The Case:
A magnificent sword that has been handed down for generations in a St. Martinville family has a mystery around it.
The sword belonged to their great-great-grandfather, Jean Julien Rousseau, who was a doctor and soldier in Napoleon Bonaparte's battle for Austria in Wagram.
Family lore has that Napoleon had ordered the Army to cross Danube River, and he soldier carrying one of the Division’s battle flags was killed. Colonel Rousseau picked up the flag and led the troops over the bridge. Napoleon personally rewarded him with this sword for his bravery.
The History Detectives investigate whether this sword really could have belonged to Napoleon Bonaparte.
Related Content
Technique:
Technique:
Related Links
Explore
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Valley Forge Map
Did George Washington use this map during the American Revolution?
-
Also in Expansion: 1801-1861
Cherokee Bible
What can this bible written in Cherokee tell us about one of the darkest chapters in Indian history?
-
Also in Expansion: 1801-1861
Koranic School Book
Why does this 200 year old schoolbook contain two translated passages from the Koran?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Snowshoe's Mailbag
Was this the satchel Snowshoe Thompson used to deliver his mail?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
U.S.S Olympia Glass
Could this farmhouse door have sailed into battle in one of the country's greatest naval victories?
-
Also in Season 1
Witch's House
Could this house have once belonged to a woman executed during the Salem Witch trials?
Comments
This is a place for opinions, comments, questions and discussion; a place where viewers of History Detectives can express their points of view and connect with others who value history. We ask that posters be polite and respectful of all opinions. History Detectives reserves the right to delete comments that don’t conform to this conduct. We will not respond to every post, but will do our best to answer specific questions, or address an error.