Most-Read in 2025: Five Highlights from What American History Is About

Reviewing 2025 on the history blog!

I'm excited to say that the majority of new readers get to this blog through Google searches- and for 2025, that number went up almost 250%. Serendipitous as we head into America's 250th birthday, is it not?

So what are the new readers searching out and clicking on? Here's the list for 2025's top 5 posts based on traffic! Let's take a look back and count it down!

Disclaimer: As a blogger, I use affiliate links sometimes! I may receive commission from purchases I share; it does not change your price but sometimes you might get a discount.

McKenzie Apothecary, Colonial Williamsburg, December of 2025.

The list.

Whether you just found this blog or have been around a bit, I'm pretty certain you'll find a post you'll love as the diversity of the posts highlight the diversity of topics on the blog. One mission, but multiple ways to get there.

Every link will open into a new tab so don't worry about losing this page!

RELATED: Click here to read about the blog's mission.

5) Weekend Reads.

If you love reading history, fiction or non-fiction, I have a few books that may be a little under the radar.

One of my earliest blog posts comes in at number 5 again in 2025! Yes, it was right here last year. Maybe it's the simple title that draws "searchers" and frequent visitors back: Weekend Reads for American History Lovers.

There's no overlap to the three books offered up; none outside of the fact that they are uber-relevant to What American History Is About. The topics:

• Jamestown
• early forensics
• country music

But each book offers more than the "obvious" theme.

And- I've continued on with book reviews knowing the popularity of this post. Search out the whole of the category!

Read the 'weekend reads' post here.

Building reconstruction at Jamestown Settlement.

4) Loving on the Raleigh Tavern: a 250th must-see!

In the beginning, there was the Raleigh Tavern.

I mean that two ways:
1) it's where several actions related to America's independency took place AND
2) it was one of the earliest buildings John D. Rockefeller understood necessary for a reconstruction of Colonial Williamsburg.

Rockefeller, as you might know, provided the financial backing to bring W.A.R. Goodwin's vision of resurrecting the past to fruition.

Therefore, as we celebrate America's 250th AND the centennial of Colonial Williamsburg, it's my opinion the Raleigh Tavern is a must-see. Online (as in my blog post of course!) and in person (and I can include that on a custom tour if you visit and book one with me!).

Note: purchasing a custom tour with me will give you more detail on both Rockefeller and Goodwin. It's a story worth visiting when you visit. So to speak!

Click here to read my blog post about the Raleigh Tavern that so many people are finding online.

Visiting Colonial Williamsburg? Click here to discuss your trip and set up a custom tour with me!

Raleigh Tavern, Colonial Williamsburg

3) Horses and the American Revolution.

The people of Colonial Williamsburg are the experts I trust. And when it comes to horses and their relation to our American Revolutionary War: Mark Schneider is second to none.

As he was riding "Ajax," one day, decked out and in character as the Marquis de Lafayette, he stopped to chat with visitors on the courthouse green. What began as greeting guests quickly became a serious history lesson and I soaked it in.

Following this encounter, I wrote what is consistently a popular post.

In fact, it connected me to Mike Keeler, who representing Revolution New Jersey, hit me up to get in contact with equine experts of the era to assist in a project related to their deep dive into America's 250th.

And P.S., Mike found this blog on Google!

Read my 'horse post' here.

And click here to open details on Revolution New Jersey in a new tab- they have LOTS happening in 2026 and beyond!

Mark Schneider as the Marquis de Lafayette on Ajax, 2025

2) Tidbits on year "25s" in American history.

Wouldn't you know it: a post sharing tidbits of American history from year 25s was popular with readers in 2025!

1625, 1725, 1825, and 2025...written in January of 2025, and slightly updated as the year came to a close in December. Those updates are certain to guide you into some unexpected rabbit holes.

Click here and jump in for what may be your winning ticket on Jeopardy, at trivia contests, or around the "water cooler."

1) The top-read post: Timeless treasures, must-visit living history museums!

So many people have commented on this post, to me about this post, and OMG the Google traffic!

When people search any of the following, they get to this blog because my post about living history museums shows up:

• living history museums
• best history museums in the U.S.
• living history

...and more!

Click here to read the most-read post on this blog in 2025. And then, plan to visit one, some, or even better: ALL.

NOTE: if you visit the ones I wander almost daily (Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown, or Yorktown!), hit me up and let's plan to make your trip here unforgettable.

Kitchen demonstration at Jamestown Settlement.

Closing words from history.

As I'm home writing this, I happen to have The Family Letters of Thomas Jefferson, within reach. Today's closing words come from Jefferson himself.

Page 93 includes January correspondence from Jefferson in Philadelphia, where he was serving as Secretary of State. It's written to his daughter, Martha Jefferson Randolph; appropriate to the season in my opinion, as he longs to be home with family.

Click here to see the book details for citation and to purchase what's one of my favorite resources!

Excerpt transcribed as seen in the book, but broken into easier-to-read paragraphs.

"Philadelphia Jan. 15. 1792

MY DEAR MARTHA,

Having no particular subject for a letter, I find none more soothing to my mind than to indulge itself in expressions of the love I bear you, and the delight with which I recall the various scenes thro which we have passed together, in our wandering over the world.

These reveries alleviate the toils and inquietudes of my present situation, and leave me always impressed with the desire of being at home once more, and of exchanging labour, envy, and malice for ease, domestic occupation, and domestic love and society, where I may once more be happy with you, Mr. Randolph, and dear little Anne..."

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There is a huge practical disclaimer to the content on this blog, which is my way of sharing my excitement and basically journaling online.

1) I am not a historian nor an expert. I will let you know I’m relaying the information as I understand and interpret it. The employees of Colonial Williamsburg base their presentations, work, and responses on historical documents and mainly primary sources.

2) I will update for accuracy as history is constant learning. If you have a question about accuracy, please ask me! I will get the answer from the best source I can find.

3) Photo credit to me, Daphne Reznik, for all photos in this post, unless otherwise credited! All photos are personal photos taken in public access locations or with specific permission.