Back to Show
History Detectives
First Cannon Fire of Civil War Secession
A Charleston, SC antique dealer discovered what appear to be metal filings along with a note that suggests they were from a Charleston cannon that fired the shot that began the Civil War. Could these shavings come from the cannon that sounded the first volley in the fight for southern secession? Follow Elyse Luray to Ft. Sumter as she tries to match metal shavings to the right Civil War cannon.
Sign up now for inspiring and thought-provoking media delivered straight to your inbox.

55:10
A medal of high honor, pivotal women's voting rights campaign, and unsung cartoon heroes.

55:10
A family diary of the Revolution, a 20s media fitness guru, and is Warhol art on the moon?

55:10
A first in White House photography, a doll used to smuggle drugs, an early map of Florida.

56:10
An angry poster from the violent 60s, reuniting a broken statue, and a heroine's basket.

55:10
An internment camp cane, the spyglass that saw revolution and a rare gold rush relic.

55:10
A WWII prototype drone, a war memento for Teddy Roosevelt and a letter from Clara Barton.

55:10
A story of two Civil War letters, mystery aviation autographs & a 1950s black comic book.

55:10
A spear from John Brown's raid, America's Siberian war and Ronald McDonald's first suit.

55:10
Decoding a propaganda leaflet, the women behind Tiffany and a father's forgotten tribute.

55:09
A WWII hero in Hawaii, the first shot of secession, and a stuntman who changed Hollywood.

55:10
WB Cartoons; Galvez Papers; Mussolini's Dagger

55:10
Chicago Clock; Universal Friends; War Dogs