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reasoningdaily · 1 year

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Although several groups have laid claim to the invention of Memorial Day over the years, history proves that the holiday, held in remembrance of America’s fallen soldiers, was in fact invented by Blacks.

According to Time magazine’s “A Brief History of Memorial Day,”

The exact origins of Memorial Day are disputed, with at least five towns claiming to have given birth to the holiday sometime near the end of the Civil War. Yale University historian David Blight places the first Memorial Day in April 1865, when a group of former slaves gathered at a Charleston, S.C., horse track turned Confederate prison where more than 250 Union soldiers had died. Digging up the soldiers’ mass grave, they interred the bodies in individual graves, built a 100-yd. fence around them and erected an archway over the entrance bearing the words “Martyrs of the Race Course.” On May 1, 1865, some 10,000 Black Charleston residents, white missionaries, teachers, schoolchildren and Union troops marched around the Planters’ Race Course, singing and carrying armfuls of roses. Gathering in the graveyard, the crowd watched five black preachers recite scripture and a children’s choir sing spirituals and “The Star-Spangled Banner.” While the story is largely forgotten today, some historians consider the gathering the first Memorial Day

Based on these facts, as well as the celebration’s date, the 1865 account: where freed slaves gathered in Charleston, South Carolina to commemorate the death of Union soldiers at the end of the American Civil War, is the only claim that holds try and true. However, like many events in history, the observance has evolved over time. According to the U.S Department of Veteran Affairs:

Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country. The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. The ceremonies centered around the mourning-draped veranda of the Arlington mansion, once the home of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Various Washington officials, including Gen. and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, presided over the ceremonies. After speeches, children from the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Orphan Home and members of the GAR made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers and singing hymns.

So, while you’re manning the grill, sipping poolside, or hitting a variety of epic Memorial Day sales, don’t let the true message of the holiday pass you by — not only are we to remember the freed slaves whom laid the foundation for honoring the 257 dead Union Soldiers, but also the members of their families and their community who fought for our freedom.

#Freed slaves among the 1st to celebrate Memorial Day - Rolling Out

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theautisticbarbie · 1 year

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A Bird of Praise

Act I

Chapter I: The White Swan

Next Chapter

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Word count: 1967 (I swear that I didn’t make that up but it’s definitely a sign considering that’s Tara’s birth year)

This is it! “A Bird of Praise” is live! I finished all of Act I not too long ago and I’m currently working on Act II while I publish Act I. This is the story of Tara Newman, my Stranger Things OC! This story runs concurrently with the show, so act I will coincide with season 1, act II with season 2 and so on and so forth. I added an intro video to this, which I will be doing for each chapter. I left this one creditless for now, but I might change my mind later! (UPDATE: I caved and put the creditless one in a separate post) The ones for the following chapters will have credits for the face-claims of the characters in the chapter (which you can find in the Ultimate masterlist) so look forward to that!

Just a heads up that there is EVENTUAL smut in Act II onward, so keep that in mind! That being said, this story’s plot definitely has meat, so it’s not PWP by a mile. I’ll be making a masterlist when I get home from Philly and get back on my computer so be on the lookout for that!

Chapter Summary: Tara goes to pick Will up and take him home, but things go awry when he’s already gone by the time she gets there.

Okay! Y’all have waited long enough! Without further ado, here it is!

6 November 1983 Rutherford, Illinois

Ulysses S. Grant Memorial Elementary School was having its annual Sister Act showcase. 8 year old Tabitha “Tabby” Castellanos didn’t have any sisters but decided to perform with her 16 year old cousin, Tara Newman, instead. They decided upon performing “A Baby Swan and her Mother” which was just a modified version of the Four Baby Swans.

After the showcase, Tabby was reunited with her parents. Alice and Emmanuel “Manny” Castellanos showered their 8 year old with praises.

“Good job, sweetie!” Alice remarked.

“You did good, too, mija!” Manny remarked, patting Tara on the shoulder before his moment with his niece was interrupted by the buzz of his police radio.

“I told you to turn that off during the showcase,” his wife reminded him flatly.

“I did. And the showcase is over.”

“And you’re supposed to be off duty, Tío,” Tara chimed in matter of factly.

“Don’t you have a 3 hour drive back to Indiana to get started on?” Manny remarked.

“I do,” Tara knelt down to her cousin’s level. “This was definitely fun! We should do this again sometime!”

Tabby gave Tara a hug before she made her way back to her vehicle. It was a 1980 Chevy Impala that was painted bubblegum pink and decorated with glitter, unicorns and flowers. Because literally what other car would you expect to be driven by Tara Selena Newman?

Tara made it across the Illinois border back to Indiana before she started to feel queasy. She shrugged it off as car sickness. Under any other circumstance, she might have slowed down, but she was on a time crunch. She had to pick Will up from the Wheeler house once their DnD session wrapped up and take him back to his place.

Will had protested this, insisting that he was old enough to return home on his own, but Tara argued that keeping his mother sane was the most mature thing to do.

Unfortunately for them both, once Tara made it back to Hawkins city limits, her nausea had become accompanied by a pounding and stabbing chest pain and they were both unbearable. Tara HAD to pull over. Good thing she did as she barely had the wherewithal to open her car door before she puked all over the side of the road.

Tara decided to examine her pulse and according to her read, she had gone tachycardic. She ultimately decided to rest a bit until her heart rate and intermittent vomiting calmed down. At least until a cop car pulled up behind her. Oh great. That was the last thing she needed. She peered closer at the vehicle to see if she could gauge whether it was a state trooper or municipal police.

An office exited the vehicle with a flashlight in hand and decided to shine it directly at her face, causing her to instinctively shield her eyes.

“Are you all right, ma’am?” the officer asked.

“I’m fine,” Tara said, shielding her eyes.

“Have you been drinking this evening?”

“No, officer. I wasn’t feeling well so I pulled over. You see, I have a heart condition.”

“Do you need me to call you an ambulance?”

“That’s not necessary. I just need to rest for a bit.”

“What’s wrong with your heart?”

“I have this disorder called POTS.”

The officer raised a brow. “You have pot on your person?”

“No, officer. POTS. It stands for Postural Orthostatic Tachycardic Syndrome. Sometimes it causes migraines and I end up like this, but I’ll be fine after a few minutes.”

The officer looked at Tara as though she just sprouted a separate head. “Well, then. I won’t keep you. Feel better.”

The cop got in his car and drove off.

After a few minutes, Tara felt marginally better and decided to have a chug of water and get back on the road.

Thankfully, she made it to the Wheeler house in one piece.

After knocking on the door, she waited patiently until the household matriarch, Karen Wheeler answered the door.

“Hey, Mrs. Wheeler,” Tara greeted.

“Hi there! What’s the matter, honey? You look as pale as a ghost!”

“I’m okay. Just got carsick on the road is all. Is Will ready to go?”

Karen cast a look of confusion. “Pardon?”

“Is the campaign still going on or am I good to take him home?”

“Oh, honey, he already went home. He never said that you were supposed to come get him.”

“Oh, I see,” Tara said, a combination of dejection and worry painting her face.

“He’ll be fine. You should go home and get some rest.”

“Will do,” Tara sighed. “Take care, Mrs. Wheeler.”

Tara wishes she could say that she slept well, but the truth is that her dreams that night took an interesting turn. They started out with nothing particularly out of the ordinary, by the standards of dreams, at least. Tara dreamt that she was Odette, the main protagonist of her favourite ballet, Swan Lake. It was a role she dreamed of playing since she first started dancing, so having dreams as her was a pretty frequent occurrence. As Odette, Tara pranced around the forest without a care in the world, for this was the moment before Rothbart cast his spell, turning her into a beautiful white swan. Right on cue, Rothbart showed, in his Adonis-like princely disguise. Tara feigned innocence and confusion, knowing full well exactly where this was going, and allowed him to lead her in dance.

Of course, the handsome visage was pure deception, as once Rothbart had Odette right where he wanted her, he revealed his true self. Normally, Rothbart assumed the appearance of an owl, but in Tara’s more recent dreams, his appearance was far more grotesque. He looked like a demon and had no skin. It took some getting used to, but after a few dreams of the same exact transformation sequence, she acclimated to the more morbid iteration of the warlock.

This time, though, things ended very differently. After Rothbart revealed his true form, a scream rung out in the distance.

Tara could recognise that blood curdling cry anywhere.

“Will?!”

“Help!”

Tara immediately ran in pursuit of the cries, abandoning her fantasies.

To her horror, she saw Will being dragged away into the hollow of a tree by some sort of eldritch looking vine. She immediately jumped into the hollow after him, when things took a turn for the horrifying.

Rothbart had cast his magic spell, turning Tara into a swan. But this wasn’t Swan Lake. Not even close. This place was dark, eerie and horrifying, but somehow eerily familiar. Tara couldn’t quite place it. But she couldn’t pursue Will, either. It was as if some unseen force was keeping her in place, forcing her to finish out the introductory sequence of Swan Lake.

As the pale golden rays of the morning sun wafted over Tara’s face, her eyes fluttered open. She looked over at her musical jewellery box, which had been playing the theme from Swan Lake on repeat. Inside was a pretty little revolving ballerina. She gently closed the box and rubbed the sleep from her eyes before making her way downstairs for breakfast.

Tara looked over at the oven to see a blinking “12:00” where the clock should be. “Did mom already head to work this morning?”

“Yup,” Daniel confirmed. “The power‘s out, by the way,” he said handing her a McDonald’s bag, setting his motorcycle helmet on the table.

“Oh wow! Thanks!” Tara beamed as he handed her a coffee.

When the twins started high school, Eleanor Newman quit her hotel concierge job and pursued work as a flight attendant. Because of the nature of her job, she was almost never home, often gone for days at a time and only back to sleep in her own bed.

“I had the strangest dream last night—“

“Let me guess,” her brother started, already unamused. “You were the pretty princess Odette and Rothbart cast his spell turning you into a swan.”

“Odette is a queen,” Tara corrected, matter-of-factly. “And this time was different.”

“Yeah, I know. Rothbart looked scarier than usual. You’ve been having the same exact dream every night since you got home from the hospital.”

“This time Will was there.”

That caught Daniel off guard.

“Why was Will there? What does he have to do with your dumbass princess fantasies?”

“At least my fantasies don’t involve trying to have sex with Chrissy Cunningham!” Tara retorted before getting up to reach for the phone.

“What are you doing?” her brother asked, raising a brow.

“Calling to make sure Will is okay—“

“You realise that their school starts way earlier and that he’s probably already AT school, right?”

“Then I’ll just ask Jonathan—“

“Or you could just not bother them with your dramatic bullshit this early in the morning, how about that?”

Tara was definitely not in the mood to argue with her brother, so she decided to go get dressed and wait for the school bus. This was the last year she had to take it. Next year she could get a parking pass and drive to school.

Daniel had already bypassed this by bumming rides to school from a friend. Tara had no idea who this person was or what they looked like. Just that the drive a pretty sizeable green van and so she could surmise that other kids were probably in it as well. Tara looked out of her window while getting dressed just in time to see Daniel climb into the van and watch it drive away.

She finished getting dressed, went outside, locking the door behind him and waited for the bus to pull up.

Once it arrived, Tara boarded the bus and immediately looked for the only two passengers on it that gave her any level of solace.

“Hi, Barb! Hi, Nancy!” Tara said, sitting next to the pair.

“Hi, Tara!” Barb greeted enthusiastically. Nancy just sat in silence, greeting Tara with a stare of indifference. “How was your morning?” Tara asked, mainly addressing Nancy.

“Fine,” she said, uninterested in the conversation.

“What about yours?” Barb asked to sustain the conversation.

“I think I got off on an odd foot. I had the most bizarre dream last night and haven’t felt quite right this morning at all.”

“Was it the same dream that you’ve been having every night for the past 2 years, by any chance?” Nancy asked, annoyed.

“This time was different!” Tara insisted.

“How so?” Barb asked, genuinely intrigued. “Was it the Bolshoi’s version? Or maybe the Kirov?”

“No!” Tara shook her head. “It’s exactly the same as usual, except for one thing!”

Nancy looked completely uninterested.

“Will was there.”

That got Nancy’s attention and she quirked a brow.

“Jonathan‘s little brother? Why was he there?”

“Well, I was supposed to pick him up after DnD and give him a ride home, but by the time I got there, he already left. I’ve had this sinking feeling about the whole thing ever since.”

“He’s fine, Tara. He’s 12. He’s old enough to find his own way back home,” Nancy dismissed.

But this awful feeling Tara had continued its way into ballet practise. This year, instead of The Nutcracker, they were doing The Snow Queen for their winter production. Throughout the entirety of the warm-up, Tara’s stomach was doing flips. When she finally got a moment to rest, she was drenched in sweat. Alana Alvarez, a classmate who was also her co-worker at her part time job, sat beside her.

“Chica, we just warmed up and already you’re sweating?”

“I’ve been having a hard time today.”

Their conversation was interrupted when Ms. McIntyre cleared her throat.

“Ladies, why are we talking?”

Tara took a deep breath and sighed, but she wasn’t going to let this go.

#stranger things #tara newman #daniel newman #stranger things oc #hawkinsona #hawkins #hawkins High ballet team #hawkins middle school #hawkins high #stranger things fanfic #stranger things season 1 #stranger things 1 #nancy wheeler #barb holland #Youtube

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brookstonalmanac · 6 months

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Events 4.9 (before 1950)

#Events

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universalinfo · 11 months

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Illinois Family Vacation: A Journey Through 7 Must-Visit Destinations

Whether you're an Illinois native or just passing through the Land of Lincoln, there's no denying that Illinois is jam-packed with some truly magical family vacation spots. If you're keen on discovering the state's hidden gems or revisiting some classics, you're in for a treat. Embark with us on an Illinois family vacation as we explore seven must-visit destinations that are sure to leave lasting memories. Let's dive in. shall we?

1. Chicago: The Windy City Wonders

Ah, Chicago. It's not just a city; it's an experience. The skyline itself, with architectural marvels stretching towards the heavens, tells tales of a city rich in history and culture.

Your first stop? Millennium Park. Here, the iconic Cloud Gate, affectionately known as "The Bean," offers a distorted reflection of the city and the sky, providing a fun photo opportunity for families. Just a hop, skip, and a jump away is Navy Pier.

Whether you're taking a nostalgic ride on the Ferris wheel, grabbing a bite of deep-dish pizza, or simply basking in the mesmerizing views of Lake Michigan, Navy Pier is a treat for all ages.

And for the budding scientists and marine lovers in the family, institutions like the Field Museum and Shedd Aquarium await a world of discovery. Dinosaurs, mummies, colorful fishes, and aquatic shows… Chicago keeps the magic alive at every corner.

2. Starved Rock State Park: Nature's Playground

Imagine a place where the whispers of history combine with the beauty of nature; welcome to Starved Rock State Park. Located just outside of Chicago, it's an oasis that feels worlds away. Trek along the winding trails and you'll be rewarded with views of majestic waterfalls, some cascading from heights of over 80 feet.

In the summer, these falls are surrounded by lush greenery, making them perfect spots for family picnics. Winter? It transforms the park into a wonderland with frozen waterfalls and icy canyons. Whether you're an avid hiker, bird watcher, or simply someone looking to escape the hustle and bustle, Starved Rock promises a serene retreat.

3. Springfield: A Dive into History

Now, let's journey back in time to Springfield, where stories of yesteryears echo through the streets. At the heart of it all is the legacy of Abraham Lincoln. Visit the Lincoln Home National Historic Site, where the rooms are preserved just as they were during Lincoln's time. Each artifact, from the furniture to the children's toys, paints a picture of the personal life of this great leader.

But the journey doesn't end there. Dive deeper into his life and legacy at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum. Interactive exhibits, historical artifacts, and immersive displays bring history to life with travel therapy.

And before you leave, pay your respects at the Lincoln Tomb, the final resting place of the 16th president. Springfield is not just a city; it's a living history book.

4. Galena: A Historic Getaway

Ah, Galena. With its picturesque landscapes and old-world charm, this quaint town feels like stepping into a postcard. As you stroll through the historic Main Street, you're transported back to the 19th century, thanks to well-preserved buildings housing boutique shops, cafes, and galleries.

History buffs, did you know Galena was home to Ulysses S. Grant, the 18th president of the United States? His home, now the Ulysses S. Grant Home State Historic Site, stands as a testament to his life and times.

But Galena is not just about history. Surrounding the town are rolling hills, offering opportunities for hiking, cycling, and even hot air ballooning. Whether you're seeking a romantic escape or a family adventure, Galena's timeless charm is sure to captivate you.

5. The Great River Road: A Scenic Drive Like No Other

Fasten your seatbelts and get your favorite road trip playlist ready: it's time for the legendary Great River Road. Stretching alongside the Mississippi River, this scenic byway is often dubbed 'America's Best Drive'. And it's easy to see why.

As you meander along, you're greeted with sweeping river vistas, charming small towns, and historical landmarks. Each bend in the road reveals a new scene: a riverboat chugging along, eagles soaring high, or a vibrant sunset painting the sky. With quaint B&Bs, delicious dinners, and numerous viewpoints along the way, the drive is not just about the destination; it's about each mesmerizing moment you encounter.

6. Peoria: Where City Meets Serenity

Peoria is that delightful blend where urban excitement meets riverside tranquility. Located along the Illinois River, Peoria offers a bustling downtown that's alive with theaters, cafes, and galleries.

Start your visit at the Peoria Riverfront Museum, a spot where art, history, and science converge in interactive exhibits that captivate both kids and adults. Once you've had your fill of indoor fun, head outdoors to Grandview Drive, often called the "world's most beautiful drive." It offers panoramic views of the river valley below.

And if you're visiting with children, the Peoria Zoo is an absolute treat. With animals from around the world, it's a little safari right in the heart of Illinois.

7. Six Flags Great America: A World of Thrills Awaits

Feel that? It's the unmistakable rush of adrenaline as you step into Six Flags Great America. Located in Gurnee, this theme park promises a day (or more) of non-stop fun and excitement. Whether you're a roller coaster enthusiast ready to conquer the latest thrill ride or seeking gentler fun with the little ones, there's something for everyone.

Dive into Hurricane Harbor, the park's water wonderland, where slides, lazy rivers, and wave pools offer a refreshing escape. And don't miss out on the various shows, games, and eateries that sprinkle the park. Each visit to Six Flags is a new adventure, waiting to be lived.

Dreams and Wishes Travel: Your Passport to Unforgettable Experiences

Looking to elevate your travel game? Dreams and Wishes Travel is your answer. Imagine having your vacation tailored to your heart's desires, every single detail crafted to perfection. From adrenaline-packed adventures at Universal Parks to serene stays at the world's most luxurious all-inclusive resorts, we've got you covered. For more details visit us at https://www.dreamswishestravel.com/.

But what truly sets us apart is our meticulous approach. Through personalized conversations, we dive deep into understanding what makes your heart race, be it a sunset dinner on a beach or a magical day at Disney. Armed with this insight, we craft an itinerary that's uniquely yours.

And guess what? Our commitment doesn't end once you set off. With our special app, we're with you at every step, ensuring your vacation remains as magical as you dreamed it would be. With Dreams and Wishes Travel, it's not just a vacation; it's an experience etched in golden memories.

Conclusion: The Perfect Illinois Family Vacation Awaits

There you have it. Seven spectacular destinations in Illinois that promise unforgettable experiences for the whole family. And, when you're ready to venture beyond the state or even take a magical trip to Disney, remember that Dreams and Wishes Travel is here to guide and support you every step of the way.

So, what are you waiting for? Let's get your dream vacation started.

The Triple-City Whirlwind Tour: Dive into Miami, Tampa, and Universal Studios Orlando Resort on a Budget

Discovering Hawaii: 5 Family-Friendly All-Inclusive Resorts You Must Visit

A Perfect Family Vacation in California: Top 7 Theme Parks to Explore

#illinois family vacation #Family #Vacation #Family trip #Family vacation #Memories

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jnwakeling · 11 months

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of mice and men 1980

Essential point and crux of the matter is "Tulliver and Gulliver" wordplay on the one hand and "Gulliver and Seagull" wordplay on the other

Ref. George Eliot, Jonathan Swift and Richard Bach

. . .

Hi I forgot to ask you are you still reading Middle March?

Hi, I've put it on the back burner for the moment. I'm about a third of the way through and look forward to finishing for sure

For George Bernard "sure"

Shaw?

Correct. just a play on words

George Eliot, middlemarch

. . .

George Bernard Shaw, known at his insistence as Bernard Shaw, was an Irish playwright, critic, polemicist and political activist. His influence on Western theatre, culture and politics extended from the 1880s to his death and beyond. ~Wikipedia

A polemicist is someone who is skilled at arguing very strongly for or against a belief or opinion.

. . .

H.E. Bates and W.B. Yeats. The never ending story James Joyce and Ulysses S. Grant…

Silas Marner by George Eliot and My Uncle Silas by H.E. Bates fyi Mana Pools… Something I never knew till now.

. . .

Shall I compare thee to a summer's day Darling Buds of May?

Middlemarch and Tolkien's Middle-earth (Lord of the Rings)… Stuck in the Middle With You (song) by Stealers Wheel from Reservoir Dogs Soundtrack…

The Ides of March Julius Caesar.

. . .

We've come a long way Tom and Maggie Tulliver

Of Mice and Men, of Tulliver and Gulliver, of Seagulls and Gulliver's

Gulliver's Travels by Jonathan Swift

Around the World in Eighty Days by Jules Verne

Those Magnificent Men in Their Flying Machines (1965 movie)

Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe

. . .

Jonathan Livingston Seagull by Richard Bach, first published 1970 (without day of publication). I was born ten years later. It was republished in OCTOBER 2014 by the way, 1989 by Taylor Swift (27th October 2014)

. . .

Clue: seagulls on album cover of 1989 (Taylor's Version) - out on Friday!

Tay was born Dec 13th 1989 - she's ten years younger than me less a few weeks (I was born Jan 6th 1980)

Coincidence or synchronicity?

Stanley and Livingstone Africa? Seagulls in Zimbabwe?

Blank Space by Taylor Swift! 🦤

. . .

youtube

. . .

youtube

. . .

Some remarkable information came through Taylor and her calendar:

112 days from September 11th 2001 is Tuesday January 1st 2002

Via Taylor Swift's use of 112 days

Remember have to account for leap years on that theory

And 9/11 was a Tuesday as well

. . .

112 days from Saturday October 7th 2023 is Saturday January 27th 2024

January 27th is Holocaust Memorial Day (on same date every year)

. . .

112 days from Sunday January 6th 1980 (my date of birth) is Sunday April 27th 1980

April 27th is Freedom Day in South Africa (on same date every year)

. . .

112 days from Wednesday December 13th 2023 (Taylor's 34th Birthday) is Wednesday April 3rd 2024

There's no major calendar event on 3rd of April but it is National Walking Day (US). And December 13th is National Violin Day (US)

Long Walk to Freedom?

. . .

112 days before Wednesday December 13th 2023 is Wednesday August 23rd 2023

August 23rd 2023 is marked by Zimbabwe Elections

📆

. . .

Number of days between January 6th 1980 and October 7th 2023

15,980 days

Just have to know where to look folks!

Bit of a wait for that info?

☮️

#Youtube

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themaparchive · 1 year

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Navigating the US Civil War through Historic Maps

Introduction

The American Civil War was a defining moment in the history of the United States, a brutal conflict that tore the nation apart and reshaped its future. To truly understand the war, we often turn to a wealth of historical documents, including letters, diaries, and photographs. However, one often overlooked yet immensely valuable resource is maps. In this blog, we will explore the significance of maps during the US Civil War, their role in shaping strategies, and how they provide us with a unique window into the past.

Mapping the Battlefield

The Civil War was characterized by large-scale battles fought across vast landscapes. Armies needed accurate maps to plan their movements and strategies effectively. Cartographers, often working for the military, played a crucial role in creating detailed maps of the terrain, including roads, rivers, hills, and even the positions of enemy forces.

These maps not only helped military commanders make informed decisions but also allowed soldiers to understand the lay of the land they were about to engage on. A soldier with a map was better prepared to navigate the battlefield and make sense of the chaos of war.

The Evolution of Civil War Maps

The Civil War occurred during a time of rapid technological change, including advances in cartography. Before the war, maps were often hand-drawn and lacked the precision and detail we associate with modern maps. However, during the war, technological advancements such as lithography and engraving allowed for the mass production of maps with greater accuracy and detail.

One notable figure in the development of US Civil War maps was Jedediah Hotchkiss, a Confederate cartographer. Hotchkiss meticulously mapped the terrain of the Shenandoah Valley, providing General Robert E. Lee with invaluable insights. His maps were a testament to the increasing importance of cartography during the war.

Strategic Importance of Maps

Maps were more than just tools for navigation; they were critical for developing military strategies. Commanders on both sides relied on maps to plan troop movements, fortifications, and supply lines. Accurate maps could mean the difference between victory and defeat.

For example, General Ulysses S. Grant's relentless campaign in the Western Theater, which included battles like Shiloh and Vicksburg, heavily depended on maps. By having accurate maps of the Mississippi River and its surroundings, Grant was able to maneuver his forces effectively and ultimately secure control of the river.

Maps as Historical Records

Civil War maps are not only important for understanding the strategies and tactics of the time; they also serve as historical records of the landscape itself. Many of the areas where battles took place have undergone significant changes since the war, making these maps invaluable for modern historians, archaeologists, and preservationists.

Researchers can use historic maps to locate and study battlefield sites, uncovering lost history and preserving the memory of those who fought and died there. They provide a tangible link to the past, helping us connect with the events and people of the Civil War era.

Prominent Civil War Maps

Library of Congress Map Collection: The Library of Congress holds one of the most extensive collections of US Civil War maps, including those produced by both Union and Confederate forces. These maps offer a wealth of information about various campaigns and battles.

Hotchkiss Maps: Jedediah Hotchkiss's maps of the Shenandoah Valley are highly regarded for their accuracy and detail. They played a crucial role in Confederate strategy and are still studied by historians today.

Atlas to Accompany the Official Records of the Union and Confederate Armies: This atlas contains a vast collection of maps that accompany the official records of the war. It provides detailed maps of battles, troop movements, and topographical features.

Mitchell's New General Atlas: This commercial atlas, published in 1865, includes Civil War maps that were widely used by the general public. It provides a unique perspective on how the war was understood by civilians at the time.

Conclusion

Civil War maps are not just artifacts of the past; they are windows into the complexities of a tumultuous era. They tell the stories of soldiers and commanders who relied on them for survival and victory. They reveal the changing landscape of a nation at war. And they continue to be invaluable resources for historians, educators, and anyone with an interest in understanding the American Civil War.

#US Civil War Maps

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ultraheydudemestuff · 1 year

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Bethel Methodist Church

3297 Elklick Rd.

Bethel (Bantam) OH 45106

Bethel Methodist Church is a historic Methodist church building in rural Tate Township, Clermont County, Ohio, one mile north of Bantam on Elk Lick Rd. Built in the 1810s under the leadership of one of Ohio's earliest Methodist preachers, it has survived the death of its congregation, and it remains in use for community activities. Together with its cemetery, the building continues to be used occasionally, and it has been named a historic site. The pioneer minister at Bethel was New Jersey native John Collins, who migrated to the Northwest Territory in 1802; local legend asserts that he was the first Methodist Episcopal preacher in what has since become the Cincinnati metropolitan area, although Ohio's oldest Methodist church was formed in a preacher's house at Milford in 1797.

Collins started Methodist classes throughout much of southern Ohio, including Bantam, Chillicothe, Dayton, Hillsboro, and Lebanon. When the congregation at Bantam was founded in 1805, the members named it "Bethel" and built a log church building, but the original structure remained for only a short time; the present church building replaced it in 1818. Substantial changes were made in 1867, although the core of the 1818 structure still stands. Bethel is a simple vernacular building, a frame rectangular gable-front structure. Sitting atop the eastern end of the church is a square belfry. Built with weatherboarded walls, the church rests on a stone foundation. Its southern side is divided into four bays with twelve-over-twelve sash windows. Surrounding the building is the church graveyard; among its hundreds of burials are dozens of unknown soldiers and the grandparents of U.S. President Ulysses S. Grant, a Clermont County native.

The congregation closed in 1968: when the Corps of Engineers bought large amounts of land to create East Fork State Park, all area residents were forced out, and no members remained to continue worshipping at Bethel. Today, the building is used just twice annually: a Memorial Day service is held in conjunction with an American Legion post, and a homecoming event each fall includes a service. On August 11, 1978, the former Bethel Methodist Church was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, qualifying both because of its architecture and because of its connection to John Collins. Nearby lies another National Register-listed location, the Elk Lick Road Mound, an Indian mound constructed by peoples of the Adena culture.

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rabbitcruiser · 2 years

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The newly completed Washington Monument was dedicated on February 21, 1885.

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deadpresidents · 7 months

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Serious Q: Which presidents do you think had the most problems with alcohol while in office? You wrote that Nixon was drunk sometimes at the end of his term before resigning, for example. But who do you think had the most consistent problem with the bottle over their presidency?

The only Presidents who are believed to have been alcoholics are Franklin Pierce and George W. Bush, but in both cases, their alcoholism didn't take place while they were in office. Bush famously stopped drinking when he was 40 years old. Pierce was a heavy drinker as a member of Congress, but seemed to have a handle of things while he was President. But things went off the rails for him after he left office and he basically drank himself to death.

Ulysses S. Grant's drinking was sometimes a problem, but it apparently only flared up when he was lonely and stationed far away from his wife. Being stationed in California and Oregon after the Mexican-American War was really difficult for him and his drinking resulted in him basically having to resign his commission and return to civilian life. He fell off the wagon a handful of times during the Civil War, but it didn't incapacitate him as it had on the West Coast, and he didn't seem to have any issues with alcohol while he was President.

Nixon's drinking was probably the most concerning, but not because it happened constantly. Nixon was a notorious lightweight when it came to drinking, and he would get drunk very easily. The major issue with Nixon is his temperament, combined with intoxication, especially when things were going really badly with Watergate. There were serious worries from people within the Nixon Administration about what Nixon might do or orders he might give while drunk, particularly in the last weeks of his Presidency.

I think the other person worth mentioning is Andrew Johnson. There is some debate about whether or not Andrew Johnson was an alcoholic or even a heavy drinker. He had an infamous incident at his inauguration as Vice President in 1865 when he was apparently not feeling well and decided to have a couple of stiff drinks to get through the inaugural ceremonies. But those drinks were a little too stiff, and he launched into a rambling and insulting speech to Congress after he took the Vice Presidential oath. Johnson is one of the more obscure Presidents, so there's not as much definitive information about his life and career as, say, Ulysses S. Grant. Johnson was also abrasive and widely disliked by his colleagues, so it's know how true the memories of many of his contemporary sources were. But there are many, many examples of Johnson -- both before and during his Presidency -- making speeches where he was abusive and threatening to the audience and when speaking about his many political opponents. I think it's probably likely that alcohol played a part in some of those wild speeches and his behavior in public, but I can't prove it.

Other than that, it seems most of our Presidents who drank -- even those who drank more heavily than others -- had pretty good tolerance for their alcohol and didn't allow it to affect their job performance during their Presidencies. Some of these guys were pretty hardy dudes -- I mean, John Adams started smoking when he was 8 years old and was said to drink hard cider for breakfast and lived until he was 90 years old (in the early 19th century!) -- so most of them could handle their shit.

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ec-passport · 2 years

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when is memorial day?

Memorial Day Weekend to Make Your Vacation a Vacation Monday, May 28th - Memorial Day: A Holiday for the Americans Memorial Day is an American holiday that honors the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. It originated after the Civil War to commemorate Union and Confederate soldiers who died in battle. Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States that honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. It is observed on the last Monday of May, unless that date is already a federal holiday, as it has been since 1971. Memorial Day commemorates all those who died while serving in America's military and is observed on the last Monday of May, unless that day is already a federal holiday, as it has been since 1971. Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor those who have died while serving in the military. It is a federal holiday in the United States. Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, was originally observed on May 30th. However, after World War II Congress changed it to the last Monday in May so that it would not conflict with any other holidays such as Christmas or Independence Day. Tuesday, May 29th - Memorial Day Weekend: What to Do When You're Not Working Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor those who have lost their lives while serving in the military. It is also a time to celebrate with family and friends. The holiday falls on the last Monday of May, so it's always observed on the last Monday of May. It's not a federal holiday, but it is observed by many states as well as businesses and schools. In 2018, Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 28th. Memorial Day was first celebrated in 1868 after Union soldiers had won the Civil War and General John Logan issued an order for all flags to be flown at half-staff for 30 days in honor of those who died fighting for their country. Memorial Day is a time to remember those who have given their lives in service to the United States. The Memorial Day holiday is observed on the final Monday of May, which is also known as Decoration Day and originally celebrated as a day for decorating the graves of Union soldiers with flowers. Today, Memorial Day is observed as a day of remembrance for all American soldiers who died in service. It’s important to remember that Memorial Day does not only honor those who died in military service, but also the many veterans who have since passed away. Memorial Day weekend is one of the most popular time periods in the United States. It falls on the last Monday of May and is celebrated as a federal holiday. It is a time for Americans to honor those who died while serving in the military. Memorial Day is also a time for family gatherings, picnics, and trips to the beach. So what should you do when you're not working? Here are some ideas: -Get together with your friends and family members to share good times and memories; -Go to an outdoor concert; -Enjoy a picnic with your loved ones; -Take a walk on the beach or down by the river; -Visit a museum or art gallery; -Go shopping at your favorite store or mall. Wednesday, May 30th - Memorial Day Weekend Wrap-Up & Remembering Our Fallen Heroes Memorial Day is an American holiday that honors the men and women who died while serving in the military Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It was originally called Decoration Day and was intended to honor Union soldiers who died in the Civil War. It has since been expanded to include all Americans who have died while serving their country in any war or military action. Memorial Day is a day to remember the men and women who died while serving in the military. Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May each year. The date was chosen because it is near the anniversary of General Ulysses S. Grant's victory at Chattanooga in Tennessee, which took place on November 25, 1863. The holiday originated after the Civil War to commemorate Union soldiers who died in battle and Confederate prisoners who were killed by Union troops when they tried to escape from prison camps. There are many ways to honor those that served our country on Memorial Day weekend. One way is by wearing red, white, and blue clothing or jewelry, or displaying an American flag. Another way would be by attending a Memorial Day ceremony or parade. Memorial Day is a time to commemorate the fallen heroes of the United States armed forces, who died in service to their country. It is also a time for Americans to honor their veterans and the military families who have lost loved ones. Memorial Day began after the Civil War, when Union General John Logan designated May 30th as a day of national remembrance for all those who had died in battle. Memorial Day Fun Facts and Quotes Introduction: What is Memorial Day? Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States that is observed on the last Monday of May. It is a day set aside to honor the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. The idea behind Memorial Day was to create a day of remembrance for those who died while serving in the military, and to show appreciation for those who are still living. Memorial Day has evolved into more than just an observance of fallen soldiers, but also as an unofficial start to summer with many people taking time off from work or school and spending time with their families or friends. The holiday originated after the American Civil War and was originally called Decoration Day, but it eventually became known as Memorial Day after World War I when it became an official federal holiday in 1971. Memorial Day is a federal holiday observed on the last Monday of May. It is meant to honor those who have died in military service for the United States. Memorial Day was first established by General John Logan in 1868, after the Civil War. He wanted to set aside a day each year to remember and honor Union soldiers who died in battle. It was originally called Decoration Day and was celebrated on May 30th, but it was changed to the last Monday of May since that date falls more closely with the time of year when flowers are blooming in much of the country. Memorial Day is traditionally observed by decorating graves with flowers and flags, reading aloud from scripture or reciting poems, playing music, holding parades and ceremonies, or attending church services at cemeteries. Memorial Day is a day to honor those who died while serving in the U.S. military. It is observed on the last Monday of May and was originally called Decoration Day. Memorial Day is a day to honor those who died while serving in the U.S. military, and it's been observed since 1868. It's also called Decoration Day, and it takes place on the last Monday of May each year. Tips for Celebrating Memorial Day Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for those who died in military service for the United States. The first Memorial Day was observed on May 30, 1868. At that time, it was known as Decoration Day and was intended to decorate the graves of the Union soldiers who had died during the Civil War. We should remember our fallen heroes with a moment of silence and by putting up flags at home and work. If you have friends or family members who have served in the military, spend time with them on Memorial Day. Memorial Day is the day to honor those who died while serving in the US Armed Forces. It is a day to remember the sacrifices they made and their legacy. Memorial Day is a federal holiday that falls on the last Monday of May. It was established in 1868 to honor those who died while serving in the US Armed Forces. Memorial Day has become a time for Americans to remember and honor military service members, especially those who were killed or wounded during war or conflict. Memorial Day can be celebrated by attending ceremonies, visiting cemeteries, and decorating graves of loved ones with flowers. Memorial Day is a day of remembrance, honor and celebration in the United States. It commemorates those who have died in service to the United States. Here are some tips for celebrating Memorial Day: - Drink a cup of coffee with your family or friends. - Watch a movie on TV that you like. - Join the community event at your local library and volunteer to help others. Memorial Day Quotes from Famous People Memorial Day is a time to remember and honor those who have died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. The holiday has been observed since 1868, when General John Logan designated the last Monday of May as a day to decorate soldiers' graves. Memorial Day is an American federal holiday that honors those who have died in service of their country. It's observed on the last Monday in May, and it was first commemorated on May 30th, 1868. Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor those who have died in service of the United States. It's a day to celebrate their lives and thank them for their service. The first Memorial Day was observed on May 30, 1868, following the death of Union soldiers during the Civil War. The date was chosen because it was not a federal holiday and would allow northerners to attend memorial ceremonies without taking time off from work. Memorial Day has been observed on the last Monday in May since 1971 when Congress passed legislation designating that date as an official holiday. Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday of May. It is a time to remember and honor those who have served in the U.S. military, especially those who died while serving. Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, as a day to remember and honor U.S. veterans who died in combat or as a result of wounds sustained in battle; it also marks the unofficial start of summer for many people across America. Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day and was first observed on May 30, 1868, after General John A. Logan declared that it would be an annual observance to decorate soldiers’ graves with flowers or flags Conclusion: Happy Memorial Day! Memorial Day History: What is Memorial Day and Why is it Celebrated? What You Can Do On Memorial Day Weekend Memorial Day is a day where we remember and honor those who have died in service of the United States. It is a federal holiday that occurs on the last Monday of May. This holiday is observed by many Americans as a day of remembrance for their loved ones who died in military service to the United States. Memorial Day is also known as Decoration Day, Wreaths Across America Day, or National Moment of Remembrance. The idea behind Memorial Day was first suggested by General John Logan on December 1868, in his General Order No. 11 "to set apart and observe May 30th as a day for national mourning." Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States that honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces. Memorial Day is a federal holiday in the United States that honors the men and women who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces. Memorial Day falls on the last Monday of May and is celebrated on May 28th this year, 2020. It originated as Decoration Day for Civil War soldiers, but it has come to honor all those killed in military service for their country, including those from subsequent wars such as Korea and Vietnam. On Memorial Day weekend, many people will take time off work to spend with family or friends, go to a parade or watch one on TV, go to an amusement park or sporting event if they are near one, have a picnic with friends or family members, or just relax at home by themselves with some good food and entertainment like reading a book or watching TV shows that they might not have Memorial Day is the time to celebrate the lives of those who have served in the military. Memorial Day is a federal holiday that honors those who died while serving in the military. It is observed on May 29, 2019. Memorial Day weekend is a time to remember and honor these men and women with parades, concerts, and other events. How to Plan a Memorable Memorial Day Memorial Day is a time of remembrance. It's a day to reflect on the men and women who have sacrificed their lives for our country. Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May, so it falls on May 28th this year. The holiday remembers those who died while serving in the armed forces, especially those who died in service during wartime. Memorial Day is a day to honor the fallen soldiers who died for our country. It is also a day to spend time with family and friends. Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. The date was chosen because it's close to the anniversary of the Civil War's Battle of Gettysburg, which took place in 1863. The following are some ideas on how to plan a memorable Memorial Day: Memorial Day is a day to remember those who lost their lives in the line of duty in the military. Memorial Day is observed on the last Monday of May. It is always observed on the last Monday of May and not on any other day. Memorial Day was originally called Decoration Day, which was observed by decorating graves with flowers and flags during the Civil War. 5 Ways to Spend Your Memorial Day Giving Back Memorial Day is the day when we honor those who died while serving in the military. It is a day to remember their sacrifice and reflect on what it means to be an American. Memorial Day is celebrated on the last Monday of May every year. It was formerly known as Decoration Day, but was renamed in 1868 by General John Logan in honor of those who died while serving in the military. Many people use this holiday to spend time with their family and friends, but there are many ways you can spend your Memorial Day giving back. Here are five ways you can do just that: 1) Volunteer at a local animal shelter 2) Collect donations for food banks 3) Put together care packages for homeless shelters 4) Clean up litter 5) Plant flowers at a veteran's grave site Memorial Day is a day to remember and honor those who have served our country in the Armed Forces. It's also a day to spend with friends and family. This is a time for reflection and remembrance. Here are five ways you can spend your Memorial Day giving back: 1) Volunteer at an animal shelter or rescue organization - Animal shelters are always in need of volunteers, especially around this time of year, when they're inundated with kittens and puppies born during the spring season. Animal shelters also need volunteers who can help with administrative tasks like data entry, filing, or sorting through donations. 2) Help out at your local food pantry - Food pantries typically see a spike in donations over Memorial Day weekend, so they could use the extra helping hands to sort through all of the canned goods that come in. 3) Collect supplies for refugees - Many refugees will be making their way across Europe this summer as they flee war-torn countries like Syria, Libya Memorial Day is a day to remember the fallen soldiers and those who have served in the military. It is also a time to spend with friends and family. Here are five ways you can spend your Memorial Day giving back: 1) Volunteer for your local animal shelter 2) Host a Memorial Day barbecue at your house for friends, family, and neighbors who might not be able to enjoy the holiday due to financial reasons or illness 3) Join an organization that provides free care packages for veterans 4) Put together care packages for deployed troops 5) Plant flowers in honor of all those who have lost their lives in service The Meaning of Memorial Day! Read the full article

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reasoningdaily · 1 year

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One legend associated with the creation of Memorial Day holds that it was started by former slaves to honor Union war dead.

Published May 27, 2013

Claim:

Memorial Day began with a May 1865 ceremony held by former slaves to honor Union war dead.

What's True

In May 1865, free Black residents of Charleston reburied dead Union prisoners of war and held a cemetery dedication ceremony.

What's False

The May 1865 event was not the origin of the modern Memorial Day observance.

The custom of holding observances (including the laying of flowers on burial sites) to remember and honor those who gave their lives in military service goes back many hundreds, if not thousands, of years. In the United States, that custom has long since been formalized in the creation of Memorial Day (formerly known as Decoration Day), a federal holiday observed on the last Monday in May to remember the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. Traditionally, every year the President of the United States (or, in his absence, another high-ranking government official) visits Arlington National Cemetery on Memorial Day to honor all those Americans who have died in military service to their country by participating in a symbolic wreath-laying ceremony at the Tomb of the Unknowns:

KNOW YOUR HISTORY: Memorial Day was started by former slaves on May, 1, 1865 in Charleston, SC to honor 257 dead Union Soldiers who had been buried in a mass grave in a Confederate prison camp. They dug up the bodies and worked for 2 weeks to give them a proper burial as gratitude for fighting for their freedom. They then held a parade of 10,000 people led by 2,800 Black children where they marched, sang and celebrated.

In a formal sense, the modern Memorial Day originated with an order issued in 1868 by Maj. Gen. John A. Logan, the commander in chief of the Grand Army of the Republic, for the annual decoration of war graves:

Three years after the Civil War ended, on May 5, 1868, the head of an organization of Union veterans — the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) — established Decoration Day as a time for the nation to decorate the graves of the war dead with flowers. Maj. Gen. John A. Logan declared that Decoration Day should be observed on May 30. It is believed that date was chosen because flowers would be in bloom all over the country. The first large observance was held that year at Arlington National Cemetery, across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C. The ceremonies centered around the mourning-draped veranda of the Arlington mansion, once the home of Gen. Robert E. Lee. Various Washington officials, including Gen. and Mrs. Ulysses S. Grant, presided over the ceremonies. After speeches, children from the Soldiers' and Sailors' Orphan Home and members of the GAR made their way through the cemetery, strewing flowers on both Union and Confederate graves, reciting prayers and singing hymns.

In a literal sense, it was not until 1971 that Memorial Day was established as a federal holiday by Congress. Regardless of when Decoration Day (or Memorial Day) may have been officially established, though, debate continues to this day regarding exactly when and where the first observance of this nature was held in the United States. In May 1966 the city of Waterloo, New York, was designated as the "Birthplace of Memorial Day" via a Congressional resolutions and presidential proclamation commemorating a patriotic observance held in that town one hundred years earlier:

The story of Memorial Day begins in the summer of 1865, when a prominent local druggist, Henry C. Welles, mentioned to some of his friends at a social gathering that while praising the living veterans of the Civil War it would be well to remember the patriotic dead by placing flowers on their graves. Nothing resulted from this suggestion until he advanced the idea again the following spring to General John B. Murray. Murray, a civil war hero and intensely patriotic, supported the idea wholeheartedly and marshalled veterans' support. Plans were developed for a more complete celebration by a local citizens' committee headed by Welles and Murray. On May 5, 1866, the Village was decorated with flags at half mast, draped with evergreens and mourning black. Veterans, civic societies and residents, led by General Murray, marched to the strains of martial music to the three village cemeteries. There impressive ceremonies were held and soldiers' graves decorated. One year later, on May 5, 1867, the ceremonies were repeated. In 1868, Waterloo joined with other communities in holding their observance on May 30th, in accordance with General Logan's orders. It has been held annually ever since. Waterloo held the first formal, village wide, annual observance of a day dedicated to honoring the war dead. On March 7, 1966, the State of New York recognized Waterloo by a proclamation signed by Governor Nelson A. Rockefeller. This was followed by recognition from Congress of the United States when the House of Representatives and the Senate unanimously passed House Concurrent Resolution 587 on May 17th and May 19th, 1966 respectively. This reads in part as follows: "Resolved that the Congress of the United States, in recognition of the patriotic tradition set in motion one hundred years ago in the Village of Waterloo, NY, does hereby officially recognize Waterloo, New York as the birthplace of Memorial Day ..." On May 26, 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson, signed a Presidential Proclamation recognizing Waterloo as the Birthplace of Memorial Day.

Nonetheless, dozens of other places still lay claim, based on a variety of criteria, to being the true birthplace of the modern Memorial Day, and more recent historical studies have concluded that all of those claims (including Waterloo's) are apocryphal:

According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, roughly two dozen places claim to be the primary source of the holiday, an assertion found on plaques, on Web sites and in the dogged avowals of local historians across the country. Yet each town seems to have different criteria: whether its ceremony was in fact the earliest to honor Civil War dead, or the first one that General Logan heard about, or the first one that conceived of a national, recurring day. Women in Boalsburg, Pa., which has a claim as the holiday's birthplace, began decorating graves each year as early as October 1864. In and around Carbondale, Ill., according to the Jackson County Historical Society, there are two markers making such an assertion in two different cemeteries. James H. Ryan, a retired Army colonel, has descended into the Logan archives and come out with a strong case for the town where he lives, Petersburg, Va. This — readers, please take note — is just a partial and by no means definitive list.

The multiplicity of sites that have claimed Memorial Day birthplace status for themselves are not all in the North; many contenders are Southern cities that were part of the Confederacy during the Civil War:

Columbus, Miss., was a hospital town, and in many cases a burial site, for both Union and Confederate casualties of Shiloh, brought in by the trainload. And it was in that Columbus where, at the initiation of four women who met in a 12-gabled house on North Fourth Street, a solemn procession was made to Friendship Cemetery on April 25, 1866. As the story goes, one of the women spontaneously suggested that they decorate the graves of the Union as well as the Confederate dead, as each grave contained someone's father, brother or son. A lawyer in Ithaca, N.Y., named Francis Miles Finch read about this reconciliatory gesture and wrote a poem about the ceremony in Columbus, "The Blue and the Gray," which The Atlantic Monthly published in 1867. Georgians dispute little of this. But they argue that the procession in the other Columbus was actually inspired by the events in their Columbus. Professor Richard Gardiner has lived here for only a few years, but he has joined with an accountant named Daniel Bellware, an avid history sleuth originally from Detroit, and together they have written an academic paper making the case for Columbus, Ga. "The ladies of the South instituted this memorial day," read emi>The New York Times on June 5, 1868. "They wished to annoy the Yankees; and now the Grand Army of the Republic in retaliation and from no worthier motive, have determined to annoy them by adopting their plan of commemoration."

In his book Race and Reunion: The Civil War in American Memory, Professor David W. Blight made the case for Charleston, South Carolina, as Memorial Day's birthplace, as that city was the site of an obscure (possibly suppressed) May 1865 event held at a racetrack turned war prison, during which freedmen properly reburied hundreds of Union dead found there and then held a ceremony to dedicate the cemetery:

African Americans founded Decoration Day at the graveyard of 257 Union soldiers labeled "Martyrs of the Race Course," May 1, 1865, Charleston, South Carolina. The "First Decoration Day," as this event came to be recognized in some circles in the North, involved an estimated ten thousand people, most of them black former slaves. During April, twenty-eight black men from one of the local churches built a suitable enclosure for the burial ground at the Race Course. In some ten days, they constructed a fence ten feet high, enclosing the burial ground, and landscaped the graves into neat rows. The wooden fence was whitewashed and an archway was built over the gate to the enclosure. On the arch, painted in black letters, the workmen inscribed "Martyrs of the Race Course." At nine o'clock in the morning on May 1, the procession to this special cemetery began as three thousand black schoolchildren (newly enrolled in freedmen's schools) marched around the Race Course, each with an armload of roses and singing "John Brown's Body." The children were followed by three hundred black women representing the Patriotic Association, a group organized to distribute clothing and other goods among the freedpeople. The women carried baskets of flowers, wreaths, and crosses to the burial ground. The Mutual Aid Society, a benevolent association of black men, next marched in cadence around the track and into the cemetery, followed by large crowds of white and black citizens. All dropped their spring blossoms on the graves in a scene recorded by a newspaper correspondent: "when all had left, the holy mounds — the tops, the sides, and the spaces between them — were one mass of flowers, not a speck of earth could be seen; and as the breeze wafted the sweet perfumes from them, outside and beyond ... there were few eyes among those who knew the meaning of the ceremony that were not dim with tears of joy." While the adults marched around the graves, the children were gathered in a nearby grove, where they sang "America," "We'll Rally Around the Flag," and "The Star-Spangled Banner." The official dedication ceremony was conducted by the ministers of all the black churches in Charleston. With prayer, the reading of biblical passages, and the singing of spirituals, black Charlestonians gave birth to an American tradition. In so doing, they declared the meaning of the war in the most public way possible — by their labor, their words, their songs, and their solemn parade of roses, lilacs, and marching feet on the old planters' Race Course. After the dedication, the crowds gathered at the Race Course grandstand to hear some thirty speeches by Union officers, local black ministers, and abolitionist missionaries. Picnics ensued around the grounds, and in the afternoon, a full brigade of Union infantry, including Colored Troops, marched in double column around the martyrs' graves and held a drill on the infield of the Race Course. The war was over, and Memorial Day had been founded by African Americans in a ritual of remembrance and consecration.

Although contemporaneous accounts from the Charleston Daily Courier describe and document the 1865 ceremony that took place there, and the event was one the earliest known observances similar to what we would now recognize as Memorial Day, whether it was truly the first such ceremony, and what influence (if any) it might have had on later observances, are still matters of contention. Professor Blight termed it "the first Memorial Day" because it predated most of the other contenders, but he noted he has no evidence that it led to General Logan's call for a national holiday in 1868: "I'm much more interested in the meaning that's being conveyed in that incredible ritual than who's first," he said.

In their 2014 book The Genesis of the Memorial Day Holiday, Dr. Richard Gardiner and Daniel Bellware concluded that credit for the origins of Memorial Day should likely rest with a group of women in Columbus, Georgia known as the Ladies Memorial Association, who beginning in 1866 held an annual observance originally called "Memorial Day," then subsequently referred to as "Confederate Memorial Day" after (as referenced above) northerners co-opted the event in 1868 and established their own Memorial Day.

#Was Memorial Day Created By Former Slaves to Honor Union War Dead?#memorial day #decoration day

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delciastudies · 2 years

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I am going through my family archives and it just dawned on me that the descendants of Ulysses S. Grant (who are, unfortunately, also in my family) married into my Latinx/Indigenous American side of the family. To summarize, the same president that passed the “Indian Peace Policy” and established boarding schools for indigenous Americans in the United States - ripping families apart, erasing native culture, and anglicizing names - also married into these families and diluted these histories over generations.

I am trying to find the archives of my great grandmother, who was indigenous, and great grandfather, who was an immigrant from Mexico - and all I can think about is the fact that my grandpa (who was forced to anglicize his name) married a descendent of Grant and since this precise moment the history of his family has been gone. My grandpa was the last one with a non-anglicized name at birth, the last one to speak Spanish, the last one that might of had these memories and histories that weren’t passed on. We don’t even know which tribe my great grandmother was a part of. I don’t even have words.

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brookstonalmanac · 1 year

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Events 4.9

193 – The distinguished soldier Septimius Severus is proclaimed emperor by the army in Illyricum. 475 – Byzantine Emperor Basiliscus issues a circular letter (Enkyklikon) to the bishops of his empire, supporting the Monophysite christological position. 537 – Siege of Rome: The Byzantine general Belisarius receives his promised reinforcements, 1,600 cavalry, mostly of Hunnic or Slavic origin and expert bowmen. He starts, despite shortages, raids against the Gothic camps and Vitiges is forced into a stalemate. 1241 – Battle of Liegnitz: Mongol forces defeat the Polish and German armies. 1288 – Mongol invasions of Vietnam: Yuan forces are defeated by Trần forces in the Battle of Bach Dang in present-day northern Vietnam. 1388 – Despite being outnumbered 16:1, forces of the Old Swiss Confederacy are victorious over the Archduchy of Austria in the Battle of Näfels. 1454 – The Treaty of Lodi is signed, establishing a balance of power among northern Italian city-states for almost 50 years. 1609 – Eighty Years' War: Spain and the Dutch Republic sign the Treaty of Antwerp to initiate twelve years of truce. 1609 – Philip III of Spain issues the decree of the "Expulsion of the Moriscos". 1682 – Robert Cavelier de La Salle discovers the mouth of the Mississippi River, claims it for France and names it Louisiana. 1784 – The Treaty of Paris, ratified by the United States Congress on January 14, 1784, is ratified by King George III of the Kingdom of Great Britain, ending the American Revolutionary War. Copies of the ratified documents are exchanged on May 12, 1784. 1860 – On his phonautograph machine, Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville makes the oldest known recording of an audible human voice. 1865 – American Civil War: Robert E. Lee surrenders the Army of Northern Virginia (26,765 troops) to Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Court House, Virginia, effectively ending the war. 1909 – The U.S. Congress passes the Payne–Aldrich Tariff Act. 1917 – World War I: The Battle of Arras: The battle begins with Canadian Corps executing a massive assault on Vimy Ridge. 1918 – World War I: The Battle of the Lys: The Portuguese Expeditionary Corps is crushed by the German forces during what is called the Spring Offensive on the Belgian region of Flanders. 1937 – The Kamikaze arrives at Croydon Airport in London. It is the first Japanese-built aircraft to fly to Europe. 1939 – African-American singer Marian Anderson gives a concert at the Lincoln Memorial after being denied the use of Constitution Hall by the Daughters of the American Revolution. 1940 – World War II: Operation Weserübung: Germany invades Denmark and Norway. 1940 – Vidkun Quisling seizes power in Norway. 1942 – World War II: The Battle of Bataan ends. An Indian Ocean raid by Japan's 1st Air Fleet sinks the British aircraft carrier HMS Hermes and the Australian destroyer HMAS Vampire. 1945 – Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Lutheran pastor and anti-Nazi dissident, is executed by the Nazi regime. 1945 – World War II: The German heavy cruiser Admiral Scheer is sunk by the Royal Air Force. 1945 – World War II: The Battle of Königsberg, in East Prussia, ends. 1945 – The United States Atomic Energy Commission is formed. 1947 – The Glazier–Higgins–Woodward tornadoes kill 181 and injure 970 in Texas, Oklahoma, and Kansas. 1947 – The Journey of Reconciliation, the first interracial Freedom Ride begins through the upper South in violation of Jim Crow laws. The riders wanted enforcement of the United States Supreme Court's 1946 Irene Morgan decision that banned racial segregation in interstate travel. 1947 – United Nations Security Council Resolution 22 relating to Corfu Channel incident is adopted. 1948 – Jorge Eliécer Gaitán's assassination provokes a violent riot in Bogotá (the Bogotazo), and a further ten years of violence in Colombia. 1948 – Fighters from the Irgun and Lehi Zionist paramilitary groups attacked Deir Yassin near Jerusalem, killing over 100. 1952 – Hugo Ballivián's government is overthrown by the Bolivian National Revolution, starting a period of agrarian reform, universal suffrage and the nationalization of tin mines 1952 – Japan Air Lines Flight 301 crashes into Mount Mihara, Izu Ōshima, Japan, killing 37. 1957 – The Suez Canal in Egypt is cleared and opens to shipping following the Suez Crisis. 1959 – Project Mercury: NASA announces the selection of the United States' first seven astronauts, whom the news media quickly dub the "Mercury Seven". 1960 – Dr. Hendrik Verwoerd, Prime Minister of South Africa and architect of apartheid, narrowly survives an assassination attempt by a white farmer, David Pratt in Johannesburg. 1967 – The first Boeing 737 (a 100 series) makes its maiden flight. 1969 – The first British-built Concorde 002 makes its maiden flight from Filton to RAF Fairford. 1980 – The Iraqi regime of Saddam Hussein kills philosopher Muhammad Baqir al-Sadr and his sister Bint al-Huda after three days of torture. 1981 – The U.S. Navy nuclear submarine USS George Washington accidentally collides with the Nissho Maru, a Japanese cargo ship, sinking it and killing two Japanese sailors. 1989 – Tbilisi massacre: An anti-Soviet peaceful demonstration and hunger strike in Tbilisi, demanding restoration of Georgian independence, is dispersed by the Soviet Army, resulting in 20 deaths and hundreds of injuries. 1990 – An IRA bombing in County Down, Northern Ireland, kills three members of the UDR. 1990 – The Sahtu Dene and Metis Comprehensive Land Claim Agreement is signed for 180,000 square kilometres (69,000 sq mi) in the Mackenzie Valley of the western Arctic. 1990 – An Embraer EMB 120 Brasilia collides in mid-air with a Cessna 172 over Gadsden, Alabama, killing both of the Cessna's occupants. 1991 – Georgia declares independence from the Soviet Union. 1992 – A U.S. Federal Court finds former Panamanian dictator Manuel Noriega guilty of drug and racketeering charges. He is sentenced to 30 years in prison. 2003 – Iraq War: Baghdad falls to American forces. 2009 – In Tbilisi, Georgia, up to 60,000 people protest against the government of Mikheil Saakashvili. 2013 – A 6.1–magnitude earthquake strikes Iran killing 32 people and injuring over 850 people. 2013 – At least 13 people are killed and another three injured after a man goes on a spree shooting in the Serbian village of Velika Ivanča. 2014 – A student stabs 20 people at Franklin Regional High School in Murrysville, Pennsylvania. 2017 – The Palm Sunday church bombings at Coptic churches in Tanta and Alexandria, Egypt, take place. 2017 – After refusing to give up his seat on an overbooked United Express flight, Dr. David Dao Duy Anh is forcibly dragged off the flight by aviation security officers, leading to major criticism of United Airlines. 2021 – Burmese military and security forces commit the Bago massacre, during which at least 82 civilians are killed.

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