Near modern-day Malvern, Pennsylvania are a few historic signs marking the battle that never was: The Battle of the Clouds. Taking place between the Battle of Brandywine (September 11) and the Battle of Paoli (also known as the “Paoli Massacre” – September 20), many have never heard of it. The battle is considered an “aborted…
Category: Exploring Historic America
Exploring American cities, towns, and regions during historic road trips!
The Fateful Hamilton-Burr Duel at Weehawken
The Weehawken Dueling Grounds witnessed numerous duels and settled disputes throughout the colonial era and early America. The most famous to take place there was on July 11, 1804 between the former Secretary of the Treasury and the Vice President of the United States. Alexander Hamilton and Aaron Burr settled their long-time rivalry on the…
The Battle of Paoli (Paoli Massacre)
The Battle of Paoli, also known as the Paoli Massacre, was one of the lowest moments for the Continental Army during the Philadelphia Campaign of 1777. The midnight attack sparked chaos and panic amongst General Anthony Wayne’s Pennsylvania Division, of whom many died at the end of a bayonet. This carnage led to a promise…
The Battle of Bennington
The Battle of Bennington, which took place in modern-day Hoosick Falls, New York (not in Bennington, Vermont as often believed), is considered the turning point in the northern theater that led to the eventual British surrender at Saratoga in October 1777. Although the Battle of Bennington is rarely if ever discussed in American history books…
Putnam Memorial State Park (Redding, CT)
Putnam Memorial State Park is a beautifully preserved historic site that was once the location of a Continental Army cantonment during the harsh winter of 1778-1779. Known as “Connecticut’s Valley Forge,” the soldiers camped in Redding that winter suffered greatly. Today, you can walk the accessible and well-marked trail and get a glimpse back in time- you can almost picture the frozen troops huddled around a campfire in the dense snow-covered Connecticut woods. The secluded Putnam Memorial State Park provides a wonderful opportunity to take a short walk through the woods and learn more about our American history!
A Historic Walking Tour of Newport, RI – Route 1
Newport, Rhode Island is known for its remarkable collection of 18th century houses, buildings, and historic sites, which rivals any town along the eastern seaboard. In fact, Newport’s historic buildings (ranging from churches, a synagogue, taverns, public buildings, a library, and private residences) include many that witnessed the American Revolution and survived years of British…
Fort Barton (Tiverton, RI)
Rhode Island’s role in the American Revolution is often overshadowed by the flurry of revolutionary activity in nearby Boston, the grand actions around New York City and Philadelphia, and even the southern theater of the war. But the small state of Rhode Island has always been at the forefront of rebellious ideas and activities and…
Historic Schools of Aquidneck Island
Aquidneck Island, known originally Rhode Island, was once inhabited by the Narragansett tribe and settled by colonists in 1638. Early in its history, the colonists built schools to educate their children, which showed the importance of education in society, even in communities that were just beginning. Today, there are a few 18th and 19th-century schoolhouses…
Lexington Battle Green
The first shots of the American Revolution rang out on Lexington Common in the early morning hours of April 19, 1775. Although years of tension and sporadic violence preceded this event, many consider the fight in Lexington as the beginning of the American Revolution (although loyal citizens of Concord will argue otherwise- an ongoing debate…
The Battle of Bunker Hill
The Battle of Bunker Hill, which was primarily fought on nearby Breed’s Hill, was the first major head-to-head battle of the American Revolution. Today you can still visit the legendary site, which is now completely surrounded by the city of Charlestown. But despite the passage of time, historic Charlestown and Americans from near and far…
The Battle of Groton Heights
The Battle of Groton Heights was the last major military engagement fought in the northern theater of the Revolutionary War and the largest battle fought in Connecticut. But what really makes it such an important battle to study is due to the egregious actions taken by the British and that their commander was none other…
Revolutionary War Fort Lee
Following the British evacuation of Boston, General George Washington and his army had no idea where the afloat British Army would land; however, the importance of New York was never in question. Washington moved his Army overland to occupy New York City and to fortify the American defenses along the crucial Hudson River. Today, you…
Washington’s Crossing of the Delaware
George Washington and his army’s daring crossing of the Delaware River on Christmas Night in 1776 is perhaps one of the most famous events in American history. Children learn about the legendary crossing in grade school and certainly most Americans are familiar with Emanuel Gottlieb Leutze’s dramatic 1851 painting, Washington Crossing the Delaware. But while…
The Battle of Princeton
Following a visit to the Washington Crossing Historic Park, we made our way towards the historic town of Princeton, New Jersey (trying to follow the path Washington and his army would have marched). Known for the American victory against British regulars on January 3, 1777, the town possesses an unmatched pastoral charm while preserving history…
The Battle of White Plains
New York has witnessed many exciting and memorable moments in United States history. During the American Revolution in particular, New York and the Hudson River (known then as the “North River”), greatly influenced the strategy of both the American and British leadership and the outcome of the war (in fact, General Washington believed the key…