Overlooking Newport Harbor and Narragansett Bay in Rhode Island is a massive stone fort that was once one of the premier coastal fortifications in the United States: Fort Adams. Named for our 2nd President, John Adams, this fort never experienced combat; however, it served as an active military installation for over 100 years. Today, Fort…
James Madison’s Montpelier
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…
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…
Adams National Historical Park
If you’ve ever visited Washington D.C., you may have noticed that there are no towering monuments or statues dedicated to John Adams, the 2nd President of the United States. One might find this odd (as I do), despite Adams himself once writing “mausoleums, statues, monuments will never be erected to me. I wish them not”…
Cambridge in the American Revolution (Cambridge, MA)
Cambridge, Massachusetts is one of the most historic and storied towns in New England. While it is primarily known as the home of Harvard University, Cambridge holds a bounty of incredible Revolutionary War history. Today, multiple historic homes, churches, cemeteries, monuments, and cannon remain within the town that invite visitors to take a step back…
Fort Sumter (Charleston, SC)
Fort Sumter is one of the most iconic fortifications in the United States, largely because it was where the American Civil War began. Today, it is one of the most popular sites for visitors to explore during a trip to Charleston. Although the fort has changed and the sands have shifted over the decades, Fort…
3 Days Exploring Charleston, SC
Charleston, South Carolina is one of the most historic and beautiful cities in the United States. Its southern charm, alluring beaches, and outstanding food scene makes visitors feel at home and undoubtedly, keeps them coming back. Whether you are looking to wander the historic streets on foot or by horse-drawn carriage, there is truly something…
A Historic Walking Tour of Charleston
Walking the streets of Charleston, South Carolina, evokes a sense of nostalgia and an urge to simply unwind. Perhaps its the swaying palm trees, charming colonial architecture, or inviting coffee shops and restaurants- or maybe it is something more. Come along with us on a historic walking tour of Charleston and see for yourself! A…
The Battle of Guilford Courthouse
(Cover art from Soldiers of the American Revolution by H. Charles McBarron) The Battle of Guildford Courthouse, which took place in modern-day Greensboro, North Carolina, was a fierce battle between the military minds of General Nathanael Greene and General Charles Cornwallis. It was the first major engagement between the American and British armies following the…
A Visit to Revolutionary York
York, Pennsylvania is a small town that anyone outside of central Pennsylvania (or history buffs) have likely never heard of- but they should! This beautiful town holds some of the most important history from the American Revolutionary War and our country’s founding. York was not only considered the “capital of the nation” when the Continental…
Historic Keller House & the Battle of Funkstown
One of the most interesting trips we have taken in recent years was undoubtedly our week-long stay in a Civil War Hospital. Now I know what you’re thinking- how is that even possible!? Well thankfully, historic Keller House in Funkstown, Maryland, which was used as a field hospital after the Battle of Funkstown on July…
Fort Fisher (Wilmington, NC)
When most people think of the American Civil War, large-scale land battles such as Gettysburg, Antietam, and Chancellorsville often come to mind; however, a great deal of the war was fought at sea and along the coast. In fact, the Union war strategy sought to blockade coastal cities along the eastern seaboard and Gulf of…
Springfield Armory National Historic Site
Since the American Revolution, military arms and munitions have played a crucial role in our nation’s history. Nowhere was more important in supplying those arms than Springfield Armory, which is nestled along the Connecticut River in Springfield, Massachusetts. After nearly 200 years of service to the United States, Springfield Armory closed its doors; however, today,…
Colonial Park Cemetery (Savannah, GA)
Savannah’s Colonial Park Cemetery is one of the most historic burial grounds in the United States of America and its drooping Spanish moss and well-built brick vaults make it one of the most scenic too! Although it is no longer active today, Colonial Park Cemetery remains one of the most popular destinations for locals and…