"The capture of the Ridge by the Canadian Corps, under the command of British General Julian H.G. Byng (with Canadian General Sir Arthur Currie acting as Chief-of-Staff), was a turning point for Allied Forces during the First World War."

http://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vimy_Ridge

What was the battle during the American Civil War with the SECOND most casualties?

The Battle of Chickamauga which took place on September 19-20 1863 it cost almost 35,000 lives.

Three US presidents have been the sons of clergy men, name them.

Chester Arthur, Grover Cleveland, and Woodrow Wilson

(Attribute that to Dr. Brink in my US History 1877-Present Course)

Which battle in World War I was the first time gas was used as a weapon?

Gas Warfare was first used at the Battle of 2nd Ypres in 1915 when Chlorine gas was released from cylinders with devastating effect on French Colonial Troops.

Easy question:
What is the name of the world's oldest city?

The city of Damascus, now in Syria, is claimed to be the oldest city in the world. Evidence suggests it may have been established as early as 8,000 BC. On a side note, there is some recent evidence to suggest that some American cultures may have cities predating even 8,000 BC.

On that note, according to official federal government record what percentage of the land mass of the continental United States was never ceded by treaty and, therefore, is held illegally?

33%

In 1890, a Lakota band of 350 led by Chief Big Foot were headed for the Pine Ridge reservation when they were intercepted by the Seventh U.S. Cavalry.

What battle followed and who lead the Seventh?

There was no battle. However, their was a slaughter that took place which is sometimes known as the Battle of Wounded Knee or, more appropriately, the Wounded Knee Massacre. Col. Forsythe led the "soldiers" of the seventh in this tragedy.

In 1980 the Supreme Court ruled that the Black Hills were illegally taken from the Lakota in violation of what treaty?
Extra Credit: In what year did the law suit that this ruling settled begin?

The 1868 treaty, I think.

The State of Texas has had six different governments. But has been governed eight different times. Explain this and the name the governments.

Spain, France, Spain, Mexico, Republic of Texas, USA, CSA, USA.

Spain "claimed" it first, but France had the only presence for a short period.

It seceded from the US, then rejoined.

Where did the first offical deaths in cold blood in the U.S. Civil War occur? Both the city and place.