Ulysses S. Grant's early life was marked by his father's influence, who secured him an appointment at West Point despite his initial reluctance. Grant developed a love for horses and eventually graduated in a middling position. He met his future wife, Julia, and was shipped out to the Mexican-American War, where he learned valuable lessons from General Zachary Taylor. Grant struggled with depression and drinking, but eventually emancipated a slave and found his calling as a military leader during the Civil War. He led the 21st Illinois Regiment and eventually became a general, known for his calm and calculated demeanor. Grant's humility and respect for his former enemies were evident at Appomattox, where he allowed them to keep their guns and horses. His life was a remarkable turnaround from selling wood on a street corner to leading the US Army and becoming a US President. [... more]

Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas engaged in a series of debates in 1858 that would shape the course of American history. The debates centered on the issue of slavery and the principles of democracy, with Lincoln arguing that slavery was morally wrong and Douglas advocating for popular sovereignty. The debates made Lincoln a national figure and set him on the path to the presidency, while also defining the American experiment as the pursuit of natural rights embodied in the Declaration of Independence. [... more]

The story of Samson, a biblical anti-hero, has served as a source of inspiration to those willing to risk life and limb in the struggle for social equality, but his legacy has also been associated with violence and destruction, and has been put aside by figures like Martin Luther King Jr. in favor of a more peaceful message drawn from the Exodus story. [... more]

Robert E. Lee, a complex and beloved general, made a decision that would alter the course of his life and history. He rejected command of the Union Army and resigned from the military, citing his inability to raise his sword against his native state of Virginia. However, Lee's decision was not as straightforward as it seemed, and he was motivated by a desire to preserve his family's property and protect his relatives in Virginia. Lee's military strategy was to plunge the Army of Virginia deep into the North to sow chaos and undermine the Union's will to fight. He crossed the Potomac and marched his army northwards, but his plan was foiled by the Federal Army's determination and tenacity. The Battle of Gettysburg was a pivotal moment in the Civil War, and Lee's defeat marked a turning point in the conflict. Despite his military setbacks, Lee remained a respected and admired leader, and his legacy continues to be debated and studied by historians today. [... more]

Jackie Robinson's illustrious professional baseball career began in Kansas City in 1945, where he fell in love with jazz and barbecue. His breaking of Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947 marked the beginning of the Civil Rights Movement in America, paving the way for future generations of athletes and social change. [... more]

Robert Smalls, a former slave, stole a Confederate warship, delivered it to the Union, and became a hero in the process. He went on to serve in the Union Navy, fight for black soldiers' rights, and become a prominent politician in South Carolina. [... more]

The Gettysburg Address, delivered by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863, is a pivotal speech in American history. Lincoln's address redefined the Civil War as a struggle for human equality, and its impact is still felt today. The speech's significance lies in its assertion that the Declaration of Independence, not the Constitution, was the true expression of the Founding Fathers' intentions. Lincoln's historic address has become a symbol of reconciliation and reunion between North and South, and its message continues to inspire Americans to this day. [... more]

A man shares his mother's inspiring story of overcoming adversity and achieving success despite being a poor, biracial woman in a predominantly black community. She worked multiple jobs, raised three children on her own, and eventually became a licensed clinical social worker and earned a master's degree, embodying the American dream of advancing without arbitrary barriers. [... more]

A. C. Richards, the Chief of Police for Washington, D.C. in 1865, witnessed the assassination of Abraham Lincoln at Ford's Theater on Good Friday, April 14th. He recounts the events of that evening, including the president's arrival, the play, and the shooting. The investigation that followed revealed a larger conspiracy, and John Wilkes Booth was eventually tracked down and killed. The story is a tragic reminder of the impact of violence and the importance of preserving American history. [... more]

The 1864 Battle of Monocacy, also known as the battle to save Washington, D.C., was a pivotal event in American history. Union General Lou Wallace, with a small force of mostly inexperienced troops, held off Confederate General Jubal Early's army, giving Grant time to send reinforcements to the capital. The battle resulted in significant casualties on both sides, but ultimately, the Confederates were repelled, and Washington, D.C. was saved. This event had a profound impact on the 1864 presidential election, as Lincoln's victory was largely due to the Union's success in defending the capital. [... more]

Pastor Ernie Sanders discusses the importance of standing up against evil and promoting the truth, using Ephesians chapter 2 as a reference. He also talks about the dangers of homosexuality and abortion, and criticizes Kamala Harris and Planned Parenthood for their involvement in fetal trafficking and their attack on First Amendment civil liberties. [... more]

The host discusses various topics, including Iran's ongoing conflict, Trump's foreign policy, the concept of multipolarity, and a civil war between chimpanzee factions in Africa. The host also talks about a potential cage fight between Hunter Biden and one of Trump's sons, and shares her personal experience with a chimpanzee that attacked her as a child. [... more]

President Abraham Lincoln's final days were marked by a sense of happiness and renewal, but his life was cut short by the assassination at Ford's Theater by John Wilkes Booth. Lincoln's legacy as the great emancipator is remembered and celebrated in American history. [... more]

Richard Gatling, a dentist and inventor, created the Gatling gun, a repeating rifle battery designed to discourage large-scale battles and show the folly of war. The gun was initially met with skepticism but saw limited use during the American Civil War and later adoption in the US Army. Despite its potential, the Gatling gun was eventually outpaced by newer inventions and its legacy is often overshadowed by its depiction in movies and mythology. [... more]

The Brooklyn Bridge, a marvel of the industrial age, was opened to the public on May 24th, 1883, and represented the growth and might of the United States and its largest city. The bridge's construction was marked by significant challenges, including the death of its chief engineer, John Augustus Roebling, and the contraction of decompression sickness by many workers. His wife, Emily, played a crucial role in the project's completion, becoming the de facto chief engineer and navigating the political waters of contracts in the Board of Trustees. The bridge has become a symbol of the city, with over 100,000 cars, 4,000 cyclists, and 10,000 pedestrians crossing it daily. [... more]

In 1838, two U.S. congressmen, Representative Jonathan Silly of Maine and Representative William Graves of Kentucky, engaged in a high-profile duel at the Bladensburg dueling grounds, using rifles, which was a rare and unusual choice for a duel. The duel ended with Silly being struck in the thigh and succumbing to his injuries. This event highlights the complex history of dueling in America and the tensions leading up to the Civil War. [... more]

A remarkable story from American history tells of a group of prisoners at Andersonville, Georgia, who prayed for water during a severe drought. Their prayers were answered when a spring burst forth, providing a lifesaving source of water. [... more]

The story of George Wallace, a segregationist Alabama Governor, and his redemption story, told through his relationship with Shirley Chisholm, a trailblazing African American Congresswoman, who visited him in the hospital after he was shot and paralyzed, and helped him to change his ways and become a champion for civil rights. [... more]

Ulysses S. Grant, the former president and Civil War hero, embarked on a final mission to save his family from destitution after losing his life's savings in a pyramid scheme. With the help of Mark Twain, Grant penned a literary masterpiece, his autobiography, which became a commercial and literary success, securing his family's financial future. [... more]

God's providential hand can flip the script in any situation, connecting seemingly unrelated events to bring about a miraculous happy ending. Dr. Tony Evans shares the story of Esther, where God's plan unfolds through a series of divine coincidences, ultimately leading to the salvation of the Jewish people. He emphasizes the importance of faith, perspective, and living under the providential hand of God, even in the face of racism and adversity. [... more]

Thomas Jefferson's ownership of slaves in a country built on Christian principles raises questions about the gulf between ideals and practices. His famous line in the Declaration of Independence, 'all men are created equal,' was an aspiration, but not yet a reality on the ground. Jefferson's views on slavery reflect the tension between ideational and sensei cultures, and his inability to reconcile his ideals with the practical concerns of his time. [... more]

A Christian's work is not just about getting a paycheck, but about serving God and living out their faith in their daily tasks, no matter how small they may seem. By being honest, loyal, and faithful, Christians can bring glory to God and point others to Him. [... more]

Abraham Lincoln's complicated faith life is explored by historian Richard Corradine, who reveals that Lincoln was deeply unimpressed with pro-slavery theology and instead believed in the fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. Lincoln's views on faith evolved over time, and he turned to the Bible for comfort during the Civil War. His second inaugural address is a remarkable plea for national unity and forgiveness, and it reflects his deep understanding of the complexities of American history and the role of religion in shaping the nation's identity. [... more]

Mary Edwards Walker was a pioneering woman who defied convention and became the only female recipient of the Medal of Honor for her bravery as a surgeon during the Civil War. She was a fierce advocate for women's rights, abolition, and dress reform, and her legacy continues to inspire today. [... more]

Frank Scatoro's story about his journey to revive and restore Grant's tomb in New York City, a historic site that had fallen into disrepair due to bureaucratic neglect and lack of funding. Scatoro, a young man with a passion for American history, worked tirelessly to expose the site's condition and push for change, eventually leading to a bipartisan coalition of lawmakers who secured increased funding for the tomb's restoration. [... more]

In 1866, a group of Irish American Civil War veterans, united under the Fenian Brotherhood, embarked on a bold mission to invade Canada and hold it hostage in exchange for Ireland's independence. Led by John O'Neill, the ragtag army of 800 men crossed the Niagara River and planted the Irish flag on British soil, sparking a series of battles and raids that would become a pivotal moment in Canadian history. [... more]

Dr. Olivia Hooker became the first African American woman to join the U.S. Coast Guard in 1945, paving the way for future generations. Her remarkable story of perseverance and determination serves as an inspiration to all, highlighting the importance of breaking down barriers and pushing for equality. [... more]

Biblical stories of overcoming, faith, and God's plan are shared through the lens of 11 heroes, including Gideon, Moses, Peter, Jonah, Elijah, and Jesus Christ, highlighting the importance of hope, encouragement, and spiritual growth in the face of adversity. [... more]

The SS Georgiana, a civilian ship built in Scotland, was intended to smuggle goods into the Confederate port of Charleston during the American Civil War. However, it was spotted by a Union lookout ship and subsequently destroyed by both Union and Confederate forces, resulting in the loss of millions of buttons and pins. [... more]

Chip Ingram teaches about the importance of total commitment to God, explaining that it's not just an emotional moment, but a wise decision to surrender all to Him. He uses the parable of the treasure in the field to illustrate the idea that God wants us to give Him our all, and that this is the channel through which His best blessings flow. [... more]

Chip Ingram explores the concept of total commitment and surrender, revealing that it's the channel through which God's best and biggest blessings flow. He shares stories and biblical principles to help listeners understand the importance of trusting God and letting go of 'plastic pearls' in favor of true spiritual treasures. [... more]

To give God what He wants the most, one must make a decision to surrender all to Him, letting go of idols and distractions, and trusting in His goodness and plan for their life. This involves a process of spiritual growth, where one learns to offer their body as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God, and to trust in His mercy and love. [... more]

Dave Eubank, a soldier missionary, shares his faith story of serving in the Free Burma Rangers, delivering aid in combat zones, and spreading the message of Jesus' love and forgiveness to people in need. [... more]

Kurt Flood, a three-time all-star baseball player, challenged the reserve clause in his contract, taking it to the Supreme Court and paving the way for free agency in professional baseball. His story is a testament to the power of individual rights and the importance of fair labor practices in American society. [... more]

Thomas Bennett, a former first lieutenant in an African American regiment during the Civil War, played a crucial role in building the Winchester company into what it is today. He was a successful businessman and gun designer, and his relationship with John Moses Browning, another famous gun designer, was complex and ultimately led to a falling out. Bennett's legacy is a testament to his perseverance and dedication to his work, even as the company faced challenges and ultimately fell into receivership. [... more]

Riley King, later known as B.B. King, was born in the Mississippi Delta and rose to fame as a blues musician, known for his unique guitar sound and voice. Despite facing racial segregation and slights, King persevered and became a star, breaking through to white audiences in the 1960s and influencing generations of musicians, including Eric Clapton and Jimmy Page. [... more]

Living in uncertain times, Pastor Ernie Sanders emphasizes the importance of trusting in the Lord and leaning not unto thine own understanding. He discusses the current global situation, including the threat of war with Iran and North Korea, and the presence of jihadist sleeper cells in the United States. The pastor also highlights the need for revival in the country and encourages listeners to seek the Lord and His guidance. [... more]

Herman Melville's life reads like his books, full of adventure, color, and penetrating genius. He's now considered America's Shakespeare, but his high esteem today is far from the reality he experienced during his lifetime. Melville's experiences in the Marquesas Islands marked him for the rest of his life as a man who had lived among the cannibals, and they also provided material for his first book, Taipei. He was rescued by an Australian whaling ship and signed on as a seaman, earning his keep working odd jobs and eventually enlisting in the U.S. Navy. Melville's 14 months on board would become the basis for his fifth book, White Jacket. He returned to New York and to his distinguished family, but his education never ceased, and he devoured every book he could get his hands on. Melville's experiences and writings would go on to shape American literature, and he would become a master of fiction, but his reputation fell into the dumpster during his lifetime, and he died almost anonymously. [... more]

A family's Civil War story unfolds as they share tales of bravery and loss, including the tragic death of Lieutenant Colin Marshall on Independence Day in 1863, and the sacrifices made by his brother, James Redfield, and other relatives who fought for the Union. [... more]

Robert E. Lee, the Confederacy's most powerful general, was born in 1807 at Stratford Hall on the northern neck of Virginia. He attended West Point, graduating second in his class, and spent his professional life in the Army's Corps of Engineers, specializing in fortification construction. Lee's frustration with slow promotion led him to accept a commission as Lieutenant Colonel of the 2nd Cavalry in Texas, where he chased Comanches and outlaws. In 1861, he was recalled to Washington to help write Army regulations, but ultimately refused President Lincoln's invitation to take command of federal forces and instead joined the Confederate Army, becoming a general and leading the Peninsula Campaign, Second Bull Run, and other pivotal battles. [... more]