The election of Abraham Lincoln as the sixteenth president of the United States prompted states throughout the south to announce their desire to leave. Trying to maintain federal authority where it could, Lincoln entered office hoping to restock Fort Sumter, set in the bay of the Charleston Harbor. The first battle of the Civil War, Fort Sumter ignited what had been building for months. Join me this week as I dive into the battle of Fort Sumter. What happened? And why was Fort Sumter so important?

Joining me this week is Professor of Law and History, Dr. Dylan Penningroth. He recently wrote a book, Before the Movement, which traces how Black Americans used the legal system throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to practice their civil rights. To learn more about Dr. Penningroth and his scholarship, please head over to the website, www.civicsandcoffee.com

Happy Holidays!I could think of no better time to dive into the history of one of the most beloved entertainers in America. Longtime listener and friend Shaydra requested I cover Dolly early in my podcast journey. That request was renewed after Parton's recent performance during the halftime show between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders. A signer, actress, songwriter, and philanthropist, Dolly Parton has been breaking the mold for over five decades. Join me this week as I dive into the life and legacy of the one and only: Dolly Parton!

One of the most consequential elections in United States history, the election of 1860 was filled with drama. Third party candidates; a political party caving in on itself; concerns over what the nascent Republican Party would do if they won the White House.Join me this week as I dive into the election of 1860. How did Lincoln win the vote? And what does it have to do with the Civil War?

The sixteenth president of the United States, Abraham Lincoln is consistently ranked as one of the best presidents by historians. A man who oversaw the fracturing of the nation, Abraham Lincoln lived quite a life before ever stepping foot inside the White House. So much so that his life must be told over a number of episodes. Join me this week as I dive into Lincoln's early history. How did he get into law? Who was his first fiancé? Turn in to learn this and more. 

Often classified as a dress rehearsal for the Civil War, the raid on Harpers Ferry was a watershed moment in American History. Fully believing his purpose in life was to end slavery, John Brown put together an ambitious, and some would argue unattainable, plan to initiate a war pitting slaveholders against the men and women they held in bondage. While Brown's plan failed, the implications ricocheted throughout the country, further dividing the nation. Tune in this week to find out what happened and why it was such a pivotal moment in history. 

As a group of settlers eagerly headed west in the throes of Manifest Destiny, they were being watched by a group who were convinced they posed a grave threat. Known as the Mountain Meadows Massacre, the murder of over one hundred settlers led to the excommunication of members of the Mormon Church and remained shrouded in mystery for generations. So what exactly happened? Tune in to find out. 

Happy Thanksgiving week everyone! I am here with a BONUS episode to help you make it through your travel week. Last year, a group of us podcasters got together to chat history, podcasting, and everything in between. We had such a good time that we decided to do it again this year! Come learn all about Kenny from Abridged Presidential Histories, Howard from Plodding Through the Presidents, Jerry from the Presidencies of the United States, and me! Your local favorite podcast host. And be sure to check out the website to learn more about these fabulous men and their amazing shows! 

One of the most contentious Supreme Court decisions in United States history, Scott v. Sanford effectively robbed Black Americans of recognition as citizens. So just who was Dred Scott? And how did his court case impact the millions of Black Americans living in the country at the time? Tune in and find out. For source material, transcripts, and ways you can support the show, please visit the website at www.civicsandcoffee.com

A president who consistently ranks toward the bottom of the list, James Buchanan made several missteps during his tenure that furthered the country toward war. How is that a man who spent his entire adult life striving for the highest political office could fail so tremendously?Tune in this week to find out. For transcripts, source material, and ways you can support the show, please visit the website at www.civicsandcoffee.com