Next month, millions of people across the nation will celebrate Independence Day. Have you ever wondered about the history of the holiday, or what celebrations in the past must’ve looked like?
Category Archives: Building a Democracy
USPS to Issue Stamps of Historic Battlefields of the American Revolution
To honor the 250th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington and Concord, a new series of postage stamps will be released, each depicting an important moment in the American Revolutionary War.
George Washington’s Farewell to the Nation Marked the Birth of American Democracy
Imagine a leader so respected that his farewell speech shaped the very ideals of democracy—George Washington’s decision to step down after two terms wasn’t just a farewell, it was the blueprint for the peaceful transfer of power that defines American democracy today.
“Yankee Doodle” – Traditional: History of an American folk song
British soldiers sang “Yankee Doodle” to mock the Americans, who eventually turned the song into a source of pride and anthem of their own.
At a Bold Meeting 250 Years Ago, the Continental Congress Set America in Motion
In October of 1774, the First Continental Congress met to discuss and write a petition to the King. Although the petition didn’t work as planned, the Congress set the stage for what would become the American Revolutionary War.
Discovery of musket balls brings alive one of the first battles in the American Revolution
What can a few small, lead spheres teach us about US History? If you’re an archeologist or historian, the answer is quite a lot!
Remains of Revolutionary War barracks — and musket balls indented with soldiers’ teeth — discovered in Virginia
As relics emerge from a newly discovered Revolutionary War barracks, archaeologists discover what life was like for soldiers during that time.
Ben Franklin in Paris: How the Founding Father Won France’s Support
As colonists faced tough odds in the Revolutionary War, America’s first diplomat worked his charm to win France’s vital backing.
Looking Back 250 Years: The 1773 Boston Tea Party
Learn more about the first ever United States Census and the population of the thirteen colonies when it was taken in 1790.
Music in the Revolutionary War
Musicians in the Continental Army did more than boost morale among soldiers. Drumbeats and fife whistles also provided important instructions, on and off the battlefields.
American Dogs
Everyone knows that dogs are “man’s best friend.” However, most people don’t know the roles they served throughout American history in times of war, dating all the way back to the American Revolution.
Was the Last Battle of the American Revolution Fought in India? A Growing Number of Historians Think So
For centuries, history books have told us that the Battle of Yorktown was the final victory of the American Revolutionary War. However, many historians now believe the last battle was fought on an entirely different continent.
Since American Revolution, women have played part on front lines
Women in the United States have always been active participants in war efforts, dating all the way back to the American Revolution.
1776 Musical brings vibrant nontraditional casting of founding fathers to stage at DCPA
Read about how 1776, a musical about the founding fathers, takes on a modern and thought-provoking twist through its most diverse cast to date.
Liberty Bell tolls to announce Declaration of Independence
We’ve all heard of the liberty bell, but check out this article to learn more about the history and significance behind this extraordinary historical artifact.
When the United States Spoke French
During the Revolutionary War, France supplied the Americans with money, soldiers, and ammunition. Read about the strong ties that remained when the war ended.
The Declaration of Independence Was Also a List of Grievances
Learn about how the grievances of King George III were used to justify the American Revolution and win French support throughout the war.
Abigail Adams Biography
Abigail Adams, wife of John Adams, served as an unofficial advisor to the second president of the United States. She also fought for the right of married women to own personal property.
How the American Revolution Spurred Independence Movements Around the World
The American Revolution, a momentous event in US history, also had an impact on revolutions world-wide.
5 Founding Fathers Whose Finances Shaped the American Revolution
These Founding Fathers not only dedicated their lives and careers to the American Revolution, but also a fair amount of money. Check out this History article to find out more.