Hanover, MA

The area of Hanover was first settled by English settlers in 1649 when William Barstow, a farmer, built a bridge along the North River at what is now Washington Street. The land was the westernmost portion of the town of Scituate, and it would officially separate and be incorporated as a town June 14, 1727. The name “Hanover” is probably a tribute to King George I, the first Hanoverian King of Great Britain.[citation needed] (While George I died on June 11, 1727, the reports would not have reached the colonies until after the town’s incorporation.) (more…)

The Village of Ripley, Ohio Restoring rare Wiard 3-inch Rifle

In recognition of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, and to honor the memory of the Brown County citizens who sacrificed, fought, and died for the Union cause, the Ripley Friends of the Library group is having their very rare Wiard 3-inch rifled cannon restored.The cannon has been on the lawn of the library for the past 50 years exposed to the elements. Now the cannon’s carriage is being held together by rust and paint, observers said. (more…)

American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar

The American Civil War Center at Historic Tredegar, on the banks of the James River in Richmond, Virginia, is the gateway to Civil War travel in the region. A National Historic Landmark and one-time heart of Confederate war production, the Center is now home to the main visitor center of the NPS Richmond National Battlefield Park and a new exhibit, “In the Cause of Liberty,” which provides a national overview of the Civil War. (more…)

Fort Donelson, Dover, TN

Fort Donelson
Location: Stewart County
Campaign: Federal Penetration up the Cumberland and Tennessee Rivers (1862)
Date(s): February 11-16, 1862
Principal Commanders: Brig. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant and Flag-Officer A.H. Foote [US]; Brig. Gen. John B. Floyd, Brig. Gen. Gideon Pillow, and Brig. Gen. Simon B. Buckner [CS]
Forces Engaged: Army in the Field [US]; Fort Donelson Garrison [CS]
Estimated Casualties: 17,398 total (US 2,331; CS 15,067)

Description: After capturing Fort Henry on February 6, 1862, Brig. Gen. Ulysses S. Grant advanced cross-country to invest Fort Donelson. (more…)

Fort Morgan, Gulf Shores, Al

Fort Morgan is a historic masonry star fort at the mouth of Mobile Bay, Alabama, United States. Some scholars regard it as “one of the finest examples of military architecture in the New World.” The post was named in honor of Revolutionary War hero Daniel Morgan. Construction was completed in 1834 and it received its first garrison in March of the same year. (more…)

Fort Curtis, Helena, AR

In August 1862 the Union forces occupying Helena erected on this site a redoubt of earth and timbers to serve as the key to the city’s defenses. Fort Curtis, named for the Union general in command at the time of construction, was one of five fortified positions which enabled Union soldiers to repulse a Confederate attack on July 4, 1863 (more…)