On April 19, 1775 a shot was fired as the British soldiers marched through Lexington and Concord. It became known as the shot heard round the world.

On April 15, 1808 Anne Cary Randolph wrote a letter to her grandfather, President Thomas Jefferson.

On April 9th of 1865, U.S. Grant sent a letter to Robert E. Lee. What was on the minds of Americans when Lee surrendered?

Elyse Werling's work as Director of Interpretation and Collections at Preservation Virginia puts her up close and personal with the celebration of America's 250th!

Visiting the Jessie Ball duPont Memorial Library will give you the opportunity to see Revolutionary and Civil War history come alive.

March 23rd of 2025 is the 250th anniversary of Patrick Henry's famous 'Liberty or Death' speech. And this blog is celebrating it!

Despite two significant losses during spring, Thomas Jefferson inspires celebration and hope. All through reading his Garden Book.

What the Dead Leave Behind is a perfect example of why I love historical fiction: you can be entertained and learn history all at once!

Just weeks after her 64th birthday, Susan B. Anthony presented her case for women's suffrage.

News for 2025: the Art Museums of Colonial Williamsburg are free to visit!

Krista isn't just a home-school mom who happens to love history. She's a dedicated educator and scholar- so her review of History Unboxed is one to read.

Visiting gravesites can definitely ignite historical curiosity. Read about two that did it for me.

I learned a lot of American history while I was in Palm Desert, but these two desert discoveries stood out.

On January 29, 1785, John Jay, the new Foreign Secretary, announced his office was open for business.

If you visit the Coachella Valley in California, drop into the Palm Desert Historical Society to kickstart your learning about the area, on Cahuilla native land.

January 17, 2025 marks 319 years since the birth of Benjamin Franklin. His wisdom lives on, along with his impact.

In the What American History Is About blog's first interview, historian and podcaster Dr. Gordon Blaine Steffey shares his mission, his story, and his love for Stratford Hall.

As we kick off 2025, the What American History Is About blog reviews the 25th years of the last 400 years.

What do history lovers Google? Check out the most popular posts of 2024 on the What American History Is About blog!

When a history blogger hits the road to help family out, what should she bring along?

December 23rd was a pivotal day when it comes to the father of our country, but what else happened on this day? I've created a historical summary, blogger-style for you.

How can you get the best possible experience from my history blog? This post will walk you through it.

On December 12, 1775, an espionage revolution began with a letter sent to Arthur Lee.

A twist on "this day in history" sharing front page news from three American newspapers on December 11, 1924.

After seeing Colonial Williamsburg's Cry Witch, this blogger was inspired to find documents related to Grace Sherwood's witch trial.

Have you visited Stratford Hall? I recommend it for history lovers and here is why.

On this Thanksgiving Day, take a moment to read the words of General George Washington.

Before you head out to visit a historic site, get prepared! Read my 5 tips to make your visit memorable.

Here it is! A gift guide for 2024's holiday season focused on history!

Colonial Williamsburg's Cry Witch is an immersive performance about Grace Sherwood's trial.

I want everyone to have access to history. It's why I've chosen to partner with two companies: one for finding history on the go and one for learning history at home.

Patrick Henry said so much more than Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death. He talked about being an American!

Our first President's farewell message is full of inspiration and insight to think about. At election time and always!

History lovers must visit Smith's Fort in Surry Virginia and check out what Preservation Virginia has done there.

Continuing the celebration of American's favorite Frenchman: Major General and Marquis de Lafayette during the 200th anniversary his Farewell Tour of the United States.

I'm exploring the Eastern Woodlands tribes, sharing my ideas and action items related to our shared American history.

What happened on October 13th in American history? From the Navy's beginnings to William Shatner's historic trip into space, let's take a peek into a fall day in history.

Get a factual history of Patrick Henry's first marriage to Sarah Shelton, whose mental health was agonizing.

Do you keep a list of places to visit when you're in the mood to learn history? The Bowman Center in Charles City was on mine.

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.

While history is happening, I'm taking a look back at what happened on September 27th in American history.

History is made up of humans. It's why reading 18th century perspectives of the American Revolution is fascinating!

George Washington understood the importance of American Indians to creating a new United States. So should we.

You don't always need to have a plan if you want to learn history. Be in the moment and experience history.

The Mayflower set sail for Virginia on September 16th 1620, but landed in New England. What else happened on this day in history?

In 1775, Virginia's Attorney General, John Randolph left for England- and in 2024 I became determined to find his house.

Living history museums not only bring the past to life, but preserve trades and immerse you in the past. Visit one!

Announcing the mission statement for this What American History Is About blog!

History lovers need to visit Bacon's Castle, the oldest recorded brick building in North America.

Do you love early American homes? I do. And I'm into learning the history behind the buildings.

My promises to readers who love American history! It's what the brand will be built upon.

Insights into what you can learn from Thomas Jefferson's Garden Book, inspired by a blogger's perspective.

Explore the homes and buildings that make up Patrick Henry's Virginia in a masterful work by Mark Couvillon

There are many reasons you should read Elizabeth Keckley's Behind the Scenes or Thirty Years a Slave and Four Years in the White House.

Every day is loaded with history! So what happened in American history on August 3rd? I've got a list for you.

Sometimes you just want to actually see a letter in person. Especially if it was written by someone like Thomas Jefferson.

What was Thomas Jefferson thinking as he penned the Declaration of Independence? Colonial Williamsburg may have a performance that offers insight.

As a history blogger, I can't help but seek out historical sites everywhere, including on my workcation in Essex County Virginia!

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 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.

A visit to the New Kent Historical Society helped me find hidden history including one First Lady's church and another's gravesite.

Thanks to the Special Collections of Colonial Williamsburg, I saw Patrick Henry's Stamp Act Resolves!

Early American newspapers chronicle America in a unique way- and the Library of Congress gives us all access for free.

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.

Objects definitely give us clues into early America. From wig account books to rebuilding Anderson's Armory, it's all there for us to learn from.

A drive to Patrick Henry's Scotchtown in search of a book is inspiring more history for this blog.

Juneteenth is a day of celebration. I'm choosing to honor it with a poem from Phyllis Wheatley.

How are an 18th century mace from South Carolina, silversmithing, and Colonial Williamsburg's 2026 celebration connected?

On June 19th, 1775 our United States Army was officially born! What else happened on this date in American history?

What better way to learn about people from early American history than to read their own words?

Living steps away from the largest living history museum in the world gives me access to the 18th century every day of the year. As a blogger, I've learned many lessons.

For my 87th post on this American history blog, let's look at 1687, 1787 and 1987 in American history.

What does Memorial Day signify for you? As a nation, let's remember our why.

The categories I've organized on the What American History Is About blog will make you want to dive deeper into learning history!

King George III responded with Intolerable Acts and other bits of American history that happened on May 20th.

What happened in American history on May j19th? Diverse and important events! Births and deaths that impacted our future and our culture.

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.

Do you look for history everywhere you go? I do! From historical societies to cemeteries and parks: it's everywhere.

We really can learn from history. From words to archaeology, the success of our future lies in the past.

If you're an American history nerd, this post highlighting events from March 29th is for you!

What better way to peek into daily life during the Revolutionary era than seeing what was advertised in Williamsburg's Virginia Gazette?

Master Silversmith George Cloyed is the reason I'm focused on April 11th as an important date in American history.

Have you seen a piece of history before it went into storage for the rest of your life? For me, that's Kinheche.

George Washington's younger brother is coming into focus, thanks to DNA testing.

If you're an American history nerd, this post highlighting events from March 29th is for you!

The March 2024 event in Colonial Williamsburg that was the ultimate immersion into American history.

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.

New research is shining more light onto the friendship between George Washington and Virginia's last Royal Governor.

Who was Anne Geddy? A wife of an 18th century tradesman who exemplifies her role in the 18th century.

Leap years don't come every day so why not take a peek into what happened in American history on February 29th? It's fascinating actually.

Mrs. Jane Vobe, tavern owner during the Revolutionary period, is Colonial Williamsburg's newest Nation Builder!

Michael and Jennifer Cecere's Witness to the Revolution is an historical fiction novel you don't want to miss.

Good presidential quotes are a perfect way to celebrate Presidents Day in the U.S. this year!

This year for Black History Month, the blog dives into learning black history every day of the year.

What happened on January 29th in American history? From the Raven to Starkweather's capture, a lot.

Do you love American history? I have three very different books that make for perfect weekend reading.

Bricks in American history: the fun stuff I learned in Colonial Williamsburg that got me interested in bricks.

As we kick off 2024, the What American History Is About blog reviews the 24th years of the last 400 years.

Go down the rabbit hole of 18th century America with me and learn about John Minson Galt along the way.

From Wassailing to Dick Clark, New Year's Eve in American history. Small bits as I wish you a Happy 2024!

On December 15th 1781, Williamsburg celebrated the victory at Yorktown. What else happened on this day in history?

History isn't just about major events. It's also about the clothes people wore. So let's talk about everyday pants.

The passing of Sandra Day O'Connor, the first female Supreme Court Justice in the United States, led me to explore more firsts.

Learning from history is vital and these wise words from George Washington are some of the best Washington quotes out there.

In 2023, we celebrate November 23rd as Thanksgiving Day. But what else happened on this day in American history?

The best podcasts to learn American history from use primary sources.

Do you ever wonder how cities got their names? Who are the people behind the place names?

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 primary sources that are just as important as the Declaration of Independence in our American history.

Lincoln was elected as the 16th American president on November 6th. What else happened in history on that day?

Celebrate the victory at Yorktown this October and every October!

Celebrate October 11th by eating BBQ and diving into some serious American history.

Who influenced, supported, and taught Thomas Jefferson? Meet his Williamsburg triumvirate and get a taste.

Have you met James Armistead Lafayette? He was the spy who helped us at Yorktown and shouldn't be forgotten.

I'm loving Margaret Hunter's shop, the 18th century millinery in Colonial Williamsburg.

Celebrate fall with Pumpkin Spice and remember all the other bits of American history that happened on October 1st.

Major events in history are easy to find information about. What if you want to know a bit about daily life in the 18th century? The trades shop in Williamsburg can help!

Learning about George Washington took on new meaning through Washington scholar Peter Henriques lecture in Colonial Williamsburg.

What if our founding fathers procrastinated? My personal procrastination on a marketing project inspired a post about decisions to take action in American history.

When did Benedict Arnold become a traitor to America? September 21st 1780. See what else happened that day!

Let's have a quick chat about the 13 colonies to put this American history blog in context.

The Colonial Williamsburg gunsmiths make early American guns lock, stock, and barrel and share insight into the era!

Have you visited Patrick Henry's Scotchtown? He only lived there for a few years, but they were pivotal ones.

What happened on September 7th throughout American history? Get a snapshot of this day in history here.

What happened on September 7th throughout American history? Get a snapshot of this day in history here.

What can trees tell you about history? A lot! Start with this post and begin the journey into history through trees.

The origins of Labor Day beyond the cookout and into the real American history.

Reasons to visit the Tudor house that travelled to America during the Gilded Age because of TC and Bessie Williams.

What happened in American history on August 27th? George Washington asked the states for food in 1780, LBJ was born and Mary Poppins premiered!

Why was experimental farming necessary in early America? Let's hear what George Washington and others had to say.

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.

Meet Caty and Rochambeau, two names from early American history that helped shape our world.

What thoughts did Washington have about our United States after eight years as President? Start grabbing some history here.

What happened on August 15th in American history? Let's take a look, blogger-style.

How a Nun's Cake is related to learning the history of food in a place like Colonial Williamsburg.

Use my 7 tips to simplify your journey into finding out about American history!

History is about real people. Abigail Adams' letters give us a glimpse into the private thoughts behind her public image.

What happened in American history on August 7th? A few events to talk about at the water cooler and at the dinner table!

Richard Decatur Lee built a piece of art called Lee Hall Mansion, and I had to tell you about it!

I saw a portrait and it led me to write about 3 women from early American history.

The U.S. Postal Service, Vivian Vance, Sandra Bullock and the FBI were all born on July 26th!

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.

We heard music from Jefferson's library that was unlikely performed for hundreds of years!

Past meets present when you visit the Raleigh Tavern, an 18th century reconstruction showing off the Daphne and Apollo rooms, where liberty happened.

What happened on July 15th in American history? Let's find out.

If we are talking about American history, Wreaths Across America's Mobile Education Exhibit deserves a mention.

How did music start out in early America? It was all-American from the beginning!

If we're discussing what American history is about, liberty must be discussed as we celebrate Independence Day.

Keep visiting historical places you love. I'm sharing 3 reasons why, knowing you really want to see what American history is about!

The Marquis de Lafayette, Washington's friend for life and why we should honor him on Independence Day.

Sheep were a vital part of American history! Learn the impact during Colonial times.

When you acquire a 1690's painting and the frame is not original, creating a period-style frame happens, at least in Williamsburg!

What this blog is about: American history as I learn it.

What's the best way to learn American history? Reading letters, inventories, diaries and other primary sources!

Let's talk about 18th century wallpaper because it tells us about history, not just color.

Experience American history come alive! This blog is dedicated to what American history is really about. The people and everything in their lives.