This Day in History: Naval hero John Paul Jones pens an apology
On this day in 1778, American naval hero John Paul Jones writes a “Chivalrous Letter” to the Countess of Selkirk. Or so it has been...
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tara
- Apr 29, 2018
- 3 min
This Day in History: A Revolutionary War heroine dresses as a man so she can fight
On this day in 1827, American patriot Deborah Samson (or Sampson) dies at the age of 66. She is best known for disguising herself as a...
tara
- Apr 17, 2018
- 2 min
This Day in History: The last battle of the American Revolution…. in Arkansas?
On this day in 1783, the last battle of the American Revolution occurs. No, it wasn’t at Yorktown. It wasn’t even in one of the original...
tara
- Feb 10, 2018
- 2 min
This Day in History: The failed attempt to kidnap General George Washington
On this day in 1780, Lt. Gen. Wilhelm von Knyphausen and his men attempt to capture General George Washington. Did you know that there...
tara
- Feb 2, 2018
- 2 min
This Day in History: The Affair at Young’s House ends badly for Patriot forces
On this day in 1780, British troops begin marching toward a Patriot outpost. Their intent? Attack the Continental soldiers then stationed...
tara
- Jan 20, 2018
- 3 min
This Day in History: American militia win the Battle of Millstone
On this day in 1777, American militia win the Battle of Millstone. The engagement followed immediately in the wake of George Washington’s...
tara
- Jan 4, 2018
- 3 min
This Day in History: Benjamin Rush, the only medical doctor to sign the Declaration
On this day in 1746, Benjamin Rush is born. He’s another of those Founders that most modern Americans don’t know too much about . . . but...
tara
- Dec 30, 2017
- 3 min
This Day in History: The British lose a foothold in the South as Norfolk burns
On this day in 1775, a stand-off comes to a head in Norfolk, Virginia. American Patriots had been in control of the town for weeks;...
tara
- Dec 28, 2017
- 2 min
This Day in History: James Wilkinson, the “other” Benedict Arnold
On this day in 1825, James Wilkinson dies in Mexico City. He has been called the “most notorious American traitor you’ve probably never...
tara
- Sep 21, 2017
- 2 min
This Day in History: Francis Hopkinson, Signer of the Declaration & Designer of the Stars and Stripe
On this day in 1737, a signer of the Declaration of Independence is born in Philadelphia. This signer, Francis Hopkinson, made unique...
tara
- Sep 8, 2017
- 2 min
This Day in History: Americans drive the British out of South Carolina
On this day in 1781, the Battle of Eutaw Springs takes place. It would be the last major Revolutionary War battle fought south of...
tara
- Sep 3, 2017
- 2 min
This Day in History: The British capture Henry Laurens, emissary to the Netherlands
On this day in 1780, the British capture Henry Laurens, an American emissary who was then traveling to negotiate a treaty with the...
tara
- Sep 2, 2017
- 2 min
This Day in History: The first ships in “Washington’s Navy”
On this day in 1775, George Washington directs Nicolson Broughton to take command of the first ship in Washington’s navy. Washington’s...
tara
- Aug 8, 2017
- 3 min
This Day in History: Rachel Silverthorn makes a daring ride
On this day in 1778, Rachel Silverthorn makes a daring ride. Tradition has it that she volunteered for her mission when no man would! She...
tara
- Aug 7, 2017
- 2 min
This Day in History: George Washington creates the Purple Heart (sort of)
On this day in 1782, General George Washington created a military award that would be the predecessor for the Purple Heart. Washington’s...
tara
- Jun 2, 2017
- 2 min
This Day in History: The British attempt to recruit a traitor
On this day in 1777, the British begin an attempt to turn an American officer, Major General John Sullivan, into a spy. They hoped to use...
tara
- May 31, 2017
- 3 min
This Day in History: A nearly forgotten “rabble-rouser” & Revolutionary War hero
On this day in 1800, Brigadier General John Lamb passes away. This Revolutionary War hero literally sacrificed years of his life (and...
tara
- May 24, 2017
- 2 min
This Day in History: Virginia takes a stand against Great Britain
On this day in 1774, the Virginia House of Burgesses takes a stand against Great Britain. The colonists were fed up! The British...
tara
- May 9, 2017
- 3 min
This Day in History: The Liberty Affair throws John Hancock into the spotlight
On this day in 1768, John Hancock’s merchant sloop, the Liberty, enters the Port of Boston. Little did the people of Boston know that...
tara
- Apr 9, 2017
- 3 min
This Day in History: The British win the Battle of the Saintes
On this day in 1782, the Battle of the Saintes begins. The battle was fought over the course of four days. Ultimately, the British...