December 2, 1823: The “Monroe Doctrine” Is Announced, Charting the Course of Future American Foreign Policy

Civil War Era

Handwritten text of Monroe’s State of the Union Address, Dec. 2, 1823 It was called the “Era of Good Feelings.” The first term of the presidency of James Monroe was a period of economic growth,...

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Remembering Squanto

Early New England

When the Pilgrims arrived at Cape Cod in the Fall of 1620, they were immediately faced with the task of starting a new colony in North America with only the barest of essentials to sustain them as...

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Remembering Joseph Brant

Revolutionary War Era

On November 24, 1807, one of the most famous Native-American warriors and political leaders of the 18th century died at the age of 64, after a life spent battling for the sovereignty of the Mohawk...

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Civil War Spy: The Southern Belle Who Took Down the Confederacy

Elizabeth Van Lew, a true southern belle who was living a monied life in the City of Richmond, Virginia, was a staunch supporter of the Union Army. She became one of the Union’s most gifted and...

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After the Revolution

Revolutionary War Era

How the Jay Treaty of 1794 Unleashed a National Debate Over American Trade and Commerce with Its Former Foe, Great Britain. In the decades following the end of the American Revolution in 1783, our...

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Remembering Governor George Yeardley

Early Virginia

In the first two decades of the 17th century, the Jamestowne Colony in Virginia was struggling. Settled in 1607, the Colony had experienced Indian attacks, famine, disease, and a host of other...

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Remembering James “Paddy” Graydon

Civil War Era, Featured

Few Civil War officers were more colorful than Captain James (Paddy) Graydon. He was a hard drinking, daring and unconventional Union captain with a short fuse, particularly remembered for his...

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Remembering Doc Holliday

American West

When thinking about “Old West” characters, many come to mind – Wyatt Earp, Jesse James, Billy the Kid among others. While people tend to categorize these characters as “good” or...

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Remembering Abigail Adams

Featured, Revolutionary War Era

On this day in 1818, one of the pre-eminent women of the Revolutionary War era passed away in Quincy, Massachusetts—Abigail Adams, wife of Founding Father and President of the United States, John...

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Remembering Peyton Randolph

Revolutionary War Era

As we commemorate the history of the American Revolution, which began 250 years ago in 1775, much of the focus has been on battles—Lexington & Concord (April 1775), Bunker Hill (June 1775),...

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