Famed American naval officer John Paul Jones is most known for his raids along the coast of Whitehaven aboard USS Ranger and his exploits as captain of USS Bonhomme Richard (his defeat of HMS Serapis in the Battle of Flamborough Head is perhaps his biggest accomplishment). When he was not at sea fighting, he spent…
King George II Inn (Bristol, PA)
Nestled along the meandering Delaware River in Bristol, Pennsylvania is the charming King George II Inn. The long-standing tavern witnessed the birth of our nation, has welcomed numerous famous guests, and has persevered through 339 years of history to offer a unique dining experience to visitors. If you are looking for a fun and relaxing…
The Battle of the Clouds
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…
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…
White Horse Tavern (Newport, RI)
White Horse Tavern is the oldest tavern in the United States of America and is a must visit if you ever find yourself in Newport, Rhode Island! As one of the most historic and iconic buildings in the City by the Sea, the tavern offers an authentic colonial experience and a wide variety of cocktails…
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…
General Warren Inne (Malvern, PA)
The General Warren Inne in Malvern, Pennsylvania is a beautifully restored historic tavern that offers unique lodging, excellent cuisine, and a great history lesson. The tavern has served in a multitude of capacities over its 275 years of existence and even played a role in the American Revolution! If you are ever in Philadelphia or…
George Berkeley’s Whitehall (Middletown, RI)
Middletown, Rhode Island of the early 1700s painted quite the pastoral scene- it was almost entirely farmland, with small farm houses and barns sparsely dotting the landscape. This rural lifestyle was lived out of necessity by farmers, who used the nearby port town of Newport to ship their product. But some were drawn to Middletown…
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…
Publick House Historic Inn (Sturbridge, MA)
Sturbridge, Massachusetts is a beautiful historic town that is a favorite of local New Englanders and travelers alike. From Old Sturbridge Village (New England’s largest living history museum), the quaint shops and antique stores, to the Publick House Historic Inn, Sturbridge is packed with American history and has plenty to explore! History In 1771, Colonel…
Ye Olde Tavern (West Brookfield, MA)
Proudly sitting on Main Street in historic West Brookfield, Massachusetts, Ye Olde Tavern has served food and drink to travelers for 260 years. Ye Olde Tavern is considered one of the oldest taverns in the United States and has maintained a colonial charm while offering a modern dinner menu and bar scene to locals and…