The Battle of Antietam: a Philadelphia soldier’s experience
This past Monday, September 17, marked the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Antietam, the bloodiest single-day battle in American history. The 69th Regiment of Pennsylvania Volunteers, with which Philadelphia native William C. White served, participated in this harrowing conflict. Several letters that White wrote to his parents shortly after
A lengthy and active military career
I recently finished processing the Robert M. O'Reilly papers (MC 34) which document a good portion of O'Reilly's career as a surgeon for the U.S. Army. O'Reilly's appointment as surgeon general of the army, a position he held from 1902 until his retirement in 1909, was the last in a
Last Days of the Union
This month of April, 2011 marks the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War. The state of South Carolina seceded from the Union on December 20, 1860. In apparent response to this news, Reverend Joseph Cullen from St. Bridget's Parish recorded a brief yet profound statement in the church marriage
Daughters of Charity Nursed Wounded Civil War Soldiers at West Philadelphia hospital
Women's religious orders have served both Catholics and non-Catholics within the Philadelphia community since the establishment of the Diocese of Philadelphia two centuries ago. These women, who have and who continue to devote their lives to the betterment of society have played a pivotal role in social work, education and medicine. As we begin to commemorate the