Bob Ford's History, Mystery & Lore

10/06/2025

By: Bob Ford

10/06/2025

New Article on Substack: For Napoleon and Hi**er, Russia was “A Bridge Too Far”

Do Napoleon and Hi**er know what a scale is on a map?

Please tell me the draw in capturing Moscow for European warriors who had great success up to that point when they turned east.

The Empire has always been an uncontrollable magnet for headstrong warmongers to try and conquer. I guess it's an attempt to prove you were the baddest warlord to ever command an army ... or ego. The thought of doing what others couldn’t, defeat Russia.

Read more on Substack!

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To comment or join in supporting this 501(c)(3) organization, contact Bob at [email protected].

We are keeping history alive so you can pass it on! Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bobfordshistory

You can also check out our free video episodes at: https://www.youtube.com/

Articles and Podcasts are complementary to people wanting to preserve our history: Nodaway Valley Bank, Rupp Funeral Home, Eagle Communications, Mastio, and Anonymous Buffs.

By: Bob Ford

10/02/2025

10/02/2025

09/29/2025

By: Bob Ford

09/29/2025

New Article on Substack: All aboard! This nation is headin’ West

Missouri got smart. As the country argued where the national western terminus, or the jumping off point, of the proposed transcontinental railroad should be, the state made a move.

In 1847, the Missouri legislature guaranteed $3 million in bond money to build a rail line across northern Missouri, hoping to help the federal government decide. It would become the Hannibal-St. Joseph Railroad, making St. Joseph, Missouri, the farthest city in the west to be connected by rail.

The line was completed in February of 1859.

Read more on Substack!
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To comment or join in supporting this 501(c)(3) organization, contact Bob at [email protected].

We are keeping history alive so you can pass it on! Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bobfordshistory

You can also check out our free video episodes at: https://www.youtube.com/

Articles and Podcasts are complementary to people wanting to preserve our history: Nodaway Valley Bank, Rupp Funeral Home, Eagle Communications, Mastio, and Anonymous Buffs.

By: Bob Ford

09/25/2025

09/23/2025

By: Bob Ford

09/22/2025

New Article on Substack: What were they thinking: Great military blunders

Everybody has a bad day at the office once in a while, but if your job involves decisions that determine thousands of lives and you falter, history will make you infamous.

Most bad decisions in war are caused by individual egos, miscommunications or faulty strategies.

As with many of these columns, short explanations of conflicts are described to trigger your curiosity, prompting you to want to know more.

Read more on Substack!
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To comment or join in supporting this 501(c)(3) organization, contact Bob at [email protected].

We are keeping history alive so you can pass it on! Please consider supporting us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/bobfordshistory

You can also check out our free video episodes at: https://www.youtube.com/

Articles and Podcasts are complementary to people wanting to preserve our history: Nodaway Valley Bank, Rupp Funeral Home, Eagle Communications, Mastio, and Anonymous Buffs.

By: Bob Ford

09/19/2025