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…
The Life & Crimes of John Dillinger
There exists a macabre fascination with gangsters and mobsters in American culture and perhaps nobody captures people’s interest more than that of John Dillinger. Not only have most people heard of him, but he remains relevant in pop culture with movies still being made about his exploits, such as the 2009 film Public Enemies. Of…
Leaders of the Revolution: Gouverneur Morris
One of the most fascinating founding fathers was Gouverneur Morris. Outside of his unique first name, wooden peg leg, and personal sexual exploits (which would easily make headlines today), Morris made crucial contributions to America’s founding. In fact, his writing of the preamble of the United States Constitution earned him the nickname “Penman of the…
Leaders of the Revolution: Robert Morris
The American Revolution was an expensive venture and financing the war effort was a constant issue for the Continental Congress. Enter Robert Morris, a wealthy Philadelphia businessman who ended up being known as the “Financier of the American Revolution.” Early Life Robert Morris Jr. was born on January 20, 1734, in Liverpool, England. His father,…
Leaders of the Revolution: James Otis
James Otis was one of the most influential men in colonial Boston on the eve of the American Revolutionary War; however, many Americans have never heard of him. Journey along as I explore the life and contributions of James Otis! Early Life James Otis Jr. was born on February 5, 1725, in modern-day West Barnstable,…
Grave of Morgan Earp
Recently I was able to visit the gravesite of Morgan Earp, who was a brother to western lawman, Wyatt Earp.Alongside Doc Holliday and his brothers, Virgil and Wyatt, Morgan participated in the famous gun fight at the O.K. Corral in the mining town of Tombstone, Arizona Territory. Unlike how many movies portray it, the gun…
Old Point Loma Lighthouse (San Diego, CA)
Old Point Loma Lighthouse towers above the entrance to San Diego Harbor and is one of the most recognizable landmarks on the west coast. Yet, it has not served its intended purpose for over 130 years. Today, it is a popular spot to take in the incredible views of San Diego and for visitors to…
Battle of Kings Mountain
The Battle of Kings Mountain proved to be a turning point in the southern theater of the American Revolutionary War. Not only did this overwhelming patriot victory quell loyalist support in the southern colonies, but it exposed the left flank of British General Lord Charles Cornwallis’ Army and forced him to fall back into South…
Fort Nuestra Señora de la Soledad (Umatac, Guam)
The island of Guam, located in the Mariana Island chain in the Pacific Ocean, is home to an unbelievable amount of history. Mostly known for its World War Two history (and the American invasion to retake the island in 1944), Guam has much more to offer to the curious visitor. In fact, Spain has had…
Exploring the Wreckage of a WWII F4U Corsair
I was able to spend some time on the Island of Guam earlier this year. As many of you know, there is a ton of World War Two history there and on other Mariana Islands- thankfully, I was able to experience quite a bit of it! One of the most fascinating journeys I had was…
Siege of Savannah
The Siege of Savannah, also known as the Second Battle of Savannah, was an important moment for the war effort in the southern colonies during the American Revolution. Despite possessing a numerical advantage and the assistance of French naval forces, the Franco-American Army was unable to capture the city. Today, much of the battlefield is…
The Alamo (San Antonio, TX)
The events that took place at the Alamo are some of the most famous in American history. With participants such as Jim Bowie and Davy Crockett, it is not difficult to see why; however, the history of the mission is even more fascinating than most realize. Today, the remnants of the mission sit amidst the…
George Washington’s Mount Vernon
George Washington loved his Virginia estate known as Mount Vernon. Apparently, he is not the only one because Mount Vernon averages 1 million guests per year and is by far the most popular historic estate in the United States of America! Today, the sprawling plantation, though much smaller than its original size, enables visitors to…
Exploring the Presidents Trail (Quincy, MA)
The city of Quincy, Massachusetts is largely unknown to most; however, it holds some of the most interesting history intimately associated with America’s 2nd and 6th presidents (John Adams & John Quincy Adams, respectively). Thankfully, many historic sites have been preserved and can be easily explored by following Quincy’s Presidents Trail! Exploring the Presidents Trail…