Since 1789, the United States has voted in 45 different individuals (and counting) into the office of the President of the United States (while there have been 46 presidencies, Grover Cleveland served as both the 22nd and 24th President). Currently, there are six living Presidents and the other 39 are buried in various places around…
Author: murphym1776
Church of the Presidents (Quincy, MA)
The “Church of the Presidents” in Quincy, MA, is actually the United First Parish Church (circa 1828). It earned that nickname because two United States Presidents are buried in a crypt beneath the church: John Adams (2nd President of the United States) and his son, John Quincy Adams (6th President of the United States). Today,…
Colony House (Newport, RI)
The Colony House in historic Newport, Rhode Island, is the fourth oldest state house still standing in the United States and one of the most prominent buildings in town. It has stood the test of time and has served as a symbol of both British colonial rule and early American Republic government. Today, the Colony…
The Battle of Cedar Mountain
The Battle of Cedar Mountain was fought on a hot late summer day in Culpeper County, Virginia. Union General Nathaniel P. Banks and the Union Second Corps duked it out with famed Confederate General Thomas J. “Stonewall” Jackson in pitched battle in the shadow of Cedar Mountain, which ultimately resulted in a southern victory. Today,…
Old Norwichtown Cemetery (Norwich, CT)
Norwich, Connecticut was founded in 1659 by Reverend James Fitch and Major John Mason, who brought along settlers from nearby Saybrook. The town’s population grew and throughout the colonial period and early Republic, Norwich produced some of America’s brightest minds, strongest leaders, soldiers, druggists, industrialists, a signer of the Declaration of Independence, and one particularly…
Grove Street Cemetery (New Haven, CT)
Nestled amidst historic Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut is a pastoral burial ground, where some of America’s most prominent minds and leaders lie at rest. From poets, military officers, inventors, educators, Yale alumni, and politicians, Grove Street Cemetery has attracted many to its quaint grounds. If you are ever in New Haven or even…
The Battle of Rhode Island
The Battle of Rhode Island was the only engagement of the Revolutionary War that was fought on Rhode Island soil and the first joint-operation between French and American forces. Although Newport was not re-captured from the British (the overall goal of the operation), the patriot forces proved their mettle in combat. In particular, the 1st…
North Burial Ground (Providence, RI)
The North Burial Ground in Providence, Rhode Island, was established in 1700 and is one of the most historic cemeteries in New England. It serves as the final resting place for many women and men prominent in Rhode Island and American history (to include Rhode Island governors, entrepreneurs, famed abolitionists, and veterans of the American…
The Battle of Stony Point
On the night of July 15-16, 1779, a strategic peninsula on the western shore of the Hudson River was engulfed with musket fire, plunging bayonets, and confusion. This midnight assault, which was carried out by Continental troops under command of Brigadier General “Mad” Anthony Wayne, is known as the Battle of Stony Point. Violent hand-to-hand…
General James Varnum House (East Greenwich, RI)
James Varnum was one of the most influential and important figures in New England on the eve of the American Revolution and he served admirably in the Continental Army. In his time, famous figures such as Thomas Paine, the Marquis de Lafayette, General Comte de Rochambeau, and possibly even George Washington visited his house in…
Washington’s Headquarters (Newburgh, NY)
From 1782 – 1783, General George Washington lived at the Hasbrouck House located along the Hudson River in Newburgh, New York- his final headquarters of the war. It was in this house that the Washingtons lived and where the Continental Army’s leadership worked, ate, and held meetings. During this period, the army experienced a great…
St. Michael’s Church (Charleston, SC)
St. Michael’s Church opened its doors in 1761 and ever since has been the premier landmark in Charleston, South Carolina for locals and visitors alike. The iconic colonial church has witnessed some of the most historic moments in American history, to include the Revolutionary and Civil Wars to name a few. Today, the active church…
The Battle of Monmouth
In the summer of 1778, the Continental army emerged from its transformative winter quarters at Valley Forge and pursued the British army, which abandoned Philadelphia and set off on foot for New York City. On June 28, 1778, a clash in the fields and orchards near Monmouth Courthouse in central New Jersey erupted into full-scale…
Graves of Revolutionary Generals
The Continental Army experienced a wide range of leadership throughout the American Revolutionary War and all too often, its officers argued, complained, and jockeyed for rank. But there were also many officers, including generals, that embodied steady and competent leadership throughout the conflict. Many of these men, including some Europeans who volunteered to serve the…
Dorchester Heights (Boston, MA)
Nestled amidst the iconic Dorchester Heights neighborhood of South Boston is a prominent hill that once served a crucial role in American history. In fact, the commanding heights offered an unparalleled view of Boston Harbor and the city below, which made it a key strategic point during the early months of 1776. Thanks to the…