Archive for July, 2007
« Previous Entries Next Entries »Scotland in the American Civil War
Tuesday, July 17th, 2007Two months ago I reported on a group in Scotland that was busy planning a ceremony to honor its countrymen who fought in the American Civil War. I am happy to pass along an update. The ceremony will indeed take place on July 21, 2007 at the Lincoln Memorial, located in Old Calton Cemetery in [...]
The One that Lingered
Monday, July 16th, 2007She was holding his hand when the gunshot rang out. She wore black for the rest of her life. She was the one that lingered. Loss was the one constant in Mary Todd Lincoln’s life. Born on December 13, 1818 to Robert Smith Todd and Eliza Parker, she lost her mother before she turned seven. [...]
Henry David Thoreau
Friday, July 13th, 2007Computer issues prevented me from posting yesterday. Apparently, a contractor hit a fiberoptic cable and knocked out internet access to the greater portion of southern Illinois yesterday. It’s a shame too because I had a nice timely post all ready to go. At any rate, let’s celebrate Henry David Thoreau’s birthday a day late! Born [...]
The Duel
Wednesday, July 11th, 2007Today is the 203rd anniversary of the most famous duel in American history. 1804. Weehawken, New Jersey. Aaron Burr, the sitting Vice President of the United States shot and killed Alexander Hamilton, a leading Federalist and former Secretary of the Treasury. How could this happen? Hamilton came to the colonies as a poor immigrant. He [...]
James McPherson
Tuesday, July 10th, 2007Thought I’d pass along this interview with Professor James McPherson. He appeared on Bloomberg Radio last Tuesday with host Tom Keene. You can listen to about 18 minutes of the interview by following this LINK. The interview is listed about 6th from the top. Professor McPherson talks about his new book, This Mighty Scourge, as [...]
Is it Real?
Monday, July 9th, 2007I came across this story over the weekend. The Chicago History Museum has a new exhibit entitled “Is It Real?” The exhibit examines the authenticity of historical artifacts. A few Lincoln-related items made the list, including a bed sheet stained with blood, purportedly from the bed at the Petersen House, where Lincoln died. It got [...]
Lincoln Train Station in Gettysburg
Friday, July 6th, 2007The train station in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania is opening for tours. Originally opened in 1859, the train station was converted into a hospital after the battle. In November 1863, President Lincoln arrived in Gettysburg to deliver one of the most famous speeches in American history, but historians just aren’t sure if Lincoln walked through the station [...]
Ford’s Theatre is Reopening
Thursday, July 5th, 2007Four weeks ago site officials closed down Ford’s Theatre National Historic Site for a much-needed renovation. Site officials were excited about the $8.5 million overhaul, which included the installation of the theater’s first elevator, new restrooms, and upgrades to the heating, air conditioning, lighting, and sound systems. The plans were to remain closed for 18 [...]
Happy Independence Day!
Wednesday, July 4th, 2007Independence Day is a special time for Americans. Of course, we celebrate our independence from Great Britain, but let us also recognize how important the American experiment in popular government is. Take a moment to read one of the most stirring passages of the Declaration of Independence: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that [...]
Breakfast Fund-Raiser Tomorrow
Tuesday, July 3rd, 2007If you are in the southern Illinois area tomorrow, I know where you can get a good breakfast. The Lincoln-Douglas Jonesboro Debate Committee will be hosting a Breakfast Fund-Raiser from 8 – 10 a.m. at the Community Center (just north of the square). For $5, you get your choice of biscuits & gravy or eggs. [...]
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