First in a series on the history of education In America today, the idea of compulsory government run education is widely accepted, and mandated by law – or is it? In this series we will examine the history of education, … Continued
In late April 1862, David Farragut used naval power to augment the land attacks on forts along the Mississippi River, in preparation for the capture of New Orleans. An observer along the river, witnessing the bombardment of Forts Jackson and … Continued
Continuing series on the Signers of the Declaration of Independence Many volumes have been written about Sam Adams, and we can’t hope to cover all the relevant research here – but for a quick look at the colorful colonial founder, … Continued
“The river was dyed with the blood of the slaughtered for two hundred yards. The approximate loss was upward of five hundred killed, but few of the officers escaping. My loss was about twenty killed. It is hoped that these … Continued
Pandemic – How far we’ve come – and how far we have to go Smallpox is one of the most deadly diseases in history. Its exact origins stretch back into the mists of time, but it was likely the disease … Continued
Justice was different in the 17th century – this would sure cut down on crime rate and prison crowding – from “The Blue Laws of Connecticut” p. 74 published 1656: (17th Century spelling preserved BURGLARY AND THEFT.Forasmuch as many persons … Continued
Benjamin Franklin, signer of the Declaration of Independence Benjamin Franklin is known even to most schoolchildren in the United States. His birthday is given as both January 6, and January 17, 1706, due to the fact that Britain switched from … Continued
Signers of the Declaration of Independence Benjamin Harrison V(April 5, 1726 – April 24, 1791) was born at Berkeley Plantation on the James River in Virginia, about thirty-two miles southeast of Richmond. His parents were Benjamin Harrison IV and Ann Carter. … Continued
This week we depart from our usual practice, and highlight a living African American artist. Andre Watts is one of the premiere pianists of the last sixty years. I first heard him play with the Houston Symphony in 1973. This … Continued
More than just the Monitor and the Merrimack Virtually every student of the Civil War has heard of the epic battle between the Monitor and the Merrimack, two early ironclad warships. But were they the only ones? Not by a … Continued