Independence!

On this day, 250 years ago, Congress approved the Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration arose from the Lee Resolution. Congress had formed a committee of 5 to draft a declaration explaining to the world why the Resolution and American independence was justified.

The committee included Thomas Jefferson, the principal author, with John Adams, Benjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman, and Robert Livingston. Jefferson finished the first draft by June 18th. The committee then helped him edit and polish it.

After receiving the draft on June 28th, Congress spent the next several days debating and revising the declaration. Congress approved it on July 4th – Independence Day.

FIVE Big Things

Let’s look at FIVE big things about American independence and the Declaration.

1. It had to be unanimous - Congress decreed that all 13 colonies had to approve independence for it to take effect. Otherwise, there might have been a civil war, with colony fighting colony.
2. The wrong date? We celebrate independence on July 4th but but Congress approved the Lee Resolution on July 2nd. Why celebrate the 4th? That’s when Congress approved the Declaration, explaining why they declared independence.
3. The Declaration was just the start - Declaring independence was the easy part. Securing it took several more years of war and hardship. At times, it looked like America would fail. But Patriot perseverance ultimately triumphed.
4. Unfinished work - The Declaration made a bold statement that “all men are created equal.” But the new nation did not always live up to that ideal. Instead, as Abraham Lincoln once said, “It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work....”
5. Immense impact - The Declaration has had an immense impact, both here in the US and abroad.
• American abolitionists, suffragists, and civil rights leaders all used its language to argue that the nation must live up to its founding ideals.
• In 1789, the French Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen drew inspiration from the American Declaration. Jefferson even helped the Marquis de Lafayette draft it.
• Later independence movements, such as those in Latin America in the 1800s, were inspired by the American example.
• And the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights embraced the same core principle of inherent rights found in the Declaration of Independence.

The Declaration of Independence played a fundamental role in the development of the modern concept of human rights and sovereignty of the people.

And there you have it – America 250 years ago.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

The Lee Resolution

On June 7th, 250 years ago, Richard Henry Lee of Virginia introduced a formal motion for American independence to the Continental Congress.

Richard Henry Lee

Prompted by the VA legislature, the Lee Resolution went a step further than NC’s Halifax Resolves.

It called on the Continental Congress to vote on a formal break from Great Britain.

The Lee Resolution was clear and bold:

Resolved, That these United Colonies are, and of right ought to be, free and independent States, 

that they are absolved from all allegiance to the British Crown, 

and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain 

is, and ought to be, totally dissolved.

Three Big Things

Let’s look at 3 big things about the Lee Resolution.

1. Another Step Towards Independence - It marked a crucial moment where the idea of American independence became an actionable proposal. By formally calling for separation from Britain, it pushed the colonies beyond earlier petitions and grievances, moving them closer to freedom.
2. Debate and Delay - Although the resolution was bold, its adoption was not immediate. Many delegates hesitated, concerned about the consequences and their colonies’ readiness. This led to intense debate and a delay as Congress sought consensus among the colonies before proceeding.
3. The Declaration Committee - To build support and clarify their intentions, Congress appointed a committee to draft a statement explaining the reasons for independence. This committee, which included Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, and Benjamin Franklin, would soon produce the Declaration of Independence, laying out the colonies’ case to the world.

The Halifax Resolves

On this day, 250 years ago, the American colonies took a bold step towards independence with the Halifax Resolves, issued by the North Carolina legislature.

Eight days earlier, the North Carolina Provincial Congress met in Halifax. The congress then formed a committee to explore measures to protect the colony.

On April 12th, the committee introduced the Resolves. They instructed colony’s delegates to the Continental Congress to support independence from Britain—and even more importantly, to push the other colonies to do the same. The North Carolina legislature unanimously approved the Resolves.

Three Big Things

Let's look at three big things about the Resolves.

1. Path Towards Independence - The Resolves were an important step on the path towards independence. It was the first official action by an American colony to call for complete separation from Britain.
2. Stopped Short - However, it stopped a little short. It did not authorize the North Carolina delegation to propose independence in the Continental Congress. It only authorized the delegation to support other independence proposals. A vote on independence would wait until another colony stepped forward.
3. State Celebrations - Nevertheless, North Carolina takes great pride in the Halifax Resolves. The state flag includes the date that the legislature approved them. The state’s slogan, “first in freedom,” references their lead in proposing independence. And Halifax holds a festival celebrating the Resolves every April.

The British Evacuate Boston

On this day, 250 years ago, George Washington and the Patriot forces won a major victory.

After the battles of Lexington and Concord the previous April, British troops withdrew to Boston and fortified the city. The Continental Army under George Washington surrounded them, beginning the Siege of Boston.

Lacking artillery, however, the Patriots could not force the British out. That changed when Henry Knox led a winter expedition to transport cannons captured at Fort Ticonderoga—hauling more than 50 pieces of artillery across snow, ice, and mountains to Boston.

Washington placed artillery on the hills around Boston and the harbor.

Realizing that his forces were vulnerable, British General William Howe decided to evacuate the city. 

On March 17, 1776, British troops and Loyalists boarded ships bound for Nova Scotia.

Boston was now in Patriot hands.

Three Big Things

Let’s look at 3 big things about the British evacuation of Boston.

1. A Major Victory - Boston was one of the British army’s key strongholds in the colonies. Forcing them out was a major victory that helped build up American confidence.
2. Knox's Contribution - We mentioned this last year, but it bears repeating. Knox’s efforts to transport captured artillery from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston was a stupendous feat of logistics. His leadership was crucial to the victory.
3. Washington's Leadership - George Washington’s planning, fortification of the heights around Boston, and brilliant use of artillery also demonstrated great leadership. This success strengthened trust in him as Commander-in-Chief of the Continental Army.

And there you have it – America 250 years ago. Stay tuned for more updates leading to America’s 250th birthday.

Battle of Moore's Creek Bridge

On this day, 250 years ago, the fate of North Carolina was decided. Tensions between Patriots and Loyalists had simmered over the past several months. By February, a large force of Loyalists had organized in the interior. They planned to march on the coast and link up with British troops.

The Patriots learned about the plan and were determined to stop them. They erected their defenses at Moore’s Creek Bridge, a small wooden crossing just north of Wilmington.

Reconstructed bridge. Photo from the National Park Service website

The battle was decisive. The Loyalists charged across the bridge. The Patriots responded with a hail of musketry that stopped the Loyalists in their tracks. 

Also from the NPS website

The battle was over in minutes – 30 Loyalists were killed and another 850 captured. The Patriots suffered two casualties.

Three Big Things

Let’s look at 3 big things about the battle.

1. Last Highland Charge - Long before the American Revolution, the Scottish Highlands were home to fierce warriors—Highlanders. They were famous for terrifying battlefield charges with broadswords raised. In the 1700s, many of these warriors resettled in North Carolina, carrying their traditions with them. At Moore’s Creek Bridge, some of the Loyalists were Highlanders.  They charged with broadswords like their forefathers. But the Patriot musketry stopped them cold. The attack collapsed—marking not only a Patriot victory, but the last Highland charge.”
2. Preparation Leads to Success - Patriot preparations were crucial in the victory. The Patriots recognized the bridge as a perfect defensive position. They set up earthworks on the far side and prepared for battle. As one final touch, they removed the planks from the bridge and greased the remaining beams with lard — turning it into a slippery trap. These preparations blunted the Loyalist attack and led to victory.
3. Momentum for Independence - The Patriot victory thwarted the Loyalist uprising and deterred the British from invading the colony. This preserved North Carolina for the cause. In turn, it would be in the forefront of the independence movement. In April 1776, North Carolina’s legislature issued the Halifax Resolves, the first official colonial action calling for full independence from Britain.

And there you have it – America 250 years ago.

Stay tuned for more updates leading to America’s 250th birthday.

Common Sense

On January 10th, 250 years ago, a relatively unknown immigrant from England published a 47-page pamphlet called Common Sense. It would change the course of American history.

This immigrant, Thomas Paine, outlined a common sense case for revolution against the British.

Three Big Arguments

Let’s look at Paine’s 3 big arguments for revolution.

1. Monarchy is unjust - Paine took direct aim at the king, declaring the whole concept of monarchy as unjust. After all, he pointed out, the British monarchy was founded by a "French bastard" landing with an armed band of robbers.
2. America needs independence - Furthermore, he argued, America didn’t need England. It needed to stand on its own. Britain dragged America into unnecessary wars, limited its trade, and treated the colonies as economic property. The only logical step forward was complete independence.
3. Democratic vision - Instead of reliance on monarchy, Paine offered a vision of a democratic republic with power vested in the people. Thus, Americans could create a more just system.

Impact

Common Sense was an instant hit, selling over 100 thousand copies in 3 months. By the end of the Revolution, nearly 1 in 5 American households owned a copy. Furthermore, it was commonly shared and read aloud, spreading its ideas throughout the colonies.

The impact was electric. Where once most Americans hoped for reconciliation with the king, 

now many fiercely took up Paine’s call for independence. In taverns across America, the traditional toast to the King’s health ended. Instead, patrons began toasting liberty and independence. Thus, Common Sense paved the way for the Declaration of Independence.

And there you have it – America 250 years ago. Stay tuned for more updates leading to America’s 250th birthday.

Battle of Quebec

Did you know that Americans once invaded Canada? Well, it happened 250 years ago. On this day in 1775, the final battle for Canada began at Quebec.

Why did the Americans choose to attack? They had 2 objectives:

• Secure their northern flank from the threat of British invasion
• Possibly encourage Canadians to join the rebellion

The Americans planned a two-pronged attack.

• General Richard Montgomery would advance on Montreal then move on Quebec
• Meanwhile, Washington sent Benedict Arnold through the Maine wilderness to Quebec

Montgomery had an easier time – taking Montreal and approaching Quebec with minimal opposition. Arnold’s force, however, struggled through rough terrain, bad weather, sickness and mishaps. Nearly half of his 11-hundred-man force failed to make it to Quebec.

Once at Quebec, Montgomery and Arnold combined forces for an assault on Quebec.

It was a disaster. Montgomery was killed and Arnold wounded. 60 Americans died and hundreds were captured.

Montgomery's Death

In the aftermath, Arnold tried to besiege the city. Ultimately, however, he had to retreat.

Three Big Things

Let’s look at 3 big things about the Battle of Quebec.

1. Canadian Loyalty - The American defeat ensured that Canada would remain loyal to the king and to England. This is why we are two separate nations today.
2. Threat from the North - British forces in Canada continued to threaten the American colonies. In fact, the British invaded from Canada in 1777.
3. Tough Times Ahead - Quebec presaged tough times in the future. The Patriot successes of 1775 would be forgotten during the troubles ahead. Things would get so bleak that Thomas Paine, in December 1776, would write “These are the times that try men’s souls.” He encouraged the Patriots to persevere, writing “but he that stands it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman."

And there you have it – America, and Canada, 250 years ago.

Semper Fidelis

This post is courtesy of my friend and Marine veteran Brett Reno.

On this day, 250 years ago, the Second Continental Congress resolved that two battalions of American Marines be “inlisted and commissioned to serve for and during the present war.” 

They charged Captain Samuel Nicholas to carry out the order. He got some help from his good friend, Robert Mullan, who happened to be the proprietor of “The Tun," A tavern famously located on Water Street & Tun Alley in Philadelphia.

Tun Tavern

Marines today simply refer to it as “Tun Tavern." It was likely chosen for its local lore and the close proximity to the Delaware River, where the new ships of the Continental Navy were being constructed.

Where’s the Tun today? Gone – and has been for over 240 years!

Although often overlooked, those Marines played a vital role during the Revolution. They provided security and enforced discipline on naval ships, participated in naval battles against British forces and carried out the first amphibious landing by American troops. They captured British gunpowder and military supplies from Nassau in the Bahamas in 1776 without firing a single shot!

Three Four Big Things

Let's look at three, no four!, big things about the Continental Navy.

1. The Few and the Proud - The Few and the Proud really were the FEW. Remember I said Congress asked for two battalions. It was closer to only about 100 men from Rhode Island.
2. Naval Unity - Captain Samuel Nicholas also served with a famous Naval officer named John Paul Jones. You may have heard of him.
3. Broken Time - Following the end of the Revolutionary War, the Continental Marines were disestablished in 1783. However, the Corps was re-established in 1798 by President John Adams by signing an “act for establishing and organizing a Marine Corps.”
4. Birthday Traditions - Every year the Commandant of the Marine Corps reads General John Lejeune’s Message. That is then followed by a cake cutting, and finally the Commandant’s own birthday message to the Marines. During the cake cutting (with a Mameluke Sword, no less) it is tradition that the oldest Marine cuts the cake and passes it to the youngest Marine present, signifying the passing of experience and knowledge from the old to the young of our Corps.
   

And there you have it – America 250 years ago. Stay tuned for more updates leading to America’s 250th birthday.

Semper Fidelis – and happy birthday, Marines!

A New Navy

On this day, 250 years ago, the Continental Congress authorized the creation of a national Navy.

Delegates from the colony of Rhode Island petitioned the Congress to raise “a  fleet of sufficient force for the protection of these colonies.” Congress swiftly approved. The Continental Navy was born.

It had humble beginnings, however. Initially, Congress only authorized two small warships, a far cry from Britain’s navy of over 250 ships.

But the little Continental navy gave the British fits. The Americans focused on commerce raiding, attacking and seizing British supply ships.

Most famous of the daring raiders was John Paul Jones.

His raid on Whitehaven in England raised alarm. In a later raid, Jones stole a silver tea service from the home of the Earl of Selkirk in Scotland.

Three Big Things

Let's look at three big things about the Continental Navy.

• "I have not yet begun to fight!" - In his most famous action, Jones uttered a phrase that has inspired generations. With his ship heavily damaged, the British captain asked Jones if he was ready to surrender. Jones replied, “I have not yet begun to fight!” True to his word, the Americans continued the struggle and forced the British to surrender.
• David vs. Goliath - The naval war was a David vs Goliath struggle. The British had more ships and bigger ships. However, the American raiding strategy proved effective in the face of these long odds. The raids forced the British government to reallocate naval resources to protect its home waters.
• A Proud Legacy - These humble beginning created a proud legacy that later generations of American sailors would emulate. Today, the US Navy stands as a symbol of American strength — defending freedom on the seas for 250 years.

The Oneida Alliance

On this day, 250 years ago, General George Washington penned a letter to Massachusetts General Court introducing a chief of the Oneida tribe.

The Oneida chief, accompanied by missionary Samuel Kirkland, visited Washington’s camp out of curiosity. Washington treated the chief with great respect. He then offered to write a letter of introduction to the Massachusetts government. In his letter, Washington asked the Court to “join with me in shewing him all proper Civilities”

An AI interpretation of Washington meeting with the Oneida

Why was Washington so gracious? He recognized the importance of Native alliances.

The Oneida lands held a crucial strategic position in western NY. Their support would benefit the Patriot cause.

Washington’s early gesture of respect laid the groundwork for an alliance, as the Oneida eventually joined on the American side.

Three Big Things

Let's look at three big things the Oneida during the Revolution.

1. Loyal Allies - They were loyal allies throughout the war. Their contributions were vital: 
• Oneida warriors fought at key battles like Oriskany and Saratoga.
• Their scouts provided critical intelligence on British movements.
• They even provided food to the starving army at Valley Forge
2. Together as One - Again, the Revolution shows the power of diverse groups joining together for a common cause. Here, natives and colonists fought together to forge an independent America.
3. Bitter Results - Unfortunately, this new nation did not always treat the Oneida well. Future generations forgot this crucial alliance and took over much of the Oneida’s land. This reminds us that this new nation was not without flaws. Instead, we must learn from our past and seek to uphold our fundamental beliefs in liberty, justice, and equality.

"Opened and Avowed Rebellion"

I'm a couple of days late on this one. Apologies.

On August 23rd, 250 years ago, King George III issued a proclamation declaring the American colonies to be in a state of "open and avowed rebellion.“ 

With this proclamation, King George authorized the use of force to suppress the rebellion.

And what of the Olive Branch Petition, which we mentioned last month? American delegates delivered a copy to the colonial secretary on August 21st followed by the original on September 1. But King George refused to receive it. He already decided that there could be no compromise.

Three Big Things

1. Escalating Events - The proclamation escalated hostilities between the British government and the colonists. It closed the door to negotiations. Instead, both sides would prepare for war.
2. Blame Shifts to the King - The colonists shifted blame to the king. Until now, they saw Parliament as the agitator. But now, more colonists blamed the king himself. Loyalty to the Crown began to unravel, and support for independence grew.
3. Divided Colonies - The proclamation deepened divisions—not just between Britain and the colonies, but within the colonies themselves. Some colonists remained loyal to the King. These Tories found themselves at odds with their rebellious neighbors. Tensions rose, and in some places, violence broke out. The path to independence was not only against Britain—it was also a struggle among Americans.

The Olive Branch Petition

On this day 250 years ago, the Second Continental Congress approved the Olive Branch petition.

A fanciful AI imagining.
It did not really happen this way, as we shall see.

Addressed to King George the Third, the petition sought to avert further hostilities. In it, the colonists expressed their loyalty to the king. Yet they affirmed that they had grievances with some of Parliament’s actions. They asked the king to intervene, with the goal of ending conflict and resolving the issues peacefully. The tone of the petition was conciliatory, asking the king to mediate between the colonies and Parliament.

You can imagine how King George took the petition. But we’ll talk about that next time.

Three Big Things

Let’s look at 3 big things about the Olive Branch Petition

1. Hope for Peace - Despite the battles at Lexington-Concord and Bunker Hill, most colonists still hoped for peace. Therefore, they were willing to seek diplomatic solutions to their grievances.
2. Problem with Parliament - The colonists primarily blamed Parliament for those grievances. They claimed that it had usurped authority that properly belonged to the colonial legislatures. Thus, they hoped that the king would step in and redress their issues. That’s why they still considered themselves loyal subjects of the king.
3. John Dickinson - John Dickinson, no relation to the state park, was the primary author of the petition. He was a steadfast proponent of reconciliation with Britain. Like many other Americans, he had to wrestle with conflicting loyalties as independence loomed nearer. He refused to sign the Declaration of Independence but still served as a militia officer for Pennsylvania.

And there you have it – America 250 years ago. Stay tuned for more updates leading to America’s 250th birthday.

The Battle of Bunker Hill

On this day, 250 years ago, the battle of Bunker Hill raged just outside the city of Boston.

This battle occurred in the aftermath of the clash at Lexington-Concord. After that battle, British troops retreated to their headquarters in Boston. Colonial forces took up positions around the city, including Bunker and Breed’s Hills across the river.

Boston is circled in red
Some of the colonial positions are circled in blue
Bunker and Breed's Hill are in the circle just above  Boston

The British decided to drive the colonists off the hills. On June 17th, they launched their attack – a frontal assault against colonial defenses.

The colonial commander, Colonel William Prescott, told his men “Don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes.”

The British closed. The colonists unleashed a devastating volley, forcing the British to retreat.

Being professionals, the British tried again. And again.

After three assaults and with colonial ammunition running low, the British finally succeeded.

Three Big Things

Let’s look at 3 big things about the Battle of Bunker Hill.

1. Wrong Name - The name of the battle is technically wrong. Fighting primarily took place at Breed’s Hill. Bunker Hill was behind the lines in colonial territory.
2. Costly Victory - Technically, the British were victorious. They took the hill and drove the colonists away. But it was costly – the British suffered over 1,000 casualties compared to less than 500 for the colonials. This disparity in casualties bolstered colonial confidence. As such, it was an American strategic and psychological victory.
3. Diverse Defenders - The colonial defenders displayed a surprising degree of class and ethnic diversity. Although many were of English descent, there were also immigrants from Ireland, Scotland, and Germany. About a dozen African Americans participated. One, Peter Salem, reputedly shot Maj John Pitcairn, the British commander at Lexington Concord. And the defenders came from all social classes – professionals, farmers, artisans, and workers. This shows that the fight for independence required Americans of all types to come together for the cause of freedom.

Today, a monument stands on the site of the battle. It’s there to remind us what happened in America 250 years ago.

Stay tuned for more updates leading to America’s 250th birthday.

Congress and Ticonderoga

On this day 250 years ago, two major events occurred that would further the American cause.

Second Continental Congress

In Philadelphia, the Second Continental Congress convened at the Pennsylvania Statehouse, now known as Independence Hall. 

This Congress represented  a unified colonial response to British policies. Going forward, the 13 colonies would work as one to defend themselves.

Fort Ticonderoga

In upstate New York, a force under the command of Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold approached Fort Ticonderoga. In a surprise pre-dawn raid, Allen’s Green Mountain boys captured the fort from the small British garrison without firing a shot.

This was an important victory because the fort dominated the route into the 13 colonies from Canada. It also held much needed supplies for the colonial army.

Three Big Things

Let’s look at three big things about these events.

1. Together as One - These events showcase efforts among the disparate colonies to unite in a common cause. The Second Continental Congress brought 13 colonies together. This would be the beginning of a common identity as Americans. Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold united to capture Ft Ticonderoga.
2. Not All Rosy - But not all was rosy. There were tensions between Arnold and Allen. Eventually, the two would split. Fortunately, this occurred after their victory. But it foreshadows the kind of personal conflicts that would jeopardize the cause in later years.
3. Agile Armaments - In addition to the fort itself, the colonists captured nearly 20 cannon weighing a combined 60 tons. Later, Col. Henry Knox would display agility by leading an expedition to transport these cannon across 300 miles of wilderness to Boston. One historian called this effort “one of the most stupendous feats of logistics” of the war.

And there you have it – America 250 years ago. Stay tuned for more updates leading to America’s 250th birthday.

Lexington Concord

On this day, 250 years ago, shots were fired that would change the course of history.

British regulars marched on Concord to seize colonial military stores.

At Lexington, the colonial militia known as Minutemen made their stand. A shot rang out - no one knows who fired it. Then more shots. The brief skirmish left eight Minutemen dead and several wounded. The British continued their march to Concord

At Concord's North Bridge, the British met a larger force of Minutemen. This time, the colonists stood their ground and forced the British to retreat.

As the British retreated, colonial militia from surrounding towns harassed them, inflicting heavy casualties.

Let’s look at 3 big things about Lexington Concord:

1. The Shot Heard 'Round the World - The skirmish at Lexington is known as the Shot Heard ' Round the World, because of the global significance of the American Revolution and its impact on the fight for independence and democracy worldwide.
2. America's First Victory - The victory at Concord boosted the morale of the colonists and proved that they could stand up to the British army.
3. Guerilla Warfare - The colonial militia used guerrilla tactics to harass the British troops during their retreat to Boston. This unconventional warfare was effective in inflicting heavy casualties on the British. But this strategy would have its limits. Ultimately, George Washington would have the Continental Army trained in the linear tactics of the day so that they could stand toe-to-toe with the British.

And there you have it – America 250 years ago. Stay tuned for more updates leading to America’s 250th birthday.

Paul Revere's Ride

"Listen, my children, and you shall hear Of the midnight ride of Paul Revere."

With these stirring words, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow began the tale of Paul Review.

On this day, 250 years ago, the subject of Longfellow’s poem rode into immortality. Silversmith Paul Revere set out to warn the Massachusetts countryside that British troops were on the march. 

Their objective was to seize military stores that the colonists were stockpiling in Concord, about 20 miles away from Boston.

Revere set out from Boston, spreading the alarm across the countryside. 

Thanks to his warning, the colonial militia was ready. His ride ensured that the patriots were prepared to face the British troops.

Three Big Things

Let’s look at 3 big things about Revere’s Ride

1. He was not alone - Another man, William Dawes, also left Boston with the news. A third, Samuel Prescott, joined them in Lexington. And they passed the word to numerous other messengers who spread the word throughout the countryside.
2. He failed - Sort of. Revere's goal was to reach Concord. But a British patrol stopped and detained him before he got there. But, He did make it to Lexington and warned them. And with help from others, word reached Concord.
3. Not the British - He wouldn’t have cried “The British are coming!” In 1775, the citizens of Massachusetts considered themselves as British too! He likely warned that “The regulars are coming!” referring to the regular troops of the British army.

And a bonus one.

1. Fame took time - His ride was not well known, until Longfellow published his poem in 1861.

So there you have it. April 18th , 250 years ago.

What happened next? Just wait for the next installment of our semiquincentennial minutes.

Give Me Liberty!

250 years ago today, Patrick Henry took the floor of the Virginia Convention. Up for debate was Virginia's response to the ongoing crisis with the mother country, Great Britain. In particular, should the colonists of Virginia form a separate militia to defend against British regular forces?

Henry delivered a rousing speech. According to a later reconstruction, he ended with the famous words, "Give me liberty or give me death!"

Historians are not sure if those were his exact words. Nevertheless, the sentiment swept through the Convention. Virginia agreed to form the militias to defend its liberties.

USA 250

Welcome to my blog celebrating the semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of American independence.

I was a kid during the Bicentennial, which I remember fondly.

At the time, people made a big deal out of it. There were public service announcements - Bicentennial Moments - that taught the history of the Revolution and the Declaration. They started years before 1976, leading up to that July 4th. People painted fire hydrants like Revolutionary War soldiers. There was a buzz.

As we approach the US's 250 birthday, I don't sense the same buzz. Pity. The Bicentennial helped bring us together as a nation during trying times (Nixon's resignation and Vietnam being current events). Therefore, I'm starting this blog to start my own celebration. I hope you join me.