The Battle of Bull Run (First Manassas)

Civil War Era

Background and Prelude to Battle The Battle of Bull Run, the first major land battle of the American Civil War, was fought in Prince William County, Virginia, near the small stream known as Bull Run,...

Read More →

Remembering Solomon Northrup

Civil War Era

One of the most gut-wrenching personal accounts of the horrors of American slavery during the 19th century was a book written by Solomon Northrup, a free black man who was kidnapped and forced into...

Read More →

Remembering The Battle of Little Bighorn and Custer’s Last Stand

American West

149 years ago today was a day of disaster: it was the day that General George Armstrong Custer and his troops were annihilated by Native-American armed forces led by Chief Sitting Bull, Crazy...

Read More →

Remembering Captain John Smith

Early Virginia

One of the most famous people associated with the Jamestowne Colony in Virginia was Captain John Smith, an explorer, adventurer and military man who is best known today as the man with whom the...

Read More →

Remembering Dr. Joseph Warren

Revolutionary War Era

One of our most important Founding Fathers, but largely forgotten, is Dr. Joseph Warren, who was one of the leaders of the rebel forces in Boston in the years leading up to our American...

Read More →

Remembering Brigham Young

American West

Born on this day in 1801 was Brigham Young, an American religious leader and politician. He was the second president of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church) from 1847 until...

Read More →

May 1741: A Travesty of Justice in New York City

Civil War Era

Also known as the, “Negro Plot of 1741.” Today, when we look back at the Salem Witch Trials, we shake our collective heads and tell ourselves that the execution of innocent men and women in 1692...

Read More →

May 1775: The 250th Anniversary of the Second Continental Congress, A Watershed Event in American History

Revolutionary War Era

Last month, the nation commemorated the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington & Concord—the “Shot Heard Round the World.” The battle was mostly fought by militia men from neighboring...

Read More →

Remembering Dolley Madison

Revolutionary War Era

One of the most interesting First Ladies in American history was Dolley Madison, who was born this day on May 20, 1768.  Dolley Payne was born in a log cabin in North Carolina to parents who were...

Read More →

Remembering Paul Revere

Revolutionary War Era

This year is the beginning of “high season” for anniversaries of major events in the history of the American Revolution, including the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington & Concord,...

Read More →