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Colonial Era
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George Washington, Commander of the Continental Army
After the clash at Lexington and Concord on April 19, 1775, all eyes turned north to Boston where a force of colonial militiamen was besieging the British. Congressional leaders knew we needed to mold this loose-knit assembly into an army and so Congress created the Continental Army on June 14, 1775.
George Washington, Life as a Gentleman Planter
When George Washington resigned as Colonel and Commander of the Virginia Regiment in 1758, he returned to Mount Vernon to begin his life as a gentleman planter. Although in less than twenty years Washington would be called away by his country, his time between the French and Indian War and the American Revolution was a significant portion of this great man’s life.
George Washington’s Formative Years
George Washington. Where do you begin to tell the story of this incredible man? A man to whom this great country of ours owes so much. Like most stories, it is best to start at the beginning where the foundation was laid for the man he would become.
Benjamin Franklin, Unparalleled Statesman and American Patriot
Benjamin Franklin was involved in the effort to unify the American colonies longer and signed most of our nation’s key documents and treaties. Yet, this talented man spent all but two years from 1757-1775 living in Europe and he was the last of the Founders to advocate for independence.
Benjamin Franklin, A Man Committed to Improving His Country
Benjamin Franklin made his money in the printing business, but his true calling was as a man devoted to understanding and improving all aspects of life. Franklin’s interests and innovations stretched from the areas of civics to morals to science to home improvements.
Young Ben Franklin, the Printer, and His Rise to Prominence
Ben Franklin was one of the most gifted and intriguing men in American history. His incredible rise from humble beginnings to one of the most famous men in the world is an inspirational story.
Betsy Ross, American Patriot and Creator of An Iconic Flag
One of the most beautiful flags from our nation’s founding era is the famous “Betsy Ross” flag with thirteen red and white stripes and thirteen stars in a field of blue. Called by many the first national flag of the United States, it was created by Betsy Ross in the city of Philadelphia in 1776.
Flags of the American Revolution: Many Designs, One Goal
To understand the muddle over our flag at our nation’s founding, it is important remember that in 1776, the allegiance and attachment of most people was to their own locale, not to the yet to be created United States of America.
Who Created the First Flag? Discover the History of the Stars and Stripes
Our nation’s flag, the emblem of our country, was officially created and later modified by three laws passed by Congress. Since then, it has been changed 27 times, the most recent of which was on July 4, 1960 when Hawaii’s star, the fiftieth, was added to the constellation.
A Bald Eagle, Olive Branches and Arrows - How the Great Seal Was Created
The Great Seal of the United States is the official seal of our country. It was approved in 1782 and is used on many of our official documents, most commonly on the back of our one-dollar bill.
The Bill of Rights: The Tenth Amendment
The Tenth Amendment is one of the true foundational amendments of our Constitution. It reserves for the states all rights not granted to the national government by the Constitution, guaranteeing a federalist type of administration.
Beyond the Bill of Rights: Protections Extended by the Ninth Amendment
The Ninth Amendment is one of the two backbone amendments of our Constitution, the Tenth being the other one. It is the amendment that reserves for the people all rights not expressly granted to the government, whether those rights are enumerated or not.