American History
JOHN JACOB “RIFLE JACK” PETERSON
John Jacob “Rifle Jack” Peterson was a Revolutionary war era patriot of African and Kitchewan descent whose quick thinking helped repel British forces in Croton, New York. His actions threw Benedict Arnold’s treasonous plans into disarray and led to the capture of Major Andre. In September 1780, Peterson and a fellow private class soldier named Moses…
Read MoreWho Are Some Unsung Heroes of the Revolutionary War?
Haym Salomon (1740–1785) – The Financier of the Revolution Haym Salomon was a Polish-Jewish immigrant who played a crucial but often overlooked role in financing the American Revolution. His efforts helped keep the Continental Army and government solvent during some of their most desperate times. Early Life & Immigration Revolutionary Contributions Key Role in Financing…
Read MoreBattles of Lexington and Concord
The Dawn of the American Revolution July 4th, 2026 will mark the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It is important to look at the events that led up to this defining moment in American history. The Battles of Lexington and Concord which were fought on April 19, 1775, marked the…
Read MoreWomen Heroines of the Revolutionary War
The Courage and Sacrifice of Female Patriots The American Revolutionary War, also known as the War of Independence, was not solely a tale of male valor and leadership. Women, though often overlooked in historical narratives, played crucial roles in shaping the destiny of the fledgling nation. These female patriots exhibited immense courage, resilience and ingenuity,…
Read MoreMerry 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…
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