The Bowie knife is a large knife that was in prominent use throughout the 19th Century in the United States. Its design inspired many knives which would be used throughout the 20th Century and into the modern era. The knife takes its namesake from Jim Bowie and the Vidalia Sandbar Duel which was popularized byContinue reading “Iconic Weapons: Bowie Knife”
Tag Archives: History and Origins
What Is Bravery? – A Haiku Series
What is bravery? Does bravery make a man? Can boys be as brave? Duty calls us all Paying no heed to the hour It calls when it must It calls who it needs Bravery cares not for age Duty must be met The young and old go Into the fray of conflict To save whatContinue reading “What Is Bravery? – A Haiku Series”
Iconic Weapons: Gladius Hispaniensis
The gladius Hispaniensis, more commonly referred to as the “gladius” for short, is one of history’s most iconic sword designs. The ancient Romans are well-known for their innovations which perfected the technology of other cultures. The gladius – originally of Spanish design – is a perfect example of this. The Romans adopted the gladius andContinue reading “Iconic Weapons: Gladius Hispaniensis”
Heroes From History: Anthony Wayne
Anthony Wayne was a famous general in the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War who was later appointed commander in chief of the United States Army by President George Washington. He was born in Waynesboro, Pennsylvania on January 1, 1745. Perhaps Wayne’s most notable accomplishments were his victory at the Battle of Stony PointContinue reading “Heroes From History: Anthony Wayne”
Heroes From History: Johnny Clem
John Lincoln Clem – commonly known as “Johnny Clem” – was a veteran of the American Civil War and one of the youngest participants of the conflict to engage in combat. He was originally born John Joseph Klem on August 13, 1851, but would later change his name and take on several nicknames. The AmericanContinue reading “Heroes From History: Johnny Clem”
Heroes From History: William Eaton
William Eaton was a U.S. Army officer who led an expedition of U.S. Marines and hired mercenaries to Derna, Tripoli during the First Barbary War in 1805. He was the first American to lead forces into battle on foreign soil and raise the American Flag in victory over the enemies of the United States. WilliamContinue reading “Heroes From History: William Eaton”
Iconic Weapons: The Messer
The “messer,” meaning “long knife” in German, is a weapon which was prominent in Germanic territories during the Renaissance era. It was called this for its hilt, which was constructed with a full tang and lacked a pommel, making it akin to a very large knife. The weapon was used throughout the 15th and 16thContinue reading “Iconic Weapons: The Messer”
Iconic Weapons: Falchion
The falchion is a one-handed, single-edged sword of European design which saw widespread use in the 13th and 14th centuries. It was noted to have seen service as late as the 16th century, but then began to fall out of use. The blade of the falchion is similar in design to the Persian scimitar andContinue reading “Iconic Weapons: Falchion”
He Has Not Yet Begun to Fight
John Paul Jones is often considered one of the Fathers of the United States Navy. He was a privateer who joined the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War. However, since he worked with mercenaries, pirates, and other soldiers of fortune under his command, he found himself betrayed by his own crew on more thanContinue reading “He Has Not Yet Begun to Fight”
Historic Events: John Paul Jones’ Whiteraven Raid
On this day, 244 years ago on April 10, 1778, John Paul Jones set sail aboard the USS Ranger from Brest, France on mission to harass British ships near the mainland. John Paul Jones was commissioned as a first lieutenant with the Continental Navy on December 7, 1775. His crew on the USS Ranger, however,Continue reading “Historic Events: John Paul Jones’ Whiteraven Raid”
The Pensive Warrior 