Category Archives: 150 Years Ago This Week

News from 150 years ago

civvies lesson

According to the February 23, 1869 issue of The New-York Times Washington’s Birthday 150 years ago was kind of a humdrum day in the great metropolis, a day that “had the air of something that has missed fire. It was … Continue reading

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lest you forget

In January 1869 a National Convention of the Colored Men of America was held in Washington, D.C. On January 19th a delegation from the Convention called on President-elect Ulysses S. Grant to congratulate him for the victory and to remind … Continue reading

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happy new wheels

Based on its January 9, 1869 cover, it seems that Harper’s Weekly had pretty great expectations for the new year in general and president-elect Ulysses S. Grant in particular. It’s true that General Grant did successfully carry out the political … Continue reading

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conservative counterpoise

In an editorial on December 25, 1868 The New-York Times stressed that Christmas was a traditional, family time in a world of great technological change, especially the transportation revolution caused by steam power. The technological innovation led to social change: … Continue reading

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harbor fire

During The American Civil War Fort Lafayette in New York harbor was used to lock up political prisoners. 150 years ago today a fire burned a good deal of the fort – an estimated $100,000 worth. The December 19, 1868 … Continue reading

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holiday for the homes

In October 1868 President Andrew Johnson proclaimed a national day of Thanksgiving on November 26th, the last Thursday of the month. This continued a tradition begun five years earlier by Abraham Lincoln. In its November 28, 1868 issue Harper’s Weekly … Continue reading

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marching orders

On November 3, 1868 Republican candidate Ulysses S. Grant was elected President of the United States. He garnered about 300,000 more votes than his Democratic challenger Horatio Seymour. In the electoral college he won 214 votes compared to 80 for … Continue reading

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Sedgwick statue dedicated

According to Harper’s Weekly, 150 years ago today a statue of Union General John Sedgwick was dedicated at West Point. At least as of 2008 the monument was still standing. ________________________ John Sedgwick was killed at Spotsylvania on May 9, … Continue reading

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tsunami?

On October 13, 1868 voters in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana elected Republicans in state races by substantial margins. The Democrats were reportedly in such deep distress that they considered replacing Horatio Seymour as their nominee for the U.S. Presidency, possibly … Continue reading

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R.I.I.P.

I wished that I were the owner of every southern slave, that I might cast off the shackles from their limbs, and witness the rapture which would excite them in the first dance of their freedom. – Thaddeus Stevens, 1837 … Continue reading

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