Historic Footnotes Archives

A Future President, a Future Senator, and a Duel that Echoes through History

February 13, 2024February 19, 2023 by Vince DiLoreto

Historic Footnotes Podcast - Obscure and often forgotten pieces of history

If I told you two politicians were so infuriated with one another that one would challenge the other to a duel, you would be forgiven for thinking it is a recent news story. Or, if you realized that no one has publicly challenged anyone to a duel for over 200 years, you might be thinking of Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr. In either case, you’d be mistaken. I’m talking about President Abraham Lincoln and Senator James Shields. Of course, this was before either were elected to those offices.

The Christmas Truce

February 23, 2024December 22, 2022 by Vince DiLoreto

A Christmas Miracle? Maybe. It was the unexpected temporary truce between England and Germany during World War I.

Driving Nevada’s Extraterrestrial Highway

February 23, 2024October 10, 2022 by Angela DiLoreto

Nevada's Extraterrestrial Highway Sign with stickers

On a dark dusty highway, well actually a state route, possibly the most eclectic road trip waits for you. Nevada’s state route 375, more commonly known by its nickname, the Extraterrestrial Highway is 98 miles of oddities and curiosities. Ready for an out-of-this-world adventure?

The Texas Town Saved by a Beer Joint! Gruene Hall: Texas’ Oldest Concert Venue

February 23, 2024September 16, 2022 by Vince DiLoreto

Gruene Hall! Famous for all the right reasons. The town’s meeting place, high school graduations, and Saengerfests. You don’t know what a Saengerfest is? Me neither, but I found out it’s a German singing festival. And what it’s most known for, is a concert venue for some of Country music’s biggest stars. And where some other stars got their start.

Exploring Thomas Jefferson’s Homes: A Journey Through American History

February 23, 2024August 29, 2022 by Vince DiLoreto

If you look around Richmond, Virginia, or Washington, D.C. you will see the influence of Thomas Jefferson. You see it in the symmetry of the buildings. You see it in the columns. And you see it in much of early US architecture. Jefferson was a passionate student of architecture from the time he purchased his first book on the subject. Over the course of his lifetime, he amassed one of the largest libraries in America. Architecturally, he is probably best remembered for his two homes. Monticello, in Albemarle County, Virginia. And Poplar Forest, in Bedford County, Virginia.

Lee Surrenders to Grant! What Happened the Day our Country was Reunited

February 23, 2024August 12, 2022 by Vince DiLoreto

In the early morning of April 9th, 1865, Confederate General Robert E. Lee clings to the belief the war was not over. Those under Lee’s command lined up for battle west of the village of Appomattox Court House. His hope is there’s only a thin line of Union cavalry stopping him from finding supplies and rations. Then, turning south, he plans to march to North Carolina to continue the fight. This plan, and the Southern war effort, are thwarted by Grant and his Army.