Daily Archives: July 18, 2013

First formal African-American military unit defeated at Fort Wagner 150 years ago this hour (1863)

1860s, American Civil War


Video: 'Colonel Robert Gould Shaw: 54th Massachusetts Regiment'

(Saturday, July 18, 1863, 7:45-10:00 p.m. local time; during the Second Battle of Fort Wagner of the American Civil War) — The first formal African American military unit, the 54th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry, unsuccessfully assaulted Confederate-held Fort Wagner on Morris Island, South Carolina, today but their valiant fighting still proves the worth of African American soldiers during the war. Continue reading First formal African-American military unit defeated at Fort Wagner 150 years ago this hour (1863) →

Elvis Presley makes his first recording 60 years ago today (1953)

1950s, Elvis Presley, Popular Music 1950s


Video: 'Elvis Presley - My Happiness (Elvis' first recording)'

(Saturday, July 18, 1953) — Elvis Presley, 18, recorded “My Happiness” today as a gift for his mother at The Memphis Recording Service, home of the Sun label; it was his first recording.