On this journey, I visit historic All Hallows Parish to pay my respects to some forgotten patriots of the American Revolution — ordinary men who answered the call. Walking among their graves, I explore the stories of Revolutionary War soldiers and early Americans whose sacrifices helped shape the fight for independence, even if history rarely…
Author: murphym1776
In This Room, George Washington Gave Up Power
Perhaps the most consequential moment of the American Revolutionary War came not on the battlefield, but at its conclusion—when General George Washington voluntarily resigned his military commission. In doing so, he set a powerful precedent: that the American military would remain subordinate to civilian authority. The act also revealed Washington’s deep commitment to republican ideals…
Where are the Signers of the Declaration of Independence Buried?
By signing the Declaration of Independence in 1776, 56 men essentially signed their death warrant. Today, you can visit the gravesites of nearly all of them—though for some, the exact burial location is unknown, and one signer was even lost at sea. In this article, I highlight notable dates and facts related to the Declaration,…
Inside the Crypt of John Paul Jones
History of the U.S. Naval Academy Chapel At 210 feet tall, the naval academy chapel is the tallest building and a beautiful central piece on the Yard. In June 1904, Admiral George Dewey laid the cornerstone for what would become the United States Naval Academy Chapel. After nearly four years of construction, the first service was…
Washington Monument (Baltimore, Maryland)
Across the United States stand monuments to America’s first president, George Washington. One of the most unique and earliest major monuments to Washington was constructed in Baltimore, Maryland. On July 4, 1815, the cornerstone was laid for the Washington Monument in Baltimore. It was designed by architect Robert Mills, whose design was chosen in 1814…
The Battle of Tippecanoe (November 7, 1811)
In late 1811, Shawnee leader Tecumseh, was away recruiting additional tribes to his Pan-Indian Confederacy. He left his brother, Tenskwatawa (“The Prophet”), in charge at Prophetstown. As the settlement grew in size and influence, it alarmed Indiana Territorial Governor William Henry Harrison, who believed that military force was the only effective response. Harrison assembled a…
Why So Many Revolutionary War Heroes are Buried in One Small Ohio Cemetery
Marietta, Ohio, is a very historic town located at the confluence of the Ohio and Muskingum Rivers. Founded on April 7, 1788, Marietta was the first organized American community in the Northwest Territory. It was founded by members of the Ohio Company of Associates, nearly all veterans of the American Reovlutionary War. In this video,…
The Murder of Owen Murphy: Part 1
Owen Murphy was a hard-working Irish immigrant, who settled in the rapidly growing industrial city of Cleveland, Ohio. He was a brave man, loving father, devout husband, and honest contributor to his local community. Sadly, he was also the victim of a senseless murder, which remains unsolved to this day. Journey along as we explore…
Battle of San Pasqual: The Mexican-American War in California
The Mexican-American War is certainly one of the least studied wars in American history. It took place between the War of 1812 and the Civil War and it sort of gets lost in history books. Interestingly, out in California and other parts of the southwest, there are actually many signs of that event, to include a…
Hiking Battle Mountain: A Landmark & Legend
One of the most prominent natural features along today’s I-15 in Southern California is Battle Mountain. Though most say it gets its name from the nearby Battle of San Pasqual (which did not take place on this mountain), some believe it may be referring to an even older event that took place here between two…
Stage Coach Stops of the Old West
On this journey, I explore six different stage coach stops located along the former Butterfield Overland Stage Route. From roadside historical markers, preserved structures from the Old West, to abandoned 1850s stage coach stations, you’ll see it all! The Butterfield Overland Stage Coach Route was a 2,800 mile path that connected St. Louis, MO, to…
A Washington Socialite & Confederate Spy
The American Civil War stretched far beyond the battlefields, where massive armies slugged it out. In fact, the war also played out in family homes, at balls, and in the halls of government. In these distinct and oftentimes discreet arenas, politicians and even spies played very important roles. One such character was a woman named…
Fort Tejon: a Civil War Fort & the Wild West
History When California joined the Union on September 9th, 1850, it was truly the Wild West. Prospectors from the East and around the world flocked to the region with the hopes of striking it rich, while coastal cities grew and boom towns came and went. Amidst the rush of settlers, numerous American Indian tribes in…
Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello
Thomas Jefferson has long been considered one of the brightest political minds from our nation’s founding generation- not to mention he is often referred to as the author of the Declaration of Independence. Of course, similar to other founding fathers, his legacy is far more interesting and complex than what is at the surface. His…
Leaders of the Revolution: Henry Dearborn
Early Life Henry Dearborn was born on February 23, 1751, in North Hampton, New Hampshire. He was the son of Simon Dearborn and Sarah Marston and part of a family who had immigrated to the Massachusetts Colony in 1639. Dearborn had a carefree childhood and he was able to attend public school, ultimately gaining a…