Merry Christmas, Grandfather

In 1809, a clever lad wrote to his grandfather wishing him a “Merry Christmas”. Thomas Jefferson was pleased to receive the letter and most taken with the new phrase popular in the new country, “Merry Christmas”. Christmas observances in colonial and revolutionary America (1630s-1830s) were very different from our current practices. How one observed Christmas…

War for Independence

Long years of battle and defeats, freezing winters, disease, starvation, no pay, often lacking warm clothing, weapons, and ammunition – and yet Continental soldiers fought on, loyal to one man, George Washington. Thirteen small colonies, with no navy, no real army, no money were driven by faith, principles, excellent leadership, and an inextinguishable desire to…

The First Thanksgiving

Although modern Thanksgiving is a national holiday which takes place on the fourth Thursday of November, the first Thanksgiving most likely happened between September and November 1621.  The celebration took place over three days and included many recreational activities.  Very little is actually known about the first Thanksgiving as there were only two firsthand accounts…

Sons of Liberty 1765

The Sons of Liberty were loosely organized revolutionary bands in the 13 Colonies. They were first formed in the 1760s. In 1765 the British began taxation of colonists in order to pay the costs for maintaining 10,000 British officers and soldiers living in the colonies.  The motto for the Sons of Liberty became: “No taxation…

On August 7, 1792

The General, ever desirous to cherish virtuous ambition in his soldiers, as well as to foster and encourage every species of military merit, directs that whenever any singularly meritorious action is performed, the author of it shall be permitted to wear on his facings over his left breast, the figure of a heart in purple…