VLS Resources
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…
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…
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…
On This September Day in American History
September 2, 1789 – The third Presidential cabinet department, the U.S. Treasury, was established by Congress September 3, 1783 – The Treaty of Paris was signed by John Adams, Ben Franklin and John Jay, formally ending the American Revolutionary War between Britain and the United States. September 5, 1774 – The First Continental Congress assembled…
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…
The 13 Colonies – A New Beginning
The English North American colonial period dates from 1607 to 1732. By 1750 the population of these colonies, sharing their proximity to the Atlantic Ocean, grew to 1.17 million people, integrating many communities with different ideas on how to navigate their circumstances. The New England Colonies settled with the main purpose of practicing their religious…
On This August Day in American History
August 1, 1779 Birthday – Star-Spangled Banner author Francis Scott Key (1779-1843) was born in Frederick County, Maryland. After witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry on the night of September 13-14, 1814, he was enthralled to see the American flag still flying over the fort at daybreak. He then wrote the poem originally entitled…
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…
Would You Be Brave Enough to Sign Your Name to the Declaration of Independence?
Portrait of John Bernard Hancock Courtesy of History on the Net When was the last time you signed a petition or a letter of support or clicked a thumbs up on an online message? Did you want a street light at the end of your block, or want the City Council to approve a greenbelt?…