How to Discover Soldier Photos from a Specific Civil War Battle
By Kurt Luther How can we find photos of Civil War soldiers connected to a particular battle? Earlier this summer, I was confronted with this question when Emma Nostheide, a
Author: MI Digital
A Member of the 6th Massachusetts Infantry
The uniform, equipment and bearskin cap worn by this militiaman closely resemble those worn by members of the 6th Massachusetts Infantry. Established in 1855 in a reorganization of the state
“The Soul of Grant’s Cabinet is Gone”
General and Secretary of War John Aaron Rawlins lost his battle against consumption late in the afternoon of Sept. 6, 1869. His death struggle played out in a bed at
Jenny the Drummer Boy
Drummer boy Johann Christoph Julius Langbein’s nickname “Jenny” traces back to his 1861 enlistment in the 9th New York Infantry, popularly known as Hawkins’ Zouaves. One writer noted that the
Birth of the American Calisthenics Movement
By Elizabeth A. Topping, featuring images and artifacts from the the author’s collection. Calisthenics were introduced to Americans by Europeans in the 1830s. Light, choreographed movements set to music exercised
Mississippi, Maynards, and Men. The Maynard Carbines of the Bolivar Troop
By Phil Spaugy The images of these early war, well-armed sergeants once resided in the Herb Peck collection, and have been reproduced in many publications over the last 60 years.
The Black Phalanx at Benton Barracks: Transforming men of color into U.S. soldiers, late 1863 to early 1864
By Ronald S. Coddington An officer in the 1st Missouri Colored Infantry recalled how recruits for the new regiment marched with “sluggish step and plantation gait” through St. Louis in
JEB: A portrait taken in Hagerstown captures Stuart during the withdrawal following Gettysburg
By Phil McCoy Captain Frank Smith Robertson, an assistant engineer on JEB Stuart’s staff, recounted a meeting in Maryland with Gen. Robert E. Lee during the withdrawal from Gettysburg: “We
Back to Libby: In 1864, Capt. Matt Boyd successfully made the Great Escape from Libby Prison. In 1889, he returned to deal with his demons.
By Ronald S. Coddington, with images and artifacts from the Craig and Carol Wofford Collection Matt Boyd embodied the essence of a frontline commander. Whatever dangers his men faced, so
Forever Peace: A former Confederate gives a miniature of the Appomattox surrender table to Ulysses S. Grant
By Ronald S. Coddington Ulysses S. Grant arrived to a hero’s welcome in Philadelphia on Dec. 16, 1879. The retired general who had led the U.S. Army to victory in