What is Loyalty?: David Patterson’s Oath of Office

Today’s post comes from Christine Blackerby, Outreach Specialist in the Center for Legislative Archives at the National Archives in Washington, DC. Could a person who had sworn an oath to the Confederacy later loyally serve the United States? One hundred and fifty years ago, the U.S. Senate wrestled with this question for the first time. When states … Continue reading What is Loyalty?: David Patterson’s Oath of Office

The 150th anniversary of Pickett’s Charge

Today’s guest post comes from Robert Lee Tringali, program analyst at the National Archives. Starting on July 1, the last three days have marked the sesquicentennial anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg, the turning point of the Civil War. In particular, today marks the anniversary of Pickett’s Charge, the defining event of the battle. The … Continue reading The 150th anniversary of Pickett’s Charge

At Gettysburg: Brother v. Brother

Today's post comes from our summer intern Caroline Isleib. The Battle of Gettysburg raged 150 years ago today, and many lives were lost or forever changed by the Civil War. It was a war that ripped our country apart and, in quite a literal sense, pitted brother against brother. “This was never more true than … Continue reading At Gettysburg: Brother v. Brother

Secession, Congress, and a Civil War Awakening at the Archives

Today's post comes from Gregory Marose, an intern in the National Archives Office of Strategy and Communications. As a new year begins, the 112th Congress reconvenes for a second session of legislative activity. Representatives and senators from across the country are again descending upon the Capitol, ready to commence debates, proceedings, and hearings. This is how … Continue reading Secession, Congress, and a Civil War Awakening at the Archives

A Submerged House: Ironclads and the Civil War

The USS Monitor was the Navy's first ironclad vessel, but it was not the only one in Civil War waters. The Virginia had started life in 1855 as the Merrimack, a Union ship that had been burned to the waterline, sunk, and abandoned in the Gosport Navy Yard in Norfolk, VA. The Confederates raised what … Continue reading A Submerged House: Ironclads and the Civil War