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The 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry
In the long and bloody narrative of the American Civil War, countless regiments gave everything for their cause. But few are remembered as fondly, or as fiercely, as the 11th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry, a regiment distinguished by its discipline, its combat...
Vivandieres: Women on the Front Lines of the Civil War
When people study the American Civil War, they often focus on soldiers, generals, and major battles. This focus leaves out a group of individuals who played a direct and practical role in army life. Among them were the vivandieres, women who lived and worked with...
A Deeper Look at the Gettysburg Address
Teaching the Gettysburg Address: Structure, Meaning, and Purpose On November 19, 1863, President Abraham Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address at the dedication of the Soldiers’ National Cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The ceremony honored the Union soldiers...
The 3 Inch Ordnance Rifle – Civil War Artillery
If the 12-pounder Model 1857 Napoleon Gun-Howitzer was the premier smoothbore artillery piece used during the American Civil War, the 3" Ordnance Rifle was the most widely used rifled artillery piece. Another common rifled piece was the 10-pound Parrott Rifle. It can...
Civil War Cartoon Time Travelers Classroom Project
Cartoon Time Travelers: Bringing the Civil War to Life with AI and Imagination Teaching the American Civil War can be a powerful experience—but for younger learners especially, the names and events can sometimes feel distant or abstract. What if we could make history...
Teaching the Battle of Antietam with Math: Burnside’s Bridge in the Classroom
Middle school students often enjoy lessons that combine history with practical problem-solving. The Battle of Antietam offers one such opportunity. By focusing on Burnside’s Bridge, teachers can connect social studies with mathematics in ways that promote both...
How the Civil War Turned the US Capitol into a Bakery
Bread for an Army: The Capitol Bakery During the Civil War When the Civil War began in April 1861, Washington, D.C., was suddenly overwhelmed. President Abraham Lincoln called for 75,000 volunteers to defend the Union, and within days thousands of soldiers from...
Necco Wafers: A Sweet Connection to Civil War History
Have you ever wondered how a simple candy can be tied to history? Recently, my daughter surprised me with a pack of NECCO wafers, and it got me thinking about their fascinating past, including their connection to the Civil War! In 1847, English immigrant Oliver Chase...