Retired academy professor wins his $25K Lincoln Prize

While Abraham Lincoln's relationship with his generals is well documented, not much was known about his relationship with the Navy admirals whose rank he created just one year into his presidency.

Few scholars focused on the dynamics between the leader and his top sailors, or the political decisions he had to make concerning the escaped slaves who served in the Navy.

But one local man made the nautical dealings his life's work. And now, he's been rewarded for his efforts.

Craig Symonds of Annapolis - a professor emeritus at the Naval Academy, historian, author and speaker - set out to bridge the gap and fill...