VLS Resources
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…
Women 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,…
VLS Celebrates Black Patriots from the American Revolution
During American Revolution, thousands of Black Americans joined the war fighting for both sides of the conflict. Unlike their white counterparts, they weren’t just fighting for independence. Most took up arms hoping to be freed from the shackles of slavery. For some slaves-turned-soldiers, the Revolution’s promise of liberty became a reality. Historians estimate that between 5,000…
Currier and Ives’ America
After discovering the book Currier & Ives’ America, which features over 80 lithographs of America during the early 19th century, we felt the images and comments by editor Colin Simkin might give our readers a glimpse into what life was like in early America. Therefore, we will be featuring several of the lithographs and text…