Tag Archives: Phineas Taylor Barnum

what it is

Not exactly a mummy just in time for Halloween, but in October 150 years ago some folks south of Syracuse, New York dug up what appeared to be a well-preserved human being. The mysterious form didn’t seem to be preserved … Continue reading

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that big right turn

In his 1920 memoirs William Meade Dame remembered that his unit, the Richmond Howitzers, were bystanders and observers during the Battle of the Wilderness. However, 150 years ago tonight, they were in the vanguard as General Lee raced to get … Continue reading

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Show Troops?

We know that Phineas Taylor Barnum was on the lecture circuit early in 1863, but apparently the South has not heard anything of his exploits since the beginning of the war. A Richmond newspaper from 150 years ago surmised the … Continue reading

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Fan Mail

The Ladies’ Aid Society in Canandaigua, New York began 1863 by attending a P. T. Barnum lecture and by writing an adoring letter to the deposed General George B. McClellan. From Village Life in America 1852-1872 by Caroline Cowles Richards … Continue reading

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