Margaret

Finding Napoleon in Washington, DC

National Mall - Smithsonian Castle

On this, the three-year anniversary of this website, I decided to do a post about Finding Napoleon in my own hometown. Thankfully, last weekend, we had a break in the nasty winter weather. I headed downtown to “our nation’s front lawn,” the National Mall, to catch a few sightings of Napoleon Bonaparte. Of course, the …

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Family Legends about Napoleon

The most frequent communication I get from readers of this blog goes something like this: “I grew up being told that my great-great-great-(grandfather/uncle, etc) was a (close friend/servant/doctor/personal guard) of Napoleon. Have you come across our family name in your research?” I’m always happy to respond. Sometimes I can point the questioner to a website …

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How tall (short) was Napoleon Bonaparte?

BBC Chart- height_world_leaders

Recently, a friend of mine said, “The one thing we all know about Napoleon Bonaparte is that he was short.” Thus two-hundred-year-old British propaganda still overrules established fact. The truth? Napoleon Bonaparte was between 168 and 170 centimeters, or 5’6” – 5’7” in height. While that’s not imposing—all but five US presidents have been taller—it …

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Dove Named After Napoleon Bonaparte’s Niece

Joseph's daughters, painted by Jacques Louis David

Charles Lucien Bonaparte, a prominent ornithologist, was married to his cousin, Zénaïde, Joseph Bonaparte’s daughter. Charles named the dove the Zenaida.

Finding Napoleon in Alaska? Yes!

Bonaparte's Gull

As my friend and noted Napoleonic scholar, J. David Markham, likes to say, “Napoleon Bonaparte is everywhere.” You are so right, David! Sure enough, while I was vacationing in Alaska, I came across this species of seagull, commonly called “Bonaparte’s Gull.” It’s not, however, named after Napoleon.  It’s named after his nephew, Charles. Charles Lucien …

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Finding Napoleon in Alaska?

Mendenhall Glacier, Juneau, Alaska

Finding Napoleon Bonaparte in Alaska? Unlikely. Nonetheless that’s where I am. I’ll be back thinking about Napoleon again sometime late next week.