The History Dame Archive

Fun Fact Friday is all about the Liberty Bell. It was not originally called the Liberty Bell, but called the State House Bell, commissioned in 1751 to celebrate Pennsylvania’s original constitution. No one really knows when that iconic crack happened; historians debate whether it first fractured right after arrival or much later. But we know the last crack was 1846, taking away her sound. Despite legend, it probably didn’t ring on July 4, 1776, and it’s unclear whether it e

A few days ago, I posted about Knox’s arrival outside of Boston. So for Travel Tuesday, let’s look at his trail! I did my best to capture the locations and where markers can be found. Start of the Trail – New York Crown Point, NY – Marker at Crown Point on Lake Champlain. Fort Ticonderoga, NY – Several markers at Fort Ticonderoga, the expedition’s launch point. Fort Ticonderoga Portage Road – Nearby historic portage. Lake George Area (Sabbath Day Point) – Early route alon

250th anniversaries on the same date. Let's dive in! 1. America’s First National Memorial Was Commissioned The Continental Congress authorized what became the very first monument commissioned by the United States, in honor of Brigadier General Richard Montgomery, who had been killed leading the assault on Quebec in late 1775. Crafted by French sculptor Jean-Jacques Caffieri and later installed at St. Paul’s Chapel in New York, Montgomery’s memorial set a precedent for how thi

On January 10, 1776, English-born writer Thomas Paine published one of the most influential pieces of writing in early American history: his pamphlet Common Sense. Rather than dense political argument, Paine chose plain, passionate language to make a bold case for separation from Great Britain. It reached everyday colonists, was read aloud in taverns and public spaces, and helped shift opinion toward complete independence at a time when many still hoped for reconciliation. In

The front of my house has an American flag flying year-round. This year, I wanted one to mark the 250th, and I found this flag on the America's 250 website.   It is a printed flag, not sewn, which is a little disappointing, but overall it's a good-quality flag. Please note that other sites sell this same flag, sewn, but at a high price. If you are interested in a sewn version, check out Elizabeth Ross Flags .

From December 31, 2025, to January 5, 2026, the Freedom at 250 organization kicked off America's 250 with America's story projected on the Washington Monument. It was roughly 20 minutes long, with narration, and covered some major, though not all, highlights of American history. My video does not have narration because it was hard to hear, so it is paired with music.

Today, the Continental Congress published the “Tory Act,” a resolution that laid out how the colonies should deal with fellow Americans who remained loyal to Great Britain and King George III. Rather than punish all dissenters outright, Congress urged Patriots to educate and persuade the “honest and well-meaning, but uninformed” about the causes of the Revolution, hoping understanding might spark unity. This moment highlights the complicated civil conflict within the America

Before the Stars & Stripes, there was the Grand Union Flag. Many consider it our first flag. The story goes that on January 1, 1776 , General Washington raised the Grand Union Flag right on Prospect Hill, overlooking Boston, marking a decisive step toward American independence, especially during the Siege of Boston. Remember, at this time, Knox and his men are trekking from Fort Ticonderoga to bring cannon to Dorchester/Boston.

America’s 250th anniversary marks a milestone filled with stories, achievements, and reflections. To honor this moment, I am launching a year-long series called Destination Declaration - America at 250 . This series will gather posts, videos, and other content that explore the rich history and vibrant culture of the United States. Everything will be available in one place on my website and shared across my X and Instagram accounts. This post introduces the series and explains