An essay is presented on nostalgia and homesickness in U.S. history and culture. Scholar Johannes Hofer defined nostalgia as a disease afflicting those separated from their homes. The author suggests nostalgia is considered more socially acceptable than homesickness. Early American settlers such as Edward Johnson and Johan Printz made requests to return to Europe. Women were often affected by homesickness due to the limitations of their social role when they were forced to move. Slaves were also afflicted by homesickness when moved due to their lack of freedom. The author suggests doctors were more sympathetic to homesick soldiers during the Civil War than during the Revolutionary War.