Tip of the Spear

I just published “Engineers at War,” in Tip of the Spear: US Army Small-Unit Action in Iraq, 2004-2007, Jon T. Hoffman, Gen. Ed. (Washington: US Army Center of Military History, 2009).  It is about Fallujah, Nov. 2004.

Legendary Lost Persian Army Found in Sahara

A pair of Italian archaeologists have uncovered bronze weapons, a silver bracelet, an earring and hundreds of human bones in the vast desolate wilderness of the Sahara desert. Twin brothers Angelo and Alfredo Castiglioni are hopeful that they’ve finally found a lost army…

$500,000 IN NEW FUNDS FOR STAR-SPANGLED BANNER NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL

SENATOR CARDIN HAILS $500,000 IN NEW FUNDS FOR STAR-SPANGLED BANNER NATIONAL HISTORIC TRAIL

 

Contact: Susan Sullam: 202-224-4524
Friday, October 30, 2009 

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD) today joined Congressmen Elijah Cummings (MD-7), C.A Dutch Ruppersberger (MD-2) and John Sarbanes (MD-3) in praising final congressional passage of $500,000 in funding for the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail.  The funding was included in the Interior-Environment Conference Report, which also includes a Continuing Resolution to fund much of the federal government through December 18.  The bill now goes to the President for his signature.

 

The National Historic Trail system commemorates major routes of historic travel and events that have shaped American history. The bill creating the Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail was signed into law in 2008 and comes in time for the upcoming bicentennial celebration of the War of 1812.  The $500,000 appropriation will allow for a Comprehensive Management Plan in order to plan for the upcoming bicentennial celebration, which culminated at the Battle of Baltimore and the celebrated role of the Star-Spangled Banner flying over Fort McHenry.

 

“The Star-Spangled Banner National Historic Trail is part of Maryland’s rich heritage and culture,” said Senator Cardin.  “As the bicentennial of the War of 1812 approaches, the State of Maryland needs to be prepared so that we can ensure all Americans will have the opportunity to learn and study the history of what is often referred to as the ‘Second American Revolution.’”

 

“The history of the Baltimore area is historically linked to the War of 1812, the battles that were fought here, and our noble National Anthem which emerged from the fight,” said Congressman Cummings. “I am glad that our history will be kept alive by improving this wonderful trail, so that our children will have the opportunity to experience the twin wonders of Maryland’s natural beauty and its history.” 

 

The Star-Spangled Banner Trail is a living memorial to those who gave their lives to protect our young nation.  The trail is a wonderful way to inspire people of all ages to learn more about Maryland’s rich history,” said Congressman Ruppersberger, a member of the Appropriations Committee.

 

“As the bicentennial of the War of 1812 approaches, this funding will help make the Star Spangled Banner Trail a reality and educate generations to come about the important role Marylanders played in protecting this nation,” said Congressman Sarbanes. “Many refer to the War of 1812 as the ‘Second War of Independence.’ Events in Maryland, most notably the heroic defense of Fort McHenry, helped prove that democracy could hold together through the trials of war and set the stage for the spread of democracy around the world.”

 

The Trail begins with the June 1814 battle between the British Navy and the American Chesapeake Flotilla in St. Leonard’s Creek in Calvert County, follows the British landing at Benedict on the Patuxent River, the Battle of Bladensburg, and then moves on to the British march into Washington, D.C., which was sacked and burned. From Washington, it follows the British campaign to the Battle of North Point and on to Baltimore, ending at Fort McHenry, site of the defeat of the British and where Francis Scott Key composed The Star-Spangled Banner, our National Anthem.

George Washington

Scholarly contributions are needed for A Companion to George Washington, part of the highly regarded Blackwell Companions to American History, to be published in 2011. This volume, edited by Professor Edward G. Lengel of the University of Virginia, will contain 35 scholarly essays on various aspects of Washington’s life and career. Each essay will be 7-8,000 words in length, and include full bibliography and citations.A superb team of scholars has already been assembled for 29 of the essays, but contributors are still needed for the following topics:1. The origins of Washington’s military career, incorporating personal elements and his reading of the masters of military art, and evaluating how this shaped his conception of warfare. 2. The Battle of Monmouth: Washington in the Monmouth Campaign of the summer of 1778. 3. Foreign Policy in the Presidential Era: Washington’s vision of foreign policy, particularly with respect to relations with Europe during the wars of the French Revolution. 4. Retirement: Washington’s retirement from the presidency and subsequent involvement—some might say meddling—in the Adams administration during the Quasi-War with France in 1798-99. 5. Revolution and Peace: a discussion of his political views and vision for the new nation at the end of the Revolutionary War. 6. Death and Mourning: How he died, and how America mourned his passing. Contributors will receive $300 worth of books from the Blackwell catalog. Submissions are due by September 30, 2010. Submit proposals, including interest and qualifications, to Dr. Lengel by email or standard mail at the address below.

Edward G. Lengel Professor and Senior Editor The Papers of George Washington 504 Alderman Library P.O. Box 400117 Charlottesville, VA 22904-4117 Email: egl2r@virginia.edu