Great Ironies in America History: The Wilmer McLean Story
Make a comic that portrays the unbelievable events in the life of Wilmer McLean in 1861 and 1865
 
Lesson:

1. Hook (5–10 minutes)

Start by writing the quote on the board:
“The war began in my front yard and ended in my parlor.”

Ask students:

  • What do you think this means?
  • Who might have said it?

Introduce Wilmer McLean, a grocer who unintentionally became part of two major Civil War events.

2. Mini-Lecture/Storytime (10 minutes)

Tell the brief but ironic tale of Wilmer McLean. Use a map or timeline if helpful:

  • First Battle of Bull Run in 1861 → McLean's house hit → he moves to avoid war.
  • Ends up in Appomattox Courthouse.
  • In 1865 → General Lee surrenders to General Grant… in McLean's parlor.
  • Soldiers loot his house for “souvenirs.”

You can read or project the activity ou provided to the class.

3. Comic Activity (25–30 minutes)

Explain the four required comic panels:

  1. Wilmer McLean enjoying life peacefully in Manassas.
  2. A cannonball destroying part of his home.
  3. Peaceful life again in Appomattox Courthouse.
  4. Union soldiers taking his furniture while he looks annoyed.

Instructions:

  • Keep it historically accurate but also humorous.
  • You can captions, thought bubbles, or speech bubbles.
  • Emphasize irony and emotion.

Optional: Allow group or pair work for students who prefer collaboration.

4. Share and Reflect (10 minutes)

  • Volunteers can share their comics with the class or in small groups.
  • Discuss: How does Wilmer McLean’s story help us understand how war affects ordinary people?
  • What makes this story ironic?
Other Uses:
Reading Groups - This passage serves as an excellent tool for enrichment-based reading groups in language arts or social studies.
Morning Work - The activity takes most students about 30 minutes to complete, making it an ideal solution for morning work.
Homework - This activity is a great way to assign homework in social studies or language arts.