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History

Yuri Gagarin

April 2011 Anniversaries

Momentous or Merely Memorable

British historian Bettany Hughes brings Socrates to life 25 centuries after his death in The Hemlock Cup: Socrates, Athens and the Search for the Good Life.

Bettany Hughes on Socrates

The biographer and author of a new book discusses what new there is to learn about the ancient Greek philosopher

Fort Sumter

A Necessary Conflict

And an opportunity for re-examination

Col. Elmer Ellsworth became the first officer to die in the Civil War when he was gunned down by an innkeeper in Alexandria, Virginia.

The Civil War

How Col. Ellsworth’s Death Shocked the Union

It took the killing of their first officer to jolt the North into wholeheartedly supporting the Union cause

From manifest destiny to Santa Claus, newspaper editorials have captured the country's attention throughout history.

Top 10 Unforgettable Editorials

These editorial voices rose above the America clamor with words we will never forget

Lincoln's Top Hat

The Civil War

Civil War Artifacts in the Smithsonian

The museum collections house many items from the Civil War, including photographs, uniforms and personal diaries

Moammar Qadhafi speaking in 1986 during a time of heightened tension between Libya and the United States.

Ronald Reagan and Moammar Qadhafi

Twenty-five years ago, President Reagan minced no words when he talked about the Libyan dictator

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March Anniversaries

Momentous or Merely Memorable

John Ross, left, and Major Ridge teamed up to protect Cherokee holdings in what is now Alabama, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee.

The Cherokees vs. Andrew Jackson

John Ross and Major Ridge tried diplomatic and legal strategies to maintain autonomy, but the new president had other plans

Ludd, drawn here in 1812, was the fictitious leader of numerous real protests.

What the Luddites Really Fought Against

The label now has many meanings, but when the group protested 200 years ago, technology wasn’t really the enemy

The Journal-American newsroom typified its time: crowded, messy and organized—like the floor of a factory—to get the news out as quickly as possible.

The Newsroom Rush of Old

Newsrooms may look different today, but their need for speed never wavers

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Less Traveled Roads

In Tahiti and Botswana

Archaeologists have been recovering historical artifacts from the vessel possibly stolen by Blackbeard since 1996.

Did Archaeologists Uncover Blackbeard’s Treasure?

Cannons. Gold dust. Turtle bones. For archaeologists researching the notorious pirate’s flagship, every clue is priceless

The Oberlin Rescuers at Cuyahoga County Jail in 1859.

The Invisible Line Between Black and White

Vanderbilt professor Daniel Sharfstein discusses the history of the imprecise definition of race in America

Lincoln’s Whistle-Stop Trip to Washington

On the way to his inauguration, President-elect Lincoln met many of his supporters and narrowly avoided an assassination attempt

Samuel Eliot Morison said he wanted to capture "the feeling of desperate urgency."

Revisiting Samuel Eliot Morison’s Landmark History

The famous historian’s eyewitness accounts of the Navy during World War II—now being reissued—won’t be surpassed

On February 4, 1789, the 69 members of the Electoral College made George Washington the only chief executive to be unanimously elected.

George Washington: The Reluctant President

It seemed as if everyone rejoiced at the election of our first chief executive except the man himself

A rail fragment, believed to have been hewn by Abraham Lincoln is an early example of "political theater."

The Legend of Lincoln’s Fence Rail

Even Honest Abe needed a symbol to sum up his humble origins

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This Month in History

Momentous or Merely Memorable

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Fresh Eyes

Seeing everyday experience in a new light

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