Podcasts about Union Navy

Trey's Table Episode 246: Mission Impossible ✨ **Did you know about Robert Smalls?** ✨ In 1862, an enslaved man named Robert Smalls pulled off one of the most daring escapes of the Civil War. He commandeered a Confederate naval ship, sailed it past enemy lines, and delivered it—and his freedom—to the Union Navy.

fWotD Episode 2799: Benjamin Jackson (sailor) Welcome to Featured Wiki of the Day, your daily dose of knowledge from Wikipedia’s finest articles.The featured article for Thursday, 2 January 2025 is Benjamin Jackson (sailor).Benjamin Jackson (January 2, 1835 – August 20, 1915) was a Canadian sailor and farmer who was a decorated veteran of the American Civil War.Raised in a small community of Black Nova Scotians, Jackson began his career as a commercial seaman at 16 years old and started a farm in his mid twenties. During the American Civil War, he served for one year in the Union Navy in the place of a drafted US citizen. For most of that year, he was deployed in the Union blockade of the Confederate coastline. As a gun captain aboard the USS Richmond, Jackson served in the Battle of Mobile Bay. He also disarmed multiple naval mines and once picked up a live shell and threw it from the deck of the Richmond. Jackson likely earned an enlistment bounty, as well as prize money by capturing multiple blockade runners. He developed bronchitis, suffered a serious hand injury, and eventually received a Civil War Campaign Medal for serving during that conflict.After the war, Jackson lived the rest of his life in Lockhartville, Nova Scotia. He retired from commercial sailing in 1875 but continued managing his farm of 11 hectares (27 acres) and selling fish, vegetables, and other goods. Jackson received a Civil War pension for more than 50 years, though he had to navigate the intricacies of the US Pension Office system to maintain and increase payments as he became eligible. His funeral was described as "the largest seen in Lockhartville for many years". Jackson's grave remained unmarked until 2010, when a headstone was unveiled at an event attended by his great-great-granddaughter, Government of Nova Scotia officials, and American Civil War reenactors. As of 1999, one of the eight history markers on the Mathieu Da Costa African Heritage Trail is dedicated to his story. Ben Jackson Road in Hantsport, Nova Scotia, is also named in his honour.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 01:09 UTC on Thursday, 2 January 2025.For the full current version of the article, see Benjamin Jackson (sailor) on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm neural Olivia.

Send us a textIn this conversation, Will Wright and Josh Burtram interview Jemar Tisby, author of 'The Color of Compromise' and 'How to Fight Racism,' about his new book 'The Spirit of Justice.' They discuss the importance of Black theologians in the national conversation about faith and politics, the need to learn and understand history, and the stories of unsung heroes who resisted racism. Tisby shares the stories of Jarena Lee, the first woman authorized to preach in the African Methodist Episcopal Church, and Robert Smalls, a former slave who became a Union Navy captain and elected official. The conversation also touches on the significance of preserving Black history and the dangers of suppressing it. In this conversation, Jemar Tisby discusses the historical and present-day challenges faced by Christians in addressing racism. He highlights the need for Christians to understand the history and culture of the communities they seek to serve, and the hypocrisy of advocating for justice abroad while ignoring injustice at home. Tisby also explores the personal sacrifices made by individuals who resisted racism and emphasizes the importance of honoring their legacy. He discusses the role of faith in promoting racial justice and the need for the church to take a bold stance against racism. Tisby also addresses the decline in affiliation among white evangelical Protestants and the potential for a shift in political allegiances within the evangelical community.Buy the book 'The Spirit of Justice: True Stories of Faith, Race, and Resistance': https://a.co/d/iYxC7JBGuest Bio:Jemar Tisby (BA, University of Notre Dame; MDiv, Reformed Theological Seminary) is president of The Witness: A Black Christian Collective, where he writes about race, religion, politics, and culture. He is also cohost of the Pass The Mic podcast. He has spoken nationwide at conferences, and his writing has been featured in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and CNN. He is studying for a PhD in history at the University of Mississippi with a focus on race, religion, and social movements in the twentieth century. "The Faith Roundtable" is a captivating spinoff from the Faithful Politics podcast, dedicated to exploring the crucial issues facing the church in America today. Hosted by Josh Burtram, this podcast brings together faith leaders, theologians, and scholars for deep, respectful discussions on topics at the heart of American Christianity. From the intersection of faith and public life to urgent matters such as social justice and community engagement, each episode offers insightful conversations Support the showTo learn more about the show, contact our hosts, or recommend future guests, click on the links below: Website: https://www.faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/ Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Political Host: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.com Twitter: @FaithfulPolitik Instagram: faithful_politics Facebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast LinkedIn: faithfulpolitics Subscribe to our Substack: https://faithfulpolitics.substack.com/

Four more battles on this week's episode starting out with the small battles of Brown's Mill of the Atlanta Campaign, Fort Smith in Arkansas, and Folck's Mill as part of Early's raid on the B&O Railroad.  For our big battle of the episode, we head to Alabama for the battle of Mobile Bay where the Union Navy battles the Confederate Navy for control of the bay. This was the last Naval battle in Alabama during the war.  Subscribe to our YouTube! youtube.com/@bangdangnetwork

fWotD Episode 2551: Battle of Grand Gulf Welcome to featured Wiki of the Day where we read the summary of the featured Wikipedia article every day.The featured article for Monday, 29 April 2024 is Battle of Grand Gulf.The Battle of Grand Gulf was fought on April 29, 1863, during the American Civil War. Union Army forces commanded by Major General Ulysses S. Grant had failed several times to bypass or capture the Confederate-held city of Vicksburg, Mississippi, during the Vicksburg campaign. Grant decided to move his army south of Vicksburg, cross the Mississippi River, and then advance on the city. A Confederate division under Brigadier General John S. Bowen prepared defenses—Forts Wade and Cobun—at Grand Gulf, Mississippi, south of Vicksburg. To clear the way for a Union crossing, seven Union Navy ironclad warships from the Mississippi Squadron commanded by Admiral David Dixon Porter bombarded the Confederate defenses at Grand Gulf on April 29. Union fire silenced Fort Wade and killed its commander, but the overall Confederate position held. Grant decided to cross the river elsewhere.The next day, Union forces crossed the river at Bruinsburg, Mississippi. A Union victory in the Battle of Port Gibson on May 1 secured the beachhead and forced the abandonment of the position at Grand Gulf, which became a Union supply point. Grant's command moved inland, and after defeating Confederate forces in the Battle of Champion Hill on May 16, began the Siege of Vicksburg two days later. Vicksburg surrendered on July 4, marking a major Confederate defeat and a turning point in the war. The Grand Gulf battlefield is preserved in Grand Gulf Military State Park, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:30 UTC on Monday, 29 April 2024.For the full current version of the article, see Battle of Grand Gulf on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm Nicole Standard.

fWotD Episode 2506: Grant's Canal Welcome to featured Wiki of the Day where we read the summary of the featured Wikipedia article every day.The featured article for Friday, 15 March 2024 is Grant's Canal.Grant's Canal (also known as Williams's Canal) was an incomplete military effort to construct a canal through De Soto Point in Louisiana, across the Mississippi River from Vicksburg, Mississippi. During the American Civil War, the Union Navy attempted to capture the Confederate-held city of Vicksburg in 1862, but were unable to do so with army support. Union Brigadier General Thomas Williams was sent to De Soto Point with 3,200 men to dig a canal capable of bypassing the strong defenses around Vicksburg. Despite help from local plantation slaves, disease and falling river levels prevented Williams from successfully constructing the canal, and the project was abandoned until January 1863, when Union Major General Ulysses S. Grant took an interest in the project.Grant attempted to resolve some of the issues inherent to the concept by moving the upstream entrance to a spot with a stronger current, but the heavy rains and flooding that broke a dam prevented the project from succeeding. Work was abandoned in March, and Grant eventually used other methods to capture Vicksburg, whose Confederate garrison surrendered on July 4, 1863. In 1876, the Mississippi River changed course to cut across De Soto Point, eventually isolating Vicksburg from the river, but the completion of the Yazoo Diversion Canal in 1903 restored Vicksburg's river access. Most of the canal site has since been destroyed by agriculture, but a small section survives. This section was donated by local landowners to the National Park Service and became part of Vicksburg National Military Park in 1990. A 1974 article in The Military Engineer calculated that the canal would likely have been successful if the dam at the downstream end of the canal had been opened.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 00:46 UTC on Friday, 15 March 2024.For the full current version of the article, see Grant's Canal on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Mastodon at @wikioftheday@masto.ai.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm Emma Standard.

Get Your Friends Into The Box And Win A Free Years Membership To The Inner Circle Of Freaks! In this fascinating episode of the Box of Oddities, we dive into the peculiar annals of fashion history to explore the enigmatic trend of powdered wigs that took the 17th century by storm. Unravel the reasons behind this aristocratic statement, from its origins as a lice deterrent to its symbol of status among the nobility. Learn about the elaborate processes and the societal pressures that made 'periwigs' a must-have accessory. But that's just the beginning. We also celebrate the extraordinary life of Robert Smalls, a true hero whose exploits read like an adventure novel. Born into slavery, Smalls' daring escape to freedom and remarkable achievements as a politician and businessman defy the odds. His legacy as a civil rights pioneer and his indomitable spirit continue to inspire. If you would like to advertise on The Box of Oddities, contact sales@advertisecast.com http://www.airwavemedia.com The contents of this Box contain the following ingredients:  Fashion History, Powdered Wigs, Periwigs, 17th Century, Aristocracy, Status Symbols, Robert Smalls, Biography, Heroism, Escape, Freedom, Civil Rights, Politician, Businessman, Historical Oddities, Cultural Phenomena, Social History, fashion trends, wigmakers, social status, syphilis outbreak, lice, wig craze, Robert Smalls, CSS planter, Union Navy, Civil War, bravery, US House of Representatives, African American, American History. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first-order Fresnel lens from Cape Charles Lighthouse in the Mariners' Museum in Newport News, Virginia. Photo by Jeremy D'Entremont. The collection of the Mariners' Museum in Newport News, Virginia, includes a vast art collection, boats from around the world, a first-order Fresnel lens from Cape Charles Lighthouse, and much more. Among the museum's projects has been the conservation of archaeological material from the USS Monitor, the famous ironclad warship built for the Union Navy during the Civil War. The museum is also home to the U.S. Lighthouse Society's research library, known as the Wayne Wheeler Library. Interviewed in this episode is Jennifer Anielski, the librarian of the Mariners' Museum. This episode also includes an interview with Ralph Krugler, the historian for the Hillsboro Inlet Lighthouse in Florida. St. Augustine Lighthouse in Florida holds occasional Dark of the Moon tours, which focus on the light station's ghostly legends. In this interview, Ralph tells about a very interesting experience he had at St. Augustine Lighthouse. Right: Peter Rasmussen was the longest serving (23 years) of the keepers at St. Augustine. He is a "usual suspect" in the light station's ghost stories.

A bonus episode of History Daily, hosted by Lindsay Graham.Robert Smalls, born in 1839, was an enslaved African American in South Carolina. In 1862, during the American Civil War, Smalls commandeered a Confederate transport ship, the CSS Planter, and sailed it to the Union blockade, delivering vital intelligence to the Union forces. Smalls went on to serve as a naval officer in the Union Navy, becoming a symbol of bravery and heroism. Post-war, he became a prominent figure in South Carolina politics, advocating for civil rights and equality, and he played a significant role in shaping Reconstruction policies. Robert Smalls' life exemplifies a remarkable journey from slavery to leadership and activism in the fight for freedom and civil rights.History Daily and Shipwrecks and Sea Dogs are part of the Into History podcast channel. Subscribe to Into History for ad-free episodes, early access, bonus content, exclusive events, and other great perks. Get hundreds of episodes from all of the fantastic history podcasts. Subscribe at intohistory.com/shipwreckspod.

This month, inventor Lewis Latimer (1848-1928) turned 175 years old. Latimer was born in Massachusetts to self-emancipated slaves, and after serving in the Union Navy during the Civil War as a teenager, he became an important inventor who worked on the development of the incandescent lightbulb, the telephone, and more. Latimer settled in Queens towards the end of his life, and his house is where The Lewis Latimer House Museum stands today. This Saturday the museum is hosting Lewis Latimer's 175th Birthday Celebration, a free event featuring science activities, musical performances, and more! Executive Director Ran Yan joins us to preview the day.  *This segment is guest-hosted by Tiffany Hanssen.

Robert Smalls, as a slave, was trained to be a wheelman on a steamboat. He would use those skills to escape and turn the ship over to the Union Navy.

Content Warnings for this episode: Underwater sounds (9:17-9:41), Violence, Police/Police Brutality, Drowning ------------------------------------------------ While our crew of the Bois Perdue was racing to the Vault of the Black Egg, Captain Gabriella and the Union Navy were picking up the pieces at Paraiso Encontrado hoping to find their true target. ------------------------------------------------ Hosted and GM'd by Kendrick Smith (@KendoMakesFilms) Featuring: Dr. Hilda as Avery Morrigan Marcie (@SoapieSquid) as Brynn Theriot Gus (@AugustKnobbe) as Felix “Lunulata” Cormier Ellis (@Whore_Or_Writer) as Thorin and Eldoris Theme composed by: August Knobbe Music and SFX from: Epidemic Sound  Editing and Sound Design by: Zach Zito (@_SpaceLung_)  ------------------------------------------------ Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for updates and additional content! You can support the show by checking out our merch at: merchyetsold.com Join our growing community Discord server! You can email us at talesyettoldpod@gmail.com for comments, questions, or feedback. Be safe, drink some water, and don't forget to love yourself like we love you!

Content Warnings for this episode: Alcohol/Drunkeness, Death, Worm entering human ear (1:09:05), Bleeding, Loss of hearing, Hallucinations (Hearing voices), Worm/Insect Noises (1:08:43-1:09:12), Choking Noises(1:13:52-1:14:20),  ------------------------------------------------ It's been a long day for our crew of the Bois Perdu, but they're finally safe from the Union Navy, for now. There's a whole lot of mess that needs to be cleaned up, and questions that need to be answered. ------------------------------------------------ Hosted and GM'd by Kendrick Smith (@KendoMakesFilms) Featuring: Dr. Hilda as Avery Morrigan Marcie (@SoapieSquid) as Brynn Theriot Gus (@AugustKnobbe) as Felix “Lunulata” Cormier Ellis (@Whore_Or_Writer) as Thorin and Eldoris Theme composed by: August Knobbe Music and SFX from: Epidemic Sound  Editing and Sound Design by: Zach Zito (@_SpaceLung_)  ------------------------------------------------ Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for updates and additional content! You can support the show by checking out our merch at: merchyetsold.com Join our growing community Discord server! You can email us at talesyettoldpod@gmail.com for comments, questions, or feedback. Be safe, drink some water, and don't forget to love yourself like we love you!

Content Warnings for this episode: Squelching noise, medical procedure, demons, curses ------------------------------------------------ Our Crew finally makes their escape from Paraiso Encontrado to the open sea, finally able to lick their wounds and take stock of everything they managed to loot. Though they're out of the fight now, they are still not in the clear. The secret of the map still eludes them and tensions rise amongst the crew over Brynn's threats of firing on the Union Navy. ------------------------------------------------ Jacques and the Weasel A Bellenutian Children's Poem All around the merchant's ship Jacques would watch the weasel The weasel thought it was all in fun Pop! Will go the weasel.   Every night when he would sleep The weasel could hear Jacques The weasel wasn't having fun Pop! Will go the weasel.   Hiding in the merchant's house Jacques would stalk the weasel The weasel wants it all to stop Pop! Will go the weasel.   Barely sleeping in his bed The weasel waits for Jacques He knows there's nothing he can do Pop! Goes the weasel. ------------------------------------------------ Hosted and GM'd by Kendrick Smith (@KendoMakesFilms) Featuring: Dr. Hilda as Avery Morrigan Marcie (@SoapieSquid) as Brynn Theriot Gus (@AugustKnobbe) as Felix “Lunulata” Cormier Ellis (@Whore_Or_Writer) as Thorin and Eldoris Theme composed by: August Knobbe Music and SFX from: Epidemic Sound  Editing and Sound Design by: Zach Zito (@_SpaceLung_)  ------------------------------------------------ Follow us on Twitter and Instagram for updates and additional content! You can support the show by checking out our merch at: merchyetsold.com Join our growing community Discord server! You can email us at talesyettoldpod@gmail.com for comments, questions, or feedback. Be safe, drink some water, and don't forget to love yourself like we love you!

Tonight Linda Simpson and I are joined by Rob Westrick and Doug Gossage as we recap Beyond Oak Island episode 3 "The Riches of Poverty Island". Rob and Doug will join us to discuss this second excursion to Lake Michigan around the north side of Poverty Island looking for the wreckage of the salvage boat The Captain Lawrence. This salvage boat is said to have located the chests of gold using a diving bell. The Captain Lawrence also went down and finding it could lead the team to this French Treasure. A French treasure that was to fund the Confederates in 1863. Being chased by the Union Navy they reportedly threw the chests of gold overboard so it wouldn't fall into Union hands. To watch our interviews and recap shows live, join us on our YouTube Channel JFree906 or on our Facebook Group for great discussion about The Curse of Oak Island, Beyond Oak Island, Treasure Hunting, The Secret of Skinwalker Ranch, and many more subjects that are Beyond Our World. The new Discord Channel https://discord.gg/PhDsUWzrNg The Curse of Oak Island & Beyond Facebook Group page www.facebook.com/groups/300803727607153/ Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/5ZBSqtGOrpmXfNZhZhu6fJ Check out becoming a Skinwalker Ranch Insider use this link - https://bit.ly/3BGD9mq Beyond our World Facebook group page - www.facebook.com/groups/567217614271404/ Help support the show by becoming a Patron https://www.patreon.com/JFree906 Contact - Jfree906@gmail.com Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/jfree_906/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/JeffFreeman50 #TheCurseofOakIsland #BeyondOakIsland #TheSecretofSkinwalkerRanch

The vessel is a 353-foot survey ship. It's namesake, who wrote the first textbook of modern oceanography, left the Union Navy for the Confederacy.

Did you know that the American Civil war made its mark in Galveston? During the American Civil War, in October of 1862, The Union Navy had finally seized control of the Port of Galveston. Galveston was the premier port along the Texas Coast, key for shipping cotton. On New Year's Day 1863, A joint effort between the confederate army, and a makeshift confederate naval force attacked the Union Naval ships in Galveston harbor. The confederacy hatched a plan to utilize cotton clad warships. These vessels were essentially steam powered packet steamers, with pressed cotton stacked up around the edges as armor. The confederate army, Led by General John Bankhead Magruder, used the Hendley building, and other smaller buildings on Strand and 20th Street. Confederate Cannon fire hailed from the Hendley Building and the cotton clad vessels steamed into the Port of Galveston from Houston, the confederate forces surprised the Union Navy. The battle was quick as the Union Navy was ill prepared and the confederacy once again claimed Galveston. After this battle, the union was never successfully able  to maintain control of the port of Galveston, making Galveston the only confederate port not successfully captured during the Civil War.For more from Galveston Unscripted or to deep dive into Galveston history: visitgalveston.comGalveston Unscripted What is Galveston Unscripted?

As the Winter winds down and Spring can be heard around the bend, we would like to thank those of you who have shown your appreciation by becoming a Patron. And we hope that, over time, we will see your name on our roster sheet over at https://www.patreon.com/addressinggettysburg   Matthew Atkinson, Gettysburg National Military Park In 1862, the Union Navy suffered a crushing defeat against the CSS Virginia ironclad ram. Secretary of War Edwin Stanton turned to Charles Ellet to develop a Ram Fleet to counter the Confederate's technological advances. Along with his son and brother, the Ellet family helped turn the tide on the Mississippi River for the Union and had a few adventures at the same time! PRODUCER'S NOTE: The audio in this is a bit echoey. This is because the microphone was set up on the podium, but the speaker did not speak from the podium as planned. Once he started, I could not interrupt and tell him to move to the microphone. At points you will hear him more clearly as he goes back to the podium to read something. This is the beauty of documenting a moment, rather than producing a moment. 

In this episode I examine the capture of Mobile Bay by Admiral Farragut in August of 1864. This was the penultimate port that had to be taken in the coastal war by the Union Navy in order to cripple the Confederate blockade runners and hurt the Confederacy in their fight for independence.

My name is George Miller Beard and I have a strange tale to tell you, a story so bizarre and truly unbelievable that I am certain people will doubt my report and perhaps even question my motives in discussing this subject. Still, what I have to reveal to you is the honest truth, witnessed only lately from my long journey to the northern woods of Maine in this year, 1878. Now, before I reveal my discovery, which I am certain you will doubt, you should know that I am a graduate of Yale College, class of 1862, and I received my medical degree from the College of Physicians and Surgeons in New York in 1866. During the War, I was an assistant surgeon in the West Gulf Squadron of the Union Navy aboard the gunboat New London. I have published several articles concerning the mental conditions suffered by so many after the war and was the first to name exhaustion of the central nervous system as Neurasthenia. My entire professional life has been devoted to helping those afflicted by the stresses of the modern world, a kind of deep anxiety characterized by low energy, headaches, and finally, of depression. I have fought for psychiatric reforms and have diligently tried to care for the mentally ill. I am, as I am sure you can imagine, not a man prone to flights of fancy or foolish suppositions. But that is precisely why you should listen to my discovery because, as truly remarkable and unbelievable as it is, I could never have concocted such a tale as the one which follows. I had heard of these lumbermen of Maine from an acquaintance who had returned from a winter spent among them in the region of Maine near Moosehead Lake. This distant outpost was sparsely settled and these people were a singular one, hardly mixing with others. Most of these men he described to me were of French-Canadian descent and many only spoke a smattering of English. My friend described to me a condition he had witnessed more than once among this population that was at once both unbelievable and inconceivable. It was something that the lumbermen understood as common and not remarkable at all, though they took great pleasure in torturing those poor souls who were afflicted with it. He explained it to me in this way. “When one of his fellows suddenly shouts an order to one of these Frenchmen, like, ‘Punch the Wall!' or ‘throw that axe', why, the poor fellow suddenly drops whatever he is doing and does whatever he had been commanded to do, sometimes harming himself in the process. The poor fellow is always shocked that he did such a thing, but he cannot seem to stop himself whenever he is suddenly shouted an order. It is always an instantaneous thing, and often accompanied by shouting and wild movements. Many will repeat the last word of the order they were given. That is, if he is told to slap his friend's face, he shouts “Face!” as he gives his friend a whack.” My friend told me that it was something that happened to many of the Frenchmen in the camps of the area and he was troubled because these poor souls were being harassed by those other lumbermen who were not afflicted in such a way. “You really should find your way up there, Beard,” he told me, “if only to see these things for yourself.” After he had related these events to me, I found that the idea of it haunted me day and night. How could such a thing be? I had seen many ailments of the mind in my work, but never anything so odd and unique as the idea that a simple sudden suggestion could elicit such a response from such hardworking but unlearned men. I resolved to make the journey and observe this behavior myself.I would take the train to the end of the line at Moosehead Lake and journey from there to the camps with an acquaintance of my friend. I had to see for myself. It did not take me long to discover that everything I had been told was true. I found myself in an otherwise unremarkable camp in the middle of forest. The lumbermen do most of their work in the winter cutting down and assembling piles of trees to send to the mills up or downriver in the waters of the Spring thaw. I was sitting with the men in the early evening before they all settled in to sleep. This is one of the few times in their day where they are not moving about and instead each is engaged in one of a variety of tasks before bed. One of the men, a French-Canadian man of about 40 years of age, was sharpening his axe with a stone when one of the loggers quietly stood behind him and quickly commanded, “Throw your ax into the wall!” At that moment, the poor fellow was so startled that he jumped up from his seating position and threw the ax with all of his might toward the far wall of the cabin, shouting the word “Wall!” as he did so. The room erupted with a roar of delight as all of the men found this to be extremely amusing, meanwhile the poor French-Canadian logger could be observed catching his breath and glaring at them all. It was clear this kind of thing had happened before and that he was not amused. During my time at the camp, I witnessed this kind of behavior several times, especially after word spread that I was there to investigate the very thing. These dramatic responses by the afflicted often included the person also hitting a nearby person, screaming or, much to the delight of the English-speaking lumbermen, a stream of swearing and arm flailing that always caused a spectacle. Not believing my own eyes, I determined to put one of these men to the test. I stood behind him without him knowing it and quickly recited lines from Virgil's Aenied, startling him. He jumped up and repeated my words, though he had never heard my words before or had any reason to be familiar with them. I found that all of the men afflicted by this strange malady were indeed from that same area and indeed, the same bloodline, more or less. They seem to be bound to automatically obey any command shouted at them, especially if it is done so as a sudden thing, to startle them. In all of my investigations and work with the mentally afflicted, I have never come across such behavior before or since. I cannot begin to explain it.” Charles Beard never discovered the cause of the affliction which became associated with the French community of Maine, northern New Hampshire and Quebec. Later, the condition would be called “Jumping Frenchmen of Maine” and was a standard recognized condition which seemed to focus on the startle reflex that was fairly well-understood at the time. Anyone who has been jump-scared can understand the sudden rush of adrenaline and the fight or flight response that takes over the mind and body when suddenly startled. Beard published his findings and often spoke of them to august groups of physicians at the time, making it a well-known mystery. He first introduced it to the world in 1878 at the fourth annual meeting of the American Neurological Association. What he described was of great interest to those in attendance. They all understood the reaction to the sudden stimulus startling the men but NOT the obedience that followed it. Why would the poor souls suddenly do whatever they were told? Because it was not something any of these doctors would ever see in their normal, day to day practice, it remained a curiosity and perhaps even a strange kind of pseudo-legend, something that was reported to be real but still quite unbelievable. Over fifty cases were documented, fourteen of which occurred in the same family. All were French Canadian and came from very remote regions from intimately small communities. In 1885, George Tourette ventured that Jumping Frenchmen was a convulsive tic illness, but recent studies do not support his findings. Modern studies, caught on video, show that whatever it is, Jumping Frenchmen of Maine is a real malady and deserves further study. What are we to make of this medical mystery? Certainly those afflicted live normal lives and go about their day normally. The lumber camps of Maine were very unique places with men from all walks of life cooped up for months together in social isolation, working tirelessly and enduring harsh conditions at a job that could kill them in any number of ways on any given day. These stories seemed apocryphal, could not possibly be true, but when educated men staked their reputations on the veracity of the stories, well, they had to be true, didn't they? Other such startle reactions have been seen in the world since. In Indonesia they have a word – latah – where started individuals repeat the words that startled them and occasionally follow commands given, though never to the extent that the French-Canadian lumbermen of Maine did. It is possible, though, that this entire study of a strange condition has everything to do with racism. In the northern woods, those lowest on the social ladder, next to the indigenous population, surely were those of French-Canadian descent, speaking a different language, coming from isolated settlements and large families and indeed, worshipping as Roman Catholics instead of Protestants: this was a people maligned and looked-down upon. The Anglo-Saxon Protestant English Speakers had a stake in the labeling of the Frenchmen as foolish and inferior. Research into the condition persisted into the 20th century, always in people of French heritage, always by people of English heritage. In a land where people of color were nearly nonexistent at the time, it is possible that those in power required someone to look down upon and without a doubt, in Maine at least, it was the French Canadian Catholics who took the brunt of their abuse. How else can we explain the fact that the Ku Klux Klan had such a large following in Maine in the years following Beard's discovery? Only a few decades earlier Swiss missionary John Bapst, who would later become the first President of Boston College in October of 1854, was tarred and feathered and ridden out of town on a rail in Ellsworth, Maine for his Catholic faith. He wasn't French, but he was Swiss – and he spoke French. Helen Hamlin, one of Maine's foremost folklorists, decried the condition of the Jumping Frenchmen of Maine as “one of the greatest slanders against these people,” and dismissed it as a myth. The condition is a strange hybrid of myth, legend, folklore and possibly, of a real condition that to this day confounds researchers. As recently as 1980, scientists in Quebec were studying the condition and still finding people afflicted with the same startle reflex, the same echoing of words, and even hitting and running when startled. Fewer and fewer cases are being reported, but the name remains. Logging camps and their long periods of isolation are a thing of the past as well, though humans will again be isolated for long periods of time once we begin long journeys in space. Perhaps in future centuries there will be a syndrome known as “Jumping Miners of Mars” or “Jumping Janitors of Jupiter.” Given the propensity for humans to label each other, anything is possible. MUSIC CREDITS Original Theme Music: composed. andperformed by Jim Burby "1920 Canadian Waltz" Henri Lacroix "Breaktime" by Keven MacLeod (Creative Commons License) "Petite Lil Valse" by J.O. Madeleine IMAGE CREDITS: Wikimedia Commons RESOURCES: Whalen, Stephen R., "The Enigma of the Jumping Frenchmen of Maine." Maine History Journal , Volume 43, No. 1. Jan. 2007, pp. 63-78. Simons, Ronald "Jumping Frenchmen of Maine." National Organization for Rare Disorders, NORD.org Howard R, Ford R. From the jumping Frenchmen of Maine to post-traumatic stress disorder: the startle response in neuropsychiatry. Psychol Med. 1992;22:695-707. Saint-Hilaire MH, Saint-Hilaire JM, Granger L. Jumping Frenchmen of Maine. Neurology. 1986;36:1269-1271.

It was just 159 years ago today, May 13, 1862, when Robert Smalls, a slave and pilot on the C.S.S. Planter, managed to steal the ship in the early morning hours, and successfully navigate and reach the safety of the blockading Union Navy. The Planter, a small sidewheel steamer that was used to move supplies around Charleston harbor, was also carrying 15 other slaves, some part of the crew, others women and children. Smalls had sailed the ship, with the Confederate Flag flying, past several fortifications, each time saluting the Confederate fortifications, who allowed the ship to pass. Finally, with... For the written story, read here >> https://www.signalsaz.com/articles/this-day-in-history-may-13th-2021-u-s-s-planter/

Sean Finally Got Invited on the Boat with Josh & Marissa! It was sure worth the wait for him as we took a Day Trip over to Egmont Key State Park, about 17 Miles from St. Pete! First we had lunch over at The Big Catch and the Grouper Sandwich did not disappoint! Egmont KeyAccessible only by boat, Egmont Key has a unique natural and cultural history, including a lighthouse that has stood since 1858. During the 19th century, the island served as a camp for captured Seminoles at the end of the Third Seminole War and was later occupied by the Union Navy during the Civil War.Interested in learning more about the Freedom Boat Club, Click the link below, they have over 20 locations in Tampa area alone!! Are you following us on IG??  Check out our highlight bubble all about our day on the water. https://www.instagram.com/permanent_vacation_project/ Freedom Boat ClubAre you following us on  IG??  Check out our highlight bubble all about our day on the water. https://www.instagram.com/permanent_vacation_project/Follow us on Twitter, https://twitter.com/pvpflorida11

In this episode, I turn my attention west from North Carolina to the banks of the Mississippi River. Here rested New Orleans, the gateway to the mouth of the Mississippi River and it appeared to be a tough nut to crack. As General Grant slowly moved south to fight on the banks of the Tennessee River at Shiloh, the Union Navy decided to come meet him moving north. In their way stood New Orleans, the Big Easy.

H. L. Hunley became the first submarine to sink an enemy ship when it attacked the Union Navy warship USS ...

CDR B.J. Armstrong, USN discusses his most recent Naval History article about how, in a commandeered Confederate steamer, Robert Smalls piloted himself and other slaves to freedom and garnered the plaudits of a grateful Union Navy. More here: https://www.usni.org/magazines/naval-history-magazine/2021/february/hero

By Michael Watson. This episode brings Dr. Ariel Kelley, a history professor at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi, to discuss the Battle of Corpus Christi during the American Civil War.

Link:Vicksburg: The Past and Future of Amphibious Operations, B.A. Friedman, Strategy Bridge, July 4, 2017

(8a) Bob On Robert Smalls Who was born a slave, escaped by commandeering a Confederate ship, served in the Union Navy, spent 10 years in Congress, was a businessman and a major general of the S.C. militia, but couldn't vote the last 20 years of his life because Democrats invented Jim Crow. Bob Takes your Calls. Hunting Season Is Begining.

#OTD in 1861, the Union Navy admitted the first African American sailors to serve during the Civil War

#OTD in 1861, the Union Navy admitted the first African American sailors to serve during the Civil War

This episodes traces the Union Navy's efforts to secure the blockade around the Confederate States, conquering Confederate outposts and setting up fueling and refitting stations to sustain the ships that would patrol the waters outside the 10 major port cities of the Confederacy. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/hugh-henry/support

On the heels of the Grant miniseries, Dr. Anne Brinton joins the program to revisit some Civil War Naval Integration(TM) in the Western Theater: the Battle for Island Number 10! Dr. Brinton discusses Time, Space and Force, to include the composition of the river fleet, Commodore Andrew Foote, Commander Henry Walke and the dramatic exploits of USS Carondelet.

This week at In The Past Lane, the American History podcast, we take a look at the Fort Pillow Massacre that took place April 12, 1864 during the Civil War. A Confederate force led by Gen. Nathan Bedford Forrest overwhelmed the fort and when the 300 African American Union soldiers tried to surrender, they slaughtered them. It was an extraordinary war crime that was motivated by racist animosity. Not surprisingly, the movement to remove Confederate statues in recent years has taken particular aim at statues honoring Nathan Bedford Forrest, who not only perpetrated the Ft. Pillow Massacre, but after the war became the leader of the Ku Klux Klan. And we also take a look at some key events that occurred this week in US history, like the US entry into World War I and the launch of Apollo 13.   Feature Story: The Fort Pillow Massacre of 1864 On April 12, 1864 Confederate soldiers overran Fort Pillow in Tennessee and massacred hundreds of African-American Union soldiers. It was one of the most egregious war crimes in American history, one for which no one was ever charged or prosecuted. Before diving into this story, it’s important to note the significance of the role played by African-Americans played in helping the Union win the Civil War. In total, about 180,000 African-Americans served in the Union Army. That’s about 1/12 of the Union army. Another 20,000 served in the Union Navy. And keep in mind, this service did not begin until mid-1863 – fully two years into the war. In other words, it came at a crucial moment in the war when the Union desperately needed more soldiers. Over the course of those two years of service, between 1863 and 1865, African-American soldiers would fight in hundreds of battles and skirmishes. And this service came at a high price, as over 1/5 of black soldiers – about 40,000 – were killed either on the field or battle or as a result of disease. In the end, African-American soldiers played a critical role in the Union’s triumph over the Confederacy. And what about black Confederates? Well, hopefully you know that’s a complete and total myth. They never existed. And if you wanna learn more about it check out In The Past Lane episode 169. Alright, on to Fort Pillow. It was an insignificant Union outpost, situated on the Mississippi River in Western Tennessee. But in the spring of 1864, it was attacked by the legendary Confederate cavalry leader, General Nathan Bedford Forrest. Before the war, Forrest had been a wealthy slave trader. He joined the Confederate Army as a private, but rose quickly through the ranks. By the spring of 1864, Forrest was a household name in both the North and South, known widely both for his strategic genius and ruthlessness. In 1864, Forrest led thousands of cavalry on a raiding mission into Western Tennessee and Kentucky. By this time, the Confederacy was in desperate need of supplies, horses, and soldiers, so his primary objective was to capture horses, food, and military supplies, and to recruit new soldiers from among the pro-Confederate populace. In addition, Forrest was to cause maximum havoc in the region by disrupting the huge Union force being assembled by General William Tecumseh Sherman near Chattanooga. Sherman’s objective was obvious – Atlanta – and it was critical to the Confederacy that he be stopped, or at least slowed down. On April 12, 1864, the third anniversary of the firing on Fort Sumter that announced the start of the Civil War – Nathan Bedford Forrest’s force of about 1,500 men set fire to a nearby camp of escaped slaves – mostly women and children – and then surrounded Fort Pillow. Inside the Fort were 600 or so Union soldiers. About half that number were African-American soldiers serving in Union artillery units. From a strictly military standpoint, these black soldiers knew they were in a very precarious position. But these men had an additional reason to be concerned, for one year ago in 1863, when the Union announced that it would recruit black soldiers to fight in the war, Confederate leaders responded by declaring that captured African-American soldiers would be executed or re-enslaved. The Confederate assault begin at 11 AM and soon thereafter the Fort Pillow Garrison was reeling. Confederate snipers killed the fort’s commanding officer, and scores more. At 2 PM, Forrest sent a message demanding the Fort’s surrender. “Should my demand be refused,” he warned ominously, “I cannot be responsible for the fate of your command.” Fort Pillow’s commander tried to buy time – hoping reinforcements would soon arrive – and asked for one hour to consider the demand. Forrest refused and gave him 20 minutes. The moment that deadline passed, Forrest’s men attacked. As they streamed into the fort, many of the outnumbered Union soldiers panicked and ran towards the river. But many other Union soldiers fought valiantly, even after the struggle seemed hopeless. But when it became obvious that they had been defeated, they surrendered. Or at least they tried to. For the attacking Confederates were not about to treat black Union soldiers according to the rules of war. As one Confederate later testified, “The sight of Negro soldiers stirred the bosoms of our soldiers with courageous madness.” This “courageous madness” led them to slaughter wounded and surrendering black soldiers, and to chase down and kill those trying to escape. As one Confederate officer remembered: “The slaughter was awful… Words cannot describe the scene. The poor deluded Negroes would run up to our men[,] fall upon their knees and with uplifted hands scream for mercy. But they were ordered to their feet and then shot down.” Nathan Bedford Forrest and other Confederates would deny claims that they had massacred soldiers that day. But there is abundant historical evidence – including testimony by Confederate eyewitnesses – that a massacre had indeed taken place that day. Just consider these statistics. Half the Fort Pillow Garrison, about 300 men, had been killed. That’s an extraordinary toll, especially when compared to other Civil War battles. Typically, the ratio of killed to wounded was 1:2. That is, for every soldier killed they were two wounded. But at Fort Pillow, the ratio was the reverse – for every wounded soldier, two had been killed. Only a massacre could explain such numbers. The fact that it was a racially motivated massacre is made clear when one considers the statistics concerning those taken prisoner. Some 70% of white Union soldiers were taken prisoner compared to only 35% of black soldiers. The rest – 2/3 of all black soldiers – were killed. And it should be noted that while Fort Pillow was without question the worst instance of Confederates massacring black Union soldiers, it was by no means the only one. Little wonder then, for the duration of the Civil War the Union’s African American soldiers often cried, “Remember Fort Pillow!” when attacking Confederate positions. They did so to honor the dead and to inspire the living on to final victory. One of the reasons why this story is worth remembering is that Nathan Bedford Forrest enjoys an exalted place in Confederate history and memory, and as a consequence, there are many schools, streets, and public parks named in his honor, not to mention scores of statues. Thus, debates over the removal of Confederate monuments in recent years have often involved statues of Nathan Bedford Forrest. Defenders say the statues are a tribute to his brilliance as a cavalry commander and a general pride in southern heritage. Critics point out Forrest’s role in the Fort Pillow massacre, and one more thing – after the Civil War he joined the Ku Klux Klan and became its first Grand Wizard. You will recall that in last week’s episode we noted the major role of violent terrorist organizations like the KKK played in stripping recently freed African Americans of their civil and political rights. So, statues of Nathan Bedford Forrest represent many things, but first and foremost they represent white supremacy and the violence used to achieve it.  So what else of note happened this week in US history? April 6, 1917 - After 2.5 years of remaining officially neutral and on the sidelines of WW1, the US declared war on Germany. President Woodrow Wilson had called for neutrality in the hope that after the war the US could play the role of impartial arbiter to help negotiate a lasting peace settlement. But when it became apparent that the Allies – principally France and England – might lose the war, AND German submarines resumed sinking US ships, Wilson changed his mind. The US must enter the war, the told the American people, “to make the world safe for democracy.” April 9, 1865 - The Confederacy’s most renowned commander, General Robert E. Lee, surrendered his army to the Union’s Gen Ulysses S. Grant at Appomattox Courthouse in VA. Even though the war did not officially end for a few more months, this surrender effectively ended the Civil War, a 4-year conflict that claimed the lives of some 750,000 soldiers and sailors, and brought about the end of slavery. Every now and again someone proposes that April 9 be made a national holiday to celebrate the defeat of the Confederacy and preservation of the Union. And this historian thinks that’s might be a good idea. April 11, 1970 - Apollo 13 blasted off on its mission to the moon. A mechanical malfunction nearly doomed the astronauts, but a little luck and a lot of ingenious improvising on the part of the crew and NASA officials brought them home safely. And what notable people were born this week in American history?   April 6, 1866 – investigative journalist and author of Shame of the Cities, Lincoln Steffens April 7, 1915 – legendary jazz singer Billie Holiday April 7, 1912 - pioneering gay rights activist Harry Hay April 10, 1847 - newspaper magnate Joseph Pulitzer April 12, 1777 - one of the most influential politicians in the antebellum period, Henry Clay of KY The Last Word Let’s give it to Woodrow Wilson, who 103 years ago, asked the US Congress for a declaration of war against Germany. Here’s the key excerpt: “The world must be made safe for democracy. Its peace must be planted upon the tested foundations of political liberty. We have no selfish ends to serve. We desire no conquest, no dominion. We seek no indemnities for ourselves, no material compensation for the sacrifices we shall freely make. We are but one of the champions of the rights of mankind. We shall be satisfied when those rights have been made as secure as the faith and the freedom of nations can make them.” For more information about the In The Past Lane podcast, head to our website, www.InThePastLane.com  Music for This Episode Jay Graham, ITPL Intro (JayGMusic.com) The Joy Drops, “Track 23,” Not Drunk (Free Music Archive) Sergey Cheremisinov, “Gray Drops” (Free Music Archive) Pictures of the Flow, “Horses” (Free Music Archive) Ondrosik, “Tribute to Louis Braille” (Free Music Archive) Alex Mason, “Cast Away” (Free Music Archive) Dana Boule, “Collective Calm” (Free Music Archive) Blue Dot Sessions, "Pat Dog" (Free Music Archive) Jon Luc Hefferman, “Winter Trek” (Free Music Archive) The Bell, “I Am History” (Free Music Archive) Production Credits Executive Producer: Lulu Spencer Graphic Designer: Maggie Cellucci Website by: ERI Design Legal services: Tippecanoe and Tyler Too Social Media management: The Pony Express Risk Assessment: Little Big Horn Associates Growth strategies: 54 40 or Fight © In The Past Lane, 2020 Recommended History Podcasts Ben Franklin’s World with Liz Covart @LizCovart The Age of Jackson Podcast @AgeofJacksonPod Backstory podcast – the history behind today’s headlines @BackstoryRadio Past Present podcast with Nicole Hemmer, Neil J. Young, and Natalia Petrzela @PastPresentPod 99 Percent Invisible with Roman Mars @99piorg Slow Burn podcast about Watergate with @leoncrawl The Memory Palace – with Nate DiMeo, story teller extraordinaire @thememorypalace The Conspirators – creepy true crime stories from the American past @Conspiratorcast The History Chicks podcast @Thehistorychix My History Can Beat Up Your Politics @myhist Professor Buzzkill podcast – Prof B takes on myths about the past @buzzkillprof Footnoting History podcast @HistoryFootnote The History Author Show podcast @HistoryDean More Perfect podcast - the history of key US Supreme Court cases @Radiolab Revisionist History with Malcolm Gladwell @Gladwell Radio Diaries with Joe Richman @RadioDiaries DIG history podcast @dig_history The Story Behind – the hidden histories of everyday things @StoryBehindPod Studio 360 with Kurt Andersen – specifically its American Icons series @Studio360show Uncivil podcast – fascinating takes on the legacy of the Civil War in contemporary US @uncivilshow Stuff You Missed in History Class @MissedinHistory The Whiskey Rebellion – two historians discuss topics from today’s news @WhiskeyRebelPod American History Tellers ‏@ahtellers The Way of Improvement Leads Home with historian John Fea @JohnFea1 The Bowery Boys podcast – all things NYC history @BoweryBoys Ridiculous History @RidiculousHSW The Rogue Historian podcast with historian @MKeithHarris The Road To Now podcast @Road_To_Now Retropod with @mikerosenwald © In The Past Lane 2020

By Davy Crockett  Old Soldier Barnes was a Civil War veteran from Pennsylvania who became a very popular professional ultrarunner in 1900 when he was in his early 50s. He must have not worn his age well, because people always thought he was much older than he really was. He entered the sport when the six-day race was making a comeback in Pennsylvania, about 20 years since its heyday in the 1800s when it was a huge spectator sport, watching walkers and runners go in circles for six days trying to travel as many miles as possible. There was a brief resurgence of six-day "go as you please" races in America from 1898-1903 until states passed laws to halt these all-day and all-night running affairs along with similar six-day bicycle races. Soldier Barnes, in his 50s, became a highly competitive tough multi-day runner who was well-respected and always a crowd favorite. He was one of the most prolific six-day runners of that time. This article will follow his participation in the sport and hopefully leave readers with a deep understanding of the fascinating six-day running races that were held about 120 years ago. Stephen Gilbert Barnes was born on May 23, 1846, in Sharpsburg, Pennsylvania. He lived in that area near Pittsburgh his entire life and went by "Gilbert" during his running years. Gilbert Barnes’ ancestors were nonconformists of England, some who suffered martyrdom in England.  His ancestor, Richard Barnes settled in the Massachusetts Bay Colony before 1636. His grandfather and namesake, Captain Stephen Barnes (1736-1800) commanded a company during the Revolutionary war and settled in Pennsylvania. His parents were Pennsylvania natives. His father, Joseph Barnes (1777-1855), was a millwright and built ferry boats, and his mother Clara Elizabeth Leer (1818-1847), died about a year after he was born. Early Life At the outbreak of the Civil War, Barnes enlisted in the Pennsylvania Reserves. At the end of his enlistment, he tried to reenlist but they were not recruiting at the time. He then joined Company K of the Pennsylvania Cavalry and fought with them throughout the rest of the war. 1870 Census. Occupation: dry goods merchant After the war, in 1868, Barnes married Margaret Elizabeth Couch (1848-1915) and they had six children from 1869 to 1884. By 1874, he was a dry goods merchant in Springdale, Pennsylvania, but had huge debts of about $7,000 and filed for bankruptcy. It was granted and some of his property was put up for sale and liens liquidated within two years. 1880 census. Occupation: Ticket Agent By 1880 he lost his store and was a ticket agent for the railroad. On Mar 26, 1880, he became postmaster for the town of Armstrong, Pennsylvania. In 1884 a newspaper was started in Indiana, Pennsylvania called the “Indiana Weekly News.” Barnes was employed as the editor for many years. Barnes was always proud of his military service and was a member of the G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic) in Post 157. The G.A.R was a fraternal organization composed of veterans of the Union Army, Union Navy, and Marines who served in the Civil War. By 1898 Barnes became a professional runner and he worked very hard to be able to finish high enough to win monetary awards. Fixed-time multi-day races, especially the six-day race had become well-established in the 1870s. Those who competed in them were call pedestrians. These races at first observed strict “heel-toe” walking rules but eventually progressed into “go-as-you-please” formats open to both walkers and runners. Barnes became a runner. 1898 Pittsburgh 72-hour six day race In February 1898, it was announced that the six-day race "go as your please" foot-race would be revived in Pennsylvania after a long absence. A 142-hour race was planned to be held in Saenger Hall, the largest "amusement building" in the city. Unfortunately, plans were changed to hold a six-day bicycle race instead, building on a recent successful event held in M...

In this episode I turn to Europe especially the actions of James Bulloch as he attempts to buy or build ships that can be used to break the Union blockade. I look at some of the issues that almost cause war between Great Britain and the US as well during the American Civil War.

In this episode we examine the blockade runners looking at the exciting life of those who did run the blockade and how it worked. We also look at life on board a blockader and how much of this was dreary with only a bit of excitement from time to time.

In this episode I look at the Battle of Hampton Roads and the fight between the USS Monitor and CSS Virginia

In the dead of night on Sept. 21, 1862, William Benjamin Gould and 21 other slaves escaped from Wilmington by commandeering three boats at the foot of Orange Street. Gould would go on to join the Union Navy, fight for the cause of abolition and freedom for three years, and then start a family with his long-time love, Cornelia. His is a story of daring chances and hard-earned triumphs that begins with a single choice in Wilmington. This week, we discuss Gould's story from his time as a slave to his later life as a celebrated craftsman and family man. Joining the discussion are local historian Beverly Tetterton and very special guest William Benjamin Gould IV, the great-grandson of this week's subject. Cape Fear Unearthed is written, edited and hosted by Hunter Ingram. Additional editing by Adam Fish. Season three is sponsored by Northchase Family Dentistry and Tidewater Heating & Air Conditioning. Sources: -- Diary of a Contraband: The Civil War Passage of a Black Sailor, by William Benjamin Gould IV -- Strength Through Struggle: The Chronological and Historical Record of the African-American community in Wilmington, North Carolina, 1865-1950, by Bill Reaves -- William Benjamin Gould's diary, now in the permanent collection at the Massachusetts Historical Society

The very first ironclad ship built by the Union Navy in the Civil War was called The Monitor. It revolutionized the way battleships were built. Jonathan White (Christopher Newport University) is the co-author of “Our Little Monitor: The Greatest Invention of the Civil War.” Civil War buffs pride themselves on knowing the great battles of the war. But what about the fighting that took place away from battlefields? John Matsui (Virginia Military Institute) says that guerilla fighting during the Civil War challenged the rules of warfare. Civil War monuments and reenactments often prop up popular myths, instead of reflecting an accurate history. Take Confederate raider John Hunt Morgan, for example. Stephen Rockenbach (Virginia State University) says Morgan killed unionist farmers in Indiana, but today he’s celebrated as a dashing cavalryman. Some of the country’s most eminent Civil War scholars including James Robertson and William C. Davis (Virginia Tech), and equine specialist John M. Bowen discuss the forgotten elements of the conflict.

Season 3, Episode 35 In this episode, Chris Calton details how technological innovations changed the course of naval warfare. By taking advantage of this new technology, the Union Navy was able to easily capture Hatteras Inlet and Port Royal Sound, which would prove strategically important in the establishment of their blockade. Chris Calton recounts the controversial history of the Civil War. You may support this podcast financially at Mises.org/SupportHC. Subscribe today at Spotify, Google Play, iTunes, SoundCloud, Stitcher, or via RSS.

After the outbreak of the Civil War, the Union blockade crippled Southern commerce.  Hoping to ease the pressure on blockade runners (and turn the tables on Northern shipping), the Confederate Navy contracted with British shipbuilders to construct commerce raiders - warships designed to prey on merchant shipping while evading opposing naval vessels.  Denounced as a pirate in the North, Maryland-born Raphael Semmes captained the most effective commerce raider, the CSS Alabama, as the ship terrified Union merchant vessels and frustrated the Union Navy.  Semmes quickly became a hero in the South and earned a reputation as a daring commander throughout the world.  In Part 1, we look at the clandestine construction of the Alabama and the beginning of her career as the most successful commerce raider in naval history. Email Portraits of Blue & Grey at blueandgreypodcast@gmail.com with any questions or comments about the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Video 96 in the series "A History of the Navy in 100 Objects" presented by the United States Naval Academy. This episode focuses on James Ward, the first commandant of Midshipmen and the impact of the civil war on USNA.

On this day in Quiztory, the Union Navy admitted the first African American sailors during the Civil War

On this day in Quiztory, the Union Navy admitted the first African American sailors during the Civil War

"Dr. Livingstone, I Presume?"-Born John Rowland to a prostitute in England in 1841 who promptly abandoned him, Henry Morton Stanley emigrated to America in 1861, joined the Confederate Army, was wounded at Shiloh, captured, and became a "galvanized" Yankee, before joining the Union Navy. He became a freelance writer and was hired by the New York Herald to take on an extremely dangerous mission-that of finding the missing British explorer David Livingstone dead or alive somewhere in the heart of Africa.  

New Orleans native Francesca Dumas is a quadroon, courted by moneyed white men. She leads a sheltered life of elegant gowns and lavish balls until a bullet shatters her dream world. While awaiting arrival of the Union Navy atop a Mississippi River levee on April 25, 1862, Francesca's lover is shot dead, and Francesca vows revenge.Bob Rogers, an IBMer for 33 years, is a former U.S. Army captain, a veteran of the Vietnam War, and a charter member of the Baltimore chapter of the 9th and 10th (Horse) Cavalry Assocation. He is the author of First Dark: A Buffalo Soldier's Story.Recorded On: Sunday, November 9, 2014