James Madison was a complex man of many identities: he was a founding father (and often considered the “Father of the United States Constitution”), an author of the Federalist Papers, Secretary of State, the fourth President of the United States (1809-1817), diplomat, and slave owner. While much of his professional life revolved around politics that…
Month: June 2022
Fort Phoenix & the Battle of Fairhaven
The Battle of Fairhaven (May 14, 1775) is considered the first naval battle of the American Revolution, though many have not even heard of it. This engagement, which pitted a few dozen colonists against seamen and royal marines of the British Navy, resulted in a swift patriot victory. Additionally, the British attack along the Acushnet…
Longfellow House-Washington’s Headquarters
Nestled along historic Brattle Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts is an elegant colonial mansion that holds a great deal of American history: the Vassall-Craigie-Longfellow House. In fact, this is one of a few historic houses located along what is known as “Tory Row” (so named because these mansions were once owned by those wealthy families who…