Shelly Liebler's Chasing History

06/12/2026

The grave of John C. Calhoun, Saint Phillips, Episcopal Church, Charleston, South Carolina. I took this picture in 2014 when Calhoun was just that vice president who didn’t get along with Andrew Jackson. But 12 years later, I remember him as John Tyler’s last secretary of state, the one who messed up the Texas deal that had been put together by Abel Upshur before his untimely death in the explosion on the USS Princeton. There’s a bust of him in Sherwood Forest, and at one time a full length portrait of him hung in the dining room there. I have no idea why John Tyler would have John C Calhoun hanging in the dining room, other than, it was the portrait they put up when political guests came to call.

06/01/2026

Layes and layers of CW History in May and June! Here's the 1864 Battle at Cold Harbor.

For Cold Harbor 162 here’s an American Battlefield Trust map snippet showing the main fighting on June 3, 1864–just the best-known part of the brutal two-week battle. Upon looking at the map, do any particular regiments or brigades jump out at you? Link to photos, maps, articles, and more in the first comment 

05/31/2026

Seven Pines Anniversary episode of Remember the Harris Brigade and the 12th Mississippi. Not ideal video location, but in the vicinity of the battlefield.

05/25/2026

Veterans Memorials across VA, WI, MI and the West. May we never forget.

05/25/2026

America remembers.

05/24/2026

Memorial Day memories at some of Virginia's National Cemeteries.

05/24/2026

Never forget. Photo selection from Memorial Day Weekend visits I've made over the years.

05/06/2026

I went on a little road trip a few weeks ago to see this beautiful Confederate Signal Flag captured by the troops stationed at Wilson's Landing on this day - May 6, 1864.

05/05/2026

It’s the anniversary of the battle of Williamsburg. Just a short video on where the Harris brigade was during the battle.

04/30/2026

Tyler Thursday - Sherwood Forest has installed the bust of President John Tyler on the grounds. Tyler sits above his chosen gravesite. In his will, Tyler states that he wants to be buried at Sherwood Forest, but the state of Virginia promises Julia Gardner Tyler a spot in Hollywood cemetery, a full Confederate funeral and $2000 for a headstone.

The bust was a donation from Brightpoint Community College, previously John Tyler Community College. Tyler‘s image had welcomed all to their campus before a name change in 2021.