VLS Resources
Benjamin Franklin: A Renaissance Man
Benjamin Franklin was what many might consider to be a renaissance man. Among his many inventions were the lightning rod, bifocals, odometer, the glass harmonica and the Franklin stove. But he also invented swim fins and proved with his kite experiment that lightning is electricity. Franklin did not secure patents for any of his inventions…
Washington Crossing the Delaware
On Christmas Eve 224 years ago General George Washington crossed the Delaware River and attacked the Hessian mercenaries garrisoned in Trenton, New Jersey. The Hessian’s stopped in Trenton after forcing the American Patriots out of New Jersey into Pennsylvania. The Hessian’s now had a river between opposing armies, and intelligence reports that the Americans were…
A Salute to the U.S. Navy
About 30 angry colonists set out in a whaling sloop called Success May 13-14, 1775, to retrieve a pair of merchant vessels captured by HMS Falcon in Buzzards Bay off the coast of Fairhaven Massachusetts. The sloop was aptly named. Outnumbered almost 4 to 1, the colonists, under no military command, retrieved the ships, killed…
Sarah Josepha Hale: The Godmother of Thanksgiving
Sarah Josepha Buell Hale was born on October 24, 1788, on a farm in Newport, New Hampshire. From a tender age, she was curious, smart, and eager to learn. As a young girl, Sarah was taught by her mother about history and literature. Later, her brother Horatio taught her everything that he was learning as…
The British Surrender at Yorktown: The Decisive End to the American Revolutionary War
Seige of Yorktown by Louis Charles Auguste Couder, c. 1836. The painting depicts George Washington and the Comtee de Rochambeau giving orders during the siege. The British surrender at Yorktown in October 1781 marked a pivotal moment in history. It effectively ended major combat operations in the American Revolutionary War and paved the way for…
HALLOWED GROUND
Pea Ridge, Arkansas Battlefield Following Patriot Day, September 11, America will remember and recognize another group who dedicated their lives to this country – our veterans. On November 11, Veteran’s Day, we will pay tribute and thank those who have repeatedly defended our freedom. How does this nation honor its fallen veterans? President Abraham Lincoln…
Who Are Some Unsung Heroes of the Revolutionary War?
Revolutionary Contributions Key Role in Financing the War Legacy Military Service & Feats of Strength Post-War Life & Legacy We owe many heroes our gratitude for their bravery, honor, dedication and sacrifice; great men and women have stood up against the enemy, fought valiantly, been injured and/or lost their lives defending America’s freedom. Rod JohnsonLiberty…
Battles of Lexington and Concord – The Dawn of the American Revolution
Amos Doolittle, The Battle of Lexington, April 19th, 1775. Plate I. Public Domain 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…
On This April Day in American History
April 2, 1792 – Congress established the first U.S. Mint at Philadelphia. April 13 Birthday – Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) was born in Albermarle County, Virginia. He was an author, inventor, lawyer, politician, architect, and one of the finest minds of the 1700’s. He authored the American Declaration of Independence and later served as the 3rd…