James Callender may have been known as America’s first well-known “gossip” columnist. His stories brought down Alexander Hamilton and even a sitting president. When his tactics were turned against him…a modern-day playbook was born on how to handle the media.
Category Archives: Explorer
Infamous Prisons of the Civil War
Second only to Andersonville in deaths and infamy…Libby Prison was a Confederate prison in Richmond, Virginia, during the American Civil War. It was a three-story brick warehouse that had been used as a tobacco factory before the war. The prison was located on Cary Street, near the James River. Libby Prison was designated to holdContinue reading “Infamous Prisons of the Civil War”
How to Visit Jimmy Stewart’s Hometown
Jimmy Stewart is one of the all-time great actors…and a top favorite with the Walk with History team. When we had the opportunity to visit his hometown we took it…and we have some tips and tricks to help you visit too! This video is also a behind-the-scenes look at how we visit all these historicContinue reading “How to Visit Jimmy Stewart’s Hometown”
Origins of the “Six Triple Eight” (6888) Women’s Army Corps postal unit
The 6888th postal battalion was a shining star during WWII, showing the world how African American women could serve alongside their fellow countrymen and women. Mary McLeod Bethune is the reason the 6888 exists…join us as we tell you how she made that happen.
The Civil War did NOT End in the Appomattox Court House
Most people think the American Civil War ended in the courthouse in Appomattox, Virginia…and most people are mistaken. Join us as we show you where the surrender took place and the name of the city where Ulysses S. Grant and Robert E. Lee carried out this historic event.
40 Years of Flashdance History
15 April 1983, Flashdance was released. This film exceeded all expectations and changed the face of 80s fashion…we visited the Pittsburgh filming locations to celebrate this classic film. This is a behind-the-scenes look. Main video: History of Flashdance and filming locations ⬇️ BTS video ⬇️ Interested in “retro” inspired History gear? Check out the WalkContinue reading “40 Years of Flashdance History”
Smithsonian American history you’ve never seen (in under 5 minutes)
The Smithsonian American History Museum has a lifetime’s worth of artifacts to explore…so here is just a sample of what you can find there. Intro: 0:00George Washington easy chair: 0:49George McClellan items: 1:05Sash of truce: 1:11Sherman’s horse Winchester: 1:20Sherman’s hat: 1:31Grant’s chair: 1:37Appomattox furniture: 1:48Lincoln playbill: 2:03Mary Todd Lincoln dress: 2:24Lincoln’s top hat: 2:37Alexander GrahamContinue reading “Smithsonian American history you’ve never seen (in under 5 minutes)”
Walking the location of the Reagan assassination attempt
On March 30, 1981, President Ronald Reagan was shot and wounded in an assassination attempt by John Hinckley Jr. outside the Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C. Reagan had just finished giving a speech when Hinckley fired six shots, hitting Reagan and three other people. Reagan was rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery to removeContinue reading “Walking the location of the Reagan assassination attempt”
The strange story of Stonewall Jackson’s arm
Yes…Stonewall Jackson’s left arm is buried in a different spot than his body. Join us as we visit this historic and quirky site. Intro: 0:00Stonewall Jackson’s Last Days: 0:11Union Loss at Chancellorsville: 3:05Ellwood Manor: 4:49Discovering Jackson’s Arm: 6:40Stonewall Jackson Historic Marker (wounded): 7:53Stonewall Jackson Historic Marker (amputation): 8:57Stonewall Jackson’s death site: 10:15
What happened to Virginia Dare and the Lost Colony
The Lost Colony of Roanoke Island was an early attempt by English settlers to establish a permanent colony in North America. The colony was established in 1587 on Roanoke Island, off the coast of what is now North Carolina, by Governor John White and around 120 settlers. Shortly after arriving, Governor White returned to EnglandContinue reading “What happened to Virginia Dare and the Lost Colony”