Mark Couvillon Unveils the Untold Story: Patrick Henry's First Marriage and Sarah Shelton's Struggles
Get a factual history of Patrick Henry's first marriage to Sarah Shelton, whose mental health was agonizing.
Meet James Madison: 3 Perfect Insights To Introduce Him on the WAHISA Blog
Our 4th US President, James Madison was as complex as any of our founding fathers. Here are 3 perfect insights to introduce him to history lovers.
September 27th in American History: A Look Back During Hurricane Helene
While history is happening, I'm taking a look back at what happened on September 27th in American history.
Revolutionary Perspectives: Discovering the American Revolution Through 18th Century Letters
History is made up of humans. It's why reading 18th century perspectives of the American Revolution is fascinating!
Timeless Treasures: Must-Visit Living History Museums That Bring the Past to Life!
Living history museums not only bring the past to life, but preserve trades and immerse you in the past. Visit one!
Uncovering the Lives Behind Historic Homes: It's More Than Just About the Buildings
Do you love early American homes? I do. And I'm into learning the history behind the buildings.
Exploring Patrick Henry's Virginia: A Captivating Adventure through Mark Couvillon's Remarkable Work
Explore the homes and buildings that make up Patrick Henry's Virginia in a masterful work by Mark Couvillon
Seeing History Firsthand: Jefferson and Lafayette's Letters in Special Collections
Sometimes you just want to actually see a letter in person. Especially if it was written by someone like Thomas Jefferson.
Thomas Jefferson Pursuing Happiness: A Review and A Request
What was Thomas Jefferson thinking as he penned the Declaration of Independence? Colonial Williamsburg may have a performance that offers insight.
On the Minds of 18th Century Americans July 20th: Direct Quotes from the Washingtons, Jefferson and More.
Cornwallis' retreat was brought to Washington's attention and Jefferson was discussing the value of books. What else was happening on July 20th in American history?
Primary Sources: July 15th in Daily Life... Early America
Primary sources exist for July 15th and every day! Check out diary entries from George Washington and letters written during the American Revolution- all around July 15th.
Documents Leading to American Independence: Patrick Henry's Resolves in the Special Collections of Colonial Williamsburg
Thanks to the Special Collections of Colonial Williamsburg, I saw Patrick Henry's Stamp Act Resolves!
Have You Read Many Newspapers from Early America? Start Here.
Early American newspapers chronicle America in a unique way- and the Library of Congress gives us all access for free.
June 29, 1776: The Day Patrick Henry Was Chosen to Be Governor of Virginia
On June 29th 1776, the summer of American Independence, Patrick Henry became the first non-royal governor of Virginia. Read the words he had for those who chose him.
An 18th Century Mace: the Silversmiths' Project for Celebrating 2026
How are an 18th century mace from South Carolina, silversmithing, and Colonial Williamsburg's 2026 celebration connected?
This is the 87th Post on My What American History Is About Blog: Let's Talk 87s.
For my 87th post on this American history blog, let's look at 1687, 1787 and 1987 in American history.
May 20th in American History: 2 Posts Over 2 Days Honoring Random Dates Because Why Not?
King George III responded with Intolerable Acts and other bits of American history that happened on May 20th.
Equine Lessons from the Courthouse Green: Insights on Horses in the American Revolutionary War
The history of horses in American society is long. If you want a glimpse into their existence during the American Revolutionary War, this post is for you.
April 19th in American History: What Happened?
If you're an American history nerd, this post highlighting events from March 29th is for you!
Advertisements in Virginia Gazettes: Insights from the Capital City of the Largest Colony During the Revolutionary Period
What better way to peek into daily life during the Revolutionary era than seeing what was advertised in Williamsburg's Virginia Gazette?
Kicking Off VA 250 Inside Williamsburg's Reconstructed Capitol is History in Itself
The March 2024 event in Colonial Williamsburg that was the ultimate immersion into American history.
Celebrating the Marquis de Lafayette: 1824 to 2024
If you haven't gotten to know the Marquis de Lafayette, 2024 is the year as we celebrate the 200th anniversary of his 1824 American tour.
The Final Breakfast: An End to Dunmore and Washington
New research is shining more light onto the friendship between George Washington and Virginia's last Royal Governor.
A Review of "Witness to the Revolution" by Michael Cecere and Jennifer Cecere: Insights from a Blogger
Michael and Jennifer Cecere's Witness to the Revolution is an historical fiction novel you don't want to miss.
Year 24s of American History: Let's Review 1624, 1724, 1824, and 1924 as 2024 Kicks Off!
As we kick off 2024, the What American History Is About blog reviews the 24th years of the last 400 years.
December 15th in American History: Celebrating the Victory at Yorktown in 1781
On December 15th 1781, Williamsburg celebrated the victory at Yorktown. What else happened on this day in history?
Unearthing America's Past: My Top Podcasts Featuring Primary Sources!
The best podcasts to learn American history from use primary sources.
The Most Powerful Tribute: Honoring and Supporting Veterans of the United States Military and Their Families
No matter how you do it, take the time to honor veterans of the U.S. Military and their families - every day of the year.
3 Cool Primary Sources That Are Not the Declaration of Independence but Are Fascinating Bits of American History
3 primary sources that are just as important as the Declaration of Independence in our American history.
October 19, 1781: Victory At Yorktown and the Beginning of A New Journey
Celebrate the victory at Yorktown this October and every October!
The Jefferson Triumvirate of Williamsburg
Who influenced, supported, and taught Thomas Jefferson? Meet his Williamsburg triumvirate and get a taste.
The Spy Whose Powerful Decision Helped Get an American Victory at Yorktown: Meeting James Armistead Lafayette
Have you met James Armistead Lafayette? He was the spy who helped us at Yorktown and shouldn't be forgotten.
Notes on How Decisions to Take Action Impacted American History
What if our founding fathers procrastinated? My personal procrastination on a marketing project inspired a post about decisions to take action in American history.
September 21 in American History: The Traitor Becomes a Traitor, Reagan Speaks and the King of Horror Is Born
When did Benedict Arnold become a traitor to America? September 21st 1780. See what else happened that day!
Putting this Blog into Context: A Quick Note About the 13 Colonies
Let's have a quick chat about the 13 colonies to put this American history blog in context.
4 Things I Learned from the Colonial Williamsburg Gunsmiths- A True Gem of a Trade
The Colonial Williamsburg gunsmiths make early American guns lock, stock, and barrel and share insight into the era!
The Scotchtown Post: Insight into Patrick Henry and the Place He Lived for a Few Pivotal Years
Have you visited Patrick Henry's Scotchtown? He only lived there for a few years, but they were pivotal ones.
A Visit to One of the Most Historical Sites Around: Berkeley.
Have you visited the ancestral home of 2 presidents? Take a peek into the Harrison home in Charles City Virginia and soak in some history.
George Washington: What Was He Thinking as He Left the Presidency?
What thoughts did Washington have about our United States after eight years as President? Start grabbing some history here.
August 7th: A Day in American History
What happened in American history on August 7th? A few events to talk about at the water cooler and at the dinner table!
3 Names From American History You May Not Know but Should Learn
Do you know Peyton Randolph died so John Hancock's signature replaced his? I'm sharing 3 names from American history you may not know but should.
Things to Love About the Raleigh Tavern, Past and Present
Past meets present when you visit the Raleigh Tavern, an 18th century reconstruction showing off the Daphne and Apollo rooms, where liberty happened.
Freedom Is Not Free: A Grandfather in Maine Created an Evergreen Movement Reminding the World
If we are talking about American history, Wreaths Across America's Mobile Education Exhibit deserves a mention.
Music in History: All-American From the Start of our United States
How did music start out in early America? It was all-American from the beginning!
Musings on Liberty: A Quick Post Celebrating Independence Day
If we're discussing what American history is about, liberty must be discussed as we celebrate Independence Day.
Honor the Frenchman Who George Washington Cherished as a Lifelong Friend This 4th of July!
The Marquis de Lafayette, Washington's friend for life and why we should honor him on Independence Day.