9posts
A single poem written by an enslaved African girl moved George Washington, father of American independence. But even after gaining her freedom, a harsh new reality awaited her.
May 7, 2026
May 1862, 3 a.m. — enslaved Robert Smalls put on the captain's hat, blew the signal whistle, and sailed a Confederate warship past two forts to freedom.
Apr 25, 2026
1857. The Supreme Court ruled 7-2: Black Americans were not citizens and had no right to sue. Congress had never had the power to restrict slavery. The last door to compromise closed.
Apr 25, 2026
January 1, 1863. Lincoln picked up the pen. His hand was shaking. 'Today of all days, it must not tremble.' Then he signed.
Apr 24, 2026
In 1858, an obscure lawyer named Lincoln challenged incumbent Senator Douglas. Seven public debates. This argument over slavery changed the direction of America.
Apr 21, 2026
One law passed Congress. Pro-slavery and anti-slavery settlers rushed into Kansas with guns. The Civil War didn't start in 1861. It started in 1854.
Apr 21, 2026
In 1859, John Brown led 21 men to seize a federal armory. He was captured in 36 hours. But those 36 hours helped bring on the Civil War.
Apr 20, 2026
A slave named Dred Scott sued for his freedom. The Supreme Court's answer didn't just deny him — it pushed the nation toward war.
Apr 19, 2026
In 1852, Harriet Beecher Stowe's novel made the North weep and the South rage. Lincoln called her 'the little woman who made this great war.'
Apr 19, 2026