Sybil Luddington: Revolutionary Heroine – By S. McBride

   The United States of America has been blessed these past few centuries to have men and women and, in some cases, children who have stood up for our rights, our independence and our humanity despite the personal sacrifices to be made and dangers to be faced.  On November 11 each year we pause to honor and celebrate these selfless veterans who have served us in many wars, conflicts, natural disasters and periods of peace since our beginning in the 18th century.

Read the entire article in the Nov. 13 issue of the Express

The Red River Campaign April 1864 – by Sandy McBride

Although Ulysses S. Grant’s army had won a crucial victory at Vicksburg in July of 1863, taking control of trade and travel on the Mississippi River for the Union, the Confederacy had maintained control of the Trans-Mississippi region to the west of the river.  They were able to continue trade through Texas and Mexico, selling cotton to the nations of Europe in exchange for guns, thereby keeping their efforts to gain their independence going.

Grant had been given control of all the Union armies in March, 1864, and he had a plan to end the War Between the States by November.  He would concentrate the bulk of Union forces in the east to go after Robert E. Lee in Virginia and Joseph E. Johnston in Georgia.  He would push them back and force them to give up the fight.

Read the entire article in the April 24th issue of the Express