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Junior Curators

Each week on the Junior Curators blog, we travel back in time to a different place in Tennessee history. Stories may be about a famous person, place or event from Tennessee’s past. They will include things like priceless artifacts, pictures, videos, and even some games. Be sure to better understand the story by answering the questions at the end of each post.

After learning the story, be sure to share what you've learned with your parents, family, or friends. Try making your own exhibit about it, shooting a movie, or writing a story about it. Let your creativity run wild!

Category: Civil War

3-16-21

Adelicia Acklen: The Lady of Belmont

by Jennifer Watts Throughout history, women have been restricted on what they can and cannot do. Some women were able to overcome those restrictions, control their own lives, and become successful.  Adelicia Hayes Franklin Acklen Cheatham was a Tennessee woman who did just that. She became one of the wealthiest women in the Antebellum south and the owner of Nashville’s Belmont Mansion. Portrait of Adelicia by Washington B. Copper in 1834, Tennessee State Museum Collection. A... Read More
Posted by Katie Yenna at 3-16-21
Civil War Women's History

2-2-21

A Tale of Two Forts

by Matthew Gailani Have you ever heard of the historical figure Ulysses S. Grant? He is one of the most famous people in American History. What was he famous for? By the time the Civil War ended, he was at the head of the entire United States Army, or US Army. He later became the country’s 18th President. But, Ulysses S. Grant wasn’t always famous. Portrait of Ulysses S. Grant, Tennessee State Museum Collection. When the Civil War began in 1861, Grant was not in charge of t... Read More
Posted by Katie Yenna at 2-2-21
Civil War

11-3-20

The Emancipation Proclamation in Tennessee

by Matthew Gailani Have you heard of the Emancipation Proclamation? On September 22, 1862, in the middle of the Civil War, President Abraham Lincoln said, “all persons held as slaves within any states…in rebellion against the United States, shall be…free.” This led to the Emancipation Proclamation being enacted a few months later, on January 1, 1863. This meant any enslaved person in a state fighting against the United States was now free. This was a very important ... Read More
Posted by Katie Yenna at 11-3-20
Civil War Reconstruction

9-29-20

Tennessee Women in the Civil War

by Jennifer Watts Tennessee women played a big part in the American Civil War. Even though they were not allowed to fight, they found other ways to serve. They worked in their homes and towns, clothed soldiers, and became nurses. Some even worked as smugglers and spies. Other Tennessee women broke the social rules and disguised themselves as men to serve as soldiers in the war. Back then, traditional women’s roles included jobs done in the home like cooking, cleaning, sewing, and taki... Read More
Posted by Katie Yenna at 9-29-20
Civil War Women's History

9-15-20

What Does a Soldier Eat?

by Grace Allen Do you get tired of eating the same thing over and over? I am sure you’ve had to eat leftovers that weren’t too exciting. During the Civil War, Union and Confederate Soldiers didn’t have a lot of options.  They had to make do with the food they were given, called rations. Food was not always easy to get because of the war. Most soldiers were just happy to get food, even if it was the same thing, again and again. The most common food given to soldiers wa... Read More
Posted by Katie Yenna at 9-15-20
Civil War

5-29-20

Civil War in Tennessee Quiz

by Matthew Gailani Hey Junior Curators! Have you ever heard of Abraham Lincoln? Harriet Tubman? What about the Battle of Gettysburg? It’s time to test your Civil War knowledge. The Civil War may have happened over 150 years ago, but it changed Tennessee and the United States forever. In fact, many places Tennesseans call home played a role during the Civil War. Learn about this and more by taking this Civil War in Tennessee quiz! Civil War in Tennessee Quiz   Matthew Gailani is... Read More
Posted by Katie Yenna at 5-29-20
Civil War

5-26-20

Under the Siege: The H.L. Hunley

  by Christopher Grisham You may hear about the use of submarines during World War I, but did you know submarines were used during the Civil War? The first submarine to sink an enemy ship was used by the Confederate Navy. A submarine is a ship designed to operate underwater. The North, or Union, had a bigger and more powerful Navy than the Confederates, or the South. They used it to blockade southern ports; this meant that important supplies could not reach the Confederacy. The Confed... Read More
Posted by Katie Yenna at 5-26-20
Civil War Innovations

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