Category Archives: military

Vicksburg, at last

Posted on April 26, 2023 by Tim

I grew up in Pennsylvania, a little over an hour from Gettysburg, and have made numerous trips to one of America’s most iconic battlefields. I learned the movement of armies over three days of the battle and stood transfixed by … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th century, cemetery/grave, Civil War, military, national park | Tagged , , , | 3 Comments

Meet James, the enslaved man who spied for Lafayette

Posted on May 4, 2022 by Tim

Interstate 64 connects the present capital of Virginia, Richmond, and the former capital, Williamsburg. About midway between sits New Kent County. Tourists drive through it on their way to history sites and amusements in Williamsburg, or to the beach, but … Continue reading →

Posted in 18th century, military, national park | Tagged , | 1 Comment

The Colonial Marines and Tangier Island

Posted on February 2, 2021 by Tim

In celebration of African American history this month, I’m sharing the link to an article I wrote for the current issue of Chesapeake Bay magazine. It’s adapted from my book, Star-Spangled, and tells the fascinating story of the Colonial Marines, … Continue reading →

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15 things you don’t know about the Star-Spangled Banner

Posted on June 14, 2020 by Tim

    If you are American, chances are you know the words to the US national anthem, the Star-Spangled Banner. It’s about a flag referred to by the same name. The song tells a story of an historic event. While … Continue reading →

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Star-Spangled is now available!

Posted on June 1, 2020 by Tim

            “Grove provides a page-turning narrative that enhances the familiar aspects of this story and fills in those little-known areas… Generous archival illustrations and the rich and varied backmatter make this a boon for fledgling … Continue reading →

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In praise of historic sites

Posted on April 14, 2020 by Tim

I’ve enjoyed visiting history places ever since I can remember. Whether Devil’s Den at the Gettysburg battlefield or the hallowed room of Independence Hall in Philadelphia or the sweeping lawn of Mount Vernon, places have captured my imagination and allowed … Continue reading →

Posted in 16th century, 17th century, 18th century, 19th century, 20th century, 21st century, American Revolution, military, national park, President | Tagged , , , , | Leave a comment

Gloucester Cathedral and the US national anthem

Posted on January 1, 2020 by Tim

An unexpected connection to American history found in Gloucester Cathedral in England. Continue reading →

Posted in 19th century, art and culture, International, military, religion | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Best historic bike trail in the US?

Posted on December 7, 2019 by Tim

The 52-mile Capital Trail runs from Jamestown to Richmond, paralleling the James River through centuries of history. Continue reading →

Posted in 18th century, 19th century, agricultural, American Revolution, city/town, Civil War, house, military, President, religion | Tagged , , , , , | 2 Comments

Tangier Island

Posted on September 27, 2019 by Tim

Perhaps you’ve heard of Tangier Island since it has been in news stories about global warming.  The tiny dot of land in the Chesapeake Bay, approximately 12 miles from the mainland, is only 4 feet above sea level.  Its area … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th century, military | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

Their final resting places

Posted on May 27, 2019 by Tim

In nonfiction set in the past, a character can best come to life through words he left behind or words his contemporaries spoke about him. When working with limited historical source materials, one of the writer’s challenges is to craft … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th century, cemetery/grave, military | Tagged , , | 4 Comments