Tag: Andrew Johnson

History Lessons

Nebraska state flag might change

Two women admire the Nebraska flag in 1925. (nebraskahistory.org)

A century and a half ago, Nebraska became the 37th member of the Union. And then it took a long time for the state to get its own flag to wave. The Cornhusker State almost didn’t join the U.S. at all. The roadblock was Andrew Johnson, who became president after Abraham Lincoln’s assassination. In 1867,… continue

History Lessons

Wrapped in a flag

The expression “he wrapped himself in the flag” has a negative connotation that implies someone is using patriotism to disguise baser motives. In the 19th century, however, some people – most of them military figures — were literally wrapped in flags as part of their funeral ceremonies. In 1840, for instance, the last request of… continue