mines are some of the most terrifying and destructive weapons at a navy’s disposal. Capable of wreaking havoc on fleets, they’re a staple of…
The Most Iconic Last Words in Military History: General John Sedgwick
General John Sedgwick was a United States military general in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Known as a dependable and brave man,…
Four US Presidents Who Were Battle-Hardened Generals
Considering the President of the United States is the Commander-in-Chief, it’s surprising military experience is not a requirement for the job. Despite this, many former…
Lethal Weapons: 5 of the Most Effective Man-Killing Tools in History
Weapons are simply an extension of the capabilities of the human body. In practice, though, they have been extremely expensive and complex, with quite literally…
These Are the Salaries Paid to US Troops During Each War
Being a member of the US Army is one of the most valiant careers a person can choose. However, the job hasn’t always paid as…
Five Celebrated Military Commanders Who Might Not Live Up To Their Hype
Nearly all notable military leaders are surrounded by controversy, usually from those who think they were great – and those who think they weren’t. As…
Did Tin Buttons Cause Napoleon’s Army To Retreat From Russia?
October of 1812 saw a major turning point in Napoleon’s invasion of Russia. Although the French had recently claimed victory at the Battle of Maloyaroslavets,…
Second Capsule Located Within Pedestal of Richmond’s Robert E. Lee Statue
A second capsule has been located within the pedestal of the Robert E. Lee statue that once stood over Richmond, Virginia’s Monument Avenue. The discovery…
Capsule Within Base of Robert E. Lee Statue Reveals Books, Silver Coin
Experts with the Virginia Department of Historic Resources have opened a capsule found within the pedestal of the Robert E. Lee statue removed from Richmond…
These 4 Weapons Created For Combat Were Cheap But Ingenious Game Changers
Sometimes, no matter how tactically adept a military force may be, if an opponent suddenly shows up with a particularly advanced or capable weapon, it…
Robert E. Lee Statue to Be Melted Down, Turned Into Art
A decision has been made regarding the fate of Charlottesville’s Robert E. Lee statue. The center of 2017’s Unite the Right rally and 2020’s Black…
Memorial for Black Soldiers Killed By Confederates Unveiled In Virginia
The county of Culpeper in Virginia has unveiled a memorial dedicated to three African American soldiers who were executed by members of the Confederate Army…
How the American Civil War helped shape the modern candy industry
The American Civil War brought about the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and was one of the first indicators of what modern advances…
Robert Smalls: The Slave Who Stole A Warship, Escaped The Confederates, And Became A U.S. Congressman
The life of Robert Smalls is an epic underdog story of an illiterate slave from South Carolina who managed to free himself by escaping from…
Strange Military Truces and How They Happened
Apart from a few exceptions, truces and ceasefires are not normally known to be eventful, with most consisting of either a white flag or the…
Loreta Janeta Velázquez disguised herself as a man to fight alongside her husband in the Civil War
The life of Loreta Janeta Velázquez is one of adventure, twists, and turns. She was born in the mid-1800s, and later disguised herself and fought…
Brig. Gen. Martin Green Bragged About His Invincibility – He Was Quickly Proven Wrong
The sheer scale of the American Civil War meant a number of seemingly improbable events occurred. Among them were bullets colliding and fusing in mid-air,…
Robert E. Lee Statue Removed From Richmond, Virginia Following State Supreme Court Decision
The statue of Confederate Army general Robert E. Lee that stood over Richmond, Virginia’s Monument Avenue has been removed from its pedestal. The removal of…
Pentagon Requests Public Assistance In Renaming Of Military Installations
The Pentagon has asked for the public’s help in renaming military installations named after Confederate Army soldiers. The request follows the passing of the Defense…
The Mistake That Led To The Confederate Loss At The Battle Of Antietam During The Civil War
It was early September in 1862, and General Robert E. Lee was drafting plans for his Confederate invasion of Maryland. Lee drew up a detailed…
Virginia Supreme Court Rules General Robert E. Lee Statue Can Be Removed
Virginia’s Supreme Court has unanimously ruled on the fate of the 21-foot-tall statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee in Richmond. The state capital served…
16th-Century Rocket Cats: Brilliant Warfare Tactic or Terrible Idea?
The Medieval era is known for its unique takes on just about everything. From strange hygiene habits to medical practices, it was certainly a different…
Effort To Rename Fort Benning After Decorated Lieutenant General Gains Traction
A petition calling for Fort Benning to be renamed “Fort Moore” after Lieutenant General Harold “Hal” Moore and his wife, Julie, has gained steam. It…
Civil War Air Balloons Existed And Had Their Own Corp
An air balloon and gunfire is not something you’d usually want to mix together, but the Union Army certainly did so with respectable results during…
The Items Found In Abraham Lincoln’s Pockets On the Night He Was Assassinated
US President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated on April 14, 1865 by John Wilkes Booth, a moment that has immortalized the country’s 16th president. The assassination…
Military Events That Prove Just How Unlucky Friday the 13th Really Is
Friday the 13th is considered one of the unluckiest days of the year. While many feel it’s just everyone being overly superstitious, others believe there’s…
Comparing Historic Battlefields, Then and Now
Battles typically have a lasting physical impact on the places where they occur, leaving behind scars that hint at what happened. The following in a…
Swiss Pikemen: The Most Fearsome Medieval Mercenaries
One of the most formidable military infantries from the Middle Ages was the Swiss pikemen. Despite being a small contingent with little in the way…
Statue Of Confederate General Robert E. Lee Removed From Charlottesville Park
The debate surrounding Civil War-era monuments in the United States has been gathering steam over the years. With movements like Black Lives Matter raising issues…
Battle of Nassau: The Continental Marines’ First Amphibious Landing
The Battle of Nassau was a naval operation and amphibious assault by the newly formed Continental Navy and Marines. It was the latter’s first amphibious…
The Curious Case of the US Camel Corps
On May 10, 1855, Secretary of War Jefferson Davis wrote one of the most bizarre orders in US Army history. Addressed to Brevet Maj. Henry…
Charlottesville City Council Votes To Remove Robert E. Lee Statue
Action is being taken in Charlottesville, Virginia, to remove statues of former Confederate American Civil War generals Robert E. Lee and Stonewall Jackson from the…
Weird Ways To End A Siege — Some Strange Strategies
The constant battle between defenses and breaking those defenses has raged throughout the history of humanity. Today, the war is mostly over, with offensive weapons…
Igor I of Kiev: History’s Mysterious Viking Prince
Igor I of Kiev ruled from 913, until his death in 945. While his reign was relatively long, numerous aspects of his story remain a…
Pauline Cushman: The Union Civil War Spy Who Was Also a Stage Actress
Pauline Cushman may have been considered a mediocre actress, but she’s seen as one of the most successful Union spies of the American Civil War.…
A Traitor Foiled a Raid By the ‘Father of the American Navy’ Against Britain During the Revolutionary War
When discussing the American Revolution, it’s easy to assume that all of the fighting took place on North American soil. This is true to an…
The Morbid Origin of the Word “Deadline”
A deadline is something ingrained in modern culture, establishing a time which something has to be completed by, whether that’s a payment, college work, or…
1410 Battle of Grunwald Sword Unearthed In Poland
A sword, metal pieces of a scabbard, a knight’s belt, and two knives, estimated to be from the battle of the time of the Battle…
Remains Of Napoleonic Soldiers Buried In Vyazma After 209 Years
On February 13th, a solemn ceremony was held in Vyazma, a small town in Smolensk, to bury the remains of Napoleonic soldiers killed during Napoleon’s…
Part Time Viking Stabs Girlfriend While Practising Battle Moves!
Viking fun? Benover, near Yalding is a picturesque low-lying village South West of the town of Maidstone in Kent, South East England. Once a proud…
The Most Lethal Fighting Unit of the Civil War
At approximately 4:00 PM, July 2, 1863 the great Confederate turning movement at Gettysburg, meant to roll-up the Federal line from left-to-right, finally stepped-off, General…
Officials Plead for Consumers to NOT Recycle Live Cannonballs
Workers at the Kent County Recycling Center in Grand Rapids, Michigan, got a lot more than they bargained for when Civil War cannonballs was delivered…
Rediscovered Civil War Shipwreck Gains International Recognition
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (June 10, 2020) – As the United States battled its most divisive conflict at the height of the American Civil War, a cargo…
One of the Most Daring and Romantic Naval Feats of History
Rain began falling in sheets as the small steamer known as picketboat No. 1 puffed its way through the choppy surf toward the mouth of…
Prague Revamp Reveals Jewish Gravestones Used as Cobblestones
Redevelopment work being undertaken in Prague has revealed a gruesome secret. Many of the paving stones that have been listed have been found to have…
Police Swoop on a ‘Suspicious’ Medieval Swordsman…He Was Doing Daily Exercise
Police were called to a park at Hendre Lake in St. Mellons, Cardiff, Wales, UK. They had received a disturbing report of a medieval swordsman…
History Hack – Fantastic Podcasts Beating Lockdown Blues
Timing, as they say is everything. With everyone currently at home under confinement there has never been a better time to launch a series of…
Lightning Strikes Twice – American Hannibal of the Revolutionary War
It is dawn, August 2, 216 BC and lightning is about to strike the Roman Republic. On a ridge overlooking the expansive plain, Hannibal Barca…