Skepticism and Research as Virtues: A Conversation with William Marvel
In the beginning, William Marvel tried to write historical fiction. But he aimed for accuracy in everything he wrote, and he became a historian. How did you become interested in…
The Grinch who Stole Civil Liberties
Spending Christmas behind bars isn't anybody's idea of fun. That's what happened to former U.S. Senator George Wallace Jones in late December 1861, after the federal government seized a personal…
Happy 4th of July
During the Civil War, both sides looked to our Patriot Forefathers -- their sacrifice and devotion -- for inspiration. Happy 4th of July.
Much-maligned Democratic “Dirty dogs”: A review of Civil War Iowa and the Copperhead Movement
“Iowa nice” was in short supply during the Civil War. Local politics reached new lows as Iowa Republicans demonized Peace Democrats (also known as Copperheads). A colleague asked historian Hubert…
Me in a Maserati? Going places with story (my guest blog post)
I've written a guest blog post for my colleague Ryan O'Connell. He writes about historical interpretation at Ryan's Interpretations. I invite you to read my post at http://ryansinterp.blogspot.com/2016/05/me-in-maserati-going-places-with-story.html
From gunpoint to graciousness: Jefferson Davis and Dubuque, Iowa
The president of the Confederacy had a long history with Dubuque. This is a story of trust, service, and gratitude. In the winter of 1831-1832, lead mines were booming…
Slavery in Dubuque, Iowa
Slaves might be the last people you’d expect in Iowa. Confederates might be a close second. After all, Iowa has always been free. However, 17 slaves appear on the 1840…
Be careful what you write: Agonies of a double-talking Democrat
Herman H. Heath made a huge political U-turn after Ft. Sumter. Like many others, he became a Republican. But Heath, an Episcopalian, had a secret. He might’ve forgotten the words…
Correction to “A chart is worth a thousand words”
Sometimes it pays to recheck data. I discovered that seven Confederates from Iowa (not three, as originally shown) had at least one brother in the Union Army. Ten percent of…
Think like Dr. Phil, Round 1: The River of Love can be a bumpy ride
Let’s have some fun. A couple got engaged after Fort Sumter, and they faced big challenges in their relationship. (The man was an Iowan who considered the Confederate service.). If…
- 1
- 2