Tag Archives: technology

clean energy

Posted on October 27, 2017 by SUMPTER

From The New-York Times October 27, 1867: Petroleum for Fuel. There have been many objections urged to the use of petroleum as fuel on sea-going vessels, most of which, we believe, will be successfully set aside. But none of them … Continue reading →

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war closing

Posted on October 9, 2017 by SUMPTER

Seneca County (New York) Historian Walt Gable’s new book came out in July of this year. As I started leafing through the pages of Historic Tales of Seneca County, New York I stopped when I noticed what might possibly be … Continue reading →

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shovels ready

Posted on July 11, 2017 by SUMPTER

I’ve lived near canals and/or old defunct canals almost all my life, so I’m a little disappointed that I forgot to mention the 200th anniversary of work beginning on the Erie Canal back on July 4th. On the bright side … Continue reading →

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planes, trains, and auto trucks

Posted on March 31, 2016 by SUMPTER

On March 9, 1916 Francisco (Pancho) Villa’s“guerrilla militia” attacked a United States army outpost at Columbus, New Mexico and killed several Americans. In response General John J. Pershing lead the Villa Punitive Expedition into Mexico. Despite pulling out seemingly all … Continue reading →

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tech times

Posted on July 23, 2015 by SUMPTER

150 years ago today The New-York Times headlined some remarkable technology. The world’s largest ironclad was launched three months after the Civil War ended, and some people imagined trains running up in the air over Broadway. The USS Dunderberg was … Continue reading →

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“marred in the transmission”

Posted on October 18, 2013 by SUMPTER

President Davis got out of the office for a bit in October 1863 and toured South Carolina, Georgia, and General Bragg’s recently victorious Army of Tennessee on Missionary Ridge outside Chattanooga. Here’s a report that focuses on his speech to … Continue reading →

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Cutting Wires

Posted on October 4, 2012 by SUMPTER

According to the Naval Historical Center, “A landing party from Thomas Freeborn cut telegraph lines stretching from Occoquan and Fredericksburg, Va., to Richmond, Va., on 4 October 1862.” It’s already been 15 months since the Freeborn’s commander, James Harmon Ward, … Continue reading →

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