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
-
Related Investigation
Spanish Civil War Eulogy
What can this faded document tell about a US volunteer fighting in another country’s civil war?
-
Also in Season 1
Home of Lincoln Assassination Plot
Did the plot to assassinate Abraham Lincoln begin in this New York City building?
-
Also in Expansion: 1801-1861
Chinese Opium Scale
Could this really be an opium scale from the Chinese community of Montana?
-
Also with Wes Cowan
Jim Thorpe Ticket
Is this ticket evidence of a chapter of Thorpe's career forgotten by history: as a professional basketball player?
-
Also in Season 1
John Brown Letters
How is this woman in Sacramento related to John Brown, the 19th-century abolitionist?
-
Also in this episode
General Lee's Farewell Address
Could this be a signed copy of one of the most famous documents in the history of the Civil War?
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.