This simple dishtowel silenced America’s bloodiest war.
The South’s “surrender flag” (above) ought to represent the moment when the nation became one again, when rights were extended to all. Instead, the dishrag represents unfulfilled commitments—and a rejection of the notion of surrender.
PAINTING BY JEAN LEON GEROME FERRIS, VIRGINIA HISTORICAL SOCIETY / BRIDGEMAN IMAGES
You win: Confederate general Robert E. Lee surrenders to Union generalUlysses S. Grant at the Appomattox Court House on April 9, 1865 in this painting, titled “Let Us Have Peace” by Jean Leon Gerome Ferris. On this as in every other Juneteenth, a holiday marking the end of the war, peace is elusive. Read more.
STORIES WE’RE FOLLOWING
PHOTOGRAPH BY MACKENZIE CALLE, NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
150 years and counting: Known as the “Southern Underground Railroad,” one village in Mexico has observed Juneteenth for 150 years. Villagers here helped formerly enslaved people across the border reach freedom. (Above, a young girl dons on the traditional attire worn by Mascogos women, photographed by Nat Geo Explorer Luján Agusti.)
PHOTOGRAPH BY JOHN GREIM, LIGHTROCKET/GETTY IMAGES
What happened to Rascal? Trembling and unable to lift his tail, the dolphin at SeaWorld in Orlando was struggling to swim. Nearly a third of his body was covered in both superficial scrapes and deeper cuts—injuries he’d sustained from other Atlantic bottlenose dolphins in his pool. He was not separated from his group until an inspection occurred, according to USDA records. (Above, a dolphin—not Rascal—performs at SeaWorld.)
On the road again: Electric vehicle popularity and sales are on the up and up, and they’re positioned as a solution to mitigate climate change. But between “range anxiety” and environmental angst over battery manufacturing, there are some questions left unanswered. Here’s what you need to know before you buy an EV. (Above, an Electric Bolt.)
Today’s soundtrack: Electric Feel, MGMT Thanks for reading today’s newsletter! It was curated and edited by Jen Tse, Hannah Farrow, Nancy San Martín, and David Beard. Want to let us know your thoughts? Send away: david.beard@natgeo.com. Happy trails!
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