History Delights: Tracks the Union Pacific Big Boy at Carroll Iowa

 

THE UNBELIEVABLE UNION PACIFIC 

STEAM ENGINE!

Tom Shaw and Kevin Schmitt from History Delights

Follow our two history trackers from western Iowa, Kevin Schimt and Tom Shaw as they visit the beautiful and nostalgic Carroll Iowa train depot. Carroll was one of the stops that the "Big Boy" made along the route through Iowa.

The Union Jack Knife: By Tom Shaw of Knife Delights

 

Photo courtesy of Tom Shaw. Photo

of a Union Jack Knife

I'd like to thank Tom Shaw for the use of his videos!

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Jack Knives: The Everyday Tool of Union Soldiers in the Civil War:

250 Years of American History

During the American Civil War (1861–1865), Union soldiers relied on practical, portable tools to endure camp life and the rigors of campaigning. Among these, the humble jack knife—a simple folding pocket knife—stood out as an indispensable companion. Unlike larger fixed-blade knives such as Bowies (more common early in the war among Confederates), jack knives were lightweight, easy to carry in a pocket, and far less cumbersome than belt knives.

These slipjoint knives typically featured one or two blades, sometimes with additional tools like a screwdriver or awl. Manufactured by American cutlers, including the Union Knife Company, they were widely available through sutlers (mobile camp merchants) or brought from home. Soldiers used them for countless daily tasks: opening ration cans, peeling potatoes and onions, carving wood, sharpening pencils for letters home, cutting rope, or performing minor repairs on gear.

While not officially issued to infantry (unlike some naval folding knives), jack knives were ubiquitous among Union troops due to their versatility and convenience. In an era before modern multi-tools, this modest blade was a soldier's constant aide, helping sustain morale and survival amid hardship.

A short video on the jack knife

Happy New Year From the CSL&OH.A. 2025 in Review & 250 years of America

 

Happy new year from the Central States Lawman and Outlaws Historic Association!

I just want to personally thank all of our readers for a great year. Last month was record breaker for this blog, with over 5000 views and multiple contributors during the course of 2025.                                                                                                                                       

Over the next twelve months the CSL&OH.A. and Dusty Trails of the Old West Books, along with our partners, editors and publishers will be bringing out more content. I currently have two new books coming out in the near future and I will post those here when they go on sale. I will also be posting articles each month for Americas 250th birthday. I hope 2026 is a happy and prosperous new year for everyone.

G.C. Stevens

Living along the famed "Dragoon Trail" 

In honor of the those who forged the country

by broadaxe and bayonet.

Some Photos from 2025, Good Friends, Book Signings & Historic Events!

Book signing at the Fort Dodge Iowa Frontier Days

Our Friends "The Hole in The Sock Gang"

                            In 2025 I had the honor of speaking at the Jesse James Birthplace 

Gallatin Missouri 

More Exploration of Adair Iowa. 

Site of the first train robbery west of the Mississippi River

The John Wayne Birthplace and Museum

 Winston Missouri train robbery site

Friend with the Army of the Southwest

 

Author Richard Gooch, at the Jesse James Birthplace

Richard passed away in 2025

Gene with Barry Corbin in Winterset Iowa

Good friends Tom Shaw and Kevin Schmitt of History Delights

Gene from The CSL&OH.A. Talks to Tom and Keving from History Delights,About my Recent Speech at the James Farm and the Meguiar Jesse James Photo Investigation.

 

Tom Shaw (L) Interviews Gene (R) on History Delights YouTube Channel

                                                          Jesse James approx. 1861 From the                                                                                                            Patrick Meguiar Collection.