Civil War

From the Vault: Harpers Ferry, W.Va.

From the Vault: Harpers Ferry, W.Va.

42 Photos

Historic Harpers Ferry, W.Va. has been a popular tourist destination for Civil War enthusiasts and nature-lovers alike for decades.

On Thursday, July 22, 2015, an early morning fire ripped through several early-1800s buildings in this beloved historic town early Thursday, damaging several businesses and threatening the national park that commemorates a pivotal moment in U.S. history.

“This is devastating for Harpers Ferry,” said Gregory Vaughan, mayor of the town at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, where Maryland, Virginia and West Virginia all come together.

The buildings “have been standing there for almost 200 years,” Vaughn said, “and they withstood the test of time — until 2015, unfortunately.”
Read more about the fire

More →

Jeannie Walden portrays Civil War widow

Jeannie Walden portrays Civil War widow

17 Photos

Jeannie Walden has been performing all of her life. At least since age 4, when she stood on the counter doing an impression of Mae West at a Piggly Wiggly store in her hometown of Lenoir NC, she has held many roles. From “Showboat” to Shakespeare, Jeannie Walden has a rich theatrical history.

More →

141st commemoration of Maryland Confederate Memorial Day

141st commemoration of Maryland Confederate Memorial Day

12 photos

Many gathered at Loudon Park Cemetery to attend the 141st commemoration of Confederate Memorial Day in Maryland. The Maryland Division of the United Daughters of the Confederacy (UDC), along with other patriotic and heritage preservation groups, hosted the annual ceremony to honor the thousands of soldiers who served the Confederacy during the War Between the States. Over 600 Confederate soldiers are buried at Loudon Park.

More →

Thousand flood Gettysburg for Civil War battle’s 150th anniversary

Thousand flood Gettysburg for Civil War battle’s 150th anniversary

110 photos

This month, more than 8,000 Civil War re-enactors are marking the 150th anniversary of the 1863 Battle of Gettysburg. In 1863, Confederate General Robert E. Lee’s Army of Northern Virginia was routed during the doomed frontal assault, considered the turning point in the Civil War and a watershed moment in U.S. history. Union and Confederate armies suffered a combined total of up to 51,000 casualties over three days, the highest number of any battle in the four-year war.

More →

Remembering the Fallen: Scenes from the Memorial Day weekend

Remembering the Fallen: Scenes from the Memorial Day weekend

48 photos

For many, Memorial Day marks a day of remembrance, honoring military men and women who died while serving their country. It has been celebrated since the end of the Civil War. Here are scenes from around the country of Americans remembering the fallen.

More →