“It was the Internet, it was the CNN of the day.”
That’s Harry L. Katz—editor (with Vincent Virga) of Civil War Sketch Book, a collection of battle sketches from the Civil War—explaining the importance of hand-drawn images back when cameras were unwieldy and unreliable. He’s talking to National Geographic’s Oliver Payne for their podcast Behind the Words.
Cool stuff right here.
(via thetinhouse)
Source: itunes.apple.com
On this day in 1789, George Washington delivered the first Presidential Inaugural Address.
George Washington’s first inauguration took place at Federal Hall in New York City, where the first Congress was assembled. Keenly aware of the momentousness of the occasion, Washington accepted the Presidency and spoke of his determination to make the American experiment a success. All eight pages of the speech delivered to Congress are in George Washington’s own clear and distinctive handwriting.
Here are images of the opening of George Washington’s first inaugural address, April 30, 1789; and a portrait of President Washington hanging in the Oval Office of the White House, 11/5/1946. ID #199469
On this day in history.
If you’re in New York, go visit the spot. And be sure to check out
Library of America’s George Washington, a one-volume collection that includes 440 letters, orders, addresses and other writings, including a journal that 16-year-old Washington kept. Available as a print edition on Copia.
Prefer to check out an eBook? Never fear. Check out
His Excellency: George Washington by Joseph J. Ellis, available in eBook from Copia.
(via the-sunny-side)
Source: archives.gov
Louisiana Purchase Treaty
In this transaction with France, signed on April 30, 1803, the United States purchased 828,000 square miles of land west of the Mississippi River for $15 million. For roughly 4 cents an acre, the United States doubled its size, expanding the nation westward.
On this day in history (it was a pretty busy day in history, actually!).
Be sure to check out Thomas Fleming’s The Louisiana Purchase, available in eBook from Copia.
Source: research.archives.gov
John Wilkes Booth, wanted for the assassination of President Abraham Lincoln, was found hiding in a barn near Bowling Green, Virginia, by a platoon of New York Cavalry and shot on April 26, 1865.
On this day in history.
Be sure to check out
American Brutus: John Wilkes Booth and the Lincoln Conspiracies available in eBook on Copia.
Assassination Vacation, not exclusively about Booth, but a fantastic journey through history with the brilliant Sarah Vowell. Available in eBook on Copia now.
Source: todaysdocument