VLS Resources
Thomas Paine, a Renowned Pamphleteer
“The sun never shined on a cause of greater worth.” – Thomas Paine Before what we refer to as “social media,” more than 250 years ago pamphleteers were the ones spreading information throughout the colonies. Mercy Otis Warren was writing satirical plays and poems attacking England in the 1770’s. The colonies were afire with discontent…
How does June 14th, 15th, and 16th involve the US ARMY and George Washington?
How does June 14th, 15th, and 16th, 1775 involve the United States ARMY, and General George Washington? When the Second Continental Congress was meeting in Philadelphia the delegates realized they needed a unified ARMY supported and manned by citizens from all the colonies. Every colony sought independence, but the was no cooperation among the militias…
RODGER SHERMAN, Revolutionary and Dedicated Public Servant
Roger Sherman is the only person to have signed all four of the most significant documents in our nation’s early history: the Continental Association from the first Continental Congress, the Declaration of Independence, the Articles of Confederation, and the United States Constitution. He began life as a surveyor and a cordwainer (someone who makes shoes…
Honoring Those Who Serve: Armed Forces Day
Each year the United States observes Armed Forces Day on the third Saturday of May, a day set aside to recognize and thank the men and women who are currently serving in the nation’s military. It is a moment to pause, reflect and express appreciation for the individuals who protect the country at home and…
Honoring Memorial Day: A Tribute to Sacrifice and Service
Memorial Day traces its roots to the years after the Civil War, when communities began holding springtime tributes to decorate the graves of fallen soldiers – an observance often called “Decoration Day.” In 1868, Gen. John A. Logan of the Grand Army of the Republic urged Americans to set aside May 30 for this purpose,…
Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday
Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday April 13, 1743 Thomas Jefferson was born on April 13, 1743 in Albemarle County, Virginia to Jane and Peter Jefferson. His father was a Virginia planter, surveyor, and slave owner. At age fourteen, Jefferson’s father died, and Thomas inherited some thirty enslaved individuals. Jefferson fully embraced the lifestyle of an affluent member…
Sybil Luddington Patriotic Rider
During the American Revolution Colonel Henry Ludington commanded the Dutchess County militia. On April 26,1777 he received a message. The British were advancing up the Hudson River and were attacking Danbury CT. Colonel Ludington immediately needed to alert his militiamen. Could he go? Would Torries (Loyalists) notice him riding and interfere? Was it best for…
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…
Our First Secretary of the Treasury Alexander Hamilton
Image of Alexander Hamilton Courtesy of www.biographyicon.org Alexander Hamilton, one of the Founding Fathers, is regarded as the architect of American capitalism. Born in the Caribbean around 1755, he was orphaned while still young and worked as a clerk as a young man. His writing talent caught the attention of local patrons who sent him…