1 The phrase Old West refers to both a time and a place. Is there a term for such a signifier, one which refers to both an era and a geographical region (e.g., Antebellum South, Roman Britain)? 2 When we think about the Old West, we include the California Gold […]
…experience has taught me two things: first, that things are seen plainer after the events have occurred; second, that the most confident critics are generally those who know the least about the matter criticized.
In his recent essay, Did Robert E. Lee Commit Treason?, Civil War historian Allen C. Guelzo discusses the Confederate surrender and its immediate aftermath. With the benefit of 20/20 hindsight, we know that Lincoln’s post-war strategy would have focused on reconciliation, not retribution. Confederate leadership, however, would have no way […]
I just read an article about a phenomena called angel’s glow which purportedly occurred on the battlefield after the Battle of Shiloh (April 6, 1862). According to the legend, some of the injured soldiers’ wounds glowed blue, after which they experienced a better-than-expected recovery. The article can be found here […]