Tag Archives: Civil War

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

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

Tracking a Killer

Posted on April 17, 2019 by Tim

A day shy of the 154th anniversary of the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, I stood looking at the bucolic southern Maryland countryside, trees tinged with the bright green of early Spring. Staring at the simple white frame house surrounded … Continue reading →

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Unexpected history in a South Carolina town

Posted on July 13, 2018 by Tim

In November 1861, only seven months into the Civil War, Union gunboats captured the sea islands around Port Royal Sound in South Carolina, including the city of Beaufort. The area remained in Union control through the war and the city … Continue reading →

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A new Civil War gem in Washington D.C.

Posted on April 23, 2016 by Tim

I finally managed to visit a new historic site in Washington D.C, one I’ve walked by hundreds of times. It only became “official” in July 2015 when it opened to the public. But the narrow brick rowhouse has been standing … Continue reading →

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One of George Washington’s churches

Posted on January 25, 2016 by Tim

Three churches in northern Virginia are usually associated with George Washington: Pohick Church near Lorton, Christ Church in Alexandria, and the Falls Church in the city that was named for it. All remain active churches today and their exteriors have … Continue reading →

Posted in 18th century, 19th century, cemetery/grave, President, religion | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Bob Sutton: My favorite history site

Posted on August 9, 2015 by Tim

Welcome to an occasional new feature of Historyplaces called Our Favorite Sites where I ask public historians to talk about their favorite history sites and share some of the challenges they face presenting history to visitors. Bob Sutton is Chief Historian … Continue reading →

Posted in 18th century, 19th century, American Revolution, Civil War, national park, Our favorite sites | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

One of the most powerful historic views

Posted on August 9, 2014 by Tim

  With a little imagination, the power of place is palpable. Looking out over the tranquil fields today, a visitor to Gettysburg National Military Park can see the long line of gray soldiers moving forward and hear the pounding of … Continue reading →

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

President Lincoln’s cottage

Posted on November 16, 2013 by Tim

I sometimes think that every major historic site has been identified and there cannot possibly be any that have been overlooked. I’m wrong, of course. I recently visited a President Lincoln site that has only been open to the public … Continue reading →

Posted in 19th century, cemetery/grave, Civil War, house, President | Tagged , , , | 7 Comments

The Grand Army sign

Posted on October 13, 2012 by Tim

My friend and I were on our way back to Boston after a trip to Maine and stopped in Newburyport, Massachusetts for a lunch break. I’d been there once before and had made a mental note that it was a … Continue reading →

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