On or around this day in 1845, Johnny Appleseed passes away in Indiana. Of course, that wasn’t his real name. Johnny Appleseed’s real name was John Chapman. Chapman was born in the years immediately before the American Revolution. Many details of his early life are sketchy, but we do know that his father served at the Battle of Bunker Hill. He may have been apprenticed to an orchardist and nurseryman, but no one is sure. As a young adult, he decided to take advantage of an op

On this day in 1898, tensions escalate between Spain and the United States. Matters would soon come to a head. By the end of the year, Puerto Rico would no longer be a Spanish possession. It would be under the control of the United States.   Did you ever stop to think about how Puerto Rico became a part of the United States? It all started with Spain. And Christopher Columbus, who landed on the island during his second trip to the Americas. Spain remained a major power on t

On this day in 1883, railroad companies create the first time zones. Yes, you heard that right. Private individuals saw a problem and solved it without involving the federal government.   What a wonderfully American “do it yourself” mindset! Such determination and perseverance have always been at the foundations of our country, making our nation great.   Before time zones, Americans generally relied upon the local time in their communities. That local time was based upon the

On this day in 1854, the man who was the probable inspiration for Uncle Sam passes away during a cholera epidemic. Did you know that...